Last updated on April 21st, 2023
Terrazzo may have caught the imagination of designers in 2023, however, these tiles have been around for centuries. The origin of terrazzo tiles is said to be in Venice; where these tiles were popularly used in home flooring in the 1400s. While unimaginative terrazzo patterns were a staple in Indian households in the 60s and 70s, this fabulous material has morphed into a delectable style statement.
While terrazzo is undoubtedly a unique element, because of its variety of colors and patterns, a lot of thought is needed before incorporating these tiles in your home décor. Let’s dig deep into the world of terrazzo and find out more.
What is Terrazzo?
This hardy material is made up of different types of stone particles such as quartz, granite, marble, and sometimes even glass. This mixture of colorful elements is held together by concrete or resin. As size and choice of particles decide the look, you have a vast array of patterns to choose from.
Is Terrazzo Suitable for Your Flooring?
To get a better grip on the feasibility of this material, let’s look at the pros and cons:
The advantages
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It’s long-lasting; so much so, that your grandchildren will probably enjoy your flooring too!
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It doesn’t fade easily and by and large; it’s stain, crack, and chip-resistant.
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Easy to maintain, all you need is regular sweeping and mopping to keep it pristine.
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With the vast range of shades and patterns to choose from, you are spoilt for choice.
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Suitable for all weather patterns, you can use it outdoors too.
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It’s eco-friendly as it uses up the waste of glass, marble, and quartz bits and pieces.
The downside
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Terrazzo may be low maintenance, but you will have to get it resealed every few years to maintain its glorious look. This can be a bit expensive and troublesome.
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This material is a great option for tropical countries. But the flooring can get very chilly in cold climates.
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Freshly installed terrazzo tiles can get slippery. The same goes for water spills on terrazzo flooring. So you need to rethink the idea if you have elderly parents staying with you. If you still have your heart set on it, use it in places not frequented by them.
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Expertise is needed in installation, and it’s best to hire knowledgeable contractors to do the job.
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Depending on the quality of the product, there might be some pitting over the years. So do your research before making a purchase.
Tips on Getting it Right
Too much terrazzo will overwhelm your décor. So, to avoid seeing spots before your eyes, use it judiciously. If your flooring is terrazzo, avoid using it on other surfaces. And hey, terrazzo on the flooring and on the walls can produce an astounding effect. But to wing it, you need a professional touch, so it’s best to avoid it.
Contrasts of terrazzo and other materials can amp up your look. So, choose wisely. An easy way to get a fabulous décor is by picking the colors on your terrazzo chips and using them as your color palette. A hint of terrazzo in choice areas can give you a better impact, as this element will accentuate the rest of the design.
Terrazzo Uses
Terrazzo is used in terraces, staircases, and flooring. Interesting artifacts made from terrazzo are also popular. For your flooring, you can select your tiles and install them, or opt for in-situ installation. This means the mixture of resin and chips will be poured onto your floor and polished once it’s dry. This can be a messy affair, so think it through before taking the plunge.
Summing Up
Once you feast your eyes on this magnificent style statement, you may be tempted to rip out your perfectly good flooring and get some terrazzo! But hey, you don’t need to go that far. If you have a yen for terrazzo, we can help you introduce this element in choice areas of your home without disturbing its essence. For more interesting trends doing the rounds, log in to homebliss.in.
