Terrazzo Floors: Pros and Cons, Costs and Ideas

The average price range for 400 sq/ft of terrazzo flooring installed is $3,600 (cheaper tiles installed) – $32,000 (high end terrazzo poured in situ)

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Terrazzo floor tile typically retails at between $5 and $30 per sq/ft. and installation costs between $4 and $15 per sq/ft. Poured terrazzo is more expensive with an average price range of between $20 and $80 per sq/ft installed.

Residential terrazzo floors have been trending lately. We’re surprised this versatile flooring product ever went out of fashion. Read on for our in-depth review of terrazzo flooring.

What is terrazzo?

Unlike top-rated laminate flooring, Terrazzo has been around for ages – examples of terrazzo flooring have even been discovered in ancient Egyptian mosaics – and been used for centuries across the globe. Its more modern incarnation is generally attributed to 18th century Venice, where it was used to decorate workers’ homes (a cheaper alternative to marble).

Terrazzo reached the height of its popularity in 20th century Europe, again due to its relative low cost, during the post-war reconstruction years of the 1920s/ 1930s and the 1950s through to the 1970s.

The 1920s also saw useful advances in technology that brought better tools and production methods, making terrazzo flooring and terrazzo tile a popular choice in the USA too, where it was used to create upmarket Art Deco and Moderne designs.

But by the 1980s, home owners were more affluent and had access to more choice; terrazzo lost its popularity as carpeting, hardwood and porcelain tile took precedence.

Terrazzo flooring then became more commonly used for commercial and institutional spaces, where you’re still most likely to see it in abundance today.

However, in the past few years, designers are beginning to see the potential of terrazzo as a viable alternative to cold stone floors and busy tiles, an alternative that nevertheless has the same streamlined minimalism of concrete, but with added texture and interest in its profile; plus, the added advantage of being available in a myriad of colors.

So if you’re into sleek, unfussy but interesting flooring, then terrazzo might just be the flooring you’re looking for.

What is terrazzo made of?

So, we know it’s pretty cool, but what exactly is terrazzo flooring?

• Terrazzo is a composite construction material made by combining chips of aggregates such as marble or stone with either concrete or epoxy-resin.
• Depending on the types of materials used, terrazzo can be used both indoors and outdoors.
• Terrazzo is either poured (like concrete) in situ (i.e. in your home) or you can use terrazzo tiles instead.

There is a style of encaustic cement tile called Granito, that is made using a similar technique as terrazzo, and which is often, therefore, referred to as terrazzo tile.

Different terrazzo options

There are several different options when considering terrazzo. The concrete or epoxy binding material can be pigmented, allowing for a limitless range of color options, and other interesting aggregates can be used such as chips of glass, metal, mother of pearl or abalone shells.

Contemporary terrazzo designers are now pushing the boundaries of which aggregates can be used, and creating terrazzo flooring that feature extra large chips or shards of aggregate mixed in to great effect – ideal if you are looking to create a truly bold statement floor.

The terrazzo mix can then be set into tiles and panels or poured in situ. It can also be set into molds to create custom-built installations such as outdoor furniture, bathtubs or kitchen countertops.

When terrazzo is poured in situ onto large areas of floor, metal expansion or divider strips are used to delineate the floor into sections to avoid cracking. The strips are laid in the parts of the floor that are most likely to crack, which force the crack to happen along the join rather than in the center of the section.

If you want to create a terrazzo floor with different colors, then divider strips are also used to define the different colored sections.

Whether you choose to do an in situ pour of terrazzo or opt for pre-made terrazzo floor tiles, a professional installer will usually finish the entire floor by sanding it, then polishing and sealing it, thus creating a seamless floor (even with the tile option, the grout between tiles will be completely level with the terrazzo tile surface).

Terrazzo installation

Terrazzo installation in your home is definitely NOT a DIY option, particularly if you are looking to pour the terrazzo in situ. You will need to consult and work with an experienced installation team to get the best results.  Competent installers will be aware of the different installation methods and be able to advise you on the best one for your project.

