So You Want Some Terrazzo Tiles?
They're the latest buzz in bathrooms, but what are terrazzo tiles and where can you use them? Three experts reveal all
Georgia Madden
20 August 2018
Senior writer, Houzz Australia
In this series, we put key home-design elements under the spotlight, exploring everything from the latest innovations and arrangement ideas to practical tips for making them work in your space.
Terrazzo tiles are making waves in bathroom design right now, and with their unique texture and stunning looks, it’s easy to see why. We’ve asked three industry experts to reveal how and where you can use them in your own home.
Terrazzo tiles are making waves in bathroom design right now, and with their unique texture and stunning looks, it’s easy to see why. We’ve asked three industry experts to reveal how and where you can use them in your own home.
Why is there such a buzz around terrazzo tiles right
now?
“We’ve been watching the terrazzo movement gain momentum on the world stage for a couple of years now, and in the past 10 months it has exploded in popularity here in Australia,” says Christie Wood, strategic designer at Beaumont Tiles. It’s easy to see the appeal, she says. “Terrazzo is a playful expansion of the concrete industrial style that has been popular for some time now. It embraces colour and offers a truly bespoke finish that can be adapted to suit different home styles.”
“Terrazzo is also a great way to add texture and interest to a space,” says Andrew Zunica, director at Zunica Interior Architecture & Design. “Terrazzo tiles are beautiful and they are a cost-effective alternative to using natural stone.”
now?
“We’ve been watching the terrazzo movement gain momentum on the world stage for a couple of years now, and in the past 10 months it has exploded in popularity here in Australia,” says Christie Wood, strategic designer at Beaumont Tiles. It’s easy to see the appeal, she says. “Terrazzo is a playful expansion of the concrete industrial style that has been popular for some time now. It embraces colour and offers a truly bespoke finish that can be adapted to suit different home styles.”
“Terrazzo is also a great way to add texture and interest to a space,” says Andrew Zunica, director at Zunica Interior Architecture & Design. “Terrazzo tiles are beautiful and they are a cost-effective alternative to using natural stone.”
Are they just for bathrooms?
“Not at all – on the international stage, porcelain terrazzo tiles are being used everywhere, including floors in main living areas, floor-to-ceiling in bathrooms, feature walls, benchtops and patios. The list is endless!
“New developments in adhesives mean you can now lay terrazzo tiles anywhere in the home you like, including the ceiling,” says Wood.
Read more stories on bathroom tiles
“Not at all – on the international stage, porcelain terrazzo tiles are being used everywhere, including floors in main living areas, floor-to-ceiling in bathrooms, feature walls, benchtops and patios. The list is endless!
“New developments in adhesives mean you can now lay terrazzo tiles anywhere in the home you like, including the ceiling,” says Wood.
Read more stories on bathroom tiles
Photo: Alisa & Lysandra Interiors
What are terrazzo tiles made of?
“Terrazzo tiles are made from porcelain with a digital print that gives you the look of true terrazzo,” says Wood. “Porcelain terrazzo offers benefits that true terrazzo can’t, such as stain and scratch resistance. Porcelain is harder, stronger, and more durable than natural stone – even granite.”
“Porcelain look-a-like tiles are perfect for those who want the look of real terrazzo without the maintenance,” says Tina Di Lorenzo, marketing manager at Di Lorenzo Tiles. “Porcelain terrazzo comes in a wide range of colours, chip sizes and formats, making it suitable for most applications.”
“The main difference between true and porcelain terrazzo is price – porcelain is obviously the cheaper option,” says Zunica. “Another difference is the way it feels; real terrazzo is cold and feels like natural stone to the touch.”
What are terrazzo tiles made of?
“Terrazzo tiles are made from porcelain with a digital print that gives you the look of true terrazzo,” says Wood. “Porcelain terrazzo offers benefits that true terrazzo can’t, such as stain and scratch resistance. Porcelain is harder, stronger, and more durable than natural stone – even granite.”
“Porcelain look-a-like tiles are perfect for those who want the look of real terrazzo without the maintenance,” says Tina Di Lorenzo, marketing manager at Di Lorenzo Tiles. “Porcelain terrazzo comes in a wide range of colours, chip sizes and formats, making it suitable for most applications.”
“The main difference between true and porcelain terrazzo is price – porcelain is obviously the cheaper option,” says Zunica. “Another difference is the way it feels; real terrazzo is cold and feels like natural stone to the touch.”
Photo: Alisa & Lysandra Interiors
Which looks are trending?
Di Lorenzo says:
Picture Perfect: 49 Hallway Ideas From Around the World
Which looks are trending?
