SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL: TERRAZZO
DEFINITION
Terrazzo is a hard material composed of an aggregate and binder that has infinite design
possibilities.
PRODUCT APPLICATIONS
This product can be applied as a floor surface anywhere there is high amounts of traffic,
including stairs, as well as being used for countertops, vanities, table tops, and shower bases.
It is most commonly used in commercial and industrial settings.
Popularly installed in:
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Airports
Cafeterias
Hospitals
Locker Rooms
Museums
Office Buildings
Restaurants
Schools
Shopping Malls
Stadiums
CONTENT OPTIONS
1. Binder
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Cement—i.e. Portland Cement
Cement mixes with recycled fly ash and/or slag
Cement alternative—i.e. Epoxy, Polyester, Resin
Cement + Alternative mixture—i.e. Polyacrylic modified Portland Cement
2. Aggregate
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Marble Chips
Byproducts
Glass
All calcareous, serpentine and other natural stones capable of being ground and
well-polished—i.e. Quartz, Granite, Quartzite and Silica pebbles
Metal
Mother of Pearl
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Plastic
Porcelain
PRODUCT OPTIONS
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Binder Tint
Metal or Plastic Dividers—for design flexibility
Aggregate Color
Aggregate Polish/Luster
Terrazzo Finish/Sealant
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL OPTIONS
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100% recycled post-consumer glass
98% recycled industrial glass—which has no other recycling market—can be melted and
colored
20% recycled plastic aggregate
Recycled metal divider strips
Recycled fly ash
Can contain old tub/sink porcelain chips
EMISSIONS
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Inorganic based binders contain no VOCs
There is little to no off-gassing over the life of the cured floor
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Materials are pulled and collected from local and regional companies. This aids in reducing
costs and transportation. Glass from local projects and recycling programs aims to eliminate
mining from the manufacturing process. All the mixing and pouring takes place on site,
including the mixing of the binders, the mixing of the aggregate, smoothing, curing, and
polishing. Doing this reduces waste, transportation and costs.
1. Aggregate is mixed with matrix in a 2 to 1 ratio.
2. The mixture is poured in place.
3. Additional aggregate is sprinkled on top.
4. The mixture is then troweled.
5. The terrazzo cures for at least three days.
6. The terrazzo is ground on a water-coated surfaced.
MAINTENANCE
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Dust mop daily to remove grit.
Scrub floors at least twice a week for the initial two to three months. Reduce scrubbing
the floors to once a week.
Seal with a water-based acrylic sealer.
DO NOT USE:
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Purely surface wax
All-purpose sealers
All-purpose cleaners with water soluble inorganic or crystallizing salts
Alkali acids
PROTECTION AND RESISTANCE
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Due to no seams or grout, there is no space for mold, mildew and bacteria to grow. This
helps to improve the indoor air quality.
Terroxy Resin Matrixes (TRM)—epoxy resin systems—are resistant to chemicals, oils,
grease and bacteria.
TRM also keeps color lasting and prevents from wearing thin.
RESTORATION
Typically terrazzo floors last the lifetime of the building, which is approximately 40 years.
However, one can restore the original luster of the floor instead of replacing it, saving lots of
money. Periodic stripping and resealing can be done with environmentally friendly water-based
products.