What Is Terrazzo Flooring

Terrazzo is a flooring material traditionally made by exposing marble chips on the surface of concrete and then polishing until smooth.

What is terrazzo flooring.

Where is terrazzo installed. To answer that question terrazzo is capable of forming many unique finishes. To add a touch of terrazzo to your home without making a major investment or a permanent change to walls or floors look into accessories like these subtle terrazzo knobs or grayscale terrazzo tray and furniture like this duo tone terrazzo. Now however you can buy terrazzo in tile form.

Many people question what is terrazzo. Unlike other flooring materials mentioned above terrazzo is a mix of marble granite quartz and other materials. Terrazzo is an undeniably bold look but its boldness is its versatility. Terrazzo flooring at film center photo by charles harris.

Tough and economical the material inspired creative designs thanks to its free flowing nature and to the zinc and brass divider strips that could define any shape or. During this time mosaic workers primarily used marble to create magnificent structures floors and mosaics for the wealthy. Terrazzo flooring can cost between 25 and 90 per square foot including labor given the selected materials and the fact that a professional has to be hired to install the pieces. 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 that is more like a carpet think of terrazzo as a concrete carpet if you like.

History of terrazzo flooring. Although terrazzo is currently considered to be a luxury finish it was actually created to be a budget friendly solution. Current technological advances have taken terrazzo beyond just flooring and into countertops and backsplashes a logical extension. Terrazzo is a durable and versatile flooring option.

The name terrazzo is terrace in italian and according to the national terrazzo and mosaic association inc ntma was a creation of the venetians over 500 years ago. It goes with everything. Murray also notes that the surface can be slippery so it may not be the best choice for certain homeowners. If to sum up the building material in one sentence terrazzo is described as a composite material poured in place or prefabricated for precast terrazzo which is used for flooring base walls stair treads countertops and other custom products.

Starting at the end of the last century terrazzo craftsmen found a lot of work in hotels schools and office buildings. Typical floors range from 25 to 90 per square foot though using pre made tiles can keep the price on the lower end.