About Terrazzo

Terrazzo is a composite material made by setting chips of marble, granite, glass, or other stones into a cement or resin binder, then grinding and polishing the surface to reveal a mosaic-like pattern. Invented in 15th-century Venice as a way to reuse stone remnants, terrazzo has experienced a major design renaissance in modern architecture and interior design.

Two fundamentally different types exist. Traditional (Venetian) terrazzo uses a cement binder with marble or stone chips, typically 3-6mm in size. This type is calcareous and acid-sensitive - it must be treated like marble. The cement matrix has medium porosity and absorbs stains if unsealed. Modern resin-based (epoxy) terrazzo uses a synthetic binder that is non-porous, chemically resistant, and available in virtually any colour. Resin terrazzo requires less maintenance but still benefits from proper care.

The grinding and polishing process is critical to terrazzo's appearance. After installation, the surface is ground through progressively finer grits (typically 50, 100, 200, 400, 800) to achieve the desired finish level. Higher grit numbers produce more shine. This same grinding process is used for restoration - a skilled terrazzo craftsman can restore a 100-year-old floor to like-new condition.

Chip size affects both appearance and maintenance: small chips (3-6mm) create a fine, uniform pattern; large aggregate (15-25mm) creates bold, dramatic patterns but has more surface area prone to differential wear between chip and binder. Glass chips add translucency and sparkle but require specialised polishing.

Properly maintained terrazzo floors can last 75+ years, making it one of the most sustainable flooring options available. Many terrazzo floors in European public buildings, churches, and train stations have been in continuous use for over a century.