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by bgpark
3 months ago in Design Dilemma
Terrazzo floors
we are renovating and adding on to a Houston mid-century. the house has a step down den with real terrazzo flooring that we want to preserve. we have two problems - how best to restore that terrazzo, and how to remove terrazzo where we don't want it (and how much we should expect to pay for demolition and prep). with regard to restoration, the house is in great shape, the foundation has held up well, but there are a couple of prominent cracks that show up in the flooring. carpet had been laid over the den and the wood strips, old glue, and a few nail or screw holes have to be filled. regarding replacement, we have rooms that adjoin the den where tile was placed over the terrazzo. we want to remove the tile and use wood flooring, and so the floor level (original terrazzo) needs to be lowered sufficiently to provide a smooth transition to the original terrazzo that we are preserving. ideas and comments would be great!
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creeser Just commenting to bring this back up to the front of the discussion board. I don't know, but there's a lot of experts on here that do. :)
3 months ago ·
apple_pie_order You need to consult a local flooring contractor who has experience with terrazzo. The amount of work involved depends on several factors, most of which can only be evaluated in situ.
3 months ago ·
mpoulsom Yes, you need a pro! Saw something like this on This Old House. House in Florida. They brought in heavy wet sanding and buffing machines and brought the floor back to a beautiful life!
3 months ago ·
bgpark thanks to all. does anyone have recommendations for a Houston, Tx-based restoration contractor?? by the way, really appreciate the ref to TOH. the episode and related info is great.
3 months ago ·
nFORMAL design Try these people...they should direct you towards good people. We know the reps here in Chicago. http://www.tmsupply.com/
3 months ago ·
bgpark thanks!! excellent site.
3 months ago · ·
bgpark anyone have thoughts on my question about demolition if we might need it?
3 months ago ·
bookwench Lucky, you! I love terrazzo but its high cost of installation was prohibitive for my 1,000 sf remodel. I went with 24x24 terrazzo tiles. Check out this link as there are contractors listed in Texas: http://www.ntma.com/contractors-suppliers.php
So glad you want to preserve the terrazzo (it's nearly indestructible). Good luck.
3 months ago ·
Eurocerob The demolition of the terrazzo is not an easy task and needs to be cut all the way through -- detaching it -- around and from the areas which have to be saved , before demo . You also need someone that knows what and how to work with terrazzo and look at the cracks or other evident problems which probably need to be taken care of . Pics always help , but a visit on the site is best .

You may also try to post your questions in here http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1 . and find a pro from your location -- few of them are members and very helpful -- which can help you .
3 months ago ·
bgpark for those who are still interested in this (thanks!!) i attached photos.
3 months ago ·
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