How Much Do Terrazzo Countertops Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,000 - $6,000
Installing terrazzo countertops costs $4,000 on average, depending on the square footage. Most spend between $2,000 and $6,000.
Installing terrazzo countertops can be a tricky, labor-intensive process—and thus a costly one. The average terrazzo countertop cost is $4,000 for 30 square feet of countertop. Before you begin this project, it’s important to get an idea of the average cost of terrazzo countertops, so you can determine whether this is the right choice for your home. Several factors affect the overall cost, from the size of your countertop to the region where you live.
- Average
- $4,000
- Low end
- $460
- high end
- $7,500
Terrazzo Countertop Cost per Square Foot
You can expect to pay between $40 and $75 per square foot for terrazzo countertops. Installation costs for this type of countertop add another $6 per square foot to the total. Slabs are sold in 16-foot sections that are 1½ inches thick.
| Countertop Size (Per Square Foot) | Average Cost (Including Labor) |
|---|---|
| 10 | $460 – $810 |
| 30 | $480 – $2,430 |
| 50 | $800 – $4,050 |
Terrazzo Countertop Cost Factors
Total costs are handy for eyeballing a budget, but let’s dig into the details of terrazzo and exactly what you’re paying for.
Edges
In addition to standard, flattened edges, homeowners can choose from various types of additional edges. The more detailed edges typically cost extra: These can include pencil, bevel, bullnose, eased, waterfall, and mitered. You can expect to spend a few dollars per square foot extra when choosing a high-end edge material.
Thickness
A terrazzo counter slap is typically 20mm to 30mm thick. If the counter falls inside this range, then standard pricing usually applies, although the thicker versions may cost slightly more. However, more customized terrazzo counters that fall outside of that range like counters down to 12mm or extra-thick counters will incur additional costs.
Aggregate Size
The aggregate refers to the hard, whole particles found within terrazzo, which gives it much of its color and personality. Aggregate types and sizes vary greatly between different types of terrazzo, which is why there are so many options. Common choices include chips of glass, metal, and stone like granite and marble. You can also find aggregate like natural pebbles and seashells.
The larger and more complex the aggregate, the more it tends to cost. Natural aggregates are often more expensive than manufactured aggregates. When shopping for terrazzo counters, suppliers often organize material quality into tiers like standard and luxury. Homeowners also have the option to order customized bespoke terrazzo, but this type is uniquely crafted and a very expensive choice.
Matrix Material
The matrix refers to the solidified material that the counter’s aggregate is suspended within. The two common types of matrices are epoxy resin and cement. However, counters are typically an epoxy matrix, which is available in a wide variety of shades. Not only does resin tend to be a bit more affordable, but cement isn’t appropriate for indoor counters—it’s more suitable for outdoor terrazzo flooring and similar spots, where it requires periodic sealing. Stick with epoxy for this project.
Dividers
Terrazzo arrives in large slabs about 16 feet long, but these slabs aren’t always the right size to cover a full counter. Installers often use dividers to separate slabs or smaller chunks of terrazzo that need to be cut. Sometimes, dividers offer a fascinating decorative option on their own, depending on where you want them. The broader and more intricate dividers may come with additional fees, particularly for the extra labor involved.
Cost to Install Terrazzo Countertops
Several factors could impact how much new terrazzo countertops cost, including labor and installation costs, materials, sizing, and where you live. You’ll pay higher prices for half slabs and custom slabs (for example, if the countertop has to be cut for sinks and faucets), as well as custom edging and higher-end materials. Plus, installation costs vary widely by region.
Labor
If you need to cut sections to fit an existing space or create a curved outer edge, this will likely be more expensive because of the labor costs involved. Countertop installation costs $3,701 on average, with a typical range of $1,851 and $4,308. Installation can represent as much as half of the total expense.
Region
Fabrication costs vary by region. Expect the cost of terrazzo countertops to be different depending on where you live. For example, a person living in Dallas, Texas, could expect to pay anywhere from $1,549 to $3,630 for new countertops, whereas a person in New York City might pay anywhere from $1,735 to $3,953. Note that these are estimated figures for basic countertop installation.
Additional Cutouts
Typically, the price of a cutout for the sink and faucet is included with your purchase and labor costs for a standard terrazzo counter. However, if you’re installing a counter that needs additional cutouts for extra sinks or other appliance options, there’s probably going to be another fee for the extra work. Be sure to measure your countertops to determine cutout placement, and budget $100 or more for additional cutouts.
