All you need to know about the the different types of terrazzo, its uses, and maintenance.
Introduction to Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a classic material renowned for its intricate design and natural beauty. We believe it was invented approximately 600 years ago in Italy when marble workers from local quarries took home crushed marble chipping's and mixed them with a cement mortar to create a unique floor covering in their homes. To this day Terrazzo is essentially the same; only technology and modern advances in material's allow it to be manufactured to exacting standards and produced in large quantities for use around the world.
Types of Terrazzo
There are two types of Terrazzo; cement based and resin based Terrazzo. Both have distinct differences but have their own individual strengths.
Cement based Terrazzo is less expensive than resin based Terrazzo, has a proven longevity and durability. It is kind to the environment and has little waste during manufacture.
Resin based Terrazzo uses resins to introduce new vibrant colours, it has greater flexibility and is less prone to scratches than cement based Terrazzo. Resin based can be manufactured in thinner tiles and slabs.
Cast Tiles and Slabs or Poured In-Situ
We are often asked about the different methods of working with Terrazzo and the answer will often depend on what type of finish you want to create. Cast tiles are produced either by large scale machinery producing 1000's of meters per day or traditional hand cast bespoke Terrazzo tiles made to your exact requirements. Poured In-situ Terrazzo is an on-site method of pouring the Terrazzo and once set polishing it to the required finish, this will leave a seamless floor, flowing with no joints.
Cast Tiles and Slabs
Specialist Terrazzo manufacturers have invested huge amounts of money into the latest machinery to produce high quality tiles and slabs. The manufacturing process ensures the quality, colour and configuration of the Terrazzo is consistent and meets all the latest European and Global standards. Tile sizes normally start at 300mm x 300mm and go upto 1000mm x 1000mm, slabs can be 3050mm x 1450mm, the thickness of both slabs and tiles is normally 12mm upto 50mm thick, with the industry norm being 20mm. Specialist companies such as Love Terrazzo have cutting saws and machinery capable of producing cut to size pieces for domestic and commercial applications.
Poured In-Situ Terrazzo
Poured Terrazzo can be either cement based or resin based. Many specialist companies can produce intricate designs with vibrant colours and various different binders to create murals and coloured patterns. Poured cement can be used internally and externally while poured resin is best suited to internal use as it can be affected by thermal expansion and colour change. Once poured the floor is allowed to dry and then polished to the required finish.
Bespoke Hand Made Terrazzo
Traditional methods are still used today to create original and often very unique Terrazzo tiles and worktops. You literally can use whatever you like to create your own Terrazzo, from glass, metal, semi precious materials to household objects. The size of the chips is upto your own imagination. Once set into the mould the surface finish is polished to the required finish. New companies like Altrock create very unique designs and unusual household furniture.
Terrazzo Applications
Where can't Terrazzo be used should be the question. Terrazzo has numerous applications from floor and wall coverings, stairs, furniture, kitchen worktops and bathroom countertops. It is used in both domestic and commercial applications and if installed correctly should last a lifetime.
Maintenance
Being hard wearing and durable Terrazzo requires little maintenance. A simple chemical clean using Neutral ph cleaners and a scrub with nylon pads is sufficient to keep your Terrazzo looking good for many years. The advantage of Terrazzo of almost any age is it can be polished and restored back to new using specialist machinery and polishing techniques. Cement based Terrazzo should be sealed using a penetrating sealer especially when used in wet areas. Fila produce reliable solutions for all types of Terrazzo tiles.
Sustainability
Terrazzo can be used with the knowledge that production methods are strictly controlled and comply with stringent certification and CE markings. Cement based Terrazzo is manufactured with raw materials and without any chemical substances. Both Cement based and resin based use recycled materials and have little environmental impact and are produce with low emissions.
Cost
It is a misconception that Terrazzo tiles are expensive. Tiles start from £55.00 m2 for standard sizes and bespoke cut to size starts from £120.00 m2. Pourable Terrazzo starts from £250-£300.00 m2 and requires substrate preparation to ensure it is installed correctly.
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