What Are Terrazzo Tiles?
Terrazzo tiles were developed in the 15th century in Italy. Mosaic artists would sweep their leftover or broken tiles out onto their patios, where they would be walked on. Over time, the tiles would become ground into the clay. The artists adapted this idea by pressing their tiles into a more durable clay base and then sealing and polishing the floor and terrazzo floors were born. Today, you can purchase terrazzo tiles and have a contractor install them piece by piece instead of pouring an entire floor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Terrazzo
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Terrazzo tiles can be made in a number of different looks. Standard terrazzo has small chips, whereas Venetian terrazzo has larger chips. Rustic terrazzo exposes the chips so that the floor has a textured look and feel. Other terrazzo systems vary the material used in the matrix, or bonding material, for specific uses. For example, a matrix made from resinous materials and Portland cement is more resistant to acids and wear.
Benefits of Terrazzo
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Terrazzo tile is beautiful and long-lasting. The tiles can be laid in a variety of colors and patterns, and the floors have been known to last 100 years or more. Many homeowners are using terrazzo in place of hardwood floors because they are more durable and they can be refinished multiple times. Terrazzo provides a clean, modern look with little maintenance.
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Drawbacks of Terrazzo
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Terrazzo is not for everyone. Terrazzo tiles are extremely slippery when wet, so they are not ideal for elderly homeowners or for homes with small children. Once installed, you will find it difficult to remove terrazzo, but you can lay wood or carpet over it if necessary.
Where to Get Terrazzo Tiles
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You must have a contractor install terrazzo tiles because of their weight and the special grouts and sealants that contractors must use to install these tiles. Your local home hardware or home improvement store can recommend a reputable contractor. The National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association can also recommend experts in terrazzo flooring to help you (see Resources for details).
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References
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