Cost to Install Terrazzo Countertops Yourself
Terrazzo is extremely heavy, and installation can be tricky. For this reason, it’s not recommended that you attempt to install terrazzo countertops on your own.
A countertop installer near you can help you get the job done for around $3,000, including $10 to $30 per square foot for labor. That way, you can ensure the countertops will be installed safely, efficiently, and correctly.
How to Save Money When Installing Terrazzo Countertops
One of terrazzo’s advantages is its multiple price points, including many more affordable options. But if you have an eye on savings, there are several ways to keep costs down as much as possible.
Compare Installers and Suppliers
Because terrazzo costs can vary based on many factors, it’s important to consult multiple installers and see what supplies they offer and at what price. When possible, review their available terrazzo products and ask for an accurate estimate for the labor. Get a few different quotes, and you’ll be in a good position to find the most affordable contractor without skimping on quality.
Ask your local countertop installer which countertop materials can help lower the overall cost. Since there are a number of decorative aggregates to choose from, asking for the most cost-effective one could save you some money.
Pick Faux Terrazzo
Faux terrazzo can be a confusing term with several different applications. In this case, we’re referring to fake terrazzo patterns that are applied to the surface of tiles made from porcelain or other ceramics. It looks similar to terrazzo at a glance, but it’s thinner and can be significantly more affordable.
Look for Special Terrazzo Deals
If you’re willing to arrange for the purchase of terrazzo yourself, you can unlock many avenues toward additional savings. Suppliers will often sell directly to consumers under the right conditions. You can often find large discounts for discontinued types, incorrect orders, or slabs with other minor issues that suppliers want to get rid of.
This method can greatly decrease your material costs. However, it also means you won’t have much of a choice when it comes to color and aggregate, and you’ll have to arrange or pay for transportation on your own.
Consider Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo is sometimes available in tiles as well as slabs. Choosing tiles may be less expensive and easier for installers, so you can save more money. Since slabs are the standard for terrazzo, you may want to ask specifically about available tile choices.
Pros and Cons of Terrazzo Countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable | Difficult to install |
| Eco-friendly | Tough to repair |
| Low maintenance | Higher labor expenses |
Terrazzo countertops offer several advantages and a few disadvantages. Here are the main pros and cons to consider before choosing this type of counter for your kitchen.
Pros
Highly customizable: Terrazzo countertops can be made with a wide variety of underlying materials, including calcareous, serpentine, and other natural stones. This translates to a near-endless array of aesthetic options.
Eco-friendly: Most terrazzo is made from aggregates of recycled stone, glass, and related materials, so these countertops have little environmental impact.
Low maintenance: Nobody likes countertop maintenance. Luckily, terrazzo is fairly fuss-free. All you need to do is stay on top of cleaning.
Cons
Difficult to install: Installing terrazzo countertops is not a DIY project. They require a professional touch because they are heavy and cumbersome; this material is durable but not indestructible, so a poor install could lead to chips and cracks.
Difficult to repair: Terrazzo can chip over time, just like marble and granite. Due to the nature of the material, repairing chipped-off terrazzo is difficult and expensive.
Higher labor cost: While terrazzo isn’t too expensive compared to rival countertop options, the installation difficulties will increase the price, and you can’t save on labor costs with DIY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Terrazzo is incredibly durable and resistant. It often lasts well over 75 years, as long as you take proper care of it.
Terrazzo counters can be very eco-friendly. A number of terrazzo aggregates are recycled materials that would otherwise be thrown away, so it helps save waste. And while epoxy is far from the most eco-friendly substance around, it does have relatively low energy requirements for use and production, which can help lower the overall carbon footprint.
The resin should be periodically sealed to help prevent it from wearing down or becoming porous. Very sharp or very hot objects can damage the resin surface, and there’s no way to fully repair it if that happens, so we recommend treating the counters well.
The short answer is yes. A stone-safe, pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth are all you need to clean and maintain terrazzo. Harsh cleaners aren’t necessary. You can also apply stone polish every few months to refresh your terrazzo.
It’s recommended that you clean your terrazzo countertops daily to remove dust before it begins to build up. Dust and other debris can cause small scratches over time. If you spill something, be sure to clean it up immediately before stains set in.