The Most Common Types of Terrazzo Flooring

Terrazzo flooring is versatile, durable and easily maintained.  Additionally, because terrazzo is a composite material, it is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring systems in the market today, plus it has many different types, depending on the materials and methods used.  These are the most commonly used terrazzo flooring systems in the market today:

 

Epoxy Terrazzo

Currently one of the more popular types of terrazzo, epoxy terrazzo is potentially the type with requires the lowest maintenance.  And it is also one of the more versatile types as it can be used for both flooring and counter top installations.  Add to this, the flexibility for design customization is almost limitless – in terms of color combination, the aggregate materials that can be added.  One setback of epoxy terrazzo is that is not advisable for exterior use as it is unable to withstand the harsher weather conditions; otherwise, it makes for stunning interior countertops and flooring.

 

Cement Terrazzo

This type of terrazzo is particularly preferred for areas with high foot traffic like malls, airport terminals, universities because of its durability and the fact that it’s cost-effective and versatile, design-wise.  Preferably, during installation of cementitious terrazzo, weather conditions have to be suitable to ensure that no cracks are formed as a result.  Extreme care should also be taken in mixing, laying out cement terrazzo to ensure that the installation would last as long as 60 years and onwards.

 

Rustic Terrazzo

Much like epoxy terrazzo only more suitable for exterior use because of its smooth and marble-like surface with a rough surface added as a means to increase slip resistance.  Rustic terrazzo can be found more commonly in outdoor areas of hotels, malls, museums, townhouses and most commercial establishments with water features like pools, fountains and man-made waterfalls.

 

Sand Cushion Terrazzo

The most prominent characteristic of this type of terrazzo is its basic construction.  When used as flooring, it is made up of different layers of material – such as wire meshes or reinforcing, isolation sheets and layers of sand.  This is to allow for minor defects whilst preventing mirroring on the surface which makes it perfect for incorporating designs such as logos and works of art with multiple colors.