Terrazzo Information

Terrazzo floor

Terrazzo is a popular construction material known for its durability and faux marble appearance. It is used extensively in public and commercial buildings as a floor and wall surfacing material. Terrazzo is a composite material made from small chips of rock held in a binding material, such as cement.

History

Staircase

Terrazzo was first developed in the 15th century by Venetian mosaic workers who began using small leftover pieces of odd-sized marble as a surface material for the terraces around their living quarters. The word "terrazzo" is derived from the Italian word for terraces. Because of its resemblance to marble, terrazzo soon became the material of choice for construction of grand buildings and memorials. In the 18th century, European craftsmen brought the material to America, where it soon gained popularity. Today, terrazzo is commonly used as a reliable and resilient surfacing material.

Uses

Terrazzo is used predominantly as a durable and attractive surface material. It is often used as a floor surface, particularly in high-traffic areas, such as commercial, office and public buildings. Because of its resemblance to marble, terrazzo is often used as a wall covering to create an effect of grandeur. More recently, terrazzo has become popular in home design and is used for flooring, walls, stairs, countertops, bathrooms and pool decks. By adding pigments, terrazzo can be made in almost any color and used to create decorative murals.

Materials Used

According to the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, terrazzo is a composite material made from rock chips cast in a binder material. The rock chips can be any suitable stone, such as marble, glass, quartz, granite and onyx. The chips are bound together in cement or epoxy and can be pre-cast in large slabs or cast in place. Terrazzo is usually polished to a smooth surface, but can be left unground for a textured appearance.

Care and Maintenance

Terrazzo floors should be swept or dust-mopped regularly in order to remove grit, which can act as an abrasive and damage the polished surface. Harsh all-purpose cleaners and soap may damage terrazzo, so only neutral cleaning solutions (with a pH factor between 7 and 10) should be used. The surface should be rinsed well to remove residual cleaning products. Stubborn marks may be removed using a buffing machine with a neutral cleanser.

Environmental Considerations

As terrazzo was first made from remnants of building materials, it is considered to be one of the original recycled building materials. Despite the surge in demand for the product, many suppliers use post-consumer recycled glass or stone chips left over from larger industrial processes. Recycled plastic chips and recycled aluminum divider strips are also available. Even as the construction industry focuses on the environmental impact of building materials, terrazzo's durability and source materials mean its use in new construction may contribute to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) credits.

References

• Precast Terrazzo: History of Terrazzo
• Decorative Terrazzo
• NTMA: Terrazzo Systems
• NTMA: Green Terrazzo

Resources

• National Terrazzo and Marble Association