What is an Epoxy Terrazzo Floor?

This type of floor covering dates back to the 1500s making it one of the oldest varieties of decorative floor coverings. While traditional terrazzo is concrete based and creates a mosaic type look through the incorporation of pieces of marble, granite, and mortar, there are newer types on the market that offer added benefits to home and business owners. Pigment can be mixed to create a limitless selection of rich hues. Beautiful decorative aggregates can include marble chips, recycled glass, pearl, and synthetics. Borders, designs, and logos can also be achieved with this type of epoxy floor.

Where is an Epoxy Terrazzo Floor Used?

While this type of highly decorative flooring can be used in a large space in the home, for example a foyer, it is most commonly used in public areas where heavy traffic is an issue. Malls, universities, airports and sports complexes all require flooring that can handle a lot of foot traffic. They also want their floor to be eye-catching and appealing to guests making terrazzo an ideal choice. Because it is also very sanitary, hospitals and other health care institutions in addition to restaurants, often choose this type of floor covering. Pharmaceutical companies also use this kind of flooring system because of its ability to resist chemicals.

How is an Epoxy Terrazzo Floor Applied?

Epoxy terrazzo can be applied over a clean concrete surface and, while priming is optional, most manufacturers of this type of floor coating highly recommend it before the product is applied to insure a strong bond. An alternative would be to first install a membrane. It is then ready to receive the epoxy coating. First, the two components, the epoxy resin and the decorative aggregate, are mixed. Then, it can be applied to the concrete base. If you are creating a design where different colors of epoxy terrazzo are used, put down dividers. Dividers can also be used at the joints to prevent cracking. A trowel can be used to smooth the mixture and then it can dry overnight. After at least eighteen hours, the surface can be polished using abrasives of various grits until the desired amount of sheen is produced. Finally, a sealer can be applied. This will make the epoxy terrazzo floor resistant to chemical, oil, acid, solvent, grease, and water spills.

Special Features of Epoxy Terrazzo Floors

Because it is epoxy, terrazzo is very resilient, can stand up to heavy traffic. Newer versions of terrazzo resist chemical and other spills and have more strength and flexibility than the older concrete varieties. It is also lighter so it can be applied in large surface areas even in buildings with multiple stories. It cures quickly and is relatively easy to apply. You will not have to replace the terrazzo floor because of wear. There is no limit to the design possibilities with this type of floor thanks to flexible divider strips that can be formed by hand on the spot for simpler patterns or prepared in advance to create intricate shapes. With the ability to include recycled glass as a decorative aggregate, terrazzo floor is a “green” flooring option that is sure to please those who are environmentally conscious. It is also a very cost-effective flooring solution since it will last a lifetime.

Want to see what else is available? Check out all of the types of epoxy floors:

Epoxy Flaked Floor
Epoxy Anti-Static Floor
Self-dispersing Epoxy Floor
Self-dispersing Epoxy Floor with Quartz Sand
Self-leveling Epoxy Floor
Mortar Epoxy Floor
Graveled Epoxy Floor
Epoxy Terrazzo Floor

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Epoxy Terrazzo Floor