How Much Does Terrazzo Flooring Cost?

Terrazzo incorporates pieces of aggregate in a cement or epoxy base to create a distinct look popular in flooring. Terrazzo flooring costs around $1,800 to $7,000 for a 200-square-foot surface, with the average homeowner paying $4,400 for the installation. 

The largest terrazzo floor cost factor is whether you go with epoxy terrazzo tiles or poured terrazzo flooring; the latter has higher labor costs associated with the installation.

Average Terrazzo Flooring Costs

Terrazzo Floor Installation Costs

The average terrazzo floor cost is approximately $22 per square foot, ranging from $9 to $35 per square foot, including materials and labor. Generally, labor costs for flooring installs range from $1 to $15 per square foot, depending on the material and complexity of the pattern.

Terrazzo Tile Cost

Terrazzo tiles cost from $4 to $12 per square foot, not including labor. Because tile floors are easier to install than poured terrazzo flooring, you can expect to pay between $5 and $10 per square foot for labor, for a total terrazzo flooring cost of around $9 to $22 per square foot.

You'll give up some flexibility to create your own pattern, as tiles are available in limited colors and designs. Standard sizes include 2-by-2- and 4-by-4-foot tiles.

Terrazzo tiles can be an affordable alternative to other tiles. For example, porcelain and ceramic tiles cost between $4 and $120 per square foot.

Poured Terrazzo Flooring Cost

At $5 to $15 per square foot, the price of poured terrazzo floors isn’t much higher than tile prices. But the installation is more labor-intensive, so budget between $10 and $20 per square foot in labor costs alone, for a total poured terrazzo flooring cost of around $15 to $35 per square foot.

Pouring the floor may allow the use of higher-end materials that aren't available in premade tiles, which can raise costs. Pouring the floor happens in one of three ways:

• Thinset: This uses epoxy resin mixed with the aggregate for a single, thin layer between 1/4 and 3/8 inch. It’s less likely to crack and suitable only for interior installations.

• Sand-cushion: This uses a poured slab of cement for a base, with a mid-layer of sandy cement to allow expansion and contraction. It has minimal cracking and is often used for exterior applications.

• Monolithic: This aggregate mixture is added to the existing concrete subfloor, and some cracking is likely. While the price for each method can vary, monolithic is often the most economical way to pour terrazzo flooring.

Terrazzo Shower Base Cost

If you purchase a premade base, plan to spend between $450 and $1,100, depending on the size you need. This can add another 10% to 20% to the cost of installing a shower. Premade options are available in common shower stall sizes.

A poured floor for the shower will cost roughly the same as any other poured terrazzo floor, between $15 and $35 per square foot. Use the poured material for a larger walk-in shower.

Terrazzo Flooring Cost Factors

Beyond whether you go with tiles or poured floors, you’ll need to consider additional terrazzo flooring price factors, including the aggregate material, colors, and brand of terrazzo.

Material

Prices vary widely for aggregate. Common options include marble and glass. While glass is generally less expensive than marble, your floor tile contractor will guide you toward options within your budget.

Other aggregate materials include:

• Recycled materials

• Natural stone

• Mother-of-pearl

Colors

White and black options are popular because they look attractive with stone, granite, or marble chips. If you're trying to match an exact shade or your chosen pattern includes several colors, it may increase the overall flooring cost. 

Styles, Patterns, and Textures

Intricate patterns may be more expensive than using one look throughout your floor. Thin metal strips, called divider strips, separate each new color section. You'll pay more in labor to have these sections prepared.

The texture you choose is unlikely to impact the price. Polished floors create a smooth interior surface. In some exterior applications, a textured surface can improve traction and may be desirable.

Brands

Top brands with a good reputation, including Fritztile and Floorazzo, may be more expensive than those from other manufacturers. Speak with a pro for guidance in choosing the right flooring brand for your home.

Epoxy vs. Cement Terrazzo

Epoxy resin is more affordable and easier to work with than cement. It’s combined with the aggregate and spread into a 1/4- to 3/8-inch layer over the subfloor. This takes less time and preparation and is more durable for interior uses.

However, epoxy can peel and fade when exposed to the elements, making it a poor choice for outside surfaces. Cement is more expensive, but the superior binder for exterior applications. For another less expensive outdoor patio option, look into the cost of polished concrete floors.

What Is Terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a type of surface with a distinct look that incorporates pieces of aggregate in a cement or epoxy base. The aggregate can be virtually any material, but glass and stone are the most common and durable. Italy is often considered the birthplace of terrazzo. The word means "terrace" from the original outdoor patios that mosaic makers created, although the process may have originated in ancient Egypt.

Once installed and finished, it makes a smooth and long-lasting floor that's easy to clean with little maintenance needed, or you can usually find tile floor cleaners near you at low rates. It's particularly popular for commercial flooring and great for residential use due to its ability to be customized.

Terrazzo flooring can be prefabricated as tiles or poured in place; the more extensive labor required for pouring in place typically results in a higher terrazzo flooring cost.

Pros and Cons of a Terrazzo Floor

There are benefits and drawbacks to terrazzo floors. Weigh these before hiring a concrete flooring company or tile installer.

Pros

• Terrazzo floors are very durable and long-lasting.

• Terrazzo is easy to customize.

• Each surface is unique due to the materials used and the design.

• Floors are easy to clean.

• Terrazzo is environmentally friendly.

Cons

• Terrazzo is more expensive than the cost of limestone floors and the cost of granite floors, as well as other more budget-friendly options. 

• The flooring will crack if not installed correctly.

• Most types need to be polished to maintain a smooth surface.

• A hard, cold surface may not be suitable for residential rooms.

• Complex designs can overwhelm a residential space.

Terrazzo Floor Restoration or Refinishing Costs

Simple cleaning and resealing may cost as little as $1 to $5 per square foot. A more complicated cleaning that removes deep stains may cost about $5 to $8 per square foot. Some experts suggest that recrystallizing or using a diamond polish is the best way to treat an older floor, costing around $8 per square foot.

If the floor needs more extensive cleaning or repair work, it’s a good idea to hire a floor repair company near you.

DIY vs. Hiring a Terrazzo Contractor

Even skilled DIY-ers should avoid installing terrazzo on their own. It's easy for a confident homeowner to assume that pouring a floor is like working with concrete. It takes a lot of skill to pour these floors or manage large tiles, so it's best to hire a local flooring professional for this work.

Because this type of installation is usually the domain of professional contractors, it’s more difficult to order materials. You can't just walk into your local home improvement store and purchase terrazzo tiles. Your hired tile flooring pro near you will be able to get the best variety and price by ordering directly from the manufacturer.