We need to bring back Terrazzo.

Aug 1

You’ve probably seen terrazzo before. In stores, schools, mid-century homes. It’s sturdy & speckled (great for hiding dirt in those public buildings). But it can also be absolutely beautiful. Let’s talk about why we should bring back terrazzo and show its versatility in range of looks.

Terrrazo Mid Century Bathroom — Via Architectural Digest / Photo by Claire Thomas

Moody Terrazzo Dining Room — Via Elle Decor / Photos by Stephen Kent Johnson

Feminine Terrazzo Flooring — Via Oh Joy! / Photo by Bethany Nauert

Cream and Green Terrazzo Modern Kitchen — Via Arch Daily / by Studio Jayga Architects / Photo by Marcus Peel

Mid Century Modern Terrazzo Yellow Bathroom — Via Dwell

So- what is terrazzo?

In its traditional form, terrazzo is chunks of natural stones suspended in concrete, smoothed and polished until it forms a beautiful flat, nonporous surface. Nowadays we have expanded the materials used, with epoxy used as the binder instead of concrete, and glass, shell, plastic, or any solid material as the chips. In many DIY terrazzo projects you’ll also see colored concrete used as the chips, since most people have no way to polish down chunks of granite.

What does it look like?

Nowadays honestly it can look like anything. By its definition, quartz countertops (Engineered Quartz) could be considered terrazzo, as it is pieces of quartz suspended in epoxy. You’ll see traditional terrazzo of natural stone in concrete, and modern terrazzo using glass and plastic for brightly colored countertops. Terrazzo can be wildly colorful or beautifully muted. That’s kind of the great thing about terrazzo, you can make it whatever you want.

What’s the environmental impact?

The environmental impact of terrazzo is lower compared to other counter & flooring materials. It is, by nature, made of scraps. Some modern styles use larger chunks (typically these are not natural stone scraps), but most use very small pieces about the size of a bean & smaller. This is a wonderful way to reuse what would otherwise be considered waste.

Especially when used as flooring and manufactured in place, it will last the lifetime of the building. Sealed & polished it can withstand all the foot traffic and daily cleanings. I’ve seen terrazzo in schools almost a hundred years old, still looking fantastic.

Of course it does require the creation of a new material, and concrete and epoxy aren’t good for the environment. But if you’re in need of a floor or counter and don’t have materials to reuse, terrazzo is a great choice that has extreme longevity.

So how do you put terrazzo in your home?

I’ve found in Chicago it can be a bit hard to find someone who does terrazzo. We’re a central location for stone distributors so it has lower transportation costs and quick turnaround - very popular. You’ll have to do a lot of research if you’re DIYing and don’t have a contractor. Don’t be afraid to call companies nearby and ask if they do terrazzo or if they could refer you to a company that does.

A much easier way to add terrazzo is with terrazzo tile. They are much more easily available, even at Home Depot & Lowes! A couple other great sources are Cle Tile, Cemento, TileBar, Riad Tile, Wayfair, even Etsy.

Other options for that terrazzo look are contact paper, wallpaper, fabric, knobs, trays, table tops, or pretty much anything else you can find on etsy.