Commercial Terrazzo Contractor Services

Developing a custom terrazzo sample is a simple process. First, you’ll simply select a color for the epoxy or binder, you can send us a piece of anything you see or have on your desk for color matching or to expedite the process choose any paint or pantone color. Next select colors of the aggregates, we can direct you a quarry website or let us know some general colors you like and how much of those colors you want to see in your sample by percentage equaling 100%. Finally, the size of the aggregates, this will determine the thickness of your terrazzo floor sizes, sizes range from a granular 1/8” to 3/4″. This is enough information to for us to make an initial sample and then you can revise and tweak from there as you want.

Poured in Place Epoxy Terrazzo, in general, is a repetitive process, which makes scheduling for a construction manager very user friendly. All types of terrazzo starts with preparing the substrate, which is considered the most important step, this would include mechanically profiling to achieve an adequate bond & at a minimum applying a primer and an anti-fracture membrane at visible substrate cracks and joints. The next step is laying out your divider and terrazzo expansion strips, typically the craftworker would work from a center line, follow the approved dimensions of shop drawings and use a chalk box to mark or “snap” where the divider strips will be cut & placed per the design or substrate parameters . Once the strips are installed and permanently secured to the substrate via epoxy, the blended aggregate and two part epoxy is mixed in a mortar mixer on site and the craftworkers hand trowel the product and then flatten or “close” the product with a power trowel. Once all colors/mix designs are troweled in between and to the top of the strips and cured (typically one day), this step can continue to the next adjacent area or the grinding process can commence which includes a series of grinding levels, a grout coat with the matching resin color and a final polish and seal.

Terrazzo is custom product; therefore, the end user has a great deal of control over the cost. Terrazzo is installed in all types of construction projects. It can be selected as a one color resin with 2 or 3 marbles & installed as a ¼” thick system. This suites well for a public school specifying solely for functionality, longevity, budget and a timeless look. Or, it can be a show stopper piece in a boutique store or casino used solely as the focal point and higher percentage of the overall budget driven to the terrazzo finish.

With the proper substrate and maintenance, terrazzo would last the life cycle of the building.

All below systems are part of the terrazzo family, meaning, they have many similarities but different attributes making them unique. All the below will share a many common installation procedures, they will require proper substrate preparation, have a binder and aggregate and need to be ground, polished and sealed.

Epoxy Terrazzo is a seamless flooring system composed of decorative aggregates bound in a two-part liquid matrix. This matrix consists of a colored resin and a catalyst, which, when mixed in the proper ratio, cures into a durable, hardened surface. Known for its virtually limitless color options, monolithic (joint-free) finish, exceptional design flexibility, and ease of maintenance, epoxy terrazzo is often the preferred choice for designers. The standard installation thickness is 3/8 inch, though it can also be installed at 1/4 inch with the same warranty.

Cement Terrazzo (Sand Cushion) is the original terrazzo & remains viable today. Same principle of epoxy terrazzo, but in lieu of epoxy, cement and water are used as the binder. The cement can contain dye to achieve a limited amount of colors while aggregate selection is comparable to all terrazzo systems. Typically, the substrate is a screed bed installed by the terrazzo contractor. Below the screed bed is a dusting of sand & plastic to allow the system to work independently of the substrate. The terrazzo topping is troweled tightly to the height of the embedded divider strips and then rolled and sprinkled with aggregate to compact and strengthen the system. Extended cure times require waiting before the grinding process. This should be considered before specifying, along with limited pattern design & thickness/weight considerations.

Venetian Terrazzo utilizes larger aggregates, typically up to 5/8”, at times ¾” in granule size to achieve a terrazzo surface in which the desired look is to see the aggregate in greater sized proportions.

Palladiana terrazzo utilizes broken marble that is hand set in varies sizes, being consistent or irregular/natural and the terrazzo is troweled into the joints. Standard grinding/polishing applies as part of this terrazzo installation procedure.

Yes, epoxy terrazzo is VOC Compliant, can incorporate post-consumer recycled aggregate and raw materials can typically be manufactured within a 500 mile radius of onsite installation. Many manufacturers now offer red less free resins.

