Terrazzo
Terrazzo has a wide range of applications beyond flooring and worktops and works across many different styles.
Applications of Terrazzo
Terrazzo has a wide range of applications beyond flooring and worktops and works across many different styles.
Terrazzo is one of the most versatile surface materials available, offering durability, visual interest, and design flexibility. While it is widely known for flooring and countertops, terrazzo is increasingly used across walls, furniture, and decorative elements in both residential and commercial interiors.
Its ability to adapt to different styles, colours, and formats makes terrazzo a powerful design tool for architects and interior designers.
Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo flooring remains one of the most popular applications due to its exceptional durability and longevity. It performs well in high-traffic environments such as airports, hotels, retail spaces, and public buildings.
Designers can use terrazzo floors to create subtle, neutral surfaces or bold statement designs using colour, pattern, and aggregate size. Large-scale chips create dramatic visual impact, while fine aggregates deliver a refined, minimalist look.
Terrazzo Countertops and Work Surfaces
Terrazzo countertops are widely used in kitchens, bathrooms, bars, and reception desks. They offer a durable, low-porosity surface that resists stains and wear when properly sealed. (The surface will still etch with acidic content so caution must still be taken)
In contemporary interiors, terrazzo countertops often feature clean lines and monochrome palettes. In more expressive designs, contrasting aggregates and coloured binders create standout focal points.
Terrazzo Walls and Feature Panels
Terrazzo walls introduce texture and visual depth without overwhelming a space. They are commonly used as feature walls in hotels, offices, restaurants, and residential interiors.
Wall-mounted terrazzo can be fabricated as large panels or tiles, allowing for consistent patterns and controlled joint placement. Lighter terrazzo mixes work well in smaller spaces, while darker or more colourful designs add drama to larger interiors.
Terrazzo Backsplashes
Terrazzo backsplashes are a popular choice in kitchens and bathrooms, offering both practicality and aesthetic appeal. They provide a durable, easy-to-clean surface while adding character and colour.
Designers often pair terrazzo backsplashes with natural wood, matte cabinetry, or minimalist fixtures to balance texture and simplicity. Subtle terrazzo blends suit calm, modern kitchens, while bold chips complement expressive or retro-inspired designs.
Terrazzo Furniture
Terrazzo is increasingly used in bespoke furniture pieces such as tables, benches, shelving, and seating. Its weight and durability make it ideal for statement furniture that doubles as sculptural art.
In commercial settings, terrazzo furniture is commonly found in hotel lobbies, cafés, and public spaces where durability and impact are equally important.
Custom terrazzo furniture allows designers to experiment with shape, colour, and aggregate combinations, creating one-of-a-kind pieces.
Terrazzo Staircases and Architectural Elements
Terrazzo stair treads, risers, and landings offer a seamless, hard-wearing solution for multi-level spaces. Matching floors, stairs, and walls can create a cohesive architectural language throughout a building.
Other architectural elements include window cills, skirting, columns, and balustrades, all of which can be fabricated from terrazzo for design continuity.
Decorative and Artistic Terrazzo Features
Terrazzo is frequently used for decorative elements such as wall art, signage, planters, and integrated seating. Logos, patterns, and geometric designs can be cast directly into the surface, making terrazzo ideal for branding and wayfinding.
Smaller terrazzo objects, such as trays, lighting bases, and accessories, are also popular in residential interiors, adding subtle texture and personality.
Terrazzo in Different Design Styles
Art Deco
Art Deco interiors embrace terrazzo for its bold patterns, geometric motifs, and rich colour combinations. High-contrast aggregates, metallic accents, and symmetrical designs reflect the glamour and craftsmanship of the era.
Terrazzo floors and walls in Art Deco spaces often feature strong borders, repeated patterns, and dramatic colour palettes.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-Century Modern design pairs terrazzo with clean lines, organic forms, and warm materials. Neutral terrazzo with subtle aggregates works well alongside timber, brass, and muted colours.
Furniture and countertops in terrazzo complement the functional yet expressive nature of Mid-Century interiors.
Contemporary and Minimalist Design
In contemporary spaces, terrazzo is often used in a refined and understated way. Large-format terrazzo slabs with minimal aggregate variation create calm, cohesive interiors.
