Whether you’ve got a new home or are doing a renovation, choosing the flooring may be the significant decision on which all additional fixture and fitting decisions are built. When you receive the floors right, you can select your cabinetry, tiling and wall color with confidence. Though terrazzo went out of favor for a few decades, it is back for flooring, countertops, sinks and even furniture.
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Terrazzo’s origins. The term “terrazzo” comes from the Italian term for “terrace.” It’s a mosaic material that was born out of frugality; 15th-century Venetian marbleworkers created it since they had been unable to afford marble for their own terraces. Settling odd-size lost marble bits from paying jobs in clay, they created appealing patios or terraces for themselves.
At first the surface was tough and a small hard underfoot. However, the natives soon realized that if they rubbed the marble bits using 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 unique outcomes.
The procedure involved with creating terrazzo flooring now is a little different to that of those staffs at the 15th century. And a few alternatives are available, so having a detailed discussion with an expert terrazzo organization is recommended.
FINNE Architects
Modern terrazzo. Until the 1970s, terrazzo setup involved onsite pouring of a cement foundation. Once dry, then a layer of coral reefs was added, then a layer of this colored chip mix was applied to the wet cement. A roller was run over the surface.
Today installers use thinset terrazzo, a mixture of epoxy resin and colored chips. Poured onto the slab at a layer that’s 1/4 into 3/8 of an inch thick, it’s quicker to install. Thinset terrazzo also provides a larger selection of color options, is lighter in weight, includes a weathered finish and fractures less. The only downside to the epoxy resin base is it may be used only for interiors, as it will peel and shed its colour outside.
When the surface is dry, a grinder is used. Any holes are filled and troweled for a smooth finish. The surface is cleaned, polished and coated. This gives the terrazzo its beautiful, shiny finish.
The wonderful condition of the original terrazzo flooring in this renovated 1950s contemporary house from the U.S. Northwest confirms terrazzo’s longevity.
Denise DeCoster Architect
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 colours and finishes can be obtained.
As with all surfaces, taking care of your terrazzo is important. It doesn’t need shielding from wear, but it requires shielding from spill stains and absorption. Quality terrazzo will be sealed, yet this sealant isn’t a barrier against stains. All spills must be wiped up right away. It’s best to not cut on it, as it will scrape. Additionally, placing hot products directly on the top can cause cracking.
Terrazzo prices more than granite or marble. Professional installation is recommended, so that adds to the cost. On the plus side, it is durable and long-lasting.
Inside this kitchen that the green at the terrazzo pops as well as harmonizes with the tile backsplash. And it looks lovely against the neutral cabinetry.
More about terrazzo counters
Nusa Furniture
Terrazzo finishes. In the mid-1970s terrazzo dropped out of style, but it has made a comeback in several diverse applications. Terrazzo furniture that is creating is a artwork that appeals to a contemporary aesthetic. When terrazzo is used in a three-dimensional way, it can make for beautiful, practical furniture.
Polished, honed and shot-blasted finishes are available with terrazzo. A honed finish gives it a level, or matte, look. The colour is slightly duller than that of a polished finish and has a less formal look. To attain the shot-blasted look, the terrazzo is smashed under high pressure with small steel beads. The upper layer of mortar can be eliminated so the stones appear more, which has the extra benefit of providing more protection against slippage when it is wet.
This striking armoire is made from unfilled volcanic stone terrazzo.
The Brooklyn Home Company
Terrazzo in the bathroom. Terrazzo sinks are a great alternative to the conventional, ceramic bathroom vanity sink.
Engineered and precast by artisans, sinks and baths made with terrazzo ought to be sealed carefully so the water doesn’t penetrate the surface. A water or solvent-based impregnator sealer has to be applied immediately after polishing or strengthening the terrazzo. Check with the maker the right sealer has been applied, particularly if you acquire a vessel that will hold water on a regular basis.
A terrazzo trough sink like this one, built by The Brooklyn Home Company, are a focal point in any bathroom.
Hygge&West
A Stone’s Throw Away Wallpaper – $125
Terrazzo-style textiles. If you adore the terrazzo look but are not in a position to change your countertops or flooring, get the same beautiful look with a fabric or wallpaper. A background like this could function in either a modern or traditional setting.