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.

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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 s/ s and the s through to the s.

The s 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 s, 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.

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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.

• 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.

Terrazzo is a common choice for flooring solutions in the commercial and industrial world. It&#;s a durable material and it&#;s easy to put down in large areas, which makes it a popular choice. 

Before you officially choose which material to use for your flooring needs, take a look at these pros and cons of terrazzo. 

What is Terrazzo? 

Terrazzo is made of a composite material. The material consists of things like glass, granite, marble, quartz, and more. It&#;s all blended together so the look is always unique. The blend is held together using polymeric or cementitious binders, sometimes both. 

Floors made with terrazzo usually have a speckled appearance from the different particles inside the mix. While there can be some differentiation in color overall, the speckled look is consistent typically. 

Terrazzo can be poured like cement, or there are terrazzo tiles on the market as another option. In commercial use, it is typically poured. 

The Pros

There are a lot of advantages to this option. 

One of the biggest advantages is durability. This type of flooring is not likely to crack or break easily. It&#;s one of the most durable flooring materials you will find. In fact, terrazzo has the potential to last more than 75 years. 

In addition to its durability, the floor is far less likely to deal with stains from spills or even mold and bacteria. This makes it easy to clean and easy to maintain, so the cleaning staff isn&#;t spending hours keeping the floors looking nice every day. 

You can also customize terrazzo to some degree. The thing is that while the materials in it are mixed and speckled, you can still create designs and have control of the color schemes. If you want to incorporate a logo or a mascot or a design, that is absolutely an option. 

Finally, the product is considered eco-friendly. The very combination of creating this floor takes sustainability into mind, particularly when you consider how long the floor can potentially last. 

The Cons

Even though terrazzo&#;s a great flooring option, there are some potential drawbacks. 

The first is that terrazzo flooring can be expensive to have installed. If budget for the flooring is an issue, this might not be feasible. While you will save money in the long run, you have to pay for it now. Most of the cost is because it is laborious to lay. 

The other major con that people talk about is that terrazzo floors tend to be quite cold. It is possible to insulate beneath the floors, but in the winter, heat retention could be a concern in some buildings. 

Professional Installation is Best

When it comes to terrazzo flooring, using a professional company that is familiar with installing this type of flooring is the best option. It&#;s a challenging process that shouldn't be done by just anyone. You will be much happier with a professional company, and your floors will last much longer. 

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