Is Terrazzo The New Marble?
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Image | Arlo Light Tiles from Porcelain Superstore
Step aside marble, a vintage contender is making a bold comeback in the realm of interior design. Yes, you guessed it right!
We’re talking about terrazzo, the understated starlet of the flooring world that’s turning heads throughout design scenes.
There’s a certain question swirling around the creative sphere: Is Terrazzo the new Marble? Well, your curiosity has brought you to the right corner of the internet!
From swanky terrazzo floor restorations reviving eras gone by, to its modern reincarnations as terrazzo countertops, this adaptable material is, indeed, more than just a nostalgic remnant of the past—it’s a contemporary design darling!
Whether you’re transfixed by the artistic mélange of marble and terrazzo or considering the practicalities of terrazzo floor cleaning, the charm, versatility, and durability of terrazzo are wooing discerning interior enthusiasts and designers alike.
So let’s explore the undeniable allure and growing trendiness of terrazzo, inviting it to step out of marble’s shadow and sparkle in its own fantastic light.
First, What Is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo is a type of flooring material that is popular for its decorative and durable characteristics.
It is typically composed of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable materials, which are then mixed with a cementitious or epoxy binder.
The mixture is poured or installed in place, and after it sets, it is ground and polished to create a smooth and visually appealing surface.
The chips used in terrazzo can vary in size, colour, and material, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities.
The binder, whether it’s cement-based or epoxy-based, holds the chips together and provides strength to the flooring.
Image | Tile Mag
Terrazzo has a long history and was originally developed in Italy several centuries ago.
It gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century and has since been used in a variety of settings, including commercial buildings, airports, schools, and residential spaces.
Terrazzo is known for its durability, easy maintenance, and resistance to wear. It is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal, as it can be customised to create intricate patterns, designs, and colour combinations.
History Of Terrazzo
Terrazzo has its origins in ancient times, dating back to ancient Egypt.
The technique was used by ancient masons who discovered that combining leftover marble chips with clay and polishing the surface created a durable and aesthetically pleasing flooring material.
The word “terrazzo” itself is derived from the Italian word for terrace, as the technique was initially used on outdoor terraces.
During the Renaissance in Italy, particularly in Venice, terrazzo saw a resurgence in popularity. Venetian construction workers used marble chips from upscale projects and mixed them with clay to create low-cost flooring for their own homes.
Image | St. Peter’s Basilica / Photographed by Hector Alfaku
This practice evolved over time, and terrazzo became associated with a more sophisticated and decorative flooring option.
In the 18th century, Venetian craftsmen began using a process called “in-situ” (meaning “in place”) terrazzo, where the mixture of marble chips and cement was poured and finished on-site. This method allowed for more intricate designs and customisation.
The popularity of terrazzo continued to grow, and by the 20th century, it had become widely used in Europe and the United States.
It was during this time that the material evolved further, incorporating a wider variety of aggregates, including glass and synthetic materials.
Terrazzo became a popular choice for commercial buildings, government institutions, and public spaces due to its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic flexibility.
Why Is Terrazzo Popular Again?
Image | Tim Neve
We are seeing a resurgence of the nostalgic terrazzo pattern making its way back onto our worktops, furniture, backsplashes, shower surfaces, as well as flooring.
In fact, according to Pinterest, saves for “Terrazzo” increased by a whopping 316% in 2018.
Many of the reasons why terrazzo is popular again have already been mentioned, but in terms of aesthetics, the terrazzo design leans towards the current interior design trends where many mid-century and retro design elements are entering contemporary spaces.
And it's not just limited to flooring or kitchen countertops either, terrazzo has been making waves (or geometric shapes) in almost everything from Instammable homeware pieces to trendy phone cases.
What Is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is prized for its natural beauty and elegance. It forms when limestone undergoes intense heat and pressure within the Earth’s crust, leading to the recrystallization of minerals.
The resulting stone features a distinctive veined or mottled appearance, with a wide range of colours and patterns.
Image | Mary Wadsworth
Marble is predominantly composed of calcite or dolomite crystals, and its luxurious appearance has made it a sought-after material for various architectural and artistic applications.
The smooth, polished surface of marble flooring enhances the overall visual appeal, creating a sense of opulence.
The natural variations in colour and veining patterns make each marble floor unique, contributing to its desirability in both classic and contemporary design schemes.
So, How Does Terrazzo Compare To Marble?
Terrazzo and marble are both popular materials in the construction and design industries, but they have distinct characteristics.
Here’s a comparison between terrazzo and marble in terms of various aspects:
COMPOSITION
Terrazzo: Terrazzo is a composite material made by mixing chips of various materials (such as marble, quartz, glass, or granite) with a binder (cement or epoxy). This mixture is poured and then ground and polished to create a smooth surface.
Marble: Marble is a natural stone formed from metamorphic rock composed of crystallized minerals. It is primarily composed of calcite or dolomite.
AESTHETIC OPTIONS
Terrazzo: Offers a wide range of design possibilities due to the variety of aggregates and colours that can be incorporated. Custom patterns and designs are easily achievable.
Marble: Known for its natural beauty and unique veining patterns. While it comes in different colours, the range may not be as extensive as terrazzo.
DURABILITY
Terrazzo: Generally durable and resistant to wear and tear. Its strength depends on the type of binder used (cement or epoxy) and the quality of installation.
Marble: While durable, marble is susceptible to scratching, chipping, and staining. It requires regular maintenance and sealing to preserve its appearance.
MAINTENANCE
Terrazzo: Low-maintenance and easy to clean. Regular sealing helps maintain its appearance and protect against stains.
Marble: Requires more maintenance, including regular sealing to prevent stains. It can be sensitive to acidic substances, which may etch the surface.
COST
Terrazzo: The cost of terrazzo can vary depending on the type of aggregates used, the complexity of the design, and the installation method. In general, terrazzo can be more cost-effective than high-end marble.
Marble: Natural marble can be more expensive, especially for rare or high-quality varieties. Installation costs may also be higher due to the labour-intensive process of working with natural stone.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Terrazzo: Can be considered more environmentally friendly if it incorporates recycled materials. The use of precast terrazzo tiles and sustainable aggregates aligns with eco-friendly practices.
Marble: Natural stone extraction has environmental considerations. However, some suppliers offer responsibly sourced marble.
Ultimately, the choice between terrazzo and marble depends on factors such as design preferences, budget, maintenance considerations, and the specific requirements of the project.
Both materials have their own unique characteristics and can contribute to beautiful and functional spaces.
