The History of Terrazzo

Originally created in Europe, terrazzo flooring can be a beautiful and environmentally friendly choice for homes of nearly any architectural style. What was once a popular option that fell out of style, terrazzo flooring has recently started regaining popularity as an attractive and eco-conscious alternative to other types of flooring.

Early History

In 15th century Venice, workers used discarded marble chips to create the floors of the terraces surrounding their homes. After setting the marble in clay, they ground down the surface so it was flat and easier to walk on. It is from the Italian word "terrace" that the word terrazzo is derived. While it is widely believed that terrazzo was developed by the Venetians during this time, archeologists have found evidence of terrazzo floors in ruins in Turkey that may be as many as 8,000 to 10,000 years old.

Evolution of Terrazzo in America

In the late 1700s, Europeans brought terrazzo with them to America. Construction techniques have changed over time with the introduction of new technologies like electric grinders and materials like epoxy, but the overall look of terrazzo has remained the same.

Creating Terrazzo Floors

Traditional terrazzo floors have historically been created on site by workers. After a concrete foundation has been created, workers spread additional sandy concrete over the top of it. Colored marble chips are added to this sandy concrete before it sets and the entire area is smoothed flat with a roller. After the concrete dries, the surface is ground down to create a smooth finish. The floor is then sealed so it retains a shiny, wet appearance. Terrazzo floors are often combined with mosaic techniques for even more artistic detail.

Terrazzo Tiles

As an alternative to traditional site-built floors, terrazzo tiles are gaining popularity because they are easy to ship and can be installed like any other floor tile, making them more convenient than traditional terrazzo flooring. The tiles are created the same way as the floors, but in a factory environment. The tiles can be ordered in a variety of colors and aggregates and they are then custom made and shipped to your door.

Considerations

Terrazzo is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to the green building industry. It is being recognized for its durability, lack of toxic materials and its ability to make use of recycled aggregates like glass and marble. Terrazzo is non-porous, which contributes to good indoor air quality and a mold-free environment. While they will usually last the lifetime of the structure, if terrazzo floors are no longer desired, another environmentally friendly feature is that they can be recycled.

Significance

Because terrazzo is available in a wide range of colors, is easy to clean and holds up to high traffic, terrazzo is a popular choice for public buildings like schools, hospitals, and restaurants. The floors can be customized with any mix of colors or design elements. Today's modern terrazzo floors offer more colors and choices than ever before.

References

• Arcadian Flooring: History and Care of Terrazzo
• Precast Terrazzo: History of Terrazzo