What is terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a surface finish made from stone or glass chips held in cement or epoxy, then ground and polished. Traditional installations have 2 broad types: bonded to the supporting floor or separated from it by a sand bed. Identify the binder and installation system before specifying repairs.

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By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated 5 November 2026

What this means for your home project

Check existing flooring paperwork for whether the binder is epoxy or cement; record that identification for the repair discussion. Source: U.S. General Services Administration, read 2026-11-05.
Request a written list and schedule of the floor areas proposed for grinding so you can compare the same scope. Source: U.S. General Services Administration, read 2026-11-05.
Ask the repair contractor to identify which interior walking routes will be closed during the work. Source: U.S. General Services Administration, read 2026-11-05.
Check the cleaner label for a pH-balanced formulation before adding it to the floor-care plan. Source: Wisconsin Historical Society, read 2026-11-05.

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Doesn't terrazzo take too much time to install?

NTMA explains how the selected binder changes the installation schedule; distinguish this from GSA’s historic-repair curing specification (read 2026-11-05). “Epoxy floors are only 3/8 inch thick and are much faster to install than the thicker, traditional sand cushion terrazzo.” (source) “An epoxy floor will typically cure overnight, accelerating the installation schedule.” (source) For historic restoration, GSA section 3.04 states: “Allow grout to cure a minimum of 72 hours.” (source)

Can terrazzo be used on a surface that is not flat?

NTMA identifies what to resolve about the supporting surface before committing to a terrazzo installation scope (read 2026-11-05). “The substrate must be flat to keep an even thickness of terrazzo.” (source) “However, with floors that are out of tolerance, the terrazzo contractor can install materials that will to bring the slab into tolerance.” (source) “Substrates that are sloped, such as ramps, are not a problem.” (source)

Can I use glass and other exotic aggregates?

NTMA lists aggregate choices you can request in a sample when planning the appearance of your terrazzo (read 2026-11-05). “Today we use pre and post recycled glass, porcelain, mirrored and windshield chips.” (source) “Vibrant colored synthetic chips are also available.” (source)

Can I use epoxy terrazzo outside?

NTMA distinguishes exterior suitability by binder, helping you avoid specifying an indoor system for an outdoor location (read 2026-11-05). “No, epoxy is somewhat UV sensitive and has a thermal coefficient of expansion that makes it generally not suitable for exteriors.” (source) “However, cement-based rustic terrazzo systems are perfect for outdoor use.” (source)

How do I increase the slip resistance of terrazzo?

NTMA identifies the product information to request when evaluating a terrazzo floor’s slip resistance for your project (read 2026-11-05). “The sealers and coatings selected will dictate the slip resistance.” (source) “Only products designed for terrazzo should be used on terrazzo.” (source)

Can terrazzo floors be repaired if damaged?

For historic storefronts, Wisconsin Historical Society describes when damage calls for professional patching rather than treating polishing as sufficient (read 2026-11-05). “If areas of your terrazzo floor are badly stained or damaged, you will have to cut the damaged terrazzo out and patch in new terrazzo to that area.” (source) “You should hire a professional for this this type of repair work, because the work requires skill in combining the concrete and chippings to match the original terrazzo.” (source)

What should a terrazzo quote include?

GSA’s historic-repair specification, section 1.05, identifies the written system information to request before comparing proposed repair methods (read 2026-11-05). “Identification of existing terrazzo system (epoxy, or cement) submitted in writing.” (source) “All proposed methods and materials must be compatible with identified system.” (source) “A detailed description and schedule of the areas to be treated, including an assessment of the problem surfaces, any necessary testing, and proposed general cleaning, polishing and repair techniques.” (source)

Sources

Terrazzo design and fabrication — National Park Service; read 2026-11-05.
Terrazzo Repair — HP096010 — U.S. General Services Administration; read 2026-11-05.
Preserving the Tile and Terrazzo Entry in Your Historic Building — Wisconsin Historical Society; read 2026-11-05.
Terrazzo FAQs — National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association; read 2026-11-05.