What is Terrazzo®?
Terrazzo® is a versatile composite material that can either be poured on-site or prefabricated into precast forms. It is made by combining marble, granite, pebbles, shells, or glass with a cement or epoxy binder.
The origins of Terrazzo® trace back to Venice, Italy, in the mid-16th century. The term “Terrazzo®,” meaning “terrace,” reflects its initial use, where marble fragments were pressed into a clay surface and sealed with goat milk to create an affordable, mosaiclike flooring. In modern applications, Terrazzo® is poured directly by installers, allowed to cure, and then ground down to achieve a smooth, polished finish.
Terrazzo® Systems
Terrazzo® can be created using two types of matrices: cement and epoxy. The matrix serves as the binding material covering the underlying structure. Cement Terrazzo® utilizes a cement-based matrix and includes various systems like sand cushion, bonded, rustic, monolithic, and polyacrylate. Meanwhile, epoxy Terrazzo® employs a two component resin system developed from epoxy resins, resulting in a more durable, versatile, and cost-effective product.
Cement Terrazzo® Systems
- Sand Cushion Terrazzo®: This premium system includes a cement matrix, wire reinforcement, an isolation sheet, and a sand layer, ideal for interior flooring.
- Bonded Terrazzo®: Suitable for both interior and exterior applications, this system adheres directly to the concrete substrate.
- Monolithic Terrazzo®: Known for rapid installation, this system applies a thin cement matrix directly to a concrete slab.
Resinous Terrazzo® Systems
- Epoxy Terrazzo®: The most widely used Terrazzo® system today, it offers numerous color options and excels in strength, resiliency, and flexibility, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Epoxy Terrazzo® also supports the incorporation of various materials, including glass, shells, metal chips, and more, and can be customized with intricate patterns and logos.
Main Characteristics
Epoxy Terrazzo® is designed to enhance building performance, lower operational costs, and improve visual appeal. It’s known for its durability, low maintenance, design flexibility, and eco-friendly properties.
Key benefits include:
- Stain and chemical resistance
- Bacterial and fungal protection
- Slip-resistant surface
- Resistance to thermal shock and abrasion
- Excellent fire and water resistance
- Zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Longevity – With proper care, Terrazzo® can last over 100 years.
Applications
Terrazzo® is commonly used in high-traffic areas of commercial and institutional buildings, making it a preferred flooring option for:
- Airports
- Hospitals
- Hotels
- Office buildings
- Municipal facilities
- Schools
- Restaurants
- Recreation centers
Installation
For optimal results, it’s advisable to engage a professional Terrazzo® contractor. The installation process includes:
- Moisture Testing: Ensuring moisture levels are within acceptable ranges.
- Surface Preparation: Including shot blasting and crack repair.
- Flexible Membranes: Applied to address substrate cracks.
- Design Layout: Positioning divider strips and templates for patterns and logos.
- Troweling and Curing: The mixed Terrazzo® is poured and troweled to a specified thickness, followed by curing.
- Grinding and Polishing: The surface is ground down and polished for a sleek finish.
- Sealing: Multiple coats of sealant are applied to protect the floor.
Design Ideas
The design potential of epoxy Terrazzo® is limitless. It offers:
- Endless color possibilities
- Wide variety of aggregates: Marble, glass, metal, and more
- Micro to Venetian styles
- Epoxy Terrazzo® provides flexibility for creating intricate designs, logos, and patterns. It also integrates seamlessly into architectural features like countertops, stair treads, and walls
Pricing & Cost Factors
Epoxy Terrazzo® offers exceptional lifetime value, with low maintenance costs and unparalleled durability. While initial installation costs can range from $14 to $90 per square foot, most projects fall between $20 and $40 per square foot, depending on factors such as project size, design complexity, and material choices.
Conclusion
Choosing Terrazzo® for your flooring provides superior performance, stunning aesthetics, and eco-friendly benefits. Its low lifecycle costs and enduring appeal make it an excellent investment for any commercial or institutional project. Epoxy Terrazzo® delivers a floor built to last, with standing high traffic while maintaining its beauty for decades.
