One of Diespeker’s core skills is the creation of bespoke terrazzo, where a variety of aggregates and other items are added into a binding mixture to make a unique material. This is unlike standard terrazzo which comes ready made with specific aggregate added.
However, you can’t just throw any old thing into the mix! Here’s a list of some of the things you can and can’t add to bespoke terrazzo.
What can be added
Marble: marble chippings are the classic choice for terrazzo. There are a huge variety of different colours to choose from. As well as chippings, larger chunks of marble can be added. Really large chunks become a type of terrazzo called Palladiana.
Granite: granite is used in a similar way to marble in a bespoke terrazzo. Again there are a lot of different stones so consider. The beauty of both granite and marble is brought out in the final polish.
Glass: glass gives a cool, contemporary look to bespoke terrazzo. You can use specially manufactured pieces of glass, or for sustainable credentials, recycled glass. Glass comes in a wide range of colours, you can choose a single colour, complementary colours or a mixture. Whichever you choose, the result is a vibrant, eye-catching design.
Shells: shells are a great choice for a bathroom terrazzo or for an unusual look in a commercial environment such as an aquatic exhibition or museum. They give a coastal vibe to interiors and can also be used in exterior applications in cement based terrazzo – perhaps by a swimming pool.
Semi-precious stones: for a truly luxurious look, semi-precious stones can be added into terrazzo. This style of terrazzo has a real sense of opulence and will create an impressive, attractive impact in any interior design.
Recycled materials: recycled materials including crushed ceramics or porcelain can be used in bespoke terrazzo, not only reducing waste and creating a unique texture and design. For the ultimate in recycling you can use rubble (even from your own renovations) in Diespeker’s bespoke terrazzo Rubblazzo, which uses a low carbon binder that increases environmental credentials still further.
Metallic flakes: Metallic flakes from materials such as glass, brass or aluminium, can be incorporated into terrazzo to give a touch of glamour. They create a glitzy visual effect ideal for nightclubs and restaurants.
What can’t be added
Organic materials: materials that are likely to decompose, such as plant matter, may lead to discoloration, deterioration, and potential structural issues over time.
Highly porous materials: certain types of ceramics or low-quality aggregates can absorb moisture and compromise the durability of the terrazzo. So to ensure the integrity of the mix, it’s sensible to select aggregates with a known density and water resistance.
Unstable chemicals: some aggregate containing unstable chemicals or compounds that may react with the binding agents of terrazzo. This includes materials like certain types of metals or minerals that could cause discolouration or staining.
Your own ideas
If you have anything unusual that you’d like to use in a bespoke terrazzo made by Diespeker, we will advise you if it is possible and make up samples for you to check that the result is as you imagined. Our experienced artisan team has worked with innumerable different materials in our bespoke terrazzo production and will do their utmost to create your unique terrazzo.
You can see some examples of bespoke terrazzo here.
