5 Questions To Ask Your Terrazzo Contractor

Terrazzo is a classic flooring system that offers a timeless appearance and lasting durability. Modern usage of terrazzo includes countertops, wall systems, and staircases. With lots of versatile options to consider for your commercial or residential building, we’ve came up with 5 questions to ask your terrazzo contractor.

Does the Terrazzo Contractor Service Your Area?

If you are looking for a terrazzo contractor, seek one that does installations in your area.

In nearly every U.S. State, you will find a qualified terrazzo contractor. In locations like Florida and California, you have more contractor options to consider. Many terrazzo contractors service not only in their state but will cover a region where they will send an installation team to perform the job.

Not sure where to start. Consider contacting a terrazzo contractor through the NTMA (National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association. Working with an NTMA contractor ensures a quality terrazzo installation. Find a terrazzo contractor near you: NTMA Contractor Members

Installed costs can vary depending on the design intricacy and location of the project; therefore, a terrazzo contractor within your area can provide you with the most realistic costs.

What is the Cost of Terrazzo?

A terrazzo contractor is your best source in figuring out how much terrazzo will cost. Keep in mind that terrazzo carries a higher initial installation cost to other flooring materials but yields the best return on cost over time.

When you ask a terrazzo contractor about costs, they may likely ask you to provide the following information:

• Total square feet of terrazzo
• Your project location
• Type of terrazzo application
• Design options that you’re considering

Two attributes that can influence the pricing of terrazzo are materials and labor.

Terrazzo is a composite material made with aggregates mixed with either an epoxy or cement binder. Epoxy terrazzo is the standard today. This poured-in-place system is widely installed by terrazzo contractors throughout the United States. The thing you must consider with epoxy terrazzo is your aggregate choices, which can impact costs.

Epoxy terrazzo allows for greater design flexibility and allows for a wider range of aggregates. Premium aggregates like Mother of Pearl and pre-consumer recycled glass will cost more. Terrazzo aggregate suppliers offer price guides to help you make decisions.

Another thing to consider is labor. The advantage of poured-in-place epoxy terrazzo is its fast cure to grind time. A small project can be finished in approximately a week. However, poured in place requires prep work and machinery for grinding and polishing the terrazzo floor. Precast terrazzo tiles are an alternative to poured-in-place terrazzo. Precast materials like tile, countertops, and stair treads are manufactured offsite and delivered for a contractor to install.

Terrazzo contractors suggest installing a poured in place system, especially in high-traffic areas of buildings. Poured in place epoxy terrazzo is comparable in price to installing tile, yet with epoxy terrazzo, it achieves a longer-lasting and more customizable product.

Poured in Place Terrazzo vs Terrazzo Tiles

Ask your terrazzo contractor which terrazzo floor installation is right for you. An installer can either pour the terrazzo in place or place down terrazzo tiles.

One of the questions you have to ask yourself is what is the intended use of the building space?

Thinset epoxy terrazzo is regarded as the best terrazzo system to install. It is widely used indoors in places such as hospitals, schools, airports, and hotels where high traffic volumes occur.

Poured terrazzo offers a seamless finish absent of grout lines. The end result is a smooth easy-to-clean floor that will last the lifetime of your building. Epoxy terrazzo provides greater design flexibility to get the look you want.

Another installation option is terrazzo tile. It is regarded as an affordable option, especially for residential projects. It is common to use terrazzo tile in elevator cabs or stair landings in commercial settings as well. A terrazzo contractor can run a cost analysis for you, and you might be surprised to find that poured in place epoxy terrazzo is comparable in costs to terrazzo tiles.

A terrazzo tile floor is unlike poured in place terrazzo. It comes with some limitations. One disadvantage of tile is the grout lines. Grout lines increase maintenance as dirt and bacteria can build up in the area, making it harder to clean. Terrazzo tile does not offer as much customization as poured in place terrazzo either. But with poured in place, you have the ability to form intricate shapes and artistic designs with your terrazzo floor.

What are the Pros and Cons of Terrazzo?

A terrazzo contractor can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the flooring system with you. Here are the common attributes of a terrazzo floor:

Pros: 

• Durability
  • Once installed, terrazzo will last for several decades. It’s virtually indestructible. With proper care, the terrazzo floor will require minimal repairs and no replacement over its lifecycle. Terrazzo’s longevity makes it an attractive choice among commercial floors with the floor looking like new years from now.

• Environmentally-Friendly
  • Part of terrazzo’s resurgence in recent years is due to its sustainable features. Epoxy terrazzo is made with zero VOC epoxy resin and options to include recycled materials. Its use in buildings can support better indoor air quality.

• Versatility
  • Terrazzo is adapted for many applications. A terrazzo contractor can install walls, staircases, countertops, wall base, and much more. There are many ways you can add terrazzo to your building space.

• Design Flexibility
  • When you work with a terrazzo floor, you can achieve any design you want. You have the freedom to select from a wide range of colors and materials. Your terrazzo floors can be eye-catching with the option to include logos and graphics.

• Low Maintenance
  • Terrazzo floors are known for their ease of maintenance. They can include antimicrobial components and are simple to clean. If you are looking to keep repair costs low over the flooring cycle, terrazzo is the most cost-effective floor available.

Cons

• Professional Installation
  • It is recommended to hire a qualified contractor to install terrazzo. Professional terrazzo installers understand the process and will ensure you get the best quality floor. You should not try to install the material on your own.

• High initial costs
  • The drawback of terrazzo is the upfront costs to install the floor. However, by investing in terrazzo, you will save on maintenance and replacement costs over the flooring life-cycle.

Ask Technical Questions 

A terrazzo contractor is a good source to discuss technical questions you have about your project. They can review plans for a custom terrazzo floor design or dimensions for a precast terrazzo product, and offer installation advice. Contractors can discuss each of the stages of the installation process, and give you a timeframe of how long a project can be completed.

Conclusion

Terrazzo contractors are experts in the trade, and are the best source of information in learning more about your specific project.

You can find terrazzo materials and products from one single source with Concord Terrazzo Company. With TERRAZZCO Brand Products, we make it easy for you to work with terrazzo. Looking for a terrazzo contractor in your area? Our representatives may recommend installers in your area that use TERRAZZCO Brand Products. Contact us today at info@terrazzco.com.