When was the last time you considered new flooring? Perhaps you bought a new business or home. Maybe the flooring in your current place of business is old and worn out or the flooring in your home has seen better days. People consider new flooring for many reasons. Whether you are considering adding new flooring now or anticipate that you may be in the future, cement terrazzo is a great option.
Terrazzo has been around in one form or another since ancient times. Flooring found in neolithic Asia from as far back as 9,000 BC were called terrazzo because of their use of lime and red clay. They were combined and polished much like terrazzo is today. While terrazzo has certainly come a long way since those days it still holds the same appeal. It offers a unique, beautiful, and cost effective option.
Adding up the costs
Once you have decided that you would like to use terrazzo in your home or business it is important to consider all of the costs. Depending on the staining, design, and area size you wish to cover, your costs will vary.
* Initial cost – Many think that polished concrete terrazzo has a high initial cost and in some ways this is true. However, they have not taken into consideration how long the terrazzo will last. In most cases terrazzo flooring can hold up for generations with minimal upkeep costs. For a professionally poured floor expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 a square foot. This is hardly any more than designer tiles or wood floors on the market today.
* Tile option – If having your flooring poured seems like a little more than your pocketbook can handle, there are terrazzo tiles available. The tiles usually range from $6 to $20 a square foot and offer a broad range that can match any of your coloring needs. Once you have selected your tiles, if you want them professionally installed you will need to add a bit more to the cost. In the end you can expect to pay anywhere from $12 to $30 a square foot which actually sounds like a bargain!
* Upkeep – Terrazzo floors hold up nicely with a simple daily dust mop, but once a year it is suggested to add an acrylic based sealer. The sealer will run from $20 to $50 a gallon and can be found at all hardware stores.
With all of the major costs laid out you can see for yourself that terrazzo is a fantastic cost effective option. Available in an array of colors, styles, and uses, you are bound to find the floor you love. Not only will the flooring brighten up your business or residence it will also inspire. There is no design too tough to tackle. Let your imagination soar and come up with your own artistic vision. Speak with your contractor about your ideas and find out just how much can be done. The sky is the limit and with terrazzo nothing is impossible. Create the floor of your dreams and then show it off!
