The Origins of Terrazzo Terrazzo is one of the oldest forms of flooring and can be dated back to the early Neolithic period, around 9000-8000 BC. The form of terrazzo used today was derived from 18th century Italy, where Venetian construction workers began mixing marble scraps with clay to produce cheap flooring for their own homes and patios. How it’s made Terrazzo is created by exposing fine aggregates like marble chips, glass, quartz, or mother of pearls on finished surfaces like concrete or epoxy resin. It can be applied on any hard surface, vertical or horizontal, and is known for its durability, resistance, and easy maintenance. Types of Terrazzo Terrazzo has made a come-back in the world of modern architecture and has become a go-to material in homes, offices, and residential areas. Terrazzo comes in a wide range of aesthetically pleasing designs in a variety of sizes and colors. There are many different types of terrazzo and some of the popular ones are listed below: • Epoxy TerrazzoThe most popular Terrazzo is the Epoxy Terrazzo where a very thin resin coating is poured onto a concrete slab. It is extremely versatile, chemical resistant, and perfect for flooring as well as countertops. • Rustic TerrazzoAkin to epoxy terrazzo, rustic terrazzo only differs in look and design. The exterior of the floor is slightly rough to increase friction and give a rustic feel to a smooth surface. It is ideal for outdoor surfaces. • Sand Cushioned TerrazzoFundamentally, this type of terrazzo is used for flooring purposes. It is usually made up of isolation sheets and layers of sand and is widely used for creating designs or logos on the surface as there is no mirror effect. Terrazzo Installation There are a few different ways one can install terrazzo flooring in their desired space. • Poured Terrazzo Flooring:This method is the original method of Terrazzo installation and the most expensive option. Similar to poured concrete, this form of terrazzo comes in a wet solution and is poured on-site by trained professionals. Once the surface hardens, it is then sharpened and polished to the desired finish. • Tiled Terrazzo Flooring:This method works like any other tile flooring system works, where terrazzo tiles can be purchased in any preferable size and laid on site. This has become one of the most popular choices in terrazzo floors and can be used on walls, backsplashes and is ideal for wet areas. This is also a more cost-effective way of including terrazzo in your finishes. • Hybrid Terrazzo Flooring:Hybrid flooring is like a floating floor that can be installed throughout an entire space and is made up of multiple layers of materials pressed together resulting in extremely resilient flooring. Terrazzo flooring can easily be installed on an existing flat floor such as concrete and can be laid down in a day. It is an affordable and easy solution to create well-insulated flooring which is warmer than actual terrazzo flooring. Benefits of Terrazzo Terrazzo is a class by itself and is an excellent surface solution that is warmer than marble and more attractive than ceramic. It gives you the best of both worlds, extreme durability and sophistication that never goes out of style! The beauty and textural quality of terrazzo have made it a top choice for people who want a contemporary interior. It is a great choice of kitchen and bathroom flooring and a perfect flooring option for a living area as it adds to the effortless feel of a floorplan. Terrazzo promotes “Green Building” Apart from its luxury, durability, and beauty, terrazzo flooring is also eco-friendly. It is a very sustainable product manufactured using environmentally friendly materials. The aggregates are made of natural materials like marble, granite, or quartz and recycled material like glass. Unlimited design possibilities Terrazzo is an extremely versatile product for not just floors and walls but kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes and can also be used as furniture accents in living rooms or drawing rooms as well. In addition to being extremely durable and highly resistant, terrazzo is also a great way to introduce some color and texture in a subtle way, where one can choose from unlimited color options, from darker colors to exciting hues to natural tones. One can create any look they prefer from a minimalistic monochromatic interior to a stylish mosaic design. Gulf Trading and Terrazzo Gulf Trading has its fair share of experience working with terrazzo and with new technologies of producing terrazzo we have created a plethora of designs not just for floors, but aesthetically pleasing epoxy terrazzo sculptures with a gorgeous combination of highly appealing aggregates. Our terrazzo designs are noted for their high durability, variety in design, sustainability, and contribution to the environment. We have been a part of many noteworthy projects in the UAE and our terrazzo specialists never fail to disappoint.