Terrazzo Floor
Terrazzo is created by exposing marble chips and other fine aggregates on the surface of finished concrete or epoxy-resin. Marble-chip, cementitious terrazzo requires three layers of materials. First, a solid, level concrete foundation is laid 3 to 4 inches deep. Then a 1-inch layer of sandy concrete is applied. Before this layer sets, metal divider strips are embedded wherever there is to be a joint or change of colour in the terrazzo. Finally, a fine marble chip mixture that may be colour-pigmented is applied. While the mixture is still wet, additional marble chips of various colours are sprinkled into each panel and a lightweight roller is applied over the entire surface.
Today, most of the terrazzo installed is epoxy terrazzo. The advantages of this material over cementitious terrazzo include wider selection of colours, lighter weight, faster installation, impermeable finish, higher strength, and less susceptibility to cracking. The disadvantage of epoxy resin based terrazzo is that it can only be used internally not externally. Epoxy based terrazzo will lose its colour and slightly peel when used externally, whereas cement based terrazzo will not.
