What is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo is a flooring material composed of chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass embedded in Portland cement, modified Portland cement, or a resinbased mixture. The process involves pouring, curing, grinding, and polishing the Terrazzo.
Composition of Terrazzo Flooring Materials
The composition of terrazzo flooring materials requires a meticulous selection of aggregates, binders, and additives to create an attractive surface.
Aggregates

Marble chips: Commonly used in traditional terrazzo flooring, providing a classic and elegant look.
Glass chips: Frequently used in modern terrazzo flooring, adding color and visual texture.
Granite chips
Other stone aggregates: quartz, onyx, and quartzite are used to achieve specific color combinations.

Binders
Cementbased binders: Portland cement is used to bind the aggregates together.
Epoxy Resin binders: Epoxy resin is used for its strong adhesive properties and glossy finish.
Additives
Pigments: Added to achieve the desired color.
Polymer additives: Added to enhance workability and performance.
Sealers and hardeners: Added to improve durability and longevity.
Divider strips
Metal divider strips
Plastic divider strips
Substrate
Concrete Substrate: A solid, level concrete base is prepared to receive the terrazzo mixture.
Moisture Barrier: Applied to prevent moisture from affecting the integrity of the terrazzo.
Installation adhesives
Thinset mortar
Epoxy adhesive: Used for resinbased terrazzo
Finishing layers
Grinding and Polishing Materials
Sealing Compounds
Pros of Terrazzo Flooring
Beautiful and aesthetic: Various materials and mixes add visual interest.
Unique Flooring: Available in various colors, textures, aggregates, and customized designs.
Heat Resistance: Excellent at retaining heat, suitable for underfloor heating systems.
Resistance to molds and bacteria
Durable, Easy to maintain
Seamless flooring: Can be poured in situ.
Environmentfriendly option
Cons of Terrazzo Flooring
Expensive: Cost varies depending on the type of aggregate chosen.
Failure due to cracks: Cracks may appear if not installed properly.
Cold and hard under feet
Aesthetics
Colors: A wide range of color options and combinations allows for various designs, similar to creating art on a blank canvas.
Sizes: Precast tiles are available in various standard sizes, with edges that can be square or chamfered. Insitu terrazzo is cast in 4’x4’ sections to ensure even distribution.
Tiles: Common sizes include 300×300, 300×600, 400×400, 600×400, 600x600mm (not exceeding 600mm in its greatest dimension).
Thickness: Common thicknesses are 1/4”, 1/2”, 3/8”, 5/8”. Epoxybased tiles are thinner than cement terrazzo.
Cut to size: Custom orders are available based on design requirements.
Types of Surface Finish for Terrazzo Flooring
Polished: A highgloss, mirrorlike surface, ideal for contemporary residential and commercial projects.
Honed: A lowgloss finish, suitable for antislip surfaces.
Sandblasted: Similar to a matte surface with antislip properties.
Antiqued: Preferred for traditional and rustic styles.
Primary Installation Methods
Terrazzo floors can be installed either by pouring in situ or using precast tiles.
In Situ

For in situ installation, the mixture is combined with a cement binder like concrete or epoxy resin. This mixture is poured in place to create a monolithic cast flooring system. Mineral pigments are added to achieve various color options.
Precast Tiles
Precast tiles are formed by pouring the mixture into molds to create the desired shape. The tiles are then baked in an oven or kiln until solid. A water jet can be used to cut the tiles into different shapes, patterns, or logos, creating highly detailed and customizable floor designs.
Terrazzo Flooring
doyledickersonterrazzo.com
Matrix: The Portland cement and water mix or noncementitious binder that holds the marble chips in place for the terrazzo topping. Cementitious matrices consist of Portland cement, pigments, and water. Resinous matrices include epoxy, polyacrylatemodified cement, and polyester compositions used for thinset applications.
Rustic Terrazzo: A variation in terms of grinding and polishing, the surface is treated with water or other methods to expose the marble chips.
Types of Terrazzo Floors and Installation Methods
How to Install a Terrazzo Floor?
Terrazzo floors can be installed either in situ or in tiles. Confirm the selection of aggregates, pigments, and divider strips with the terrazzo installer.
1.Prepare the surface: The top layer of concrete is removed to create a strong bond between the concrete and terrazzo. Any cracks are filled, the floor is leveled, and moisture is removed using a moisture mitigation system.
2.Use divider strips as per design: Divider strips (metal or plastic) are affixed to the subfloor to separate colors, designs, and control expansion joints.
3.Mix terrazzo: Mix the terrazzo according to specifications using mixing equipment.
4.Pour terrazzo: After placing the divider strips, pour the terrazzo mixture onto the flooring surface and use a trowel to spread and distribute additional aggregates like marble chips and glass pieces. Additional chips can be added to create a denser composition.
5.Compact and cure: The floor is compacted using a mechanical roller to remove excess cement and water. Allow the floor to cure for 48 hours.