Monochrome terrazzo surfaces are commonly paired with concrete, glass, and metal to achieve a modern, architectural aesthetic.
Eclectic and Creative Interiors
Terrazzo thrives in eclectic environments where colour, texture, and individuality are celebrated. Designers mix bright binders, oversized aggregates, and unexpected combinations to create playful, expressive spaces.
This approach is popular in creative studios, boutique retail, and hospitality interiors.
Terrazzo vs Alternative Natural Stones
Terrazzo offers unmatched durability, design freedom, and long-term value, particularly for large-scale and high-traffic applications. Granite provides strength and heat resistance, marble delivers natural luxury, and concrete offers affordability and industrial appeal.
Choosing the right material depends on performance requirements, aesthetic goals, maintenance expectations, and budget. Understanding these differences ensures the best outcome for each project.
When selecting a surface material, understanding how terrazzo compares to other commonly specified materials such as granite, marble, and concrete is essential. Each material offers distinct advantages and limitations depending on the application, environment, and design intent.
Terrazzo vs Granite
Overview
Terrazzo is a composite material made from aggregates set in a cement or resin binder, while granite is a natural igneous stone quarried in large blocks and cut into slabs.
Pros of Terrazzo Compared to Granite
Terrazzo offers far greater design flexibility than granite. Colour, aggregate size, and pattern can be fully customised, allowing for branding, graphics, and bespoke layouts.
Terrazzo can be installed seamlessly over large areas, making it ideal for expansive commercial floors where joints would otherwise interrupt the design.
It is typically lighter and thinner (especially epoxy terrazzo), which can be advantageous in multi-storey buildings.
Cons of Terrazzo Compared to Granite
Terrazzo relies heavily on proper installation and substrate preparation. Poor installation can lead to cracking or delamination.
Granite is generally more resistant to heat and physical impact, making it better suited to kitchens where hot cookware is frequently used.
Best Applications
Terrazzo: Commercial floors, public buildings, decorative walls
Granite: Kitchen countertops, exterior paving, high-impact surfaces
Terrazzo vs. Marble
Overview
Marble is a metamorphic natural stone prized for its veining and elegance, while terrazzo combines stone aggregates with binders for performance and design control.
Pros of Terrazzo Compared to Marble
Terrazzo is significantly more durable and resistant to staining and scratching. Marble is porous and easily etched by acids, while terrazzo (especially epoxy-based) performs better in demanding environments.
Terrazzo requires less maintenance over time and is more forgiving in high-traffic areas.
Cost-wise, terrazzo can be more economical for large surface areas, particularly when custom colours and patterns are required.
Cons of Terrazzo Compared to Marble
Marble offers a natural luxury aesthetic that terrazzo cannot replicate. Its veining and depth are unique and highly valued in premium residential interiors.
Marble is often preferred for feature elements where visual impact is prioritised over durability.
Best Applications
Terrazzo: Airports, schools, retail spaces, large-scale interiors
Marble: Bathrooms, feature walls, fireplaces, luxury interiors
Terrazzo vs. Concrete
Overview
Concrete is a cement-based material commonly used for structural and decorative surfaces, while terrazzo refines concrete by incorporating aggregates and polishing.
Pros of Terrazzo Compared to Concrete
Terrazzo offers superior aesthetic control, with consistent finishes, refined textures, and decorative aggregates.
It is more durable in finished form, with better resistance to cracking and surface wear when properly installed.
Terrazzo is also easier to maintain, as polished terrazzo surfaces resist dusting and surface degradation common with concrete.
Cons of Terrazzo Compared to Concrete
Concrete is generally more cost-effective for large, utilitarian spaces where aesthetics are secondary.
Concrete offers a more industrial, raw appearance that some design styles prefer over terrazzo’s refined finish.
Best Applications
Terrazzo: Commercial interiors, hospitality spaces, decorative floors
Concrete: Warehouses, industrial buildings, minimalist interiors
Application-Based Comparison Summary
Flooring
Terrazzo outperforms marble and concrete in high-traffic areas due to its durability and low maintenance. Granite is better for exterior flooring and extreme wear conditions.
