Natural stone
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is the floor finish equivalent of a plum pudding, a matrix in which small pieces of something more interesting are set. The matrix is either Portland cement (traditional) or polyester/epoxy resin (modern). The aggregate can be marble, granite, quartz, glass, or mother-of-pearl. The whole thing is ground flat, honed and polished to reveal the pattern.
Restoration is straightforward in principle: bring back the surface, expose the aggregate, protect the result. In practice, it requires heavier grinding than marble and specific polishing compounds for the binder. We've restored original terrazzo in Victorian halls, Edwardian shops, Art Deco hotels, and modern architect-specified commercial installations.
Services we offer for terrazzo
- Grinding and lippage removal for period Italian terrazzo
- Stone polishing to bring the aggregate and matrix back to finish
- Crack and chip repair with aggregate-matched resin fills
- Sealing and impregnation after any restoration on period terrazzo
- Deep cleaning as the essential first stage
Characteristics
- Not a natural stone, a composite of marble, granite, quartz or glass chippings set in cement or resin.
- Each floor is effectively one-of-a-kind: aggregate, colour and scale are specified to the installation.
- Traditional cement-bound terrazzo ages over 100+ years; modern resin-bound is more recent.
- Associated with Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture, and 2020s design revival.
Common issues
- Carpet or vinyl laid over original terrazzo, with adhesive left on the surface.
- Dulled and abraded surface hiding the aggregate colour.
- Cracks along original expansion joints.
- Paint or building-work spills from decorators unaware of what's beneath.
Care guidance
pH-neutral cleaner only, never acidic. Re-polish maintenance every 3–7 years in heavy-use areas. Seal after restoration; re-seal every 2 years.
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