What are terrazzo floors? They are a solid, groutless floor that's actually a blend of one part cement and two parts marble. After pouring this floor (and before the interior walls were framed) the workers would sprinkle marble chips of varying sizes and colors are sprinkled over the floor so that about 70% of the floor is covered with marble chips. The finish can vary from a subtle matte finish to a high gloss. They need not be waxed, are easy care, and can be restored or polished.
Terrazzo floors were popular in Florida homes built in the 1950s. Unfortunately many were later covered with carpet strips and shag carpeting, usually avocado. Today the carpets are being removed and the floors redone (I'm told you shouldn't pull the nails and leave holes, you should cut the nail off at floor level and have the floors refinished. Colors can range from dull, yellowed grays to warm browns and tans to vibrant colors. Check this site for more information, including care.
Terrazzo isn't new - it was used 2,000 years ago in Rome. It was a type of mosaic floor, embedding small pieces of marble into mortar and then polishing. With the current trend for solid surface floors in Florida, this is becoming more popular.
Ines - this is an architectural topic and a Florida one, so please add your education comments.
Hey Sharon, thanks for the invite.
There has been a wave of interest for the Mid-Century Modern homes which used Terrazzo and Cuban Tile (also a poured material that creates a grid and has a grout line). People are going out of their way to rehab these homes and bring them back to their 50's splendor.
Terrazzo is one of my favorite floor finishes because it has such an organic nature to it. The colors as you said can vary but the most spectacular Terrazzo floors are those that have copper expansion lines and create pattern of different colors throughout the space.
There are plenty of Terrazo refinishers everywhere that can help you bring out the original beauty of the floors at a minimal cost. Terrazo is also considered by many to be a cold finish, but I find this to be true only if the color is white or light, with the right accessories they are really gorgeous floors.
Take a look at the colors and patterns from the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association.
wow - terrazo is coming back??? I remember them from my childhood - I will have to do some research into this!!!
Ines - thanks for that link, I am going to check that out!!!
Yes my last home had terrazo floors (under the carpet of coarse). When you want to 'spruce up' your dull covered-forever terrazo floors have someone restore them that uses a diamond buffer.
OMG the floors will be gorgeous! They will shine like glass!
YES YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT WITH THE NAIL HOLES! It cost us about $5 per hole for each hole that had to be filled. Terrazo floors are not cheap, to put them in now would cost a fortune!
Hi, Karen - thanks for stopping by. Yes, trends change. Such a shame to have hardwood or terrazzo carpeted over.
Bryant - glad you have low-maintenance, tenant-proof properties.
Ines - thanks for your additions. I don't remember ever seeing copper expansion lines - perhaps you'll have a chance to post a photo one of these days.
Barbara Jo - lots of things from childhood are coming back - that's the eternal cycling.
Randy - that IS odd.
Katrina - did you uncarpet yours? They can be cool or warm, depending on color - but definitely cool to the feet, which is great here in Florida.
Sharon - I will keep my camera handy
Ines - Thanks!
Patricia - what a shame! You'd think a condo would want the low maintenance of the terrazzo.
Hi Sharon,
Just dropped by to read your interesting blog about TERRAZZO floors. Thanks for sharing the history of it.
Regards,
Brilliant Marble Polishing
Miami, FL
Sharon, Thank you for the blog. I have restored terrazzo for 20 years. To see just how terrazzo can be patched and polished to a marble finish with diamond abrasives for under $3 sq.ft. go to terrazzorestoration.com
Thank you again; Barry Trahan
Finish Line Floors inc.
Glad to have some resources for my readers to check out.
I love terrazzo floors, they look great.
<a href="http://terrazzocleaning.com">Terrazzo</A>