How Much Does Terrazzo Flooring Cost? (2024)

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Written by

Tara Farmer

February 24,

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Average terrazzo floor cