In This Post:
– What is terrazzo flooring?
– How to install terrazzo flooring?
– Types of terrazzo flooring
– Advantages of terrazzo flooring
– Disadvantages of terrazzo flooring
Have you come across stunning floor designs that consist of marble, stone and/or quartz chips engraved on a concrete surface? This style is called ‘terrazzo flooring.’
There are various types and designs of terrazzo flooring that you can choose from. Let us explore all there is to know about this most sought-after design and how you can install it at home.
Before we discuss the various types and installation process of terrazzo flooring, let us first understand what exactly terrazzo flooring is.
What is Terrazzo Flooring?
It is a composite material, which is not only used in flooring, but is also quite a popular option for walls. It comprises different materials such as glass, stone, marble and quartz chips that are merged with a binder and a polymeric. Cement is the binding force, while a polymeric is needed to bind it effectively. The ratio of chips in the cement is usually 3:1. You can choose a single-coloured chip or different coloured chips for a beautiful decorative appearance.
How to Install Terrazzo Flooring?
Terrazzo flooring can have different thickness. So, if generally you are installing a 40 mm thick floor, then follow this step-by-step process:
- A concrete base is laid down for terrazzo flooring. You must make sure the concrete keeps moisture away or it will spoil the entire flooring
- The concrete layer would be of 34 mm so that the marble chips or any other stone chips are laid over it covering a 6 mm layer of terrazzo topping
- The concrete mixture should be in a ratio of 1:2:4
- Once you have spread the concrete layer and topped it with terrazzo stone chips, then after tamping and rolling, leave it to dry out for about 18 hours. It must be cured for a couple of days
- You must grind the surface using carborundum stones
- Fill the grout and the cure the surface again
- After the third round of grinding, treat the surface with oxalic acid solution
- The final step involves polishing of terrazzo flooring
Types of Terrazzo Flooring
Take your pick from these various types of terrazzo flooring.
Cement Terrazzo
One of the most common types of terrazzo flooring, cement terrazzo can be durable and long lasting only if you keep the moisture content low or else the cement can crack and spoil the flooring. It is perfect if you are looking for both aesthetic appeal and durability. The superb finish of cement terrazzo makes it one of the top choices in flooring.
Epoxy Terrazzo
It can be used over wooden and other bases which makes it an ideal flooring cover that gives an elegant finish. Laid over a wooden and concrete base, epoxy resin terrazzo adds to the colour and vibrance in a room. Instead of the normal epoxy flooring where you don’t add marble chips, the terrazzo one instantly brightens up a room. It is also cost-effective so you don’t have to worry about over-spending the budget.
Monolithic Terrazzo
Resistant to wear and tear, it is usually used in places where heavy traffic is expected like schools and offices. Extremely durable and easy to maintain, it can be quickly cleaned so that it maintains good hygiene.
Rustic Terrazzo
Both for indoor and outdoor purposes, rustic terrazzo comes with texture and is therefore considered great for patios and garden areas. Because it is non-slippery and easy to install, rustic terrazzo is used in landscaping your garden and decorating the lawn.
Polyacrylate Terrazzo
It is one of the most durable terrazzo floors. Small glass shards are embedded into the floor and it can be used in outdoor areas as it can withstand sudden climatic changes.
Pros and Cons of Terrazzo Flooring
Before you consider installing terrazzo flooring in your home, you must weigh both its pros and cons. We will first discuss the benefits of terrazzo flooring and then list down its drawbacks.
Advantages of Terrazzo Flooring
Some of the pros of terrazzo flooring are as follows:
Durable
The good thing about terrazzo flooring is that you need to install it once in a lifetime. A little polishing can make it look all brand new. They don’t crack or chip away if you do not allow moisture to seep in during the installation phase. The durability of terrazzo flooring makes it an ideal choice for outdoor areas like patio, gardens and high-traffic areas in schools, hospitals and offices.
Low-Maintenance
You don’t need to change your flooring more frequently. Once installed, it will be there forever. Unless the floor’s basic structure is broken, terrazzo floors don’t need much repair work. All you have to do is polish it every once in a while, when the floor looks dull.
Easy to Clean
Since it can be easily cleaned, terrazzo floors are also placed in hospital floors and large spaces like schools, where maintaining hygiene is a challenge. That is why it is most commonly found in schools, offices and hospitals. You only need to mop the floors to make it sparkling clean. Abrasive or hard cleaners are not needed to keep terrazzo floors clean.
Environment-Friendly
Since most of the materials used in terrazzo flooring is eco-friendly, it does not disturb the environment in any way. It is recyclable and can most of the materials used in it are sourced from nature, so it doesn’t leave a bad effect on the environment.
Disadvantages of Terrazzo Flooring
There are various drawbacks of terrazzo flooring as well.
Slippery Floors
It is not really an ideal floor for the elderly, especially when it is newly polished. The floor can get slippery and can cause you to fall off and slip. Experts recommend not to place it in bathrooms or in areas where elderly people would walk. You should also take a look at these anti-slip flooring options.
Difficult to Stand All Day
Terrazzo floors become difficult to stand all day because the floor is hard and without any cushion. So, it is not good for kitchens and areas where you have to stand all day.
Slightly Expensive
If you are searching for terrazzo flooring cost in Pakistan, then reserve a budget of PKR 40-60 per sq ft. The price can vary according to the type of terrazzo flooring you opt for. Although an expensive choice, terrazzo flooring is slightly cheaper than complete marble flooring.
Need Professionals for Installation
You can’t install a terrazzo floor on your own. An expert or professional is needed to do the job for you. The installation process takes time and expertise so you need to keep a budget for a professional as well.
We hope this guide on terrazzo flooring is useful for you. In the meantime, you should also take a look at other flooring options:
- Modern flooring options
- Kid-friendly flooring options
- Types and prices of marble flooring in Pakistan
- Best flooring ideas for your kitchen
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