If you’re a fan of colourful and/or patterned interiors, it’s time to get better acquainted with terrazzo tiles. Alongside marble and parquet, these have become increasingly popular in the UK, as both homeowners and commercial customers become more aware of their versatility.
Providing you with flexible options
These tiles aren’t just suitable for flooring – they can also be used for walls, backsplashes and kitchen units. Some types can even be used to add personality and pizzazz to exterior projects, such as patios and precast furniture. We offer a huge range of these tiles featuring original coloured flecks – and terrazzo effect alternatives. So, read on to discover a fresh new take on a true design classic.
True blue: Make your kitchen colour scheme pop with our Bert & May hand-crafted Azure Terrazzo Tile (£396.90 per sq m), which offers a contemporary take on the classic aesthetic
What are terrazzo tiles?
Terrazzo is usually defined as a composite material that consists of marble chips, quartz, glass, granite or shell. The type we know and love today come from 16th century Italy. However, its origins are actually much older, and can be traced all the way back to the mosaics of ancient Egypt.
Originally created as a method to reuse and upcycle offcuts of marble and other materials, terrazzo tiles have evolved to become an increasingly popular choice for all sorts of high-end tiling applications.
Two types are available today: pre-cast and poured in place. Pre-cast is the most common option, while poured in place is custom created onsite for a more unique finish featuring distinctive coloured flecks.
Two types
Our Bert & May Azure Terrazzo Tiles offer an affordable way to enjoy this luxurious material in your home or business. Broadly speaking, there are two main types of terrazzo: cement terrazzo and resin terrazzo. As you’d expect, the former is a combination of cement and marble pieces, while the latter is a mix of marble and resin. Terrazzo tiles are available in virtually unlimited colour and material options. They can even be customised to create a bespoke design.
Our super-versatile Bert & May Coarse Terrazzo Tile (£635.04 per sq m) can be applied to almost any surface – vertical or horizontal
How are terrazzo tiles made?
In simple terms, they are made by forcing marble segments and binders together, under huge presses. Originally, terrazzo was poured on-site – and while this is still possible, the cost is usually prohibitive. Today's tiles provide a far more practical (and cost-effective) option.
History to today
Early terrazzo tiles incorporated a dual-layer format, comprising a top layer of stone/cement mix, atop a base of purer cement. This made them strong, and especially suitable for commercial settings, although their weight limited certain installation options. Single-layer tile formats are now far more commonplace. After preparation, the mix in question is laid out and rolled flat, to ensure an even surface area. It is then left to harden for at least three days. Once hard, the terrazzo tiles are cut, ground and polished.
Make a serious style statement – without breaking the bank – courtesy of our Terrazzo Hexagon Black porcelain tiles (£52.20 per box)
Where to use terrazzo tiles
These tiles don’t just look amazing. Because they are durable and easy to maintain, they can be used in a wide variety of ways. The only limit really is your imagination! In material terms, it has become a popular tile alternative to marble and granite. They are also suitable for use with underfloor heating, as – much like terracotta tiles – they retain warmth effectively.
Single layer floor tiles in this style can be laid almost anywhere, and are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens and living rooms. Large format terrazzo tiles are a great way to make a real style statement, especially if you choose bright colours and/or a distinctive pattern.
Suitable for both interior and exterior walls and floors, our Ca’ Pietra Porcelain Geo Pearl 80 x 80 cm tiles (£76.52 per sq m) incorporate colourful speckles that catch the light beautifully
Sealing offers versatility
Sealed terrazzo floor tiles can be used in bathrooms, wet rooms, en suites and cloakrooms. But while terrazzo began life primarily as a trend for flooring, it can be used in so many other ways too. Create a seamless finish by laying the same terrazzo tiles on a room’s walls and floor. Experiment with a stylish feature wall. Or why not upgrade your interiors with a statement kitchen worktop, island or backsplash?
As already mentioned, terrazzo tiles can also be used outside: think gardens, terraces, paths, patios and even swimming pool surrounds.
Terrazzo tile alternatives
Real terrazzo tiles aren’t for everyone. If you love the look, but need an alternative that mimics the real thing, we have plenty of terrazzo effect tiles to choose from.
Mimicking the appearance of perfectly poured concrete, our Minoli Viceversa Veneziano VV20 Brushed 80 x 80cm porcelain tiles (£77.95 per box - 2 tiles) feature deliciously deep multi-tone layers of colour, and can be used on interior walls and floors
Terrazzo effect tiles feature terrazzo patterns that are applied to a material such as porcelain, cement encaustic, or vinyl. These options tend to be a lot more cost-effective than genuine terrazzo tiles. And they may also be easier to install and maintain.
Furthermore, as real terrazzo tends to be thicker than regular tiles, a thinner, the terrazzo effect alternative might be a better option for renovations and projects where the floors aren’t perfectly even. Many people favour terrazzo effect tiles for bathroom floors and other areas where water may be present, as they are less porous and less slippery.
How to care for your terrazzo tiles
If properly installed (and, where necessary, correctly sealed) terrazzo tiles are easy to maintain. It's durable and hardwearing, but it still needs regular cleaning to keep it looking its best.
Sweep or vacuum these floors regularly, and try to use coasters and trivets to protect terrazzo countertops and surfaces. It’s good practice to clean up any spills promptly, too.
Easy to lay and maintain, our Floorify Verona F523 Terrazzo Small Vinyl Tiles (£39.95 per sq m) are a practical, terrazzo-style alternative that works especially well in wet areas
Avoid harsh chemicals such as acids, abrasives and bleach. Instead, use pH-neutral cleaning products, and buff with a soft cloth to restore that signature high-gloss shine.
Interested in learning more about other types of tiles? Discover the advantages of our extensive encaustic portfolio.
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