How Much Does Poured Terrazzo Flooring Cost?

Understand the factors, options, and elements that influence the price of terrazzo projects.

Epoxy terrazzo flooring is popular due to its wide range of colors and textures, high-end aesthetics, and exceptional durability. To achieve the best results with this type of flooring, it’s essential to hire a highly qualified contractor. Not all resinous flooring installers have the artisan training necessary for successful installation. Mistakes such as improper surface preparation, mixing errors, and, most importantly, inexperienced installation can lead to suboptimal outcomes. Therefore, hiring a skilled terrazzo installer is crucial for cost optimization, as terrazzo can last for generations without needing replacement.

The installation cost of terrazzo tends to be higher than other flooring options due to its labor-intensive process, which requires specialized skills, craftsmanship, and equipment. When installing epoxy terrazzo floors, you must consider the cost of materials such as marble chips, quartz, granite, glass, or other suitable materials and epoxy resin. While epoxy terrazzo is more flexible and resistant to cracking, it also tends to be more expensive due to its superior durability. Additionally, labor costs can be significant because the installation process involves skilled craftspeople hand-troweling the terrazzo over a substrate, followed by grinding and polishing to achieve a flawless finish, which creates a seamless look.
The design’s complexity and the area’s size also impact the overall expense. Larger spaces and intricate patterns require more materials and labor, resulting in higher costs.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Terrazzo Flooring

Labor
This includes on-site setup, site preparation, task completion, trash removal, and work area cleanup.
The in-situ terrazzo pouring process involves pre-installation work on the surface, which incurs additional fees. During this process, installers remove the top layer of concrete to reinforce the bond between the concrete and the terrazzo. Additionally, any necessary repairs or remediation work will be carried out on the surface.
Moreover, our terrazzo system, VIA.ZZO, includes the application of an elastic membrane with an incorporated fiberglass mesh. This membrane plays a critical role in bridging cracks and preventing any potential substrate cracking from affecting the terrazzo finish.
As a result of the grinding and polishing processes, the labor cost per square meter for poured installation is higher than traditional tile methods, as the terrazzo installation requires more intricate workmanship.

Material
Epoxy terrazzo flooring is made by combining fragments of aggregates, such as marble, granite, and various stones, with an epoxy resin matrix. Incorporating additional materials, such as mother-of-pearl, glass, mirror, and unique stones, can increase the overall cost.

Tools and machineries
The terrazzo installation is conducted by skilled professionals using specialized machinery. Regular maintenance or complete replacement of this equipment can be expensive.

Installation complexity
Installation complexity increases with more elaborate designs, requiring additional labor and time, which can drive up costs. Custom patterns and intricate inlays demand extra effort from skilled artisans.

Color and Design
Epoxy terrazzo is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, allowing for the creation of unique designs. However, selecting different colors, patterns, and various sizes and types of chips can increase the overall cost of the service. Additionally, incorporating metal strips to separate different sections may also contribute to the final expense.

Type and thickness
Terrazzo can be customized by changing the size of the aggregates. Small aggregates create a classic simple terrazzo. Larger aggregates add more contrast and are part of a technique called Venetian terrazzo. And for even more contrast, stone slabs can be used that are either irregular or regular in shape. These slabs can be placed randomly or in a pattern. This method is known as Palladiana or Scarpa terrazzo. However, these techniques can be more expensive because they require the terrazzo to be thicker to support the stone slabs, which means using more materials.

The size of the area
The poured-in-place terrazzo process is labor-intensive and is better suited for large open spaces, making it less common in residential applications. The installation is meticulous, so many commercial terrazzo installers tend to charge more for smaller jobs, as they could be working on larger commercial projects with ten times the surface area. Although terrazzo is commonly used in large custom homes, we recommend exploring alternative options, such as tiles, for projects smaller than 100 sqm. Tiles are generally less expensive and are more appropriate for residential flooring.

Job Location
Since our business is based in Romania, operating within the European Union is more advantageous. It simplifies paperwork and facilitates planning for mobilization.
Choosing terrazzo flooring is a decision that reflects both aesthetics and longevity. While it may not be affordable for everyone, it represents a smart investment that can save money over time due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. Terrazzo not only stands the test of time but also offers a sleek, sophisticated appearance, making it one of the most cost-effective flooring materials when considering its life cycle.

Key Features of TERRAZZO

Durability:  50+ years lifespan
Maintenance:  Easy cleaning using mild detergents
Flexibility:  Suitable for horizontal and vertical surfaces
Design Options:  Endless colors and pattern designs
Environmental impact:  Eco-friendly – non-toxic, VOC-free
Average cost per sqm Romania & UE: 250 – 480 euro/sqm + VAT, depending on the type, the thickness of the terrazzo, location, and design specifics.