Concrete Terrazzo vs Epoxy Terrazzo
Concrete terrazzo vs epoxy terrazzo
Victoria Stone Design utilizes cementitious materials (concrete) as the base for our terrazzo. Essentially, epoxy terrazzo is plastic terrazzo, our concrete terrazzo has a more natural feel. We have modernized old world techniques into a thin section terrazzo overlay that can be used indoors and outdoors. Our terrazzo can go over plywood, concrete and virtually any substrate.
Our concrete terrazzo vs the old way
If you search Google for information on concrete terrazzo, most articles refer to the old world way of doing it. Traditional concrete terrazzo uses a sand base, it ends up being 3” thick and cannot be used in a lot of renovations. Our thin section cementitious terrazzo overlays by Victoria Stone Design can be installed over various substrates and install at 3/8” – 3/4” thick. Our thin section terrazzo overlay system has been developed in house, over a 15 year period. We have done extensive testing and research, our background in cementitious technologies has allowed us to develop a product and system that is leading the industry.
The river rock analogy
Epoxy coatings as a finish have never made sense to us. Epoxy makes something beautiful look synthetic. Here is a little analogy we use to describe epoxy coatings to customers.
When you pull a rock out of the ocean or a river it is wet and rich in colour. As it dries it changes appearance, lacks the lustre and colour but is still beautiful. One could bring back this rich colour by putting a urethane or epoxy coating on the rock, but it then looks cheap and has a plastic quality. Many of us grew up with rock tumblers as kids. These childhood “toys” tumble rocks and slowly polish them naturally. Polishing retains the natural beauty and charm of a natural stone.
This is why we choose to use cement as a binder for our terrazzo rather than epoxy.
COMPARISON
Concrete terrazzo vs epoxy terrazzo
Comparisons between epoxy and cementitious (concrete) terrazzo are mostly outdated when considering our thin section concrete terrazzo. Our concrete terrazzo can achieve bright colours, utilize elaborate divider strip patterns, or be poured seamless. We choose our mix design based on what is required out of the floor system. Bagged self levelling products, UHPC high fibre mixes and white portland can be utilized. Aggregates can utilize recycled glass, waste material and local aggregates. Each project has its own criteria and tolerances, we can help find the best solution for you.
How thick is concrete terrazzo?
The thickness of the terrazzo depends on the substrate it is going down on, if heating is needed or not, and the size of the aggregate. For example if 1 ” aggregate is used, the terrazzo will be poured at 1 1/8″ thick and be machined down to 1/2″ in order to cross section the aggregate. On average our thin section terrazzo is installs at 3/8″ – 1/2″ thick.
Can concrete terrazzo be used outside?
Absolutely! Concrete terrazzo is uv resistant and will not yellow over time. Bright colours need to be protected with UV sealers to retain the lustre and colour.
Why choose concrete terrazzo?
It’s probably not fair to ask us, however if you like the look of plastic over natural stone go with epoxy terrazzo.
Where else can concrete terrazzo be used?
Concrete terrazzo can be used for stair treads, counter tops, backsplashes and virtually any place hard surface materials are utilized. We cater our mix design to the application the terrazzo chosen for.
How thick is epoxy terrazzo?
Epoxy Terrazzo Floors are a nominal 1/4” – 3/8” thick consisting of an epoxy resin matrix
and a mix of marble aggregate (glass, plastic, granite aggregates may also be used). Epoxy floors do not usually allow for thicker venetian aggregates (1/2″-1″), as the amount of epoxy used becomes cost prohibitive.
Can epoxy terrazzo be used outside?
No! Epoxy terrazzo is not ideal for outdoor use. Epoxy is sensitive to ultraviolet rays and has a thermal coefficient of expansion that is not ideal for exterior applications.
Why choose epoxy terrazzo?
Food courts in malls or high traffic bathrooms such as restaurants or airports are an area where the chemical resistance of epoxy will make it a better choice.
Where can epoxy terrazzo be used?
Epoxy terrazzo can be used for any indoor application?
