The Method to Install Terrazzo

Preparation

• Terrazzo floors are traditionally installed on a clean and level concrete subfloor. While some artisans pour the terrazzo directly over the concrete, others add cement or sand to the concrete floor before pouring the terrazzo. Before installation, metal strips are laid over the floor to divide the different designs for the floor. Made from aluminum, copper or brass, the metal strips are simply set into the cement and sand base or secured to the concrete subfloor with adhesive. The floor surface is coated with concrete primer that helps the terrazzo adhere to the concrete.

Pouring

• A terrazzo floor is composed of a two-part epoxy that includes the resin and a hardener. It is imperative to add the hardener immediately before you pour the terrazzo so it does not get a chance to dry. Depending on personal preference and the desired finish, dye the epoxy or leave it clear. Pour the epoxy into the metal strips and spread it with a trowel. Spread the aggregate mixture, such as stone, glass, mother of pearl or marble across the surface of the epoxy for a decorative finish. Pour different colors at different times until you cover the entire floor with the mixture.

Finishing

• Polish the upper layer of the surface of the dried terrazzo using a heavy-duty floor grinder. Buff the floor to a matte finish using a polishing machine. Once polished, apply a transparent sealer over the floor surface to close open pores, thereby preventing dirt, debris and pollutants from entering and staining the flooring. Keep traffic off the floor until the sealer cures.

Installing Tile

• Install terrazzo tile over the desired floor as an alternative to pouring the mixture. Clean the floor and glue cement board over the entire surface. Divide the floor into four equal quadrants by snapping two perpendicular chalk lines. Spread mortar over the back of a tile and lower it onto the floor over the center point where the perpendicular lines meet. Lay tiles according to the snap lines before filling the quadrants with tile. Insert spaces into the edges of the tiles on the floor. Buff the surface of the tile before inserting grout in between. Wipe excess grout from the tiles and allow it to cure.