Terrazzo

What is Terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a composite material designed for floors and walls. It is made of elements such as marble, granite, glass or quartz, and it is poured with a polymeric, cementitious binder or both. The material can be precast or poured into place.

The material dates back to the 15th century, as workers would place pieces of the marble rocks in clay to create a flat surface. It was introduced as an epoxy based material in the 1960s, and the material became a popular flooring option in the 1970s. Terrazzo is making a comeback in many homes today.

You can purchase terrazzo in a poured or tiled form to fit your needs, but the material is more expensive than most options due to its durability. If you decide to make the change to terrazzo, here are several examples of how you can use the material throughout your home.

Kitchen

A black terrazzo countertop is perfect for enhancing your brown cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. Pair it with a hardwood floor and neutral backsplash to create a warm but modern look in your kitchen.

Bathroom

Whether you are displaying decorative soaps or colorful towels, a white terrazzo bathroom makes your accessories stand out.

Another idea is to use terrazzo on your pedestal sink, which adds sophistication to a modern bathroom of gray walls and concrete flooring.

 

Living Room

You can add terrazzo tiles to your living room with a flooring and fireplace in the same design. It brightens the room and adds a touch of elegance to your space.

Terrazzo also looks great in your entryway, as you can pair the gray tiles with your dark hardwood floor. Enhance the look by pairing your dark floors with gray walls.

 

Bedroom

Pair a gray Venetian terrazzo floor with white walls to create a contemporary bedroom. You can enhance the look by using the underside of the concrete floor as your ceiling.

Patio

You can even bring this look to your patio with faux terrazzo. This happens when your contractor grounds the surface and creates natural marks in a diagonal pattern.

There are pros and cons of using terrazzo in your home, and it is best to learn them before committing to this material.

 

Pros of Terrazzo

Durability: Terrazzo is tough enough to withstand high traffic areas, and it is resistant to stains, chipping and water damage.

Low Maintenance: You do not have to worry about cleaning it periodically, nor do you have to use special techniques or solutions.

Cons of Terrazzo

Cost: The initial cost of the material and installation is more than other options, which is not ideal for tight budgets.

Professional Installation: There are specific techniques and tools for installing terrazzo, and it is best to hire a professional for the installation. If you prefer to take the DIY route, terrazzo may not be the material for you.

You can use terrazzo in different areas of your home, but you want to make sure it is the right material for you.

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