If you are researching top flooring solutions that will bring long-lasting results and extraordinary, then terrazzo flooring for commercial properties could suit your needs. An installation company working on high-profile terrazzo projects per year, Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo can demonstrate how terrazzo can transform your space and improve commercial property value.

Whether planning a new construction or renovation, terrazzo offers benefits that make it an exceptional choice.

terrazzo surface design with mixture of colorful aggregates

Explaining Terrazzo

Each terrazzo floor can vary from one project to another, in terms of its appearance and installation methods. At its core, terrazzo is a composite flooring system combining an epoxy or cement binder with aggregates such as marble, glass, and shells. It’s most commonly a poured system, which installers trowel by hand to 3/8″ thickness, are allowed to cure and use machinery to ground and polish the terrazzo to achieve a smooth durable floor finish.

It’s important to understand the distinctions among terrazzo. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Thinset Epoxy Terrazzo: This system is widely installed today in commercial buildings, especially in high-traffic areas like entrances and lobbies, circulation areas including hallways and corridors, and shared-use spaces. Epoxy terrazzo presents advantages over other commercial flooring options for its physical properties.
    • Pros
      • High compressive and tensile strengths
      • Great wear resistance
      • Endless color options and design customization
      • Easy to maintain
      • Polished and non-porous finish
      • Speed of installation allows for quick turnaround on projects
      • Lightweight, making it suitable for multi-story buildings
      • Lowest lifecycle costs in the commercial flooring market
    • Cons
      • It is not recommended for outdoors as UV exposure can damage the surface
      • Possible moisture vapor concerns
      • High initial costs
  • Cement Terrazzo: Cement terrazzo is another system available, that is considerably thicker and heavier. It’s the traditional style of terrazzo floors that dates back over a century before epoxy resins were introduced. It’s a durable and resilient system as well that can be installed in both indoor and outdoor environments
    • Pros
      • Use for indoors and outdoors
      • No moisture vapor concerns
      • Low lifecycle costs compared to other commercial floorings
    • Cons
      • Limitations in colors and strip geometry
      • Durable yet more susceptible to cracking or chipping over time
      • Longer cure times, approximately 28 days
      • High initial costs
  • Precast Terrazzo: In contrast to poured-in-place systems, precast terrazzo is another installation method that involves manufacturing product off-site and delivered to the project. Like poured-in-place systems, precast terrazzo shares the same physical characteristics. Terrazzo is most commonly used as a flooring surface, but precast expands terrazzo to more customizable solutions such as stair treads, wall panels, tile, and more. Because each unit is fabricated in a controlled facility, precast terrazzo crafts high-quality results.
    • Pros
      • Faster installations with products manufactured off-site
      • Reduced on-site disruptions
      • Versatile products with customized designs, sizes, and thicknesses
    • Cons
      • Longer lead times to fabricate products than sourcing terrazzo materials
      • Not ideal for large continuous areas. Better suited for smaller, modular elements whereas poured-in-place terrazzo excels in expansive uninterrupted spaces
      • Careful handling is required to prevent precast damage during transportation
terrazzo floor in lobby

How Does Terrazzo Solve Problems for Property Owners

1. Saves Owners Money Over Time

  • Durability: Terrazzo is built to last. Lasting the lifetime of a building, terrazzo’s durability eliminates frequent replacements and costly repairs compared to other flooring choices. This translates into significant long-term cost savings.
  • Low Maintenance: Simple to clean. Simple to maintain. The ease of maintenance reduces cleaning expenses and labor over time, and its stain and bacteria-resistant surfaces minimize unexpected restoration costs.
  • Wear Resistance: Terrazzo has exceptional strengths. As a result, it resists scratches, impacts, and heavy foot traffic.
  • Lifecycle Costs: While the initial costs of terrazzo may be higher, terrazzo’s durability makes it one of the most cost-effective flooring options available.

Example: A hospital may debate whether to use carpet or terrazzo for new areas of their facility. Carpet, while low cost initially, will require frequent replacements over time. Therefore, terrazzo is installed to avoid costly flooring replacements over the decade while maintaining high-traffic areas in great condition.

airports select epoxy terrazzo flooring to improve passenger experience

Increasing Property Value

  • Appealing Space: Terrazzo is a premium flooring option, that enhances the overall appeal of a building space and the resale value of the property
  • Attracting Business: The timeless design of terrazzo makes a building space attractive for potential tenants, clients, or buyers, positioning the property as a high-quality build

Example: A commercial building owner decides to add terrazzo to its lobby and hallways. This addition helps to welcome new guests, leaving a positive first impression on the company.

terrazzo floor in lobby

Increased Functionality

  • Custom Applications: Terrazzo can fit a space in many ways that improve long-lasting results not just attached to flooring
  • Slip Resistance: Terrazzo floors with slip-resistant sealers, and terrazzo stairs with carborundum strips, make spaces safer for building occupants.
  • Seamless Finish: Uninterrupted surfaces are both practical and visually appealing, and can help make it easier for building occupants to move across the floor.
  • Lightweight Applications: 3/8″ epoxy terrazzo is lightweight, reducing structural strain. It can be applied in elevators and multi-story floors.

