As a composite material poured in place or precast for flooring and stairs, terrazzo is durable and versatile. It can be finished to achieve a variety of looks from rustic to modern.
When resourceful Venetian mosaic workers swept off-size marble fragments into their terraces and drew on pigments, they may have created one of mankind’s most beautiful flooring systems.
What is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo stone is a composite material composed of marble, quartz, granite, glass, shells or other durable chips set into cement. It can be poured on-site or precast into blocks that are cut to size and applied directly to floors and walls.
Its origins trace back to ancient Egyptian mosaics, but the form of terrazzo we know today was developed in 16th century Italy as a way to reuse stone offcuts. It grew in popularity after World War I as it fit into new Modern and Art Deco design trends.
Today, it can be incorporated into a wide range of interior styles. And while terrazzo is an expensive option, it lasts for years and can be easily updated. That may explain why it has seen a recent revival—perhaps partly because of the midcentury design boom and the organic appeal of its logical disorder.
Origins
Modern-day terrazzo has roots that span the globe and go back more than 500 years to Venice, Italy. Mosaic workers found a way to re-purpose marble remnants by imbedding them in concrete mixtures for their own terraces and living spaces.
By 1920, terrazzo’s popularity was fueled by the Art Deco and Modern styles sweeping across America. It was laid in the Vanderbilt Mansion and other prominent buildings and became a signature of the time.
Improvements in grinding techniques — from rubbing surfaces by hand with a weighted stone called the Galera to a more efficient electric machine using Carborundum stones on a rotating head — allowed for a finer finish. Additionally, the introduction of white Portland cement opened up a spectrum of mineral pigment additives to expand color options.
Materials
The two elements that make up terrazzo are chips of a durable material, often marble, and a binder that holds them together. It can be made with either cement or resin and is poured in place or cast into molds to become panels, tiles, and other surfaces for floors and walls.
Traditional terrazzo begins with a thick cement base, which is sometimes reinforced with steel or plastic. A layer of sand is placed on top, followed by divider strips that both make color changes in the design and provide space for the cement to expand and contract without cracking.
The dividers may be metal, brass, zinc or plastic and can take on any shape that the designer desires. The dividers are also used to create patterns in the finished product and can be in various thicknesses depending on granulometry and project requirements.
Applications
Terrazzo is a popular choice for modern spaces, but it also blends well with traditional or art deco styles. It can be used in floors, walls and even countertops.
The terrazzo mix consists of chips of durable material like marble, granite, quartz and glass and a binder that holds them in place. The aggregates are either poured on-site or precast into blocks that are later cut to size.
You can see terrazzo in hotels, restaurants and other high-traffic commercial areas, but it’s not uncommon for homeowners to incorporate the durable material into their homes. It is a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it has the benefit of being nonporous, which makes it resistant to mold and mildew. This helps keep the environment sanitary and healthy for kids and pets.
Finishes
There are a few different ways to finish terrazzo. Traditionally, marble and stone agglomerated materials with either cement or resin are considered to be authentic terrazzo. Resin agglomerated terrazzo is more durable, and can be manufactured to limit color fading.
Workers sprinkle a color-pigmented mixture of marble chips on top and spread it with a weighted roller. They then grind the aggregates smooth and add zinc or brass divider strips where there are slab seams or where pipes, electrical wires and other projections will be located.
Once a floor is polished, it must be routinely sealed to protect the terrazzo from harsh chemicals that could etch or stain the surface. Betco Untouchable is a great sealer for high traffic terrazzo floors. It’s easy to apply and reapply on a regular basis, for long-lasting protection.