Countertops
Granite is the best option for kitchens due to heat resistance. Terrazzo works well for bathrooms, bars, and reception desks. Marble is better suited for low-use, decorative surfaces.
Walls and Feature Elements
Terrazzo and marble both excel for feature walls. Terrazzo allows for colour and pattern customisation, while marble delivers natural elegance.
Commercial Spaces
Terrazzo is the preferred choice for airports, schools, and hospitals due to its lifespan, hygiene, and design versatility.
Environmental Impact of Terrazzo
Terrazzo is widely recognised as one of the most sustainable hard surface materials available. Its long lifespan, low maintenance requirements, and high recycled content make it a strong choice for environmentally responsible design in both commercial and residential projects.
When specified and installed correctly, terrazzo supports sustainable construction goals while delivering exceptional performance and design flexibility.
High Recycled Content
One of terrazzo’s most significant sustainability advantages is its use of recycled materials. Terrazzo aggregates commonly include recycled marble, granite, glass, porcelain, and post-industrial waste.
Depending on the mix design, terrazzo systems often contain 20% to 70% recycled content, with some formulations exceeding this range. Recycled glass aggregates, in particular, can significantly increase recycled content percentages.
This reuse of materials reduces demand for newly quarried stone and helps divert waste from landfill.
Long Lifespan and Durability
Terrazzo is designed to last for decades—often the entire lifespan of a building. Many terrazzo floors installed over 50 to 100 years ago remain in use today.
This longevity significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with replacement, refurbishment, and material disposal. Fewer replacements mean lower embodied carbon over time compared to short-life flooring materials.
Durability also makes terrazzo ideal for high-traffic environments such as schools, hospitals, airports, and public buildings.
Low Maintenance and Reduced Chemical Use
Terrazzo requires minimal ongoing maintenance. Its polished surface does not require waxes, coatings, or harsh chemical cleaners.
Routine cleaning typically involves neutral cleaners and water, reducing the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and environmentally harmful substances over the life of the surface.
This contributes to healthier indoor environments and lower operational environmental impact.
Indoor Air Quality Benefits
Modern terrazzo systems, particularly epoxy terrazzo, are formulated with low or zero VOC binders, supporting improved indoor air quality.
This makes terrazzo suitable for environments with strict air quality requirements, such as healthcare, education, and commercial interiors.
Low-emitting materials contribute to healthier spaces for occupants and maintenance staff.
LEED and Green Building Certifications
Terrazzo can contribute to multiple credits under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification programs, including LEED v4 and v4.1.
Common LEED credit contributions include:
Materials and Resources (MR) – Recycled Content
Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (BPDO) – Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
Low-Emitting Materials – VOC compliance
Durability and Lifecycle Impact Reduction
Many terrazzo manufacturers provide EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) and HPDs (Health Product Declarations) to support transparent material reporting.
Reduced Waste Through On-Site Installation
Poured-in-place terrazzo generates very little waste compared to tile-based systems. Excess material can often be reused within the installation process.
Precast terrazzo elements are manufactured in controlled environments, allowing for precise material use and minimal production waste.
Both approaches support efficient resource management on construction sites.
Compatibility with Sustainable Design Strategies
Terrazzo works well with other sustainable building strategies, including:
Underfloor heating systems
Passive solar design
Daylighting strategies due to light-reflective surfaces
Adaptive reuse and renovation projects
Its reflective qualities can improve natural light distribution, potentially reducing lighting energy demands.
Responsible Sourcing
Many terrazzo aggregates are sourced as by-products of the stone industry, including offcuts from marble and granite processing.
This responsible sourcing approach maximises the value of extracted materials and reduces the environmental impact associated with quarrying.
Summary
Terrazzo’s sustainability lies in its high recycled content, exceptional lifespan, low maintenance, and certification compatibility. With recycled content often ranging from 20% to 70%, support for LEED certification, and minimal long-term environmental impact, terrazzo is a forward-thinking material for sustainable construction.
For projects prioritising durability, health, and environmental responsibility, terrazzo remains one of the most environmentally sound surface choices available
Terrazzo Splashback
shutterstock Terrazzo Bespoke Shelf
Terrazzo Feature Wall
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