03 Oct Terrazzo vs VCT: Smart Flooring Choice for Schools
Terrazzo vs VCT Flooring
When selecting flooring for schools, durability, maintenance, cost, and sustainability are top priorities. Two common choices—terrazzo and vinyl composition tile (VCT)—offer different benefits, but one clearly stands out for long-term performance: terrazzo. This article compares terrazzo vs VCT flooring, highlighting why terrazzo is the smarter flooring choice for schools
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a composite material from a mix of marble, granite, glass and other aggregates, set in either a cementitious or epoxy binder. It is poured, cured, ground, and polished to produce a smooth, seamless surface.
VCT
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) is a material made primarily from limestone, plasticizers, and pigments. It is commonly available in square tiles and installed with an adhesive.
Durability and Longevity
Terrazzo’s most significant advantage over VCT is its exceptional durability. Terrazzo is designed to last the entire life of a building, making it a permanent flooring solution that resists wear and tear in even the highest-traffic areas, such as school corridors and common spaces.
VCT, on the other hand, typically needs to be replaced every 15 to 20 years, or sooner in particularly high-traffic environments. This means that schools using VCT may face costly and disruptive flooring replacements multiple times over the life of the building, while terrazzo continues to perform without the need for replacement.
Cost-Effectiveness Over Time
While terrazzo may have a higher initial installation cost compared to VCT, it proves more cost-effective over time. Terrazzo’s long-term savings come from its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. In fact, studies show that terrazzo’s lifecycle costs break even with VCT at around 12.5 years, and from that point on, terrazzo continues to save money.
In contrast, VCT requires regular maintenance, such as stripping, buffing, and waxing, which not only incurs ongoing costs but also increases labor and material expenses. Terrazzo’s low-maintenance nature significantly reduces these recurring costs, making it the more economical choice for schools in the long run.
Terrazzo vs VCT Flooring Case Study: Haltom Middle School
Many schools face the challenge of balancing tight budgets with long-term needs. Haltom Middle School originally choose VCT but later switched to terrazzo years later.
Schools opt for VCT as it has an attractive price tag upfront. What they don’t account for is the hidden costs that come along the lifecycle. For the first few years, VCT looks fine, but then traffic starts wearing down the material. Not only did VCT break down, but it absorbed dirt and moisture. Cleaning costs rise, janitorial staff spend more time on upkeep, and before long, certain areas of the floor need to be replaced entirely.
This cycle tends to repeat itself, and costs start piling up. What once seemed like the least expensive option has become a money pit, draining resources that could be better spent on educational programs and other facility improvements. So when Haltom Middle School replaced VCT with terrazzo, they started looking to the future ultimately saving the school both money and headaches. When schools plan for terrazzo at the start, they make a smart, long-term investment.
Minimal Maintenance Requirements
Terrazzo’s ease of maintenance is a major advantage in school environments where regular cleaning is necessary. Unlike VCT, which demands frequent deep cleaning and refinishing, terrazzo only needs basic routine cleaning to maintain its appearance.
The nonporous, seamless surface of terrazzo resists dirt, microbial growth, and moisture accumulation, contributing to a healthier school environment. Schools can save on cleaning supplies, water usage, and energy consumption, all while reducing the amount of time and labor required to keep the floors looking pristine.
Environmental Sustainability
As sustainability becomes increasingly important in school design, terrazzo stands out as an environmentally friendly flooring option. Terrazzo can incorporate recycled materials and local aggregates, reducing its environmental footprint. Additionally, its long lifespan means fewer replacements, reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste sent to landfills.
Once installed, terrazzo can last the entire lifespan of the building, provided it’s well-maintained over the years. Even when repairs are needed, terrazzo offers a simpler solution compared to other flooring options. Contractors can fix specific areas and seamlessly match the repair to the original design, making it look as good as new. In contrast, repairing other types of flooring often presents more challenges and may require partial or full replacement.
Epoxy terrazzo offers significant construction benefits, especially for school renovations. It can be poured directly over existing surfaces, as long as the underlying substrate is in good condition. This eliminates the need for costly demolition, making it a more efficient and budget-friendly option for upgrading school flooring.
Design Flexibility and Customization
Terrazzo’s design flexibility sets it apart from VCT. With terrazzo, architects and designers can create custom patterns and color schemes that enhance the school’s aesthetic. Whether it’s incorporating school colors or designing wayfinding patterns into the floor, terrazzo allows for unlimited creativity while maintaining a timeless appeal.
VCT, by comparison, offers limited color and pattern options, making it less versatile in achieving unique or sophisticated designs. Terrazzo’s ability to seamlessly blend into any design scheme makes it a superior choice for schools looking to create an inviting and functional space.
Conclusion: Terrazzo – The Smarter Flooring Choice for Schools
When comparing terrazzo vs VCT flooring, the benefits of terrazzo are clear. Its unmatched durability, low-maintenance requirements, cost-effectiveness over time, and environmental sustainability make it the smarter choice for schools. For architects, designers, and decision-makers looking to invest in long-lasting, high-performance flooring, terrazzo offers a solution that balances function, beauty, and long-term savings.
Have questions about terrazzo, and the use of TERRAZZCO Brand Products on your next project? Contact us today.