How to Design Terrazzo Flooring for Outdoor Spaces: Tips and Considerations

 Terrazzo Flooring is one of the most durable flooring materials available. It is also incredibly versatile and beautiful. It can be poured in-situ or pre-made into tiles and is available in a wide variety of aggregate materials, colors and finishes.

 The tile flooring, that price will be significantly less

It is not inexpensive however and requires a skilled professional to install. If you choose the poured in-situ option, expect to pay between $20 and $100 a square foot. If you opt for the tile flooring, that price will be significantly less, but still not cheap.

A well-formed and level surface

The process of installing terrazzo begins with a concrete slab or subfloor, preferably a well-formed and level surface. The installers then add a wire reinforcement layer and an isolation layer of sand to prevent movement between the concrete slab and the terrazzo. Then a mixture of cement and various ground materials, such as marble, granite and quartz are added to the mix to create the terrazzo composite material. This is then placed over the concrete subfloor.

 Remove any bumps and create a perfectly flat surface

Workers spread the terrazzo using a special machine called a float that creates a smooth, even surface. The terrazzo is then polished with huge grinding machines to remove any bumps and create a perfectly flat surface. Finally the terrazzo is sealed to protect it from damage and to make cleaning easy.

While terrazzo is a traditional flooring choice for public buildings, it is becoming more and more popular in private homes. It can be used to create a stunning focal point, or as an accent to existing floors in a home, and it is perfect for creating a modern industrial or minimalist look. It is also very durable and can withstand heavy traffic, as well as the elements.

Because terrazzo is non-porous and water-resistant, it resists mold growth, bacteria and other microorganisms. It is also very easy to clean with a damp mop and neutral cleaners. This creates a hygienic and healthy floor that is safe to walk on and for people of all ages to use.

 Strong market for terrazzo

The hospitality industry is another strong market for terrazzo. It is visually stunning and can be customized to include company logos or other design elements. The use of color transitions and state-of-the-art water jet cutting can create a unique hotel floor that immediately impacts guests. It is also anti-microbial and works well with underfloor heating systems.

Conclusion

While Terrazzo Flooring is most commonly associated with luxury hotels, it is now being specified for corporate offices, schools and other public buildings. It is an environmentally friendly flooring material and is ideal for green building construction. Terrazzo is also highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. It is not uncommon for a terrazzo floor to last 20 or more years with only minor maintenance. This makes a terrazzo floor a long-term investment for your facility.