Mosaic flooring vs Terrazzo: All you need to know

Here is a comparative analysis of mosaic and terrazzo flooring options.

When it comes to the myriad flooring alternatives available nowadays, terrazzo and mosaic floorings are making their way back into the spotlight in their respective fields. For the sake of this post, we will compare mosaic flooring vs terrazzo based on essential interior design characteristics like longevity, affordability, and simple elegance.

 

What is mosaic flooring?

Simply defined, mosaic flooring is the art of arranging coarsely cut square bits of marble, stone, or crystal onto a flat adhesive surface to create a visually appealing design. You may use cement or grout to fill in the spaces between the chips if there are any. It is an ancient art form that may be found all over the globe, from the Arabian Peninsula to ancient Italy, and has been around for thousands of years.

Source: Pinterest

 

What is terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a kind of flooring that has been around since the Renaissance in Italy. In its most basic form, this kind of flooring includes combining chunks of marble, crystal, or real stone with a binding material, which is often cement.

Source: Pinterest

See also: All about PVC vinyl flooring

 

Comparative analysis: mosaic flooring vs terrazzo

Terrazzo is a kind of tile that has its roots in mosaic, but unlike mosaic, it has a distinct design. Mosaic flooring is a technique in which little pieces are arranged in a certain pattern, and then the remaining spaces are filled in. Terrazzo, on the other hand, uses a more random approach to creating an equal surface.

There is also a big variation in how easy it is to touch either of the two surfaces. Because the components were placed by hand and subsequently filled around, mosaics seem rough and uneven. In order to ensure that the surface of the terrazzo is flat and clean, the craftsmen first mix the material. 

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Here are a few more things to consider when comparing terrazzo vs mosaic flooring.

Expense

The price of mosaic flooring largely depends on the hues being used and the design selected. Costs will rise as a result of intricate shapes occurring across bigger areas. That being said, if you want to use mosaic flooring to establish a focal point on your floor, you should be able to do it without exceeding the budget.

Choosing terrazzo tiles for huge areas might be one of the most cost-effective solutions, particularly if you pick large-scale terrazzo tiles. Terrazzo installation may be expensive since it necessitates the use of specialised tools and techniques. Adding colours and altering the additional padding, for example, from normal stone to marble, both raise the cost.

Resilience

Because of the endurance of mosaic flooring, it has survived the test of time; many ancient sites still have mosaic floors. Due to the fact that they are chemically stable and can be wiped quickly, mosaic tiles are ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens. You can consider laying your mosaic flooring in regions with less foot traffic if you’re pursuing the conventional method. This is because filth may get embedded in the grout lines over time.

Terrazzo flooring is ideal for large areas with a lot of foot traffic since it is simple to clean. Furthermore, it is scratch-resistant as well as being durable. Because the spaces between the tiles are narrower, less dirt may accumulate. Terrazzo, on the other hand, may be quite slippery, particularly when it is first sealed.

See also: All about PVC bathroom door design

Aesthetic

Because mosaic flooring allows for the creation of unique patterns, they are regarded as having a high level of aesthetic appeal. Depending on your preferred style, there are a plethora of hue and material options.

Terrazzo is a fashionable alternative, but choosing pre-made tiles might restrict the colour selections. Additionally, there are no predetermined designs, which may be a buzzkill if you want to make standout flooring.

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