Terrazzo flooring has been around longer than most folks think. Whether it's a green flooring option tends to hinge on the
makeup of the particular terrazzo flooring you are considering. Terrazzo is made up of a mixture of recycled glass, a very
eco–friendly ingredient, and either cement or epoxy. Broadly speaking, the more recycled glass, the greener the
terrazzo. The questions below are excellent starting points for quizzing your terrazzo flooring professional on the greenness
of their product. Got more questions you want to ask? Then chat with one of the FindAnyFloor.com terrazzo floor experts by
clicking on the Live Chat button at the top of the page.
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Terrazzo Flooring Questions to Ask Your Local Floor Store
What percentage of the content is recycled glass?
Typically, the recycled content ranges from 60% to as much as 95%. The larger the percentage of glass, the smaller the
amount of concrete or epoxy that is necessary, which improves the sustainability of the flooring.
Is the glass from post–consumer or post–industrial sources?
Some manufacturers use only post–consumer glass. This reduces the amount of household glass going into the waste
stream. For example, 40 billion bottles are produced in the United States each year. Diverting some of them from the waste
stream is an excellent result of making recycled glass terrazzo while helping the environment.
What is the remaining content?
The most common binders are cement and epoxy. Your supplier should be able to explain the costs and benefits of each so
you can make an informed decision. Just be aware that these are the non–green ingredients in terrazzo.
Is this flooring available as panels or is it poured in place?
Traditionally, terrazzo is poured and finished in place by craftspeople, which is a fairly expensive proposition. A job
like this should be done by properly certified professionals. You can begin your search for them by using
FindAnyFloor.com's™ search directory (see above).
How thick is this terrazzo and does it require that the subfloor be specially prepared?
Some types of terrazzo have to be quite thick – several inches thick in some cases. This flooring requires extra
support and specially prepared subflooring, all of which adds to the cost of the project. Be sure you understand what the
entire project entails before choosing any type of terrazzo.
Does this terrazzo need to be sealed?
Cement–based terrazzo often requires periodic applications of sealer. Generally, epoxy–based products do not.
Note that sealers add time and expense to the maintenance requirements of the flooring. You should also note what the sealer
is made of and whether or not it is itself a green product.
Should I buff this terrazzo?
Some manufacturers recommend monthly buffing of terrazzo floors. This isn't difficult but can be time consuming and should
be taken into consideration as you evaluate the flooring. If you would like to find a professional to buff your terrazzo
flooring, use the search directory at the top of this page.
