About Terrazzo

There is nothing more breathtaking than to walk into a cathedral or public building and see a terrazzo floor. Its polished look along with color and design makes terrazzo flooring as magnificent as any artwork. Once used for casinos, government buildings, churches, hospitals and libraries, terrazzo is now popular with residential owners. Use terrazzo in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway and even the patio. Some people even use it as a countertop.

Identification

Terrazzo is a composite material of marble, quartz, granite and glass. It can also contain recycled plastic and strips of aluminum. Contractors pour it onto concrete using one of three binders: cement, poly-acrylic, or epoxy. Thickness varies from 1/2-inch to 5-inches. The final product is a polished surface that is smooth to the touch. Terrazzo is durable and lasts as long as any building.

History

Terrazzo began in the 15th Century when Venetian workers used odd-shaped marble chips in clay to make floors. They discovered that the floors were rough, so they rubbed the surface down until it was smooth. The concept came to America in the 18th Century. George Washington used terrazzo in his Mount Vernon home. Today, builders consider it a sensible choice for durable, long lasting floors. It is also a green product because of the recycled components.

Benefits

The recyclable products used to make terrazzo are not volatile compounds that could harm the environment. In fact, terrazzo is bacteria-resistant. It is easy to maintain. No harsh products are necessary for cleaning. Design possibilities are endless. Colors vary from silver grays to brilliant blues and purples.

Types

There are many styles of terrazzo. Standard or regular terrazzo contains small marble chips. Venetian terrazzo utilizes larger chips. Structural terrazzo rests on four inches of concrete. Palladiana terrazzo is random pieces of marble. Rustic terrazzo has a textured form. Resinous Matrices terrazzo contains additives in the cement.

Considerations

Before considering a terrazzo floor, obtain several estimates and interview each contractor. Since the workers make and pour the flooring at your location, find out how long it will take and if the workers are experienced. There is synthetic terrazzo, which is ready-made tile. The cost of authentic terrazzo is higher than regular flooring, but it does last a lifetime.

Resources

• National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association
• Terrazzo Flooring