Terrazzo

Terrazzo is a durable, non-porous, cost-effective, and eco-friendly material, thus it it is popularly used for highly walked on surfaces, as it comes in any color as well.

Red terrazzo floor.

Characteristics & Source

Durable
Cost-effective
Non-porous
Range of chip sizes can vary
Two types: Portland cement systems and epoxy resin systems
Invented by the Venetians who used marble, clay, and stones for terraces

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Gray terrazzo wall.

Production & Maintenance

Made of chips of marble, granite, quartz, glass, or shell mixed with cement
Iron oxide added for coloring
Dust daily
Clean with neutral pH cleaners and rinse with water before it dries after once a week
Reseal semi-annually

Brown terrazzo stairs.

Environmental Impact

Uses recycled materials
No negative effects on indoor air quality (no volatile organic compounds or VOC)
Long life cycle (low maintenance)
Contributes to LEED certification goals
One of the most sustainable and eco-friendly flooring system
Does not create waste
Does not support microbial or moisture growth

Pink terrazzo countertop.

Application

Apply a water-based slip resistant sealer
Create a smooth surface
Cut a ⅛” edge profile

ASTM Standards

ASTM C140/C140M-21: Standard Test Materials for Sampling and Testing Concrete Masonry Units and Related Units
ASTM C293/C293M-16: Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength of Concrete (Using Simple Beam With Center-Point Loading)

Organizations

TTMAC: Tile, Marble, Terrazzo, Stone Specifications & Standards
National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association (moisture testing)

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White terrazzo bench.

Resources

Images:

Information:

Page by Michelle Dooge