12 Sep Terrazzo ROI: Long Term Cost Savings for School Board Budgets

When designing educational spaces, decisions regarding infrastructure come with a unique set of challenges. Among these decisions, flooring plays a pivotal role, as it impacts not only the aesthetic and functional quality of the space but also long-term maintenance costs. Factors like durability, indoor air quality, comfort, and maintenance frequency are crucial when evaluating flooring systems. Many school boards express the desire to incorporate terrazzo into every school but are often hindered by upfront cost concerns. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on why school boards should seriously consider terrazzo ROI, presenting it not just as a flooring option but as a sound investment in the future of education.

Evaluating Lifecycle and Maintenance Costs for Terrazzo ROI
With any product, decision-makers look at what works versus what looks nice. When deciding on flooring, it’s essential to look beyond the initial price tag and factor in long-term costs such as maintenance, repair, and replacement. School boards that consider lifecycle costs can make more informed decisions that support both their immediate budgets and long-term goals.
Terrazzo, while sometimes perceived as more expensive upfront, offers significant long-term savings due to its durability and low maintenance requirements.
Here’s a comparison of terrazzo with three other common school flooring options:
Example: Cost Savings of Terrazzo: Zone 2 and Zone 5
Zone 2: The annual cost of epoxy terrazzo over a 40-year span is $0.80 per square feet. Zone 2 covers the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Zone 5: Annual cost of epoxy terrazzo over a 40-year span is $0.80 per square feet. Zone 5 covers the following states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Commercial Flooring Types | Cost (Per Sq. Ft Installed) | Annual Cost of Maintenance (Per Sq. Ft) | Initial Cost + 10 Years Maintenance | Replacement Cost (Per Sq. Ft) | Frequency of Replacement | Forty Year Cost* | Annual Cost (Per Sq. Ft) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Epoxy Terrazzo | $14.50 | $0.43 | $18.85 | $0.00 | 40 Years | $31.90 | $0.80 |
Sand Cushion Terrazzo | $16.11 | $0.52 | $21.35 | $0.00 | 40 Years | $37.06 | $0.93 |
Monolithic Terrazzo | $9.70 | $0.61 | $19.01 | $0.00 | 40 Years | $37.38 | $0.93 |
Vinyl Sheet | $3.58 | $1.12 | $14.78 | $3.58 | 10 Years | $62.71 | $1.57 |
Carpet | $3.34 | $1.23 | $15.67 | $3.34 | 10 Years | $66.02 | $1.65 |
Vinyl Tile | $1.21 | $1.18 | $13.05 | $1.21 | 10 Years | $53.41 | $1.34 |
Porcelain Tile | $8.06 | $0.98 | $17.88 | $0.00 | 40 Years | $47.37 | $1.18 |
Quarry Tile | $7.25 | $0.98 | $17.08 | $0.00 | 40 Years | $46.56 | $1.16 |
The National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (NTMA) conducted an extensive study, compiling statistics from its own membership, the Institutional Research Associates, US Government Agencies,Sanitary Supply Organization and other agencies, to determine the national average for installation, maintenance and replacement costs of various typical finishes used in hospitals, schools and other institutional facilities.
Note: These figures were compiled and averaged based upon installation costs of interior finish products across the United States. Therefore, they are to be utilized as a guideline to compare average life cycle costs. The actual installed and maintenance costs can vary respectively, (either higher or lower), depending upon the design intricacy and location of the particular project. This chart only focuses on the Southern Region of the United States. Other areas such as New York and California may have higher initial costs and annual costs than other regions.
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)
VCT is popular in schools for its low installation cost. However, this cost advantage is quickly eroded by its frequent and labor-intensive maintenance needs. VCT must be stripped, buffed, and resealed several times a year, requiring both materials and staff time. Over a 10- to 20-year period, the cumulative maintenance costs of VCT often exceed the original installation cost, diminishing its perceived affordability.
Terrazzo Advantage: In contrast, terrazzo requires minimal maintenance. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping are typically all that’s needed to keep the floor in top condition. Terrazzo doesn’t require waxing, or use of harsh cleaning products, translating into significant long-term savings on labor and materials. When considering lifecycle costs, terrazzo’s upfront investment often breaks even with VCT after just 10 years and delivers more savings in the decades that follow.
Carpet
Carpets are appropriate in classrooms or administrative areas due to its comfort and sound-dampening properties. However, carpets tend to wear out quickly, particularly in high-traffic areas. Stains, dirt accumulation, and wear-and-tear from heavy foot traffic necessitate frequent deep cleaning, and carpets often need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, which drives up maintenance costs.
Terrazzo Advantage: Terrazzo’s non-porous surface resists stains and wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways and cafeterias. With proper care, terrazzo can last a lifetime, eliminating the need for frequent replacement and saving schools on cleaning and replacement costs. Each space of a building serves different functions, so evaluating the needs of the space will help determine which flooring system is appropriate.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile offers durability and aesthetic appeal, but grout lines between tiles accumulate dirt and bacteria, requiring regular scrubbing and sealing to maintain hygiene and appearance. Over time, tiles may crack or chip, necessitating costly repairs or replacements.
Terrazzo Advantage: With its seamless surface, terrazzo eliminates the need for grout, making it much easier to clean and maintain. Terrazzo is also more resistant to cracking and chipping compared to ceramic tile, reducing the need for frequent repairs. Its slip-resistant properties can be customized to meet safety requirements, making it a more versatile choice for various school environments.

