The Real Terrazzo Tiles vs. the Terrazzo Look-Alike (A Comparative Analysis)

There is no gainsaying that terrazzo tiles represent one of the hottest choices for finishing home floors and walls. At the moment, it is common to see people using terrazzo tiles everywhere in the home, such as kitchen benchtops, living room furniture, walls, and of course, floors. 

The vital options in terrazzo tiles make it more enjoyable when you apply the best, durable, and most effective finishing materials to your home. But due to the cost of installing terrazzo tiles, designers have created a faux look-alike for the genuine terrazzo tiles. 

Overview of differences between the genuine terrazzo tiles and the faux terrazzo tiles

Generally, you may not get a difference when comparing the natural terrazzo tiles with the faux by physical look. This case is not strange as that is the primary reason the latter was created. While the natural terrazzo is high-quality, the mock has a significant build-up. 

The natural terrazzo is chipped like glass or marble particles held together in a composite material. This material usually has a thicker nature of about 20 mm that is strong enough to prevent cracking due to the load. 

On the other hand, the faux terrazzo has a unique pattern for the porcelain tile. Whereas the same method has been applied to the cement encaustic tiles. Meanwhile, technology has simply come a long way to create a replica of the realistic system of terrazzo tiles. 

Pros and Cons of Terrazzo Tiles and its Look-alike

There are many ways and effects that the original terrazzo tiles can be compared with the faux. One of the most significant differences is the price of each type. For instance, the terrazzo tiles cost between 120 and 250 USD per square meter. 

On the other hand, the terrazzo tiles look-alike costs far less, between $35m2 and $85m2. Meanwhile, the installation cost for the genuine tiles may also be an essential factor to consider. For instance, real terrazzo tiles can be more expensive than faux terrazzo tiles. 

Similarly, when you consider the thickness of the terrazzo tiles, you need to choose the best one that works for your project. You need to prepare ahead from the start of the project. In the case of home renovations, you may need a thorough examination to decide which one works better. 

When installing the terrazzo tiles, you may also need to see how it works with the space at your disposal. For instance, do they merge smoothly with the available space or require bending at an angle. Suppose you need to lay them at an angle. In that case, you may need to apply another product to maintain the floor’s shape and prevent any hazard or accident.

A professional installer must also consider the differences between the genuine terrazzo tiles and the look-alike maintenance. For instance, the natural terrazzo tiles are often porous. Even when sealed, they can become less suitable for some areas, such as under the bathroom shower.  learn more about floor terrazzo tiles at http://nttcominsight.com/the-uniqueness-of-poured-terrazzo-flooring-tiles/

As a result, before installing terrazzo tiles in your home in Sydney, Australia, ensure you seal them smoothly with suitable materials. At the same time, this seal protects the surface from any grout stain as it is now easier to clean. Once your grout and clean up the tiles after installation, the next thing is to seal.

The sealing requires penetrating attributes, which prevents staining from occurring on it. Also, it enhances the cleaning of these tiles and other maintenance strategies. At the same time, cleaning terrazzo tiles requires using a neutral substance in its pH as it can give it the best look without interference.

Terrazzo tiles are also susceptible to different materials. Therefore, many installers may dodge this opportunity when installing terrazzo in bathrooms and toilets because it involves laying them under showers. 

However, in this case, you can install the terrazzo look-alikes there instead of the. More so, no one has to know the trick that ensures that the vanity works for other places, such as your vanity top. 

Color and Patterns of Terrazzo Tiles 

There are many colors and patterns for the genuine terrazzo tiles and the look-alike tiles. For instance, if you lay your hands on the contemporary white color, you may be on the way to creating a simple heavenly design.

On the other hand, brown color tones can also be calm and soft for use while there are different related colors. At the same time, there are some big chips or more minor flecks that may add unique textures to the terrazzo tiles. Diversifying these collections adds some level of drama. 

Sizes of Terrazzo Tiles

As expected, the sizes of terrazzo tiles differ in a significant way. For instance, the standard length is about 400 x 400 x 16 mm. The alternative size is the 600 x 600 x 20 mm format. Meanwhile, both the interior designer and the supplier can maximize their budget and space. 

However, professional tilers can often deal with any format you prevent them and shapes. More importantly, they can easily factor in the floor or wall space process compared to the tile sizes. You can check out more diverse options in the terrazzo tiles. 

Conclusion – Are terrazzo floor tiles still in vogue?

When it has all been said and done, one question someone may ask is if terrazzo tiles altogether are still in vogue. That is, instead of choosing between the real and the faux terrazzo tiles, why not choose another material for the flooring entirely?

One clear evidence is that the style that terrazzo floors create is hard to replicate. If you can beat the attractive design and pattern, you may not exceed the durability. And if you find a material with high durability, it may not be easy to maintain, and so on.

Therefore, terrazzo floors still prove themselves a far more stylish choice of material than concrete floors in both residential and industrial environments. Any base made of terrazzo still stands out till tomorrow and returns a considerable value for the investment of installation and maintenance. 

