Marble, glass, or stone aggregates suspended in cement or epoxy matrix — then ground and polished to reveal depth and character. A floor with soul that can last generations.
Where Terrazzo Shines
Terrazzo has been a symbol of elegance and durability for centuries. Today, it continues to be the flooring choice for spaces where design impact and longevity are paramount.
Airports & Transit
Million-footfall durability. Wayfinding patterns, logos, and brand integration. Low lifetime cost.
Luxury Retail
Statement floors that elevate brand experience. Custom aggregate selections and patterns.
Hotels & Lobbies
Grand entrance statements. Combines durability with visual impact. Heritage or contemporary.
Healthcare
Seamless, hygienic, easy to clean. Infection control compliant. Lifetime durability reduces replacement costs.
Substrate Preparation
Terrazzo is a permanent installation requiring proper structural support. Substrate preparation varies by system type but is critical for long-term performance.
- Cement terrazzo (traditional) — Requires sand-cement bed over waterproof membrane. Total buildup 25-50mm
- Epoxy terrazzo (thin-set) — Applied directly to prepared concrete. 10-12mm total thickness
- Divider strips — Brass, zinc, or plastic strips control cracking and create design patterns
- Expansion joints — Must align with structural joints. Filled with flexible sealant
- Moisture control — Critical for epoxy systems. Vapor barrier or mitigation required if RH >75%
The Terrazzo Process
Every terrazzo installation follows a time-tested process that transforms raw materials into enduring works of art.
Pour & Place
Matrix (cement or epoxy) mixed with selected aggregates, poured between divider strips, and spread to specified depth. Aggregates hand-seeded for density.
Grinding
Progressive grinding with diamond-segment machines exposes aggregate faces. Multiple passes from coarse (40 grit) to fine (200+ grit) create smooth surface.
Grouting & Polishing
Pinholes filled with matching grout, then polished to final sheen. Penetrating sealer protects without altering appearance.
Aggregate Options
The beauty of terrazzo lies in its endless design possibilities through aggregate selection:
Marble Chips
Classic terrazzo aggregate. Sizes from 0 (fine) to 8 (large). Natural color variations.
Glass
Recycled or virgin glass in unlimited colors. Reflective sparkle, sustainable option.
Mother of Pearl
Crushed shell for iridescent effect. Luxury residential and hospitality applications.
Mixed / Custom
Combine aggregates for unique effects. Seashells, metal, mirror — possibilities endless.
Key Advantages
- Exceptional Longevity — 50+ year service life. Many terrazzo floors installed in the 1920s still perform today.
- Design Freedom — Unlimited colors, patterns, logos, and inlays. True custom design capability.
- Low Lifecycle Cost — Higher upfront cost offset by decades of service. Restorable, not replaceable.
- Material Options — Recycled glass, marble and stone aggregate options can reduce new material input when the specification calls for it.
- Seamless & Hygienic — No grout lines. Divider strips are integral. Easy to clean and maintain.
- Restorable — Can be reground and repolished to original condition. Floor that improves with age.
Maintenance Protocol
Terrazzo is remarkably low-maintenance. The grinding and polishing process creates a dense, closed surface that resists staining and wear.
Daily
Dust mop to remove abrasive particles. Damp mop high-traffic areas as needed.
Weekly
Wet mop with neutral pH cleaner. Auto-scrubber for large areas.
Annually
Professional diamond honing of high-traffic areas. Reapply penetrating sealer.
Every 10-20 Years
Full restoration grinding and polishing as needed to restore original appearance.
