How to Know which Terrazzo Flooring System to Use for Your Living or Workspace
Terrazzo flooring is considered one of the most customizable and design flexible flooring system available. Apart from having a virtually limitless number of colour combinations, the type of installation can also make a difference in the final outcome of the living or work space. Terrazzo flooring can be done two ways – in situ and tiles.
In situ
In situ is perfect for more design heavy applications. This is because in situ is poured onsite and is not limited by the shape like terrazzo tiles. It is the ideal flooring for businesses who wish to incorporate their logos or brand names or company colours into their surroundings. Moreover, with the help of Waterjet technology, the potential for an even wider range of designs and applications are opened up.
In situ also has three kinds of finishes:
- Honed anti-slip finish – for this kind of finish, the terrazzo flooring is ground on site to a honed finish with a non-slip additive augmented into the fabrication process. Ideally, it is recommended that for this in situ finish, darker colours should be used.
- Machine polished finish – this kind of flooring finish is achieved by grounding and machine polishing the terrazzo on site ideally with a penetrating sealer. This kind of terrazzo flooring is perfect for areas that do not have a high foot traffic volume.
- Sealed polished finish – this is ideally the kind of terrazzo flooring finish for commercial retail applications. The flooring system is ground on site after which a protective sealer is applied over it.
Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are perfect for terrazzo flooring projects that require less design-flexibility. This type of flooring system is most commonly used in airports, health institutions, commercial retail spaces, and many more. Terrazzo tiles however unlike other flooring systems are installed, grouted and then machine polished on site. What this accomplishes is a seamless terrazzo flooring system that is virtually impervious to water, easily maintained and can withstand high volumes of foot traffic.