Terrazzo tiles are frequently used in construction projects today. It is considered to be an all-purpose flooring material, given that it can be engineered as wall panels or steps that mix in well with schools, hospitals, restaurants, and other commercial facilities, too. In fact, it is currently seeing a comeback as a significant trend in modern architecture, as a material that can be used to create a variety of distinctive finishes. Terrazzo is a composite material that is used for flooring, base, walls, stair treads, countertops, and other special goods. It can be prefabricated for precast terrazzo or poured in place for terrazzo that is utilized for these purposes. Chips of marble, granite, quartz, glass, shell, or other suitable materials are used to create terrazzo. It binds with either an epoxy matrix or a cement matrix.
In fact, the name “terrazzo” comes from the Latin word “terra,” which means “ground.” This vintage composite material lends any space a hand-crafted, Mediterranean vibe. It is also adaptable to vertical and horizontal surfaces and is well-known for being long-lasting, durable, and water- and abrasion-resistant. As a result, it was frequently used for common areas and residential flooring in both commercial and residential structures.
In addition, terrazzo tiles are composite materials made of marble chips embedded in cement. This material was discovered in Italy in the 16th century as a technique to recycle leftover stone. Either prefabricated into blocks that may be trimmed to size or manually poured on location. It is also available as ready-made tiles that may be applied right away to walls and floors.
Any area, whether commercial or domestic, will feel both contemporary and classic when terrazzo tiles are used. Terrazzo was initially mostly utilized in commercial structures, but it has now gained popularity in homes for surfaces like worktops and backsplashes in addition to flooring. Customers have a wide selection of designs to pick from because the flecks and colors are interchangeable. Therefore, you might want to think about installing terrazzo tiles if you are doing home renovations, want to alter the flooring in your house or office, or both. Continue reading to learn more about this flooring.
Types of Terrazzo Tiles
New technologies and methods are revolutionizing terrazzo surfaces, design, and installation. Terrazzo flooring actually comes in two basic varieties — cementitious terrazzo and epoxy-based terrazzo.
Cementitious Terrazzo
Cementitious terrazzo, also known as cement terrazzo, is appropriate for remodeling and outside work, because it is thicker and heavier than epoxy-based terrazzo. It contains several terrazzo systems, including monolithic, bonded, rustic, sand cushion, and polyacrylate.
Also, when it comes to withstanding steam cleaning, point loading, heavy traffic, and impacts, cement terrazzo outperforms epoxy-based terrazzo. Although there are fewer color options available than for resin systems, you may still produce stunning earth tones.
Epoxy Terrazzo
Due to its thin-set method and considerable design flexibility, epoxy-based terrazzo produces a smooth, opulent appearance. Another benefit is that cement terrazzo may be applied more quickly. Such speed makes it possible to complete projects more quickly and is perfect for busy places like shopping malls.
This form of terrazzo is incredibly light and is created using a two-component resin method. The next day, it can be polished after a single overnight cure. And while epoxy-based terrazzo can produce detailed, vivid designs, it is not appropriate for outdoor use since it cannot absorb water.
Common Uses of Terrazzo Tiles
For individuals who adore the terrazzo look, adding terrazzo tiles is an easy method to incorporate the particular pattern into many types of home décor. Generally speaking, terrazzo has a soft beauty and provides a wealth of amazing practical benefits for many areas of the home.
In contemporary design and decoration, terrazzo is used everywhere. Terrazzo is utilized in business buildings, civic centers, schools, courthouse architecture, and flooring, which is undoubtedly what most people see when they hear the term.
Outdoors
Due to the high level of durability of terrazzo tiles, they are an excellent option for terraces, patios, garden features, and swimming pool surrounds. It also gives any decking a stylish framing. Moreover, terrazzo is not just for indoor use, either. Terrazzo made of cement is a fantastic option for exterior spaces.
Kitchen
Terrazzo tiles are effective options for countertops, cabinets, and backsplashes. You can experiment with the various colors and shapes that are on the market. If you are redesigning your kitchen, it can be extremely useful as well.
Additionally, terrazzo tiles can be employed to add a touch of continental flair to the kitchen’s cupboards, walls, or even floor. The immediate impression is eye-catching and fashionable, conjuring images of a wide variety of civilizations that are purely based on the idea of appreciating and sharing various types of cuisine.
Terrazzo tiles are excellent for a kitchen’s floor or other surfaces because they are very simple to wipe down and clean.
Living Spaces
Terrazzo tiles are a beautiful compliment to any living room or lounge, despite the fact that they are typically associated with larger size and institutional interiors. To make a focal point in the space, you might include it as a surround for a gas or paraffin fireplace.
Bathroom
The bathroom is the one place in the house that is ideal for showing the elegance of terrazzo tiles. All bathroom surfaces are given a distinctive feeling of color, performance, and texture by them, which gives the space a lot of personality.
To make your bathroom look like it came straight out of an interior design magazine, pair terrazzo tiles with jewel tones and delicate pastels. Terrazzo can be used for the floor, countertop, shower, and other things.
Terrazzo Tiles Maintenance
Similar to any other type of tiles, it is essential to keep terrazzo tiles dust-free as well. Therefore, it is firmly advised to perform routine brushing. Localized stains can be removed with a non-abrasive moist brush that has been dipped in water, but only if you scrub in tiny circular motions. Never use chemical-rich, abrasive cleaning products since they will eventually erode or harm the tile’s surface.
To acquire the best quality and to ensure the durability of the tiles, remember to completely dry and polish the tiles after you have completed cleaning.
Key Takeaway
Terrazzo tiles are incredibly versatile, making them perfectly suited for a variety of uses. These gorgeous tiles are strong, lovely, and go well with almost any design motif. Although they can be used for anything, beautiful flooring is typically where they are most frequently used. And once you understand what terrazzo is, you will start to notice it everywhere you look. Theaters, hotels, shops, and restaurants are some locations that incorporate terrazzo tiles. So, why not install them at your home as well?
