Terrazzo
What is Terrazzo
Terrazzo countertops are the latest craze in kitchen interior design. Homeowners who want a contemporary twist to nostalgic designs will be delighted with this emerging trendy countertop material.
Terrazzo has come a long way since the 15th century. It was first created 500 years ago in Italy. This vintage material is generally composed of marble chips, glass, cement and resin.
What was once considered a frugal alternative to marble, terrazzo has evolved into a very versatile material demanded by consumers surfing the trend.
Before you get on board the trend wave, let’s understand the pros and cons of terrazzo countertops.
Pros.
Heat Resistant. The modern terrazzo is highly resistant to heat. This makes it suitable for kitchen countertops and backsplashes that are near the stove, oven and other heat sources.
On the scale of heat resistance, terrazzo is comparable to granite. Despite containing marble chips, terrazzo countertops cool down very fast, unlike natural marble countertops.
If you’re working without a heat pad, it’s not a problem. You can safely leave a hot object onto your terrazzo countertop without worries. Your surface integrity is protected from scorching and darkening.
Durable and Long Lasting. New-age terrazzo is manufactured using high compressive strength. The vacuum-and-vibration process produces a very compact and durable material that can withstand heavy machinery and foot traffic.
Versatile Usage. In the past, terrazzo was primarily used as a flooring material. Today, its usage has expanded to include kitchen countertops, backsplashes, table surfaces, shower stalls, feature walls, and staircase and wall cladding.
Its resistance towards high heat, UV rays and natural elements makes it also suitable for outdoor usage.
Eco-Friendly Kitchen Countertop Material. Homeowners looking for more eco-friendly materials for the kitchen will give terrazzo a nod of approval.
Terrazzo uses a lot of recycled material such as various stone chips (granite, marble, quartz, etc) and glass fragments in its production. These fragments are combined with cement and resin to create unique looking slabs.
The entire process of using recycled components and the absence of volatile organic compounds (VOC) make terrazzo a greener and more sustainable product.
Wide Range of Color Variety. Modern terrazzo comes in a variety of beautiful and bold colors. Because it comprises of natural materials, there will be a slight difference in veining, colour and tone.
Cons.
Difficult to Repair. The process of installing terrazzo is important. There is a risk of cracking when it’s not properly installed.
Nonetheless, Terrazzo is repairable, but it will be relatively difficult and costly. Hence, it is important to hire professional installers to do the job right from the start to prevent potential damages in the future.