Terrazzo Flooring - A Unique Look For Floors and Countertops When it comes to choosing flooring for a home, there are lots of options available. Terrazzo is one option that offers homeowners a unique look for floors and countertops. The material is typically poured in situ rather than set into tiles or panels, and it's often mixed with marble or other aggregates, giving the floor a colorful and durable finish. This flooring type has become popular for commercial spaces and other public buildings, but is now also being incorporated into homes and other private rooms. In a traditional terrazzo installation, the surface is poured after the concrete base has been prepared. If necessary, existing flooring materials are removed, and the concrete is roughed up to ensure proper adherence of the new surface. The terrazzo mixture is then applied over the rough surface and leveled out. Decorative patterns can be created using divider strips which delineate different colored sections of the terrazzo. The divider strips are then bonded to the concrete using an epoxy resin. Once the dividers have been cured, the rest of the terrazzo is then ground to create a smooth finish. This process is labor-intensive, and it's also very expensive. It's been a luxury material for large, modernist office buildings, but it is starting to make its way into more homes. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, terrazzo is known to be long-lasting and durable, and it doesn't require much maintenance beyond sweeping and mopping. Another great feature of terrazzo is that it's non-porous, so it doesn't harbor allergens or molds. It also retains heat well, making it a good choice for homes with radiant heating systems. This flooring style is also extremely versatile and can be used on walls as well as floors. Because it is so customizable, terrazzo is a popular choice for architects who are looking to add an element of creativity to their projects. It's a great option for creating custom logos, seals, or even abstract designs. It can be incorporated into concrete surfaces, including walls and countertops, or it can be poured over a precast slab for a monolithic terrazzo installation. The choice of color and aggregate can really impact the cost of a terrazzo installation, but it is possible to work within a budget. Glass and recycled materials are often less costly than marble, and it's possible to mix aggregates in a wide range of colors to suit the project.
The most common terrazzo color is white, and it's a great choice for homeowners who want a classic, timeless look for their floors. It is also a beautiful choice for bathrooms, as it complements a number of styles. Other common terrazzo colors include gray, green, yellow, and blue.