You may have seen terrazzo floors in hotel lobbies, but this popular material is now a go-to for homes too. The textured look adds a modern twist to traditional or contemporary spaces and comes in a range of colors.
If you’re not ready to commit to a full home renovation, try adding some terrazzo accessories to your space. West Elm’s terrazzo melamine plates are an easy way to make a subtle statement.
Eco-friendly
Terrazzo is a highly sustainable flooring option. Its durability means it requires less maintenance and repairs, which cuts down on the use of chemicals and cleaners that could harm the environment. It also reduces a building’s energy consumption by insulating the ground beneath it.
Using recycled aggregates and epoxy matrix can contribute to LEED points for sustainability projects. This is especially true for precast terrazzo. It is made with a combination of natural aggregates (marble, granite, quartz) and recycled glass or plastic, along with a cement or epoxy binder. This mixture is combined with small aluminum divider strips, which provide color separation and expansion control.
Additionally, terrazzo can be refinished and restored without the need to remove and replace it entirely. This can be a significant benefit in buildings that require a quick turnover. It also saves on a building’s demolition and disposal costs, which can be costly for the environment. In addition, the recycled content and embodied energy of terrazzo are low.
Durable
When terrazzo is installed correctly from the start, it often lasts the lifetime of a building. This means that it does not need to be replaced, lowering the amount of waste and other materials used during construction.
This durable material is a popular choice for bathrooms, as it resists bacteria better than other tile options. It is also easy to clean and maintain, with occasional sweeping or mopping being enough.
Modern terrazzo is made by mixing aggregates of stone or glass, porcelain, marble, and other suitable materials into cement or epoxy. This allows for a huge range of colors and finishes, so it is a versatile option for many spaces. Many of these materials are recycled, making terrazzo one of the most eco-friendly flooring choices available. It can even contribute to LEED credits when installed with other low-VOC materials. This is particularly true of epoxy terrazzo, which requires less resin and has higher shock resistance than cement-based terrazzo.
Versatile
The aesthetic terrazzo has come in and out of style over the years, but it is making a comeback with modern designers. It is a popular choice for flooring, tiling, and walls in high-end homes and commercial spaces. It has more texture than marble and a more interesting color palette than ceramic tiles. It is also durable, which makes it a smart choice for high-traffic areas.
Cementitious terrazzo can be customized to match your design aesthetic and aggregate options are almost endless. From standard marble and granite to more colorful aggregates like recycled glass and quartz, there is something to fit every taste and style.
It can be used to create a refined and elegant space in professional buildings, or it can be used as an accent piece in a home. In the healthcare industry, terrazzo is used for its durability and traction. Its seamless finish prevents friction and provides a smooth ride or walk for patients on wheelchairs and gurneys.
Affordable
You may have noticed the speckled flooring in hotel lobbies and other public spaces. The material is known as terrazzo and it’s making a big comeback in home design! This style offers endless color and material possibilities and can last for decades. It’s also easy to install, so it’s a good investment for any home.
The cost of terrazzo varies depending on the aggregate used. Larger chips of materials like marble and mother-of-pearl will cost more than smaller aggregates such as recycled glass or quartz, Homes To Love reports. However, the cost of terrazzo can be offset by using less expensive materials for the finish.
Modern terrazzo is available in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes to create visually stunning hospitality environments. It’s easy to incorporate corporate logos and provides a clean, sleek surface for guests to navigate. Additionally, it’s anti-microbial and requires little maintenance with simple mopping and cleaning products. It also helps meet LEED standards for green buildings.