What are the artistic possibilities with Terrazzo Tiles in creating intricate mosaic patterns and designs?

 Terrazzo Flooring  is having a moment right now in designer homes, but is it something that will last? The answer is yes if you have the right floor coverings. Terrazzo is versatile enough to be paired with many different styles, and if you choose a neutral color or a concrete-like finish, it will blend in seamlessly with any room. Terrazzo will work well with natural fiber rugs, exposed brick and wood furniture. It can even look sleek and modern with minimalist decor.

Terrazzo Flooring

In fact, the only limit to the design potential is your imagination. Terrazzo floors are durable and can withstand high levels of traffic, so they will stand up to busy families and office workers alike. The surface is also very easy to clean. Just sweep and mop with a neutral cleaner, and you will be able to remove tracked-in dirt, dust and germs with ease.

 Two basic types of terrazzo

There are two basic types of terrazzo: sand-cushion and thin-set. The sand-cushion system uses a slab of concrete with a layer of sand, while the thin-set method uses epoxy in place of traditional cement. Both will require a professional installer, and the cost varies by installation type as well as the aggregate materials used.

Sand-cement terrazzo floor

A sand-cement terrazzo floor will be much less expensive than an epoxy terrazzo floor, but both can last for a lifetime if they are properly maintained. Terrazzo floors should be sealed periodically to protect them from scratches and stains. The aggregate, which can be made from marble, granite, glass, shells or other suitable material, is mixed with either a cement or an epoxy resin. The resulting mixture is then cast in place as flooring or other custom projects.

Terrazzo was a popular choice for office buildings 

Historically,Terrazzo Flooring was a popular choice for office buildings and public spaces because it allowed them to have the look of marble at an affordable price. As people migrated from Europe to the US, they brought this style of flooring with them and it became an iconic part of Art Deco and Moderne architecture. The invention of divider strips helped to prevent cracking and allowed for curved designs, which boosted the popularity of this style of flooring.

Majority of terrazzo is epoxy-based

Today, the vast majority of terrazzo is epoxy-based, which is much easier to install than cement and has an advantage in durability and longevity. The epoxy can be mixed with recycled material and is more flexible in design than cement, making it a popular choice for architects. It is likely that you will see a terrazzo floor in your future, whether it is in the lobby of a building or at an airport.

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember about terrazzo is that it needs to be installed by a professional. It is not a DIY project, and it should never be laid over an existing floor without proper preparation. If you are ready to have a unique, high-quality floor in your home, contact us and we will be happy to discuss all of the options available to you.