Decorating Guides
A Guide to Types of Terrazzo
Here's all you need to know about various kinds of terrazzo, a material with innumerable custom designs and applications
A material made from chips of marble or granite set in a wet concrete bed, terrazzo finds its application in flooring, table tops, wall panels and more.
Based on the way terrazzo is constructed on-site, it can be classified into two broader sub-categories. The first type consists of a cement-based underbed for the marble chips, while the second consists of an epoxy resin base instead.
The cement matrix terrazzo is divided into four types:
The cement matrix terrazzo is divided into four types:
- Sand-cushion terrazzo
Considered the best option for spaces where there is a lot of movement and friction, sand-cushion terrazzo flooring absorbs minor defects and prevents their mirroring to the surface. The overall composition will require a 2.5-3 inch slab depression over which the 0.5 inch terrazzo topping would be set.
Layers from bottom to top: concrete slab, thin layer of sand, isolation sheet, wire mesh, sand–cement underbed, 0.5 inch terrazzo topping.
- Bonded terrazzo
Layers from bottom to top: concrete slab, cement mortar, terrazzo topping.
- Monolithic terrazzo
Layers from bottom to top: concrete slab, bonding agent, terrazzo topping.
- Rustic terrazzo
Layers from bottom to top: concrete slab, sand–cement bed, divider strips, terrazzo topping.
- Thin-set epoxy terrazzo
A good choice for both residential and commercial spaces, this terrazzo type has it has unlimited options in terms of colour, patterns, and shapes.
For such in-situ terrazzo construction, “divider strips” are placed at regular intervals of 5 feet or less on the sand or cement bed, which serve a dual purpose of controlling anticipated contraction and as an enhancer for separating colours.
Pro tip: Expansion plates should be installed between areas where major movement is predicted.
Terrazzo tiles are great for Indian homes. Find out more
Pro tip: Expansion plates should be installed between areas where major movement is predicted.
Terrazzo tiles are great for Indian homes. Find out more
Terrazzo flooring can either be constructed on site as explained above, or terrazzo tiles and slabs can be found in numerous patterns and colours. On the other hand, ready-made (or factory made) terrazzo tiles are available in numerous patterns and colours. So, what’s your pick?
Read more:
Which Tiles Are Perfect for Indian Floors?
10 Ways to Texturise With Terrazzo
5 Reasons to Go for Venetian Terrazzo
Tell us:
Do you like terrazzo? Why, or why not? Share your views in Comments below.
Read more:
Which Tiles Are Perfect for Indian Floors?
10 Ways to Texturise With Terrazzo
5 Reasons to Go for Venetian Terrazzo
Tell us:
Do you like terrazzo? Why, or why not? Share your views in Comments below.
The process of making terrazzo is quite interesting. Chips of marble, granite or even quartz are spread on a bed of wet concrete and allowed to set. The surface is then polished to give it a smooth surface. Chips of any size and colour can be added to the cement mixture, which makes terrazzo a highly customisable material.
This material that originated five hundred years ago has found its way into the modern and contemporary design market and comes in five basic types.
Find a design professional from the Houzz directory