Terrazzo 101: Everything You Need to Know

The word on every interior designer’s lips? Terrazzo. Terrazzo tiles have been in the spotlight for a while now, and for good reason. They’re the perfect way to add a creative twist to any space, whether with a small terrazzo accent or a large maximalist design.

Let’s dive deeper into why designers are choosing terrazzo tiles for both residential and commercial spaces alike.

What is terrazzo?

The word terrazzo derives from the Latin word “terra”, meaning earth or ground.

It is defined as a “flooring material consisting of chips of marble or granite set in concrete and polished to give a smooth surface.”

Known for its durability, low maintenance, and unique aesthetic appeal, terrazzo has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt and was later refined by the Venetians in the 16th century. Today, it is a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces, valued for its eco-friendliness and versatility in design.

Terrazzo material consists of chips of marble, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable material, poured into blocks and bound together with cement or poly that are then cut to size.

What are the benefits of terrazzo tiles?

Aside from the obvious beauty of terrazzo tiles, there are a handful of other benefits of terrazzo that are key to its popularity.

• Durability: Terrazzo tiles are the perfect combination of durability and functionality, making them ideal for all types of surfaces and applications. Due to their strength, they are a great choice for high-traffic areas and after sealing, they are resistant to moisture which allows them to be installed in areas prone to spills and stains. 

• Versatility: Unique designs are the name of the game for terrazzo tiles. The wide array of color combinations, tile sizes, and slabs  allows for countless design possibilities. Whether you’re going for a minimalist aesthetic or a bolder show-stopping space, there’s a terrazzo tile for that.

• Low Maintenance: Something we wish for all tiles! Luckily for us, the upkeep of terrazzo tiles is as simple as regular steam mopping or scrubbing with a nylon brush. Be sure to use detergents with a neutral pH as acidic or highly alkaline detergents can damage the surface of the terrazzo marble. With proper care, terrazzo tiles can last for decades.

• Eco-friendly: Terrazzo tiles are considered eco-friendly because they make use of recycled materials. Terrazzo tiles are also an environmentally friendly option due to its long lifespan. Again due to their durability, terrazzo tiles will likely need less frequent replacements and can be refinished repeatedly, which further reduces waste.

Where can you use terrazzo tiles?

Terrazzo tiles are best suitable for indoors, but the interior applications are limitless. They can be applied to floors and walls in any room, including kitchens and bathrooms. Looking for a tile that pairs well with underfloor heating? Terrazzo tiles retain warmth making them the perfect choice.

What makes Nasco terrazzo tiles unique?

Nasco’s  award-winning terrazzo collection, Agglo, is a marble-based agglomerate terrazzo sourced directly from Italy. Our terrazzo tiles are crafted with only the finest materials (97% marble, 3% resin and pigment) and are all LEED compliant. All of our Agglo colors are available not only as tiles, but as stunning slabs as well.

Unlike traditional poured-in-place terrazzo, Agglo guarantees an even distribution of aggregate chips & color giving you a more consistent look throughout. The aggregates on our terrazzo tiles and slabs are unique, as they come in multiple sizes, varying from the traditional smaller matrix, to our exclusive large tumbled chips.