If you’re thinking about using terrazzo for flooring, you have two main options: poured and tiled. Which one you choose depends on a number of factors.
Aesthetics
One of the major draws of a poured floor is its aesthetic quality. A beautiful seamless terrazzo floor surface is a really attractive proposition for both residential and commercial projects; a superb, smooth surface with an unbroken design. It’s also ideal to use over underfloor heating as it provides an even surface for heat distribution.
Using tiles gives a different aesthetic. This may well influence the design that you opt for. A terrazzo design that uses larger chunks of marble may not work as well as a terrazzo design that uses smaller chippings. While you won’t achieve the seamless look of a poured floor, a well installed tiled terrazzo floor will still be attractive and luxurious.
Installation
Installing a poured terrazzo floor requires plenty of preparation. The substrate that the material is poured on to must be fit for purpose, free from dirt, free of cracks, strong enough to take the terrazzo screed (especially if you are using cement terrazzo) and even, to ensure a flat floor surface. If the substrate isn’t up to scratch, these issues must be mitigated prior to installation. For some installations where different colours are being used, divider strips are needed. When a section is complete it needs to dry before the next section is started.
Tile installation is more straightforward, although the substrate should again be in as good a condition as possible. Laying tiles is a skilled task and it is always best to use an expert installer or installation team. This will result in a high quality floor that will be durable.
Practicalities
A poured floor needs time to set, or ‘cure’. This will depend on whether you opt for a resin or cement terrazzo floor. Resin is the more practical option as it dries more quickly and can be used within a few days of installation. With a poured cement terrazzo in general you will need to wait for several weeks until the surface can be ground and polished, ready for the space to be used. The typical setting time is 24-48 hours, and the typical drying time is around 1mm per day.
A tiled floor can be used as soon as the adhesive is dry, typically 24 hours but it may be recommended that you wait for 48 hours to ensure there’s no chance of lifting later on. If the tiles are being installed in an area that is still being used, such as a kitchen in a residential home, or the reception area of an office, the beauty of tiles is that they can be laid in sections. So with some planning, there can be unbroken access.
Integrity
Poured floors are a popular choice in commercial environments particularly where high levels of cleanliness are crucial. For example factory floors or school refectories. This is because there’s no grouting as there is between tiles. Grouting can degrade over time and is also a magnet for dirt.
However, grouting can be kept dirt-free with regular cleaning using the right product. And tiled floors are easier to repair if there is any damage. When placing your order, it is worth over-ordering, so you have a few spare for future repairs. Hopefully this won’t happen, but better safe than sorry.
Budget
Whether you choose a poured terrazzo floor or a tiled terrazzo floor will also depend on the available budget. Because of the intense installation work required, a poured floor comes at a cost. However, you may feel the aesthetic quality offsets the outlay.
If you opt for tiles, you will have a range of different terrazzo designs to choose from with varying price tags. At Diespeker, for example, we stock a standard range but also a luxury range. So bear this in mind when you budget for your terrazzo floor.
To discuss your project and the options of poured or tiled terrazzo flooring, please do get in touch.