This chart displays the 40-year cost of each flooring system, which includes its initial cost, replacement costs, and maintenance costs, provided by a study conducted by the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association. 1) As shown, price varies depending on the project’s location. 2) Epoxy terrazzo is favorable in overall costs. Despite the low initial costs of other flooring alternatives, their maintenance costs and frequency of replacements eventually exceeds the overall costs of terrazzo during a 40-year period.
Lifecycle Savings and Sustainability
PK-12 and Higher Education Facilities are moving away from VCT and carpet to lower maintenance high visual impact flooring options like terrazzo and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Schools that invest in terrazzo can significantly reduce their annual maintenance budgets, freeing up funds for other essential needs. Over the lifespan of a terrazzo floor, schools can see a much higher return on investment (ROI) compared to flooring materials that require frequent maintenance, repairs, and replacements.



Pictured Above: At the University of Alabama, epoxy terrazzo is specified for most building projects. Here are three campus buildings featuring terrazzo floor designs incorporating the school’s colors, using TERRAZZCO Brand Products.
Addressing Budget Concerns: Strategies for Cost Efficiency
While architects recognize the benefits of terrazzo, budget constraints often lead to alternative flooring solutions like LVT and polished concrete. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help balance the upfront costs without compromising on quality.


Customization without the High Cost
In the realm of flooring options, the term “custom” often forms images of high-end, expensive solutions. Terrazzo’s design flexibility is a major benefit; however, custom doesn’t have to equate to exorbitant costs.
- Aggregate Selection: The choice of aggregates significantly influences the cost of terrazzo. While premium aggregates may contribute to a higher price, there’s a vast array of cost-effective options that maintain the elegance of terrazzo. By strategically selecting aggregates, the customized design can be achieved without breaking the bank.
- Simplifying Designs: Elaborate designs can contribute to increased labor costs. Simplifying patterns and color schemes not only streamlines the installation process but also reduces the amount of labor required. This approach allows for a customized look that aligns with the school’s aesthetic vision while keeping costs in check.
- Local Sourcing: Opting for locally sourced materials not only supports the community but can also lead to cost savings. By minimizing transportation expenses, school boards can invest more of their budget directly into the quality and customization of the terrazzo itself.
Cost-saving customization strategies include selecting cost-effective aggregates, simplifying patterns, and opting for locally sourced materials. In the end, terrazzo achieves unique cost-efficient designs that reflect a school’s brand and values.

The Terrazzo Value Proposition
Ultimately, terrazzo is more than just a flooring material—it’s an investment in the long-term sustainability, health, and safety of school environments.
Durability and Longevity: Terrazzo’s Strengths for High-Traffic Areas
Terrazzo’s resilience makes it the ideal flooring for schools, where foot traffic is constant. Its hard, non-porous surface resists scratches, stains, and moisture, ensuring it looks new even after years of heavy use. This reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements, minimizing disruptions and lowering costs over time.
The educational sector accounts for nearly half of the total market volume using terrazzo today!
Health and Safety Benefits: Terrazzo’s Contributions to a Healthy Environment
Terrazzo flooring offers significant health and safety benefits, making it a smart choice for schools focused on student and staff well-being. Its non-porous surface naturally resists allergens, mold, and mildew, helping to maintain better indoor air quality. This resistance reduces the accumulation of dust, pollen, and other irritants, which is particularly important in educational environments where respiratory health is a priority.