The Uniqueness of Poured Terrazzo Flooring Tiles

One age-long myth of terrazzo flooring is that it is far too costly as a residential flooring material. A clear fact is that those who stand on this myth fail to consider the overall cost-benefit of installing terrazzo tiles. You will hardly view any other flooring option when you see how much value you derive from terrazzo flooring. Even for your home, terrazzo tiles work irrespective of your budget.

In other words, many people fail to consider the overall benefits and practicality of installing terrazzo tiles. When you put all these factors together, it becomes clear that poured terrazzo flooring tiles are more durable and sustainable towards cost-effectiveness. Also, a straightforward way to show this uniqueness is to examine the specific qualities this flooring material has.

Longevity and cost-effectiveness

Pouring terrazzo flooring tiles into the surface structure can make it last for a reasonably long time. This method comes with a proper maintenance culture while accommodating excellent upkeep. In the case of building high-level structures, terrazzo flooring can provide an optimized building architecture. 

You can also save much money when you save it over time due to the pouring process of terrazzo. This same method allows the terrazzo tiles to maintain their luster and strength, just as if they were just a newly installed flooring system. In addition, considering the value of the terrazzo flooring, it allows the builders to cut down significantly on their labor and demolition costs.

When they choose the terrazzo tiles as their flooring pattern, it comes with an extreme level of advantages for those who intend to build a lasting edifice. Notably, anyone may also be looking for an avenue to simply change the floors or make some minor additions to an existing structure. In such a case, the terrazzo tiles can sufficiently come to the rescue.

Low maintenance and minimal upkeep cost

Unlike other flooring systems standards with residential, industrial, and commercial structures, installing terrazzo tiles has a tremendously low maintenance cost. When it comes to maintaining these poured terrazzo flooring tiles, it takes one of the simplest and cost-effective ways. For instance, all you need are the essential cleaning tools to restore the terrazzo tiles. You can check some essential cleaning tools at https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/10-cleaning-tools-every-house-should-have-182345

For example, you only need a bucket of warm water, a mop, and any pH-neutral cleaning solution. That’s all. Meanwhile, this process is not tedious. You don’t need any heavy machine or a complex and expensive cleaning solution to do the job. As you clean the surface by mopping, you can deal with most of the drop-offs and specks of dirt that can hardly stain the floor. 

You can once again have the lustrous finish at the end of the cleaning process through simple buffing and applying soft clothing. Sweeping can also help you remove any dirt or dust that may litter the surface. If a spilled drink appears as a stain, use warm soapy water and buff dry that surface. Generally, terrazzo floors hardly have any wet paint that cannot be removed.

The health and safety values of terrazzo tiles

One of the most critical applications on the terrazzo flooring tiles is the application of an anti-slip finish on the poured terrazzo surface. This solution happens to be the safest flooring finish for the surface in both residential and commercial places. You can apply it to surfaces in hospitals, educational institutions, shopping, airports, and hotels. 

The poured terrazzo flooring system can also guarantee everyone who uses this surface for their daily walk. Apply this unique anti-slip finish means you don’t have to continually wax these poured terrazzo flooring before it maintains its shine. The solution can prevent anyone walking on these surfaces from slipping or falling. 

A blend of terrazzo tiles design and function

When you factor in both the fact that pouring terrazzo flooring on the desired surface allows creativity and maximum function, you can understand the value of this flooring material. Choosing between the process and design over the cost becomes much more accessible. Meanwhile, don’t forget that the terrazzo tiles design can match the overall outlook of the surrounding. 

In other words, you can blend in several factors such as strength, sustainability, function into the overall design and produce stunning output. So, the overall value of installing terrazzo this way minimizes the higher cost you pay above other flooring materials. No doubt, the poured terrazzo flooring remains one of the best flooring options in construction finishing. 

In other words, you also deal with the worries of constant repair and replacement that comes with alternative flooring systems. Only that you need to ensure that you do the pouring of terrazzo tiles rightly and, if need be, get a professional to do the job. 

What the statistics say about Terrazzo Flooring Costs

The cost of materials in finishing a construction project such as flooring depends on the region of use or location. But then. In this case, we want to compare the cost of flooring with terrazzo tiles with the traditional flooring systems. 

We can compare the epoxy terrazzo with sand cushion terrazzo and monolithic terrazzo bed. We will discover that epoxy terrazzo has the least total cost per square foot. However, it also has the least annual cost of maintenance. All three can also last for at least 40 years. 

By comparison, the other flooring options that cost far less to install are vinyl sheet, vinyl tile, carpet, porcelain tile, and quarry tile. Despite these alternative flooring systems having a low installation cost, they cost far beyond the initial repair or reinstallation.

For example, the vinyl materials and carpet can only last for 10 years and require almost 30 times the installation cost. 

Conclusion

On a final note, the uniqueness of using poured terrazzo flooring tiles is now apparent to all. Terrazzo tiles, also known as the Venetian mosaic, are the real deal for flooring structures to get excellent effectiveness. Check out some of the terrazzo tiles designs we have in stock. Then, we are always online to answer any question that you may have.