OVERVIEW OF EPOXY TERRAZZO

 

Explore the characteristics, history and benefits of epoxy terrazzo flooring.

What is Terrazzo?

 

Invented by Venetian mosaic workers in the 15th century, terrazzo is a highly versatile building material used as flooring, walls, countertops in indoor applications. Terrazzo can be either poured in place or set with precast. Terrazzo consists of marble, quartz, granite, or glass chips combined with either an epoxy or cementitious binder. Today epoxy terrazzo systems are widely installed across the United States and serve as a green building material to use in sustainable building projects. Common places where terrazzo floors are installed include universities, hospitals, airports, office lobbies, and other commercial properties.

Terrazzo Webinar

 

In our webinar “General Overview on Terrazzo”, learn more about TERRAZZCO Brand Products as well as basic information on terrazzo. We cover the following topics:

 

The presentation is educational in helping architects, interior designers, and building owners learn more about the building material. The webinar is recommended for newcomers interested in the building material and any construction building professional needing a quick overview when considering use for upcoming projects.

Brief History of Terrazzo

 

In the 15th century, Venetian construction workers re-used marble chips from previous jobs to create inexpensive flooring for their terraces. Back then, goat milk was applied as a sealer. Sealers are used to protect the terrazzo surface. But it also emphasizes the colors and sheen of the terrazzo floor. Since its creation, advancements in technology have improved terrazzo methods dramatically. This includes transitioning from hand-held tools to electronic grinders and polishing machines, invented in the early 1900s. As a result, this allowed for faster and cost-effective installations and less stress on a terrazzo craftsman’s body.

Terrazzo History

Terrazzo was introduced in the United States in the late 18th century and rose to prominence in the 1920s. Famous landmarks like Mt. Vernon and the Hoover Dam are among the first buildings to incorporate terrazzo.  In the 1970s, new developments in epoxies created floor systems that were more versatile, high performing, and cost-effective. Epoxy terrazzo now offers a wide expansion of colors, with greater design flexibility to include intricate patterns or logo designs.

 

Today terrazzo emerges as the most durable and customizable flooring system to install around the United States.  Widely used for its timeless beauty and versatility, terrazzo offers architects and designers LEED points when specifying recycled materials and VOC-free resins for buildings. For more information on terrazzo, visit either our blog section or visit the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association website at NTMA.com.

Advantages of Epoxy Terrazzo Flooring

Over the decades, the U.S. terrazzo industry has shifted to installing more epoxy terrazzo than cement terrazzo systems, which has resulted in dramatically lower lifecycle costs and more customization when specifying terrazzo for buildings. The key characteristics of terrazzo include:

High Point University Terrazzo Flooring

Longlasting Durability

Terrazzo floors are built to last, often lasting longing than the buildings itself. On average, an epoxy terrazzo floor can last 75 years to 100 years with proper maintenance. In high traffic areas, epoxy terrazzo outperforms traditional flooring materials that require frequent repairs and replacements.

Colorful Terrazzo Flooring

Epoxy Color Selection

An advantage of installing an epoxy terrazzo floor includes its virtually endless color options. This means terrazzo manufacturers can match any color choice you request, creating visually-impactful environments.

Orlando VA Medical Center Terrazzo

Customization

When working with epoxy terrazzo, there are many different design options that you can choose from including the selection of epoxy resin colors, aggregates, and divider strips. From simple styles to artistic designs, architects have the freedom to design beautiful and meaningful spaces. Epoxy terrazzo is limited to your imagination.

Courthouse Terrazzo

Ease of Maintenance

Terrazzo floors are easy to maintain throughout the material’s lifecycle. Epoxy terrazzo is nonporous and has excellent resistance to chemicals, bacteria, and spills, and only requires basic maintenance requirements to keep a terrazzo floor looking beautiful and brilliant for years. A terrazzo floor rarely needs replacing and undergoes minimal repairs in its lifecycle, making it the most cost-effective flooring system to install for commercial buildings.

Epoxy Terrazzo Flooring Cost

 

Epoxy terrazzo is truly a cost-effective flooring material. In most cases, terrazzo has a long life cycle that lasts longer than the building itself. Terrazzo maintenance costs are lower than other flooring alternatives as well. This makes the material a worthwhile investment for many building owners. See how terrazzo compares to other building materials in the cost analysis chart below.

