How Terrazzo Tiles Are Made: Unveiling the Craftsmanship Behind the Beauty

 The material is back, in a big way, making waves on the floors of modern houses and mid-century renovations. The retro-cool surface may have its roots in 16th century Italy, but it’s a perfect fit for today’s design styles. It’s a great choice for the kitchen and living rooms, as well as hallways, bathrooms, and more.

 Stripped and roughed up

The   Terrazzo Tiles process is labor intensive and expensive, so it’s usually done by professionals. The existing flooring must be stripped and roughed up, cracks filled, and a cement base laid. Then a terrazzo mixture is poured, leveled, and compressed with a heavy roller. The aggregates — chips of marble, glass, mother-of-pearl, and other materials — are added. If a pattern is being used, metal divider strips are added to separate and outline sections of the design.

Applied to protect the surface

Once the terrazzo is cured — which takes 48 hours or more — it’s ground smooth with a large grinder. A pigmented slurry is then spread to fill tiny pinholes and the excess is wiped away. Finally, a clear sealant is applied to protect the surface.

A good quality terrazzo will last for decades. It’s also relatively maintenance-free compared to other flooring options, which must be sealed regularly and professionally scrubbed when necessary.

 Traditional wood floors

Although terrazzo is typically associated with the contemporary and industrial look, it can also be used in more traditional spaces as a counterpoint to traditional wood floors or a sleek marble tile. It works especially well with white or beige kitchen cabinets, but can also be paired with black or richly stained woods.

While terrazzo is usually thought of as a floor material, it can be used on walls and countertops as well. The material is also becoming a popular cladding for outdoor spaces, adding interest and texture to gardens, patios, and courtyards.

 Durable than natural stone

There is a trade-off between practicality and aesthetic with any hard surface – terrazzo tiles can mark more easily than patterned concrete or even natural stone, so it’s important to consider how you use the space before choosing the finish. However, it’s worth remembering that terrazzo is less slippery than concrete and more durable than natural stone, so it’s an excellent choice for high traffic areas of the home.

Conclusion

If you’re inspired to add a touch of   Terrazzo Tiles in your own home, search for “terrazzo pros” online or contact a local tile showroom. Many companies offer a range of options, including monolithic and bonded terrazzo. While a professional installation is generally recommended, DIY terrazzo tiles are available with limited colors and sizes, but it’s a good idea to measure the area you want to cover before ordering any materials to make sure you have enough. To achieve a professional-looking finish, consider using a powered walk-behind buffer/polisher every few weeks to maintain the shine.