How Much Does Terrazzo Flooring Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $4,000 - $7,000
Terrazzo flooring costs $4,400 to install, with prices ranging between $4,000 and $7,000 on average based on the type, installation area, and installation method.
Terrazzo flooring costs between $4,000 and $7,000 per square foot on average for its chippy, statement-making aesthetic. Most homeowners end up paying around $4,400, depending on various factors, including whether the terrazzo is made from cement or epoxy. This guide will walk you through the costs and all the different elements that impact its overall installation price tag.
- Average
- $4,400
- Low end
- $1,800
- high end
- $10,000
Terrazzo Flooring Cost Breakdown
Materials, labor, and terrazzo styles all determine how big or small your final price will be. Here’s a breakdown of what factors influence the cost of this type of cement or epoxy flooring.
Size of the Area
Terrazzo flooring costs greatly depend on the size of the area you’re updating. Here are some common room sizes with their average costs.
| Room Size in Feet | Square Footage | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10x10 | 100 | $900–$3,500 |
| 15x15 | 225 | $2,100–$7,900 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $3,000–$14,000 |
| 25x25 | 625 | $5,600–$21,900 |
Terrazzo is commonly used in commercial applications like schools and municipal buildings. You may find a lower price per square foot for large-scale commercial projects than you would for a smaller residential project.
Type of Terrazzo
Terrazzo flooring is made from pieces of aggregate set in a cement or epoxy base. Though price tags are similar for materials, when it comes to flooring installation costs, you’ll find that tile is the most affordable option. This is because it takes less labor to install.
| Type of Terrazzo Floor | Average Cost (Materials Only) | Average Cost (Including Labor) |
|---|---|---|
| Tile | $4–$12 | $9–$22 |
| Poured | $5–$15 | $15–$35 |
Terrazzo Tile
Terrazzo tiles cost between $4 and $12 per square foot, with an additional $5 to $10 per square foot for labor. This cost-effective option isn’t as durable as poured terrazzo, but it can cost less than other tiling options like the price of ceramic tile installation.
Poured Terrazzo
Poured terrazzo costs about $5 to $15 per square foot, with an additional $10 to $20 per square foot for labor. This type of terrazzo has a laborious installation process that requires additional steps like pouring the cement or epoxy mixture and polishing the floor. There are three different installation methods.
Installation Method
Depending on your installation method, labor costs $5 to $20 per square foot on top of the cost of materials. If you choose terrazzo tiles, prices are similar to the cost of any other tile installation. Labor costs are higher for poured terrazzo, but the monolithic installation method is generally the most affordable.
| Installation Method | Description | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Thin-set | 1/4–3/8-inch layer of epoxy resin; prone to cracks; use indoors only | $40–$60 |
| Sand-cushion | Poured cement base layer with sandy cement mid-layer; aids in expansion/contraction; good for exterior use | $40–$80 |
| Monolithic | Aggregate mixture applied over a concrete subfloor; affordable but prone to cracking if concrete is too moist | $30–$70 |
Epoxy vs. Cement Terrazzo
Terrazzo uses either epoxy or cement as a binder for the pieces of aggregate. Epoxy is typically more affordable at around $25 to $90 per square foot, but it’s not suitable for outdoor applications since it can peel and fade. If you’re installing terrazzo outside, stick with cement despite the higher price tag.
| Epoxy Terrazzo | Cement Terrazzo |
|---|---|
| More affordable | Very durable |
| Simple installation | Versatile |
| Better for indoor use | Great for outdoor use |
| Limited design options | Difficult installation |
Style, Pattern, and Texture
Some styles of terrazzo require more labor and materials than others, increasing costs across the board. For example, using divider strips can help you separate each section by color, but you’ll pay more as a result.
Colors
Terrazzo comes in several different colors. Black and white are two of the most popular, since they show off the aggregate. Generally, you’ll spend more if you’re mixing aggregates in different colors to create a pattern.
Materials
There’s such a large range of terrazzo prices because of the various aggregates you can use. In residential settings, glass and marble are some of the most common, though you’ll also find shells, natural stone, polished metal, Mother-of-Pearl, and recycled materials.
Glass is more affordable than marble. Marble chips cost $25 to $100 for a 50-pound bag. Make sure to also budget for extras like flooring transition strips and new baseboards, if you want to upgrade.
Labor
Labor costs for installing epoxy terrazzo also depend on the method of installation. You’ll pay roughly $5 to $20 per square foot of labor for poured terrazzo and an average of less than $10 per square foot of labor for tile terrazzo.