Di Lorenzo says:
- Neutral-look terrazzo tiles with subtle colours and tonal variations
- Bold black-and-white terrazzo
- Pastel-coloured terrazzo, in colours such as blush pink and soft blue
- Terrazzo with over-sized aggregate pieces
- Warm taupes and charcoals
- Large-format terrazzo tiles
- Very small terrazzo tiles, which are used to create decorative feature flooring
Picture Perfect: 49 Hallway Ideas From Around the World
Image: Di Lorenzo Tiles
How can I make them work in my home?
“Terrazzo works really well in bathrooms, especially on floors and walls,” says Zunica. “We recently applied terrazzo tiles to an entire bathroom wall, including a niche, and the result was striking.” Balance is key, though, he says. “Terrazzo creates quite a busy look, so it’s best paired with plain materials and fittings.”
“Keep it minimal by choosing a neutral-based terrazzo and combine it with a simple white subway tile,” says Di Lorenzo. “Or, make a statement with a bold, brightly coloured terrazzo.”
“Right now, we’re loving large-format terrazzo tiles on flooring in main living spaces, which are then carried outdoors to a patio or barbecue area,” says Wood.
How can I make them work in my home?
“Terrazzo works really well in bathrooms, especially on floors and walls,” says Zunica. “We recently applied terrazzo tiles to an entire bathroom wall, including a niche, and the result was striking.” Balance is key, though, he says. “Terrazzo creates quite a busy look, so it’s best paired with plain materials and fittings.”
“Keep it minimal by choosing a neutral-based terrazzo and combine it with a simple white subway tile,” says Di Lorenzo. “Or, make a statement with a bold, brightly coloured terrazzo.”
“Right now, we’re loving large-format terrazzo tiles on flooring in main living spaces, which are then carried outdoors to a patio or barbecue area,” says Wood.
Image: Di Lorenzo Tiles
What sizes do terrazzo tiles come in?
“Our smallest terrazzo porcelain tiles measure 200 x 200 millimetres in size; our largest slab size measures 1200 x 2400 millimetres,” says Di Lorenzo.
“Be aware that large slabs are more difficult to lay than average-size tiles, so use a tiler who is experienced in laying slabs,” she says. “It pays to view examples of their workmanship too, if you have the opportunity.”
What sizes do terrazzo tiles come in?
“Our smallest terrazzo porcelain tiles measure 200 x 200 millimetres in size; our largest slab size measures 1200 x 2400 millimetres,” says Di Lorenzo.
“Be aware that large slabs are more difficult to lay than average-size tiles, so use a tiler who is experienced in laying slabs,” she says. “It pays to view examples of their workmanship too, if you have the opportunity.”
How much do they cost?
“Our porcelain terrazzo tiles start at $75 per square metre,” says Di Lorenzo.
Heritage Touch: 6 Ways to Add Victorian Style to Your Bathroom
“Our porcelain terrazzo tiles start at $75 per square metre,” says Di Lorenzo.
Heritage Touch: 6 Ways to Add Victorian Style to Your Bathroom
Photo by Nikole Ramsay
What’s good to know when specifying terrazzo tiles?
Wood says:
What’s good to know when specifying terrazzo tiles?
Wood says:
- Terrazzo tiles are easy to maintain as long as they are properly grouted and sealed.
- Check with your retailer whether your natural terrazzo is sealed as some may require post-installation sealing to keep them looking fresh.
- Porcelain and natural terrazzo floors should only be cleaned with a pH-neutral cleaner – all-purpose cleaners that contain crystallising salts, alkali, or acids should be avoided.
Di Lorenzo says:
- Terrazzo tiles come in different finishes and it’s important to choose the right one for the intended space.
- Consider a matt-finish terrazzo tile for slippery, wet spots such as a bathroom floor.
Tell us
Are you tempted by terrazzo tiles? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like this story or save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a tiler supplier near you
Are you tempted by terrazzo tiles? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like this story or save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Find a tiler supplier near you
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eek. these tiles remind me of public/school toilets. i have been a teacher for over 30 years and every school toilets had these floors. it is like a smell that takes you back in time, these take me back to smelly public toilets. sorry no can do.
love it when everything works together...trying to figure out how to use it in a very small bathroom at my place but having trouble...i am glad it is in fashion because it also suits the era of my house...it was a terrazzo floor that i had to rip up for the bathroom reno
Imagine terrazzo for spalshback or feature wall or interior of shower recess
Use on walls instead of floor
Combine with complimentary tiles of different texture