Historically speaking, terrazzo has been around for hundreds of years since it was first fortuitously discovered by Venetian artisans when they reused discarded marble remnants and mixed them with concrete which resulted in an almost mosaic-like aesthetic and was as sturdy as most of the building materials that were around at that time. Today’s terrazzo is sturdier, more design-flexible and can be used in a variety of applications. One good example of design and use flexibility are terrazzo slabs.
What are terrazzo slabs?
Terrazzo slabs are different-sized prefabricated blocks of terrazzo that are manufactured offsite, for ready installation. These slabs of terrazzo, depending on the application, can be cut according to specification and then transported and installed in their intended location. They can be made in varying thickness as well as design, specifically pattern and color.
Terrazzo Slabs and its Many Applications
Terrazzo slabs can be used for just about anything- from outdoor builds to indoor installations. One very popular use for terrazzo slabs is the kitchen countertop- and rightly so. Terrazzo slabs make for really long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing kitchen countertops. First and perhaps most importantly, terrazzo is known to be exceedingly heat-resistant. This quality alone makes terrazzo slabs perfect for kitchen countertops or worktops especially when they are built around a source of heat such as stoves. Additionally, the need to use rubber or silicone heat pads is eliminated as you can directly place hot pots and pans onto the countertops without worrying about any kind of damage. Also, terrazzo slabs are perfect for kitchen backsplashes too because of their heat-resistant quality.
Terrazzo slabs are also quite popularly used to create outdoor furniture such as benches as they are widely regarded to have the durability and weather-resistance needed for exterior usage. Terrazzo slabs or terrazzo in general is also known to be easy to maintain which is an important consideration when choosing raw materials to be used in uncovered areas such as parks, promenades and other outdoor locations. Unlike its other counterparts, terrazzo does not rot, nor does it rust. Terrazzo slabs can also withstand almost any kind of weather which can be attributed to its resilience and sturdiness.
As modern technology makes more advances, the limit for terrazzo slabs applications is bound to definitely and significantly increase. As it is, as far as design goes, terrazzo already has an almost limitless number of options. Already, we are using a material that was once only meant to be used for flooring for a great number of other things. There is no telling what the future holds for terrazzo and its many uses.
Why Use Terrazzo Slabs
More than just the durability, flexibility in application and design, and its resiliency, the use of terrazzo slabs also has environmental impact. Currently, terrazzo is one of the more environmentally or greener choices for builders and designers for many reasons one of which is it uses recycled materials in its manufacturing. Therefore, there is no additional carbon footprint left.
So, for any future builds or renovations, consider using terrazzo slabs not just for its durability but also for the many advantages you could benefit from.