Here is a brief overview of the three main in situ pouring methods:

• Thinset terrazzo: This is a layer of epoxy-resin terrazzo, about 3/8 thick, poured over a concrete substrate. It is the lightest type of terrazzo in weight and can be installed over existing concrete or a plywood subfloor; it has the greatest range of color choices and is least likely to crack (because the epoxy resin increases flexibility). However, it can only be used indoors as the top layer can peel away if exposed to too much light. Also note that the solvents used in the epoxy can cause allergic reactions for some people.
• Sand-Cushion terrazzo: This is a more traditional method for terrazzo where an initial cement base is laid, then a layer of sand applied before pouring a cement based terrazzo mix on top. The sand layer allows for some movement, minimizing the potential for cracks; however, this method creates a very heavy and thick floor, and is only suitable for new builds as you have to incorporate the concrete base during construction. This method is also only for interior floors.
• Monolithic terrazzo: Here a cement based terrazzo is poured straight onto a concrete subfloor. This method can be used for both interior and exterior applications, and on top of existing concrete subfloors – provided they are level and in good repair. However, this method is not the best for dealing with potential cracking – especially for above grade installation – mostly ideal for single-storey, ground floor buildings.

Other in situ poured terrazzo methods include Bonded terrazzo, which is similar to the sand cushion terrazzo, Polyacrylate terrazzo which is a useful alternative method in situations where epoxy based terrazzo will not adhere, and Rustic terrazzo which is used primarily for exterior situations where a more rugged surface texture is required.

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• Terrazzo tile flooring: Finally, using terrazzo tiles is another way to install terrazzo in your home. Installation involves applying an adhesive and grout system, much like ceramic or porcelain tiles. Specialist installers can apply a sanded and sealed finish to create a seamless look similar to poured terrazzo.

Once you’ve taken into consideration the best installation method for your project, there are a number of other pros and cons to consider with terrazzo flooring.

The main advantages of terrazzo flooring are:

• Aesthetic appeal: Terrazzo flooring is a great alternative to plain concrete flooring, as you get the same slick, quasi-industrial style but with added texture and interest. If you like the minimal, or industrial look, but want to soften the hard edges, terrazzo is good for that.
• Cutting edge cool: Terrazzo has been trending as a cool flooring material, so if see yourself as a trend-setter, terrazzo may be for you.
• Infinitely customizable: Terrazzo comes in a limitless range of colors, with a breadth of aggregate options and is easy to pour into custom designs, meaning you can create a really unique floor.
• Versatility: Not only can you pour terrazzo into custom designs, but it can also be molded into panels for staircases, or into custom shapes such as bathtubs, sink, countertops and stone-like furniture.
• Underfloor heating friendly: Terrazzo is a great choice in combination with radiant or hydronic underfloor heating systems, as it’s very good at retaining heat.
• Healthy: Properly sealed terrazzo is non-porous and resistant to microbes and mold, making it a very safe flooring surface.
• Easy maintenance: Terrazzo requires very little maintenance. You barely need to do anything other than sweep and mop from time to time.
• Environmentally-friendly: Many terrazzo manufacturers use recycled materials to create the aggregate, particularly recycled glass, porcelain and metals.
• Durable: There’s a reason terrazzo is used so much in commercial and institutional buildings – it’s very, very durable.

The main disadvantages of terrazzo flooring are:

• Beware of trends: Terrazzo may be “having a moment” right now in designer homes everywhere, but is this a trend that is going to last? Or is it a look that is just that bit too distinct? Not everyone will like this type of flooring, so steer clear of terrazzo if you are doing a fixer-upper for resale. Also, as contemporary terrazzo has a definite, minimalist vibe to it, be sure that you have the interior décor to match.
• Cracks: Structurally, the main concern with terrazzo is that it can crack if not properly installed. Cracks can be dealt with, but not easily and not cheaply. Make sure you choose a pro installer and the right method for your project.
• Cold and hard: If you don’t have underfloor heating, you may find that terrazzo flooring is pretty cold to walk on in winter; and as well as cold, some people don’t care for the hardness underfoot that is inherent in a terrazzo floor.
• Costs: Terrazzo flooring is generally speaking not a cheap option (see below).

Terrazzo floor cost

Poured terrazzo: The price for poured terrazzo installed in situ includes both materials and installation. Expect to pay between $20 to $80 per square foot for in situ poured terrazzo floor.

Terrazzo tile: Terrazzo Tile cost is a cheaper option, prices range from $5 to $30 per square foot, with the majority of high quality tile in the $15 per sq/ft range. Professional installation with cost a further $4 to $15 per sq/ft giving you an average price range of $9 to $45 per sq/ft of terrazzo tile installed.

Terrazzo flooring material costs will fluctuate dramatically depending on what kind of aggregate you use – simple stone aggregates are fairly inexpensive, but if you want to add huge quartz or marble chips it’s going to be quite costly. Materials aside, you will definitely need to have a professional installation team, and may have to have pre-installation prep work done to the subfloor to achieve the best results.

