We have already seen what terrazzo is in a previous article. Now we are going to learn about the different types and which one might be the ideal application for your project. Terrazzo comes in various forms, such as poured-in-place, precast, and tiles. Its use and application will depend on a few factors.
Poured In place terrazzo terrazzo is durable and requires specialized installation. Precast terrazzo offers customization but can be expensive. Terrazzo tiles are easy to install and ideal for smaller projects.
Learn about the different options to find the perfect terrazzo for your space.
Getting to Know Terrazzo as a Material
History and Composition
Terrazzo has a rich history dating back centuries. It is composed of fragments of marble, granite, quartz, or glass mixed with cement or resin. This durable material has stood the test of time in construction and design.
Benefits of Terrazzo
The benefits of terrazzo are numerous. It is versatile, durable, and offers a smooth, shiny finish when polished. Its composition allows for customization, making it a popular choice in various design projects.
Popular Applications
Terrazzo is commonly used for flooring, countertops, stairs, and decorative elements. Its versatility and durability make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Designers and architects appreciate the wide range of design options available with terrazzo.
Types of Terrazzo
Poured In Place Terrazzo Terrazzo
Poured-in-place, or in-situ terrazzo, is the oldest type of terrazzo application. It is used especially for floors. It involves pouring the terrazzo mixture directly onto the surface and then polishing it to create a durable, seamless finish.
In-situ terrazzo has several advantages, including the ability to create large panels with minimal joints that can be customized to meet the client's specific design needs.
However, this type of terrazzo can be quite expensive to install, requires highly skilled labor, and can take longer to complete than other types of terrazzo.
There are different types of matrix that can be used for in-situ terrazzo:
- Epoxy
- Polyacrylate cement
- Cement
The epoxy matrix is a popular option for poured-in-place terrazzo, especially in countries like the United States, Canada, Germany, and other European countries. It is highly durable, crack-resistant, and easy to clean. It also offers a wide range of color and design options.
As disadvantages, it is very expensive and only suitable for indoor floors (the sun can yellow the epoxy).
Polyacrylate cement is the latest version of this format. It involves mixing cement with acrylic resins that improve its crack resistance. It is somewhat less expensive than the epoxy matrix and can be used outdoors.
However, it does not achieve the same crack resistance or the wide range of colors and application speed.
Finally, pure cement can be used as a binder. This art, typical of Italian artisans who spread their knowledge throughout the world, is somewhat lost and requires high specialization and knowledge.
Cracks or micro-cracks are practically impossible to avoid, and the panels must be made smaller.
This type of terrazzo makes more sense for covering interior floors in medium and large works. Since most of the cost impact is labor, in many cases, creating a very small surface can have the same cost as a larger surface. This is because the different installation stages require waiting times that cannot be accelerated, and a 20 m² surface can take the same time as a 50 m² surface. Consequently, the cost per square meter of a small surface can be very high.
On the other hand, the quality of the final work has a very high correlation with the expertise of the labor. It is key to hire highly qualified labor.
Precast Terrazzo
Precast terrazzo is another type of terrazzo application commonly used for countertops, tables, stairs, and other decorative elements.
This involves casting the terrazzo mixture into molds off-site, then transporting and installing the finished product at the project site.
Precast terrazzo is highly customizable and can be made in any size, shape, or color. It can be less expensive than other options such as marble, granite, or quartz surfaces for use as countertops, tabletops, or stairs. However, it is very expensive compared to its use as flooring or cladding.
This type of terrazzo is ideal for countertops, stairs, landings, or specific pieces. The cost per square meter of this material is even more expensive than doing it poured In place terrazzo. Therefore, covering very large surfaces is impractical.
Once again, it is important to focus on the workmanship.
Since precast pieces are made by hand, in many cases, the thicknesses, dimensions, and tones can vary. This can result in failure for a piece with such high detail as a countertop.
Terrazzo Tiles
Precast terrazzo tiles are a third type of terrazzo application that is becoming increasingly popular for both floors and wall applications.
These tiles are created by casting the terrazzo mixture into molds. They can then be cut, if required, into smaller, uniform pieces that can be easily installed.
There are industrial plants that can manufacture this product very efficiently. Precast terrazzo tiles offer many of the same advantages as poured-in-place and precast terrazzo, including a wide range of design options and durability.
In addition, they are much easier and faster to install, can be used to cover walls, and can have different textures or finishes. This makes them an excellent option for smaller projects.
This material is very versatile. Its application is ideal for covering floors and walls, from bathrooms and backsplashes to airports.
In addition, many manufacturers develop special pieces such as stairs, pool edges, and pieces with exposed edges. Finally, with some creativity and dedication, it is also used to cover countertops at a very low cost, obtaining spectacular results.
Choosing the Right Terrazzo for Your Project
Factors to Consider
When choosing the right terrazzo for your project, there are several factors to consider. These include the overall design aesthetic, the intended use of the space, the amount of foot traffic the terrazzo will endure, and the project budget.
It is important to consider the durability and maintenance requirements of each type of terrazzo to ensure it meets the needs of your specific project.
Adapting Terrazzo to Design Needs
Adapting terrazzo to your design needs is crucial to achieving a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Consider the color palette, texture, and pattern of the terrazzo to complement the overall design scheme. Whether you opt for poured-in-place, precast, or tile terrazzo, make sure the chosen terrazzo enhances the aesthetic of your project and creates a harmonious environment.
Maintenance Tips for Terrazzo Surfaces
- Regular Cleaning: Keep terrazzo surfaces clean by sweeping or vacuuming regularly to remove debris and dirt.
- Use Mild Cleaners: When cleaning terrazzo, use mild, pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damaging the surface.
- Sealing: Apply a sealant to protect the terrazzo surface from stains and wear, and reseal as necessary to maintain its integrity.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on terrazzo surfaces, as they can cause damage.
- Professional Maintenance: Consider professional maintenance services to ensure your terrazzo surfaces remain in top condition over time.
As we have seen, terrazzo is a versatile and durable material that can be used for a wide range of applications. Whether you choose poured-in-place, precast, or precast terrazzo tiles, each type offers its own advantages and disadvantages.
The key is to choose the right type of terrazzo application for the specific needs of your project. With the right materials, installation techniques, and skilled labor, terrazzo can help you create a stunning and timeless design that will last for many years.