Terrazzo Tiles: A Durable and Versatile Flooring Option

If you are looking for a unique and durable flooring option for your bathroom or kitchen floor space, you might want to consider terrazzo tiles. These tiles have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility, customizable options, and eco-friendliness, Types of terrazzo tiles: Real terrazzo tiles are typically more expensive than terrazzo effect tiles, which are made to look like real terrazzo but are less costly to produce. Above is a project featuring our real terrazzo tiles made from real natural terrazzo.

What are Real Terrazzo Tiles?

Terrazzo is a composite material that consists of chips of marble, quartz, glass, or other materials that are held together by a binder, typically cement or epoxy resin. Terrazzo tiles are made by pouring the mixture into moulds and allowing it to harden before cutting it into individual tiles. The result is a smooth and colourful surface that can be used for floors, walls, and other surfaces.

“Terrazzo tiles have grown hugely in popularity over last few years. They are a great way of injecting some personality and individuality to a space, as well as being durable and long-lasting. Terrazzo tiles work well as a statement piece to inspire a whole room scheme as they can be used as the focal point for the space and colours within the tile can be picked out to use on the walls or as accent colours elsewhere in the space."  Kate Coslett

Advantages of Terrazzo Tiles

1. Durability and longevity: Terrazzo tiles are incredibly strong and durable, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas. They can last for decades if maintained properly.
2. Versatility and customization options: Terrazzo tiles come in a wide range of colours and patterns, and can be customised to suit your design preferences.
3. Low maintenance requirements: Terrazzo tiles are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance.
4. Eco-friendliness and sustainability: Terrazzo is made from natural materials, and can be recycled at the end of its life cycle.

Disadvantages of Terrazzo Tiles

1. Cost and affordability issues: Terrazzo tiles can be expensive, depending on the type and quality of materials used.
2. Installation complexities and time-consuming process: Terrazzo tile installation is a complex and time-consuming process that requires skilled professionals.
3. Potential for cracking and staining: While terrazzo tiles are durable, they can still crack and stain over time if not properly maintained.

Types of Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo tiles come in various types and styles, including:

1. Terrazzo effect tiles: These tiles are ideal for flooring in commercial and residential spaces due to their durability and easy maintenance, while being more affordable and easier to install.
2. Real Terrazzo tiles: Made bespoke combining marble chips with cement before honed and polishing..
3. Large format terrazzo tiles: These tiles come in large sizes and are perfect for creating a seamless look in larger spaces.
4. Outdoor terrazzo tiles: Terrazzo tiles can be used for outdoor flooring, thanks to their slip-resistant surface and durability.
5. Tutti frutti terrazzo tiles: These colourful and playful tiles add a pop of fun to any space.
   

Popular Colours and Styles of Terrazzo Tiles:

Terrazzo tiles come in a range of colours and styles, including:

1. Pink terrazzo tile: Pink terrazzo tiles can add a feminine touch to a bathroom or kitchen.
2. White terrazzo tile: White terrazzo tiles can brighten up any space and create a clean and modern look.
3. Green terrazzo tiles: Green terrazzo tiles bring a natural and calming vibe to a space.
4. Grey terrazzo tile: Grey terrazzo tiles are a classic and timeless choice for flooring and walls.
5. Blue terrazzo tiles: Blue terrazzo tiles can create a serene and beachy atmosphere in a bathroom or kitchen.
6. Black and white terrazzo tiles: Black and white terrazzo tiles add a bold and graphic touch to a space.
7. Ravello terrazzo tiles: Ravello terrazzo tiles offer a modern and luxurious look with their bold colour..
8. Beige terrazzo tiles: Beige terrazzo tiles create a warm and inviting feel in any space.

Uses of Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo tiles are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of spaces and applications. Here are some popular uses for terrazzo tiles:

1. Terrazzo tiles for bathrooms and showers: Terrazzo tiles are an excellent choice for bathroom floors and walls. They are water-resistant and easy to clean, making them ideal for use in a wet environment. With a wide range of colours and patterns available, terrazzo tiles can be used to create a modern, sophisticated look or a more traditional, classic style.
2. Terrazzo tiles for kitchens and backsplashes: Terrazzo tiles can also be used in the kitchen, especially as a backsplash. Their durability and resistance to stains and scratches make them a practical choice for a space that sees a lot of wear and tear. Plus, the wide variety of colours and patterns means that you can find a style that complements any kitchen design.
3. Terrazzo tiles for flooring in commercial and residential spaces: Terrazzo tiles are an excellent choice for commercial spaces such as lobbies, restaurants, and retail stores. They are incredibly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. In residential spaces, terrazzo tiles are often used in entryways, living rooms, and kitchens to create a stylish, durable flooring option.

Cost of Terrazzo Tiles

The cost of terrazzo tiles can vary depending on several factors:

Terrazzo tiles can be more expensive than other flooring options, but they offer unique benefits that make them worth the investment.

1. Size and shape of the tiles: Large-format terrazzo tiles are more expensive than smaller tiles due to the increased material cost and labour required for installation.
2. Customization: Custom-made terrazzo tiles will be more expensive than pre-made options due to the additional labour and time required.

Tips for finding affordable terrazzo tiles:

1. Compare prices from different suppliers to find the best deal.
2. Consider purchasing overstock or clearance items to save money.
3. Look for smaller suppliers who import directly with less overheads.
4. Choose a simple terrazzo tile design to reduce the cost of customization.

Maintaining and Cleaning Terrazzo Tiles:

Real terrazzo tiles are relatively easy to maintain and keep clean, but it's essential to follow some best practices to ensure they last for years to come.

1. Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting.
2. Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for terrazzo tiles.
3. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of the tiles.
4. Regularly sweep and mop the floor to prevent dirt and debris from scratching the tiles.
5. Terrazzo effect porcelain tiles require no cleaning or maintenance due to their 0.5% porosity and the benefits of porcelain durability.

Common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using acidic cleaners that can damage the surface of real terrazzo tiles.
2. Scrubbing the tiles with abrasive tools that can scratch the surface of real terrazzo
3. Allowing spills to sit for an extended period, which can cause stains as they wear through the protective seal on real terrazzo tiles

You can download our installation guide for cleaning and maintenance guide for real terrazzo tiles  

Conclusion

Terrazzo tiles are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stylish, durable flooring option both commercially and residentially. They offer a unique look that can complement any design style, and their durability makes them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. While they may be more expensive than other flooring options, their longevity and beauty make them a worthwhile investment. By following the tips for finding affordable terrazzo tiles and maintaining them properly, you can enjoy their benefits for years to come. If you're looking for a less costly and more durable solution then we would recommend terrazzo effect tiles, however there is something so endearing about real terrazzo tiles and there bespoke production, So whatever you decide why not consider using terrazzo style tiles for your next flooring project?