Invented by Venetian mosaic workers in the 15th Century, Terrazzo is a solid surface material which is versatile and can take many forms. Traditionally, you make Terrazzo by putting marble chips into a cement base then ground flat it with a topical sealer. However, modern Terrazzo can be produced using different processes and polished without coating.
Terrazzo is often associated with contemporary design and was very popular in the mid-20th century. It lost popularity in the 70’s and 80′ but made a comeback due to demand for solid surface flooring that was easier to maintain. The main difference between Terrazzo and traditional tile flooring is that with Terrazzo there are no grout lines to clean so this alone provides a much healthier environment. Terrazzo is also a more permanent solution for flooring and is widely customizable.
Modern Terrazzo is made with cement and some type of aggregate, which is usually marble. If marble isn’t the chosen aggregate then alternatives include recycled glass and metallic, as well as the more expensive option of mother of pearl. Finishing modern Terrazzo without the use of coatings and sealers has been a modern day choice for most and this proves to be an environmentally friendly option.
Thanks to its timeless beauty and versatility, modern Terrazzo has been rediscovered by contemporary architects and designers to create floors, counters, bars, table tops and other vanities.