Terrazzo can be used for both interior and exterior applications, Terrazzo can be used on floors, steps, walls; basically all vertical and horizontal applications.

Terrazzo aggregate are available in marble, granite, glass, plastic, metal shavings and premium exotics, such a mother of pearl seashell and semi-precious stone. Sizing can vary from as small as sand to stones the size of a golf ball. Quarrys are based both domestically and internationally, crushing large blocks of stone in numerous colors and granular sizes.

Divider strips are available in aluminum, zinc, brass and color matched plastic. Depths vary from ¼” to 1” and width from 16G to custom sizing as wide as 2 or 3 inch bars. ADA compliant reducer strips are available as well to meet adjacent thin finishes.

Terrazzo patching starts with either having a small piece of the existing terrazzo or, if not available, visiting the project to examine the installed work. Aggregate sizing and color is closely examined and a suitable match is obtained. Original Resin or Cement color is found by removing the existing sealer. A sample is made and then compared to the existing terrazzo. Changes are made until a suitable match is obtained. The patch area is then prepared for a proper bond, terrazzo is troweled, and then ground, polished, and sealed.

Terrazzo is available in a matte or gloss finish. This is accomplished by choosing the appropriate grit finish during the polishing process and with topical sealers.

Terrazzo steps are typically installed over metal, concrete, or can be welded to embedded L angles along the stringer. Types of terrazzo steps range from flat tread, 2-piece separate tread and riser unit, or a single piece tread and riser unit. Landing and stingers are available. Abrasive inserts near the nosing of the tread can be a colored anti-skid epoxy, metal or luminous.

Terrazzo patterns are defined by the placement of divider strips and the selection and distribution of topping colors. For strip layout, it is typically recommended to install a narrow, coordinating terrazzo strip with a flexible filler directly over substrate joints. From there, divider strips can be arranged in straight lines, curves, or intricate layouts to create detailed logos or artwork.

The first step is selecting the correct binder or background color, similar to matching a paint color. Once the base tone is established, the next step is carefully analyzing the aggregate, including its colors, sizes, and distribution percentages. By replicating these elements precisely, you can create a poured-in-place terrazzo sample that blends seamlessly and appears virtually indistinguishable from the original material.

Yes, resin and binder colors are limitless and aggregate colors and sizes have a wide range of variety.

Keep it simple: remove dust and debris with a dust mop or vacuum. Clean the floor using water and a pH-balanced soap mixed according to recommended ratios, then rinse thoroughly. In most commercial settings, an automatic scrubber can handle all of these steps in one process.

Yes, its seamless, non-porous surface prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew. A matching terrazzo sanitary cove base is available as an added step at the perimeter of the room.

Precast terrazzo tile thickness varies depending on the overall dimensions and application requirements. Larger tiles typically require greater thickness for structural integrity and durability. In contrast, poured-in-place terrazzo systems can be installed as thin as ¼ inch and can extend continuously between divider strips, allowing for a seamless appearance across large areas.

Terrazzo is highly customizable, with many aggregate color options available within 2–3 days, along with epoxy or cement binders and divider strips. This allows the terrazzo contractor to begin mobilization and prep work before the initial materials arrive on site.

A 3/8” thick epoxy terrazzo floor weighs approximately 4 Lbs per Square Foot.

At ¼” thick, terrazzo provides longevity greater than comparable thin floor finishes.

Crack prevention begins with evaluating the substrate for potential movement, both vertically & horizontally.

For new concrete, Substrate joints should be strategically installed & incorporated into the terrazzo design and addressed to accommodate the potential & planned movement. The terrazzo contractor can install a thin rigid but flexible filler (matched to the adjacent epoxy color) between two narrow divider strips to aid the substrate movement & overall design.

Commonly, for renovation projects with older existing substrates, the engineers & terrazzo contractor can access the current conditions by examining the concrete or existing finish and provide a plan to the design team.

Moisture mitigation systems, underlayments for flattening. leveling and flashing & membranes can be incorporated into the terrazzo system.

Additionally, factors such a temperature change, radiant heat, thickness and bond of slab & proper substrate preparation must be carefully considered.