What is Terrazzo, and What Are Some Unique Ways to Use it in the Home?

Terrazzo may have originated in 16th-century Italy, but this retro-cool material is popping up everywhere from new modern builds to mid-century renovations. And it’s not just for flooring anymore. More and more homeowners are choosing to apply terrazzo elsewhere, including wall tiles, furnishings, and home decor. Read on to learn more about this popular material and the best ways to use it in your home.  

What is Terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a composite material traditionally made of marble chips set into cement. Today, there are seemingly endless material (and color) possibilities, including quartz, glass, granite, metal, and more. It’s made by pouring a layer of epoxy resin or concrete and then pressing chips of different materials into the surface.   

There are many options when it comes to using terrazzo throughout home improvement projects. You can use it for flooring and other surfaces or make it into custom tiles using thinset mortar and grout. You can also use it to create homeware and furniture.

Best Ways to Use Terrazzo in Your Home

Photo: Andrey Abryutin / iStock / Getty Images

Terrazzo floors are still the most popular use of this material. That said, terrazzo can be much more than just a flooring material.You can use it both indoors and out to create fun, unique patterns and designs. From backsplashes to furniture, here are some of the best ways to use terrazzo:

• Slab countertops

• Backsplash

• Walls

• Walkways

• Tabletop

• Coffee table

• Planter

• Sideboard

• Bench

Terrazzo Installation

However you decide to get creative with terrazzo, it’s important to install it correctly. In most cases, professional installation is required. Just to give you an idea, here are a few popular uses of terrazzo and their installation methods:

• Floors: After the existing flooring is removed and cracks are filled, custom terrazzo is installed over a concrete base.  

• Countertops: After a custom design is created, countertops are installed using epoxy terrazzo. 

• Walls: Terrazzo is applied vertically and is either precast or poured in place.

Terrazzo Pros & Cons

Compare the opportunities and drawbacks of terrazzo materials.

Terrazzo Pros

There are several benefits to this popular material, including its durability, uniqueness, and eco-friendliness. Here are some of the top advantages of terrazzo: 

• Known for its durability (when it’s properly installed)

• It’s more stain-resistant than common materials like marble or granite

• Every surface is unique

• Customizable thanks to the range of colors, designs, and materials available

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Relatively sustainable since it reuses scrap pieces of materials that would otherwise be thrown away

Terrazzo Cons

Of course, terrazzo may not be the right choice for every homeowner. Here are a few potential disadvantages to consider:

• Can become dull over time

• More expensive than some other flooring types (installation costs are high), so it may not be suitable for everyone’s budget

• Can’t DIY installation—terrazzo cracks easily if it’s not installed correctly, and it’s also just not as aesthetically appealing unless it’s professionally done

• Can be a slipping hazard because it has an especially smooth and slick surface 

How Much Does Terrazzo Cost?

Wondering how much terrazzo countertops cost, as well as terrazzo furniture, homeware, and more? Prices vary widely depending on the aggregate materials used, the complexity of the pattern and color scheme, and the installation technique. That said, according to HomeAdvisor, terrazzo tiles cost between $15 and $70 per square foot, not including labor. You can expect to pay between $25 and $80 per square foot after adding installation costs.