About Terrazzo
History, definition, materials, and benefits – the complete educational resource
What Is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo is one of the world’s oldest and most durable flooring systems – a composite material crafted by embedding chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other aggregates into a binder of cement or epoxy, then grinding and polishing the surface to a high sheen.
A Brief History
Terrazzo traces its origins to 15th century Venice, where workers repurposed marble scraps by embedding them in clay. By the Art Deco era it dominated public buildings, airports, and schools across America – most visibly in Miami Beach. Today it is experiencing a major design revival driven by sustainability and distinctive aesthetics.
How It Is Made
- Aggregate selection – Marble, granite, quartz, or glass chips sized 1/8 to 1 inch
- Binder preparation – Epoxy or Portland cement applied to the prepared substrate
- Aggregate seeding – Chips placed into the wet matrix
- Curing – System cures 24 to 72 hours
- Grinding and polishing – Diamond grinders refine surface through multiple grits to desired finish
Years of History
Year Lifespan Minimum
Percent Recycled Content Possible
Years Maintenance Free
Benefits of Terrazzo
Durability
Properly installed terrazzo lasts 75 to 100 years. Many floors from the 1920s are still in service today.
Design Freedom
Virtually unlimited color, pattern, and aggregate combinations. No two floors are exactly alike.
Sustainability
Up to 70 percent recycled content. No adhesives. LEED credit eligible. VOC-free after cure.
Low Maintenance
Seamless surface resists dirt, bacteria, and moisture. No grout lines to harbor mold.
Repairability
Cracks can be filled with matching material and re-ground. Restoration returns floors to like-new.
Lifetime Value
Higher upfront cost but unmatched lifetime value due to durability and minimal maintenance.
Ready to Specify Terrazzo?
Browse Types and Applications, explore Colors and Palettes, or connect with a qualified contractor.