Terrazzo Makes a Comeback for Floors and More
Popular from the 1400s through the mid-1970s, this mosaic material is staging a return in homes today — including in some surprising uses
I'm a Houzz Contributor, interior decorator (http://www.elementsofstyle.com.au) and associate member of the Design Institute of Australia, living and working in Melbourne, Australia. Our homes reflect how we see ourselves, so I strive to make each of my client's spaces balanced and harmonious for them.
I'm a Houzz Contributor, interior decorator (http://www.elementsofstyle.com.au)... More »
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Whether you've got a new home or are doing a renovation, choosing the flooring can be the major decision on which all other fixture and fitting decisions are built. Once you get the floors right, you can pick your cabinetry, tiling and wall color with confidence. Although terrazzo went out of favor for a few decades, it's back for flooring, countertops, sinks and even furniture.
Terrazzo's origins. The word "terrazzo" comes from the Italian word for "terrace." It's a mosaic material that was born out of frugality; 15th-century Venetian marbleworkers created it because they were unable to afford marble for their own terraces. Settling odd-size discarded marble pieces from paying jobs in clay, they created attractive patios or terraces for themselves.
At first the surface was rough and a little hard underfoot. But the artisans soon realized that if they rubbed the marble pieces with a stone they could get a smoother, more inviting surface to walk on. These days glass, granite and quartz are used as well as marble to create different effects.
The process involved in creating terrazzo flooring now is a little different to that of the craftsmen in the 15th century. And a few options are available, so having a detailed discussion with an expert terrazzo company is recommended.
At first the surface was rough and a little hard underfoot. But the artisans soon realized that if they rubbed the marble pieces with a stone they could get a smoother, more inviting surface to walk on. These days glass, granite and quartz are used as well as marble to create different effects.
The process involved in creating terrazzo flooring now is a little different to that of the craftsmen in the 15th century. And a few options are available, so having a detailed discussion with an expert terrazzo company is recommended.
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| Modern terrazzo. Until the 1970s, terrazzo installation involved onsite pouring of a cement base. Once that was dry, a layer of sandy cement was added, then a layer of the colored chip mixture was applied to the wet cement. A weighted roller was then run over the surface. Today installers use thinset terrazzo, a mix of epoxy resin and colored chips. Poured onto the slab in a layer that's 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch thick, it is quicker to install. Thinset terrazzo also offers a wider range of color choices, is lighter in weight, has a impervious finish and cracks less. The only downside to the epoxy resin base is that it can be used only for interiors, as it will peel and lose its color outside. Once the surface is dry, a grinder is used. Any holes are filled and troweled for a smooth finish. Then the surface is cleaned, polished and sealed. This gives the terrazzo its lovely, shiny finish. The fantastic condition of the original terrazzo flooring in this renovated 1950s contemporary house in the U.S. Northwest confirms terrazzo's longevity. |
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| Precast terrazzo. Precast terrazzo is a made-to-measure product. Almost anything can be formed with terrazzo: countertops, wall panels, sinks, furniture. An array of colors and finishes is available. As with all surfaces, caring for your terrazzo is important. It does not need shielding from wear, but it needs shielding from spill absorption and stains. Quality terrazzo will be sealed, but this sealant is not a long-lasting barrier against stains. All spills should be wiped up right away. It's best not to cut on it, as it will scratch. Also, placing hot products directly on the top may cause cracking. Terrazzo costs more than granite or marble. Professional installation is recommended, so that adds to the cost, too. On the plus side, it's durable and long lasting. In this kitchen the green in the terrazzo pops as well as harmonizes with the tile backsplash. And it looks lovely against the neutral cabinetry. More about terrazzo counters |
by Nusa Furniture
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Terrazzo finishes. In the mid-1970s terrazzo fell out of fashion, but it has made a comeback in many different applications. Creating terrazzo furniture is a bespoke art that appeals to a contemporary aesthetic. When terrazzo is used in a three-dimensional way, it can make for beautiful, functional furniture.
Polished, honed and shot-blasted finishes are all available with terrazzo. A honed finish gives it a flat, or matte, look. The color is slightly duller than that of a polished finish and has a less formal look. To achieve the shot-blasted look, the terrazzo is blasted under high pressure with small steel beads. The top layer of mortar is also removed so the stones show up more, which has the added benefit of providing more protection against slippage when it's wet.
This striking armoire is made from unfilled volcanic stone terrazzo.
Polished, honed and shot-blasted finishes are all available with terrazzo. A honed finish gives it a flat, or matte, look. The color is slightly duller than that of a polished finish and has a less formal look. To achieve the shot-blasted look, the terrazzo is blasted under high pressure with small steel beads. The top layer of mortar is also removed so the stones show up more, which has the added benefit of providing more protection against slippage when it's wet.
This striking armoire is made from unfilled volcanic stone terrazzo.
Terrazzo in the bathroom. Terrazzo sinks are a great alternative to the standard, ceramic bathroom vanity sink.
Designed and precast by artisans, sinks and baths made with terrazzo should be sealed carefully so that the water does not penetrate the surface. A water or solvent-based impregnator sealer needs to be applied immediately after honing or polishing the terrazzo. Check with the manufacturer that the right sealer has been applied, especially if you purchase a vessel that will hold water on a regular basis.
A terrazzo trough sink like this one, built by The Brooklyn Home Company, would be a focal point in any bathroom.
Designed and precast by artisans, sinks and baths made with terrazzo should be sealed carefully so that the water does not penetrate the surface. A water or solvent-based impregnator sealer needs to be applied immediately after honing or polishing the terrazzo. Check with the manufacturer that the right sealer has been applied, especially if you purchase a vessel that will hold water on a regular basis.
A terrazzo trough sink like this one, built by The Brooklyn Home Company, would be a focal point in any bathroom.
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| Terrazzo-style textiles. If you love the terrazzo look but are not in a position to change your flooring or countertops, get the same beautiful look with a wallpaper or fabric. A wallpaper like this could work in either a modern or classic setting. |
Ideabook published on Dec. 23, 2012.
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It's easy to keep clean and cool on bare feet. And added benefit in Florida, terrazzo is great in the constant fight against mold, mildew, and bugs.
The major downside is price. It's currently running $75/sq ft to install, and it costs about $5/sq ft to "tune up" -- the terrazzo equivalent of steam cleaning carpets.
2. If you want to see terrazzo floors, many US public buildings built before 1980 have highly decorated terrazzo floors in high traffic lobby areas (marble was the previous public building choice, but marble is easily destroyed by stilletto heels, which came into widespread use after WWII). Because the floors cover huge expanses, it was cheaper to lay down than anything else, and is (relatively) cheap to maintain (ever wonder why the floors in your old office building's lobby get polished once a month or more?). In a house, with walls every ten to thirty feet, I can't even IMAGINE how much more it would cost to clean.
3. I cannot imagine a good reason to put terrazzo anywhere where it will get hard wear (that is, I suppose you could use it on walls). Even sealed, it can't take spills. And TUBS or SINKS?!!! What a waste, unless you have ridiculous amounts of money to burn. A shotblasted finish, outdoors under patio cover would be okay, I guess, so long as you know you aren't going to keep the house for thirty years, and have to replace/repair it.
4. I have posted elsewhere about how hard concrete (the base of all aggregate floors) is on your feet, legs, and joints.