 

For material pricing, please contact Concord Terrazzo Company. For budget pricing for terrazzo installation, please reach out to a terrazzo-approved contractor for more details.

Pricing Chart for Epoxy Terrazzo

FAQs

How Can I Budget Terrazzo Floors?

Terrazzo may have a high initial cost per square feet; however, investing in an epoxy terrazzo floor can net savings during the building lifecycle. Our advisors collaborate with architects on how they fit terrazzo into their budget.

 

The pricing of terrazzo is dependent on the following factors:

 

  • Total Square Feet of Terrazzo: The larger an area that needs installation, the lower the overall installation cost per square foot. Epoxy terrazzo is ideal for high traffic areas in commercial and institutional buildings. Our advisors often suggest specifying a poured in place system over a terrazzo tile system for any project with 1,000 square feet or more.

 

 

  • The condition of the subfloor: Depending on your subfloor’s condition, it may require time and costs to prepare the surface prior to pouring terrazzo. Building contractors can save by pouring epoxy terrazzo over existing surfaces that are structurally sound, reducing labor costs and waste associated with replacements.

 

 

  • The complexity of your design: Designs play a role in the overall cost of terrazzo. Simple layouts will cost less to install than complex patterns and designs.

 

 

  • Choice of Materials: Material options can determine the overall cost of terrazzo. Aggregates vary in cost, and aluminum divider strips are more affordable than zinc and brass materials. Our advisors can discuss your project goals and find solutions to using budget-friendly materials for your project.

 

 

  • Installation Location: The cost to install terrazzo varies in different states. Contact a qualified terrazzo installer to get an accurate estimate.

Where Can Epoxy Terrazzo Be Installed?

Epoxy terrazzo applications can be installed in any indoor setting. Common locations where you can find terrazzo flooring today includes:

 

  • Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
  • Universities and Community Colleges
  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Airports and Transportation Centers
  • Municipal Buildings
  • Corporate Headquarters
  • Restaurants and Retail Stores
  • Sports Stadiums and Convention Centers
  • Hotels
White Terrazzo Flooring

Terrazzo can be installed in any indoor environment including lobby areas, hallways, restrooms, cafeterias, and multistory levels of buildings. We recommend that epoxy terrazzo not be installed for outdoor use.

Where Can I Find a Professional Installer?

It is recommended to have a qualified NTMA contractor to perform the epoxy terrazzo installation.

 

Concord Terrazzo Company, Inc. is a single-source terrazzo supplier where you can find materials to design a customizable terrazzo floor. Our team can suggest terrazzo contractors in your area to install a terrazzo floor using TERRAZZCO Brand Products or you can locate a qualified installer on the NTMA website.

How Long Does it Take to Install Epoxy Terrazzo?

Epoxy terrazzo is 3/8″ thick and quicker to installer than cementitious terrazzo systems. An epoxy terrazzo floor will cure within 24 hours, accelerating the installation schedule.

 

The total installation time will vary depending on the project size. According to the NTMA, an installation of 1,000 square feet will take just as long as a 2,500-3,000 square feet project, and can be turned over to the general contractor in approximately 10 working days.

New Construction or Renovations

With the industry shifting to epoxy terrazzo installations today, not only can poured in place be specified for new construction projects but also renovations.

 

Epoxy terrazzo can be poured over concrete slabs and other surfaces, including older terrazzo floors.

Traditional Terrazzo

Besides Floors, What Other Applications are There?

Terrazzo is mostly recognized as a flooring system; however, it can be used to design stair treads, wall base, countertops, and wall systems.

 

Concord Terrazzo Company, Inc. has a precast terrazzo department that can match precast applications with your epoxy terrazzo floors.

Can Terrazzo Be Repaired?

While epoxy terrazzo is unlikely to undergo repairs during its lifecycle, in the instances where improper installation or improper care happens, a terrazzo contractor can repair or repolish the surface to its original luster. Terrazzo can be repaired at a fraction of the cost of installation.

 

If potential issues concern you, you can contact our advisor to discuss solutions. Contact Us

Request a Quote for a Terrazzo Project