Pros & Cons: A guide to Terrazzo Flooring

Pros & Cons: A guide to Terrazzo Flooring

Before heading over to Terrazzo Flooring and its pros and cons, let’s have a brief overview about what Terrazzo basically is. Terrazzo is actually a construction material made by a combination of marble or stone chips. These chips are joined using epoxy-resin or concrete. Depending on the materials used in Terrazzo, it can be used both outdoors and indoors. It is poured like concrete in your home and can be used as tiles for outdoors. 

Terrazzo flooring was introduced in ancient times, however, it is in the past few years that it has gained more market. Designers have begun to argue on the potential of Terrazzo floors as a possible alternative to busy tiles and cold stone flooring. Although the ratio of concrete in both Terrazzo and cold stone floors is minimal, the extra advantage of Terrazzo over cold stone is its added texture and availability in different colors. 

INSTALLATION OF TERRAZZO FLOORING

Terrazzo installation is quite a difficult process especially if you are planning to pour it in situ. It is highly recommended that you consult and hire an experienced installation team to ensure the best outcome. Competent workers are well-aware of different installation methods and therefore are able to suggest to the best one for your home.

The most common Terrazzo flooring installation methods include:

  • Sand-Cushion Terrazzo

This is a traditional installation process in which a cement base is laid initially and then a sand layer is applied over it.  After this, the terrazzo mix is finally poured on the top. The benefit of applying sand layer underneath terrazzo is that it allows slight movement which minimizes the chances of cracks. However, this method is suitable only for new buildings as the heavy thick concrete base has to be incorporated during the construction. Moreover, this installation method is only used for carpet calgary.

  • Thinset Terrazzo
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In this method, a layer of epoxy-resin terrazzo is decanted over a concrete base. Epoxy-resin terrazzo is the lightest type of terrazzo and can easily be applied over plywood subfloor or existing concrete. It also has extremely low chances of cracking as epoxy-resin adds flexibility to it. Moreover, it offers a wide range of color options which is a great advantage.  However, it can only be used for indoor floors.

  • Monolithic Terrazzo

This installation process involves direct pouring of cement based terrazzo over a concrete subfloor. Monolithic Terrazzo can be used for both exterior and interior flooring. However, this may not be the best installation method when it comes to dealing with potential cracks.

  • Terrazzo Tiles

Another common terrazzo installation method is using terrazzo tiles in your home. This installation process involves applying epoxy resin or cement and grout system, similar to porcelain or ceramic tiles. Expert installers can give it a sealed finish to make it look seamless like poured terrazzo.

PROS OF TERRAZZO FLOORING

  • Added Texture

Terrazzo flooring comes with an added texture that makes it a better choice against plain concrete floors. It comes with the same sleek industrial style and the soft edges add to its aesthetic appeal.

  • Customization

Terrazzo comes in a wide range of color options making it easier for you to customize it according to your design. It gives you the chance of creating a really elegant and unique floor.

  • Versatility

In addition to being customized in terms of colors, it can also be molded into custom shapes like the sink, bathtubs, and staircases, etc.

  • Durability
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There is a reason why terrazzo flooring has gained good market share and is the most common flooring type used in institutional and commercial buildings, and that reason is its durability. It is hands down one of the most durable flooring materials available in the market today.

Cons of Terrazzo flooring

  • Cracks

If terrazzo is not properly installed it can get cracked and this is a serious concern for the building owners. Although cracks can be repaired, the process is quite difficult and costly. So if you are planning to go for Terrazzo flooring make sure you hire expert installers.

  • High Cost

Terrazzo flooring is generally costly but the exact cost, however, varies according to your requirements. If you want stone aggregates then terrazzo flooring will be relatively inexpensive as compared to if you want to add marble chips or huge quartz etc.