Terrazzo countertops and floors can be used to bring a durable, lower cost element of design to any space. Used for years to create beautiful and intricate floor designs, terrazzo tiles can be used today to dress up any space.
The History of Terrazzo
Terrazzo was originally invented in Venice by construction workers hoping to find use for marble chips left over from high scale jobs. The result was a low cost flooring material with the look of marble, which was installed in the patios and living areas of their homes.
The first terrazzo floors were made of marble chips set into clay, and sealed with goat’s milk to produce a high gloss finish. Later floors, taking advantage of technological advances in the 1920s used a three step process to make the floor design. A layer of cement was laid over the floor, followed by thin metal strips, which indicated the change in pattern or color in the design. The marble chips were mixed with cement and pigments and applied, still wet, to the indicated areas. The floors were then ground down to smooth out the surface and produce high shine. Color matched grout could be used to fill in any grooves or indentations left at this time.
Beginning in the 1970’s, terrazzo floors as we know them today came into existence. The thick layers of cement were replaced with a thin layer of epoxy. The new floors are 1/4” to 3/8” in thickness, making them much lighter, cheaper and easier to install.
With the epoxy, came the use of glass, metal and other substances mixed with the marble chips, allowing for a greater range of color and design.
Uses for Terrazzo in the Home
Terrazzo floors can be used in any area of the home to produce a durable, detailed look. Because of their ease at creating medallions, and other intricate designs, terrazzo floors make the most sense when used in large, open spaces.
Foyers, and other entry ways can make great use of terrazzo designs. Medallions can be centered under light fixtures for a dramatic effect, or patterns made of changing colors can be used to give interest to the entire space.
Sunrooms are another great use of terrazzo flooring. The epoxy used to hold them together gives them strength in a freeze/thaw environment, while their colors, and design elements can be used to accent and detail a space, complimenting the light and view of the outdoors.
Elegant master bathroom floors can be created by using terrazzo medallions and patterns centered in front of a vanity. The colors in the floor can be picked up and used again in wall borders, paint colors, as well as towels and other bathroom accessories.
Terrazzo countertops are a great way to bring color and interest to kitchens, bathrooms or bars. The resin helps to make them a durable, stain proof option, while the high polish, and mosaic effect of the marble, glass and metal chips provides interest and a jumping off point for the rest of the room’s design.
Using terrazzo in the home can be a great way of bringing color, detail and interest to any space, without extra expense or maintenance. Be sure to seal terrazzo floors with an impregnating sealer, to help impede any staining that may get past the epoxy. A mild cleanser, with no acid or alkaline should be used to clean terrazzo floors, so as to avoid etching the surface.
With the versatility available in terrazzo’s color and designs, terrazzo floors and countertops can bring a great deal of style to any home or space.
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