Materials & Textiles
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a composite material consisting of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other aggregates set in cement or epoxy binder, then ground and polished to a smooth surface. Invented in 15th-century Italy as a way to use leftover stone chips, terrazzo became popular for its durability and design flexibility.
After decades as a practical but overlooked flooring choice, terrazzo has emerged as a design statement material. Modern terrazzo features bold color combinations, larger aggregate chips, and applications beyond flooring—countertops, furniture, home accessories, and even wallpaper patterns celebrate the terrazzo aesthetic.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Aggregate chips in cement/epoxy binder
- ✓Polished smooth surface
- ✓Highly customizable colors and chips
- ✓Extremely durable and long-lasting
- ✓Seamless installation possible
- ✓Low maintenance when sealed
Types & Variations
Poured-in-place terrazzo (seamless floors)
Precast terrazzo (tiles, counters)
Epoxy terrazzo (resin-based)
Venetian terrazzo (traditional, cement-based)
Recycled glass terrazzo (sustainable option)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Terrazzo works beautifully for flooring in high-traffic areas, countertops, tabletops, and decorative objects. Its busy pattern benefits from simpler surrounding elements. Consider terrazzo-look tiles for DIY budget installations.
💡 Pro Tip
When selecting terrazzo, view large samples—the random distribution of chips means small samples may not represent the overall effect. Custom mixes allow you to specify chip size, density, and background color.