We love terrazzo floors, which is fortunate given it is used extensively in our modernist Brisbane home!
Terrazzo is a composite material which basically consists of marble chips set in concrete. It is quite durable and our home is testament to that, as the terrazzo has survived reasonably well for its 51 years.
We are very lucky the terrazzo was never removed as is the case with most terrazzo floors in older houses. I guess there was a time when it became unfashionable...when people renovated their bathrooms or laundry it would have been easier and cheaper just to lay tile or vinyl.
It is a shame really because it is a beautiful building material. It is also a great floor to have in Queensland because it is quite cool underfoot which is always a good thing during our hot summers.
In our house, there is white terrazzo in the bathrooms and laundry. The floors inside are virtually in pristine condition.
Externally, the stairs and patio floor have been laid with terrazzo tiles...they have had a harsher life, exposed to the elements as they are, with some discolouration from where pot plants have sat and cracking in spots where there has been movement in the house.
Our plan is to restore the external floors when we figure out the best way to do it. They would look fantastic with some TLC.
Does anyone have any experience in caring for terrazzo floors. Anyone know a good terrazzo floor restorer?
Terrazzo is a composite material which basically consists of marble chips set in concrete. It is quite durable and our home is testament to that, as the terrazzo has survived reasonably well for its 51 years.
It is a shame really because it is a beautiful building material. It is also a great floor to have in Queensland because it is quite cool underfoot which is always a good thing during our hot summers.
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| cracks in the terrazzo tiles on the patio |
In our house, there is white terrazzo in the bathrooms and laundry. The floors inside are virtually in pristine condition.
Externally, the stairs and patio floor have been laid with terrazzo tiles...they have had a harsher life, exposed to the elements as they are, with some discolouration from where pot plants have sat and cracking in spots where there has been movement in the house.
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| Wear and tear on the terrazzo tiles on the front patio |
Our plan is to restore the external floors when we figure out the best way to do it. They would look fantastic with some TLC.
Does anyone have any experience in caring for terrazzo floors. Anyone know a good terrazzo floor restorer?
 |
| Some discolouration from pot plants that used to sit on the terrazzo tiles |
I love terrazzo, and I'm so happy for you that yours is almost pristine inside. I don't know anything about restoration, but I bet you can find a stone store that has terrazzo tiles that will match yours.
ReplyDeleteWe had a pair of marble-topped vintage tables, and one of the tops got dropped and broken. I doubted that we'd ever be able to match it, but when I went to the stone store, I was amazed to find a match so close I couldn't even tell which had been broken once the new top was in place. Surely somewhere there is a store with the perfect terrazzo tiles for you.
Ah you have given me hope. I will try your suggestion Dana! xx
DeleteFingers crossed you find one! ..still a lovely floor :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Pip! It is a great floor but will be even nicer when it is repaired. The cracks make it look tired when it mostly in good condition. xx
DeleteThe terrazzo is just the right style for your house, so I hope that you can get the repairs done to keep it looking good for many more years to come! It must indeed be lovely and cool in the heat of the summer. xx
ReplyDeleteWe're in the middle of winter at the moment Amy, so they are particularly cool at the moment. Bring on summer I say! xx
DeleteAh, but still a lot warmer than our winters!! xx
DeleteMaybe some Gumption on the stains?
ReplyDelete