Brands
High-end brands like Fritztile and Floorazzo may cost more than terrazzo from other manufacturers. Keep in mind, some brands may have occasional sales on terrazzo tiles, too. You don’t always have to pay full price.
Additional Costs to Consider
When you’re installing your flooring, you may have some additional costs based on the current state of your home. Here are a few potential costs to keep in mind.
Removing Furniture
Your contractor will need to remove any furniture in the room before they can install your floors.
For this kind of job, they’ll charge their hourly rate, which is typically between $25 to $35 per hour.
Removing Existing Floors
You can install terrazzo over a concrete base, but if you have hardwood flooring or linoleum flooring, you will have to remove your existing floor before you can start your project. It costs around $1 to $2 per square foot to remove old flooring, but removing tile could cost upwards of $7 per square foot.
Subfloor Prep or Repairs
Typically, you’ll install terrazzo flooring over a concrete subfloor. In some cases, you can also use plywood, especially when reinforced. If you need any repairs to your subfloor, it’s going to cost extra.
| Subfloor Prep or Repairs | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Subfloor replacement | $3–$10 per square foot |
| Subfloor repair | $400 |
| Subfloor reinforcement | $300–$1,000 |
Cost to Install Terrazzo Flooring Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Terrazzo installation is extremely advanced—even for experienced DIYers. Tiles are typically very large and heavy, while pouring the floor requires a lot of skill (similar to pouring concrete in your yard). You’ll also need to make sure your subfloor is suitable for terrazzo, which requires specific knowledge. Rather than take on this task, hire a flooring company near you.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
With a professional job, you’ll pay the added expense of labor. This costs anywhere from $5 per square foot (for tile installation) to $20 per square foot (for poured terrazzo).
Pros and Cons of Terrazzo Floors
Terrazzo flooring has a specific look that homeowners either love or hate. It can certainly add interest to a room, but it’s not right for every home. Before settling on terrazzo, make sure you weigh the pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and good for outdoors | High initial cost |
| Water-resistant | Cold and hard on bare feet |
| Unique aesthetic | Hard to install |
| Eco-friendly | Could make space look dated |
| Long life span | |
| Low maintenance |
How to Save on Terrazzo Flooring Installation
Terrazzo flooring comes with high upfront costs, but there are ways to tighten up your budget. These tips will help you save cash on your project:
Choose an affordable aggregate: Instead of splashing out on a luxury aggregate like mother-of-pearl, go for an affordable option like glass chips or marble chips.
Choose a simple design: The more colors or intricate patterns you involve, the more it will cost. Go for a straightforward, single-color design rather than mixing it up.
Choose terrazzo tile: Tiling isn’t as durable as poured terrazzo, but it’s suitable for indoor applications and often significantly more affordable because of the reduced labor required for installation.
Do some of the work DIY: While installing terrazzo isn’t a suitable DIY project, you can cut down on labor costs by doing the jobs you can handle. Move your own furniture, remove your flooring, and prep the area for installation. When installation is over, clean up the space on your own.
Look for sales: Some retailers may have seasonal sales for terrazzo tiles.
Interview three contractors: Interviewing three contractors can help you better understand the market, figuring out which price is a good value and which might be too good to be true.
Audrey Bruno and Mariel Loveland contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because terrazzo is mostly made from scraps of recycled materials (like chips of glass, marble, or polished metal) it’s a more sustainable flooring option for your home. The epoxy resin that’s mixed into or used as a base or topcoat for the terrazzo also doesn’t release VOCs once it has fully cured.
Epoxy or cement terrazzo installation takes roughly one to two days to complete, though it may take longer depending on how much prep is required. Unless you choose tile, your contractor will have to prep your flooring and pour the epoxy. You’ll have to wait for it to fully cure before you can use your floors, and often, your contractor will need to come back once it has cured to polish it.
Poured-in-place terrazzo flooring is more durable than tile. In fact, it’s one of the most durable types of flooring on the market. It can last anywhere from 40 to 100 years, depending on maintenance. On average, you can expect your terrazzo floor to last about 75 years, but you will have to make repairs as needed.
Terrazzo flooring has relatively good shock resistance, which makes it a great option for high-traffic areas. While it can withstand constant pressure, it can crack over time. This is typically a problem if your subfloor is uneven or if it’s not poured carefully. To reduce the chance of cracking, make sure you repair your subfloor before installation.
That depends on the space you’re working in. If you’re laying down epoxy terrazzo in the bathroom, consider retiling your shower or changing your vanity while you’re at it. In the kitchen, give your cabinets an update or your walls a fresh coat of paint before or after work on the flooring begins.