Example: An airport wants a modern appearance and decides to select epoxy terrazzo. This flooring system can handle the constant flow of traffic but also provides safe passages. The seamless nature of terrazzo also makes it easy to clean due to the lack of grout lines. Its finish is also advantageous for wheeled luggage and wheelchairs, making the experience more passenger-friendly.

terrazzo floor in lobby

Meet Sustainability Goals

  • Longevity: By selecting epoxy terrazzo as a flooring system, building owners can help the planet. With no replacements required, terrazzo reduces wastes destined for landfills and minimizes resource consumption over time.
  • Recycled Content: Property owners can choose to include recycled materials in their terrazzo floor design. What may be considered waste can be conversed and repurposed for terrazzo. Materials like glass and marble chips come from recycled plants, and add character to the overall design.
  • Zero VOCs: Epoxy terrazzo systems are non-porous and contain zero VOCs, which means an improvement in overall air quality for the building space.
  • LEED Credits: Designing a building with LEED in mind helps incorporate sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and improve the health of building occupants.

Example: An elementary school obtained LEED certification by selecting terrazzo, which offers LEED credits for recycled content and regional sourcing within 500 miles. By sourcing materials efficiently, the terrazzo installer successfully reduces the carbon footprint.

terrazzo floor in lobby

Where to Include Terrazzo in Your Property

Flooring

Flooring is the most common application for terrazzo. It creates a seamless surface that can be simple in design or quite artistic. It’s recommended for indoor areas, with advantages for multi-story use due to its lightweight.

Stairs

Stairs are another excellent application for terrazzo. You’ll likely come across this application in commercial buildings with multiple floors. Stairs are customizable too and accommodate many staircase styles, including straight, quarter turns, and curved. Terrazzo stairs are durable and come with carborundum that provides slip resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic spots.

terrazzo stairs at Southwest International Airport

Countertops

One application that has grown in popularity recently is terrazzo countertops. Due to its non-porous nature, terrazzo is sought after for this application. With a high-quality sealer, the countertop can be protected against stains, scratches, and moisture.

Other Applications

With precast terrazzo, there are even more applications you can consider that will add value to a building space. Terrazzo applications may include:

  • Wall Systems
  • Benches
  • Tabletops
  • Furniture
  • Wall Base
epoxy terrazzo floor

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Finding a Qualified Installer

Not all flooring contractors are qualified to install terrazzo. It is best to consult with a NTMA contractor for a project to ensure terrazzo is installed properly. Look for a specialist with years of experience and a strong portfolio of completed projects.

Understanding Costs

While terrazzo has higher upfront costs, its longevity and low maintenance make it a cost-effective investment. Partner with a terrazzo installer to develop a plan that aligns with your budget and goals.

Project Preparation

Proper planning ensures a smooth installation process. Communicate with the installer to set clear timelines, who will then identify challenges, source materials and prepare the site for optimal results.

terrazzo floor in lobby

Working with a Terrazzo Contractor

As a leading terrazzo installer in the Southeastern United States, Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo brings years of expertise and a portfolio of successful projects to every job. Here’s how we add value:

  • Expert Knowledge: Our team has the best knowledge about terrazzo, and can recommend solutions for your specific needs and goals.
  • Design Recommendations: We assist in helping you select the right materials and colors to achieve your vision. We’ll showcase our best work and help you understand what you need to know to make your project look the best for years to come.
  • Maintenance Tips: We will offer advice on how to best clean and maintain a terrazzo floor so that it is properly cared for throughout its lifecycle
  • Provide Quotes: Our detailed estimates outline material and labor costs, so you know exactly what to expect.

Conclusion

Terrazzo is worth the investment to add beauty and functionality to your property. As an installer, we have seen the transformative impact terrazzo can have on spaces, and the material continues to be a timeless choice for a lifetime. By understanding the benefits of terrazzo and working with skilled craftsmen, you can ensure your terrazzo installation adds lasting value to your property.

If you are considering terrazzo for your next project, you can contact Doyle Dickerson Terrazzo to receive more information. With the right plan, terrazzo can elevate your property to new heights.