Terrazzo: The Original Sustainable Flooring

More than 1,500 years ago, Italian artisans learned to mix marble scraps—waste material from other projects—with cement to create beautiful flooring designs for lobbies, plazas, and other public spaces.

The reuse of materials is as important today as it was centuries ago. As green and sustainable architecture becomes increasingly important, terrazzo’s characteristics of longevity and use of recycled materials remain strong assets.

Terrazzo flooring is ideal for use in municipal and public facilities like hospitals, libraries, schools, courthouses and other government offices, hotels, theaters, college and university buildings, and churches.

Because terrazzo uses recycled materials, it works well for projects that need LEED-certified green building design and construction practices. Terrazzo can qualify for up to five LEED credits for a total of eight points.

In modern times, terrazzo makers have often replaced cement with epoxy resins and supplemented marble with glass, metal, and other materials for wonderful works of art. Use terrazzo to provide a beautiful, custom design for your institution, and make a statement to everyone who visits.

Just as important, terrazzo is remarkably durable. Terrazzo requires a lot less maintenance than carpeting or tile, terrazzo floors have been known to last for generations. Some terrazzo floors installed 70 or 80 years ago look like they could have been created last month.

View a list of terrazzo contractors in the Midwest.

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