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Going behind the scenes of the terrazzo installation process

As one of the oldest and most beautiful flooring materials available today, terrazzo installations have increased in recent years in homes, schools, airports and other commercial spaces. As an alternative flooring choice in commercial projects, terrazzo offers architects with an extensive lifespan, endless design possibilities and eco-friendly benefits for any building. Take a glance at some of the LEED-certified buildings around the world, and it is possible that terrazzo was part of the specifications. Now while the end results are remarkable, the flooring installation process is also a fascinating process. We’ll take a look at a step-by-step process of a terrazzo installation.

Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo is an NTMA terrazzo contractor that covers installations throughout the Southern United States. Every week our superintendents and terrazzo construction workers are transitioning from project to project, each one entirely different from the last installation. It takes a highly skilled team of professional contractors to make sure an installation turns out well.

Shot Blasting

To start off, terrazzo installers will remove loose concrete with shot-blasting. In this process, an installer removes the top layer of concrete to help reinforce a strong bond between the concrete and the terrazzo.

Terrazzo Flooring Process: Shotblasting

Floor Preparation and Leveling a Terrazzo Floor

Next, installers will mitigate any cracking in the concrete surface. If an installer identifies any cracks present, then they must fill in the cracks before moving forward. In addition to adding a crack suppression system, installers will check for any moisture-related issues in the flooring.  If moisture is present in the flooring, then we recommend considering the use of a moisture mitigation system. This system soaks into the concrete, sealing the pores as it builds a thin layer over the surface.

Sometimes the floor levels are out of tolerance as well. If this is the case, then an installer will level the floor. Taking a flexible membrane, the surface is coated so that the terrazzo will flow across the concrete.

Design Layout of a Terrazzo Floor

Installers will then develop how the floor will look.  During this step, the installers will cut divider strips to separate colors and to control expansion joints.  Using divider strips are a great way to add an intricate design to any space.

Terrazzo Flooring Process: Layout of Divider Strips

Mixing Terrazzo

With the layout in place, it is now time to create the terrazzo mixture. Based on specifications, the installers carefully measure components and develops the material using mixing equipment.

Pouring the Terrazzo

Troweling Terrazzo

With the terrazzo mix created with a Part A epoxy and Part B hardener, it is now time for the installer to add the epoxy to the flooring surface. Using a trowel, an installer spreads the epoxy mix across the membrane. During this process, an installer evenly distributes additional aggregates like marble chips and recycled glass over the floor. The floor will then begin to cure.

Grinding a Terrazzo Floor

Grinding Terrazzo

Once the terrazzo floor has cured, an installer will use a grinding machine to smooth out the floor.

Grouting Terrazzo

It is during the grinding stage that the installer will apply a grout mixture to remove any pin holes if available.

Polishing a Terrazzo Floor

To finish the terrazzo installation process, the installer adds polish to give the floor its shine. Installers will also apply a sealer to give extra protection to the floor.  To see some finished results, head over to our projects page to view some of Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo’s recent installations.

Jackson County Courthouse - Terrazzo Flooring


Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo is a terrazzo contractor in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you seek professional installation help with a future commercial project, then Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo can offer its services to you. Please reach out to a Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo representative at (704) 921-4940 or info@doyledickersonterrazzo.com. When it comes to terrazzo, Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo is “Your Choice in Terrazzo.”