Terrazzo
Tess Parisi
General Information
Terrazzo is a composite stone made of large particles of marble, glass and shells. It is ground and polished to a smooth surface and is very durable and low maintenance. It comes in a wide spectrum of colors, patterns and designs and is almost completely customizable. The use of divider strips can add detail and separate the flooring into different geometric designs and borders. Epoxy terrazzo can be matched with aggregates such as marble, glass, pebbles and granite.
Terrazzo was created in the 15th century and discovered by Venetian mosaic workers. They reused marble remnants to craft the early forms of terrazzo, which is the Italian word for "terrace". Terrazzo's traditional form is cement based.
After the terrazzo mixture is made, it is laid in place and smoothed to the edge of the area desired. It is then sanded 4 to 5 times and then finished with an epoxy coating. 90% of all terrazzo installations are epoxy-based, poured in place and applied over a concrete substrate.
Environmental Impact
Terrazzo has a good LEED certification for recycled materials. The aluminum dividers in the terrazzo can be reused and most likely include recycled materials. With a finish, terrazzo is strong and is able to withstand heavy foot traffic.
It is very easy to clean and is odorless. Little pollution is made is any process of making terrazzo. It is also resistant to chemicals, moisture and water. It has a long lifespan of about 30 years so it does not need to be replaced often. It is slip resistant and installed without the use of any harsh chemicals. There are no effects on indoor air quality.
Use in Interior Setting
1. This terrazzo is being used as a backsplash and was pre-made before installation. This form of terrazzo is most likely 1/2'' to be able to withstand gravity and stay connected on the wall.
2. The terrazzo in this design is on the floor as well as the countertop and includes different materials to match the green wall as well as the black stovetop.
3. The terrazzo in this image is located on the waterfall countertop with a clean straight edge. It has black resin and concrete as well as colorful materials included to give a pop of color.
4. Terrazzo can also be used for furniture, as shown in this image with a green and white table set with a straight edge profile. It is strong, sturdy and durable to possible spills.
5. In this setting, the terrazzo is used in many different areas including the sink, countertop and shower floor. These are good areas to have terrazzo because of its' durability and strong feeling.
Applications
Terrazzo flooring does require an epoxy coating on top of the sanded stone to make a desired hard surface that is even stronger than bare terrazzo. It can be used for surfaces like tables, plates and bowls. It can also have a finish that is placed on interior terrazzo for a bright and durable feel. It has many different appearances and it is strong enough to be used as a countertop and as flooring in a kitchen. Larger stones in terrazzo flooring can also give a room a more natural and creative look. It can also be used as grout in between larger stones.
Organizations:
- National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association
-North American Terrazzo
ASTM Standards:
- F141-12 Standard Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
- F2873-20 Standard Practice for the Installment of Self-Leveling Underlayment and the Preparation of Surface to Receive Resilient Flooring
