What is Terrazzo:
If you are looking for a sustainable and low-cost material for the interior of your home, then “Terrazzo” is your ultimate solution. You can use it for the flooring and making countertops for your kitchen or bathrooms. You can even use terrazzo for walls in your house. Terrazzo is durable, low maintenance and a stylish material at the same time. It is the solution for your all needs. You can use it for residential purposes whether it be your home or workplace and even for commercial use. The word “Terrazzo” comes from the Latin language which means “Ground”. Terrazzo comes in various designs that instantly adds a new look into your home, and you can find them in ready to use tiles. There are some decor and accent pieces made up of terrazzo. Terrazzo is often used to set in cement and epoxy to create different designs of tiles.
History of Terrazzo:
Here a glimpse from the history of terrazzo, as this material is not a new invention but known to us from centuries. The story of terrazzo starts from the 15th century in Egypt. The artworkers of that time in Egypt were in search of a cost effective solution and they found a practical solution to change the discarded material into master pieces. They design terrazzo tiles for a durable solution. Travelling from Egypt these terrazzo tiles have become popular in a city of Italy, Venice. This is the time period of the 16th century. Then back in the 1920’s this material became very popular. The mid-century of 1900 is the most popular era of terrazzo tiles. Now in the current era, people who want a durable, stylish and pocket-friendly tile for their home interior are using this terrazzo tile.
What are the Types of Terrazzo Tiles and Where to Use Them:
There are different types of terrazzo tiles. They differ in weight, thickness, layering and even the material used in them. These features also differentiate the installation of the terrazzo tiles. Here are some types of the terrazzo tiles:
Rustic Terrazzo Tiles:
The surface of the rustic terrazzo tiles is quite rough and textured which makes it less slippery in use. It is mostly used for outdoor installation and best for pools and patio flooring.
Polyacrylate Terrazzo Tiles:
A polyacrylate terrazzo tile is very thin in structure which is about 3/8″ in thickness. It can be used on the top of a concrete slab. It is a breathable material and this is how terrazzo floors are made up of small chips. If used carefully then can be used on kitchen countertops and ideally used outdoors.
Sand Cushion Terrazzo:
There is wire enforce within this terrazzo, this best for the use under heavy traffic and outdoor areas. This terrazzo is made by the poured cement slab on the base and there is a layer of sand on the top. This structure prevents terrazzo from cracking due to heavy traffic.
Monolithic Terrazzo Tiles:
This is the thick type of terrazzo which is not easily crackable. Also an economical option in price which makes it quite more usable for people. This is thick in size but light in weight which makes it more ideal for the busy areas such as malls and schools.
Epoxy or Thin-set Epoxy Tiles:
In this type, a thin layer of epoxy resin is used to make the tile and prevent it from breaking. Its best use is for interiors, ideally used for commercial or house interior. Thin in size and durable.
Bonded Terrazzo Tiles:
For this tile, use a professional to install it as thin in size and heavy in weight. This type of terrazzo tile is limited in size options and colours.
What is the Cost of the Terrazzo Tile:
If you’re thinking of installing a durable and long lasting material for your household, then here is a cost overview of terrazzo tile for you. You have to pay between 9 dollars to 35 dollars per square foot for this tile. But the material and design you are choosing for this tile varies the prices. You can make these tiles work for you for a very longer time period with proper maintenance. This tile will save you a lot of money and time as well. You will not need to replace or repair even for decades, if you handle them with care. Sometimes terrazzo tiles cost less than 12 dollars per square foot but it doubles the labour pay.
The poured terrazzo flooring is less in price as it will cost you under 15 dollars and the labour will be under 35 dollars per square foot. Always consider installation with a professional unless you can do it professionally. Otherwise, DIY terrazzo flooring is not recommended. You can do DIY projects with terrazzo tile other than flooring such as decoration.
How to Maintain a Terrazzo:
Terrazzo is very easy to maintain and durable in use. If you use it with proper care and they are professionally installed then you can spend a quite long time with them. But here is another thing that like other things it is suspected to cracks and stains for the maintenance, we have some tips for our readers:
- Remove stains quickly with a mild detergent to avoid bad stains on the floors.
- Make a routine for proper cleaning to remove dust with time and avoid a deep cleaning, a mop regularly for floors.
- Use coasters and holders for pots to avoid stains on the countertops, as the dark spot can be soaked into the surface.
- Use a detergent with neutral PH level, if needed.
- Simply use a cloth to buff the surface.
- You can use vacuum on the surface and avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the shine of the terrazzo.
- You can use polishes specifically for terrazzo, or call a polishing specialist for polishing of the slabs and the floors.
Where to Find the Best Terrazzo:
If you are ready to buy terrazzo and go through its details. Here are 3 best recommendations from where you can find the best terrazzo for you any project whether it be a commercial or household.
- Dzek: They used to do designer collaborations and offer architectural terrazzo. (dzekdzekzek.com)
- Terrazzo Tiles: They provide the best marble terrazzo tiles with a variety of sizes and styles. (terrazzo-tiles.co.uk)
- Mandarin Stone: This brand provides the best porcelain terrazzo effect tiles. (mandarinstone.com)
Terrazzo Tile Designing Ideas:
Now let’s have a look on some terrazzo tile decor ideas:
Colorful Terrazzo Tile Bathroom:
The main quality of a terrazzo is that it makes a quick transformation from ordinary to a luxury look, and makes itself a central focus point. You can create a statement bathroom with white vanity and just add some brown and beige terrazzo tile on the walls. You have a designer bathroom ready for use. Add some different cuts of the mirror.
DIY Terrazzo Tile Wall Art:
You can create a wall art masterpiece by just opting for a nice tile design and framing it to the wall. Your DIY master wall piece is ready to flaunt. If you have a pink wall then opt for some pinkish shades of the tile to influence and compliment the wall.
Countertop of Kitchen:
You can create an amazing kitchen look by adding some terrazzo tile on your kitchen countertop. Go for simple wooden shelves on the wall and simple white cabinets. Wall should also be white, so the funky and mixed terrazzo tile countertop will flaunt and become a focal point in your kitchen. With this you can easily make a terrazzo kitchen.
Design Terrazzo Tile accessories:
You can design and make some terrazzo tile inspired DIY projects, such as make a candle holder inspired by terrazzo tile designs and add it to your DIY collection. You can make this with some clay. Same as you can make some napkin holders inspired by terrazzo tile. They can be customized according to the colour combination of your dining table. You can also make some coffee tables simply by adding a front top of terrazzo tile and adding simple wooden legs. Your terrazzo tile inspired coffee table is ready to use.
Terrazzo Tile Wallpaper:
You can actually make one wall of terrazzo tile in your living areas or your bedroom to create an elevated look. Or you can use terrazzo tile inspired wallpapers that do come in the market to create a different look in your house.
FAQ’s:
What is terrazzo made of?
Terrazzo is a composite material made up of different materials that are set into cement and some time into epoxy resin. The material included, such as, quartz chips, marble, granite or even glass is sometimes used to make these tiles.
Why is terrazzo so expensive?
Yes, these terrazzo tiles are often more expensive than other tiles, as they are very complex to design. The labour cost is very expensive and sometimes the material used in them is premium. The design versatility also makes it a more expensive tile.
What are the disadvantages of terrazzo?
Despite being the best tile, terrazzo tiles also have some disadvantages like, they have a cold nature when installed as floors. They have a high labour cost as compared to other tiles.
Is terrazzo a type of concrete?
No, typically terrazzo tile is not a type of concrete but it involves concrete to polish the slab.