How to clean terrazzo floors

To clean residential terrazzo floors all you need is a mop and water. If your floors are dirty feel free to add a neutral ph cleaning solution. If you notice your terrazzo getting dull then apply a water-based sealer occasionally to add extra surface protection.

Most terrazzo flooring is found in commercial or public spaces where the foot traffic is high so he following cleaning regimes recommended by the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association should be adapted for your home foot traffic situation.

Daily cleaning: If you have a daily floor cleaning regime then dust mopping the surface to remove any dirt and debris is a good idea. If you spot a stain or spill then remove it by hand using a neutral cleaner diluted with warm water.

Weekly cleaning: Many residential floors only need once a week cleaning. Use a damp mob with clean water and a neutral cleaner.

Where can you buy terrazzo?

Unlike hardwood, porcelain tiles or other standard flooring products, there aren’t any specific terrazzo brands. Instead there are many professional terrazzo flooring manufacturers/ installation contractors established across the USA, most of whom offer a full range of the most common terrazzo options. A good place to start your search for a contractor is the National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association website.

You may have to be more determined – and have a comfortable budget – if you want to seek out the more specialist terrazzo options, such as terrazzo with extra large marble shards.

For budget terrazzo tile, local big box stores are a good place to start your research. You can find cheaper terrazzo tile here priced between $5 and $15 per sq/ft. For terrazzo floor tiles, Trend Terrazzo have some gorgeously bold colored terrazzo tiles in their Trend Q/ Origina collection.

For Granito terrazzo tiles have a look at the pretty Pacifico collection available at the Cement Tile Shop who have showrooms in Tampa and Scottsdale, as well as shipping options covering the whole of the USA and Europe.

And there are also some top international designers such UK-based Lindsey Laing who specializes in modern granito tiles and who will organize shipments to the US.  Another company, Mosaic del Sur, who also have showrooms in the UK and Europe, offer more traditional-style Granito tiles.

Invented by Venetians, terrazzo dates back in the Renaissance, where it was used as floor in cathedrals and other places. Terrazzo floors are made from chips of granite and marble that are placed in resin or concrete. Once the concrete or resin sets, you are left with a durable floor that resembles a Venetian mosaic.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the material before you decide to use it.

Beauty and Style
If you want to have a premium and luxurious look for your tiles, then nothing compares to terrazzo . Your floor won’t just be beautiful but it will also be unique. However, despite its expanding prominence today, terrazzo was regularly used in the business sector and foundations during the 1980s. You’ll simply need to be cautious with specific decisions so that your space doesn’t take over the appearance of a shopping center of the 80’s or a secondary school.

But remember, because terrazzo is manufactured by mixing different elements together, you can choose almost any design or floor for any project. This allows architects to include abstract decorative designs, seals, logos, and other designs during the terrazzo installation.

Durability
Just like other floors that are made out of stone, terrazzo floorings can also chip. But you don’t have to worry because terrazzo is one of the most durable floors you can have installed. Once sealed properly, the material is impervious to water and stain damage. Even if terrazzo is worn down over the years, it can be re-finished and polished to look as good as new. When considering the low maintenance of terrazzo , it provides a long-lasting product at an affordable price. You cannot compare terrazzo floors in durability to carpet, wood or even marble.

Cost
The initial cost for terrazzo may be higher compared to other flooring materials. You are not only using a combination of two of the most expensive materials, but also using concrete or resin to set it. The process of installing terrazzo floors adds to the expense because it needs to be professionally installed, unlike marble, granite or concrete. However, terrazzo is a worthy investment that will save you money over time as it is quite durable and requires few repairs. Additionally, unlike other flooring materials, the maintenance of terrazzo tiles is easy. You just need to sweep and mop often. This is the only upkeep expected to keep up a terrazzo floor.

Installation
You can install terrazzo tiles by yourself. However, if you want true terrazzo flooring, you’ll need proficient assistance from a professional to put them. This makes terrazzo floors a specialized installation.

There are a lot of pros and cons of terrazzo , but the material is beneficial to those who want to factor in durability and design into their floors. Presently, they are available in multiple structural choices but the best one and the commonly used one is the tile structure. The amazing durability factor that comes along with cool color choices and a mottled look makes this kind of flooring very popular. They are just ideal for the minimalistic interiors too. Terrazzo Australian Marble has been in the terrazzo business for over 40 years. Located in Sydney, Australia, we can help you with anything related to terrazzo . If you want to know more, you may contact us by calling 1300 903 082 or visit https://terrazzo.net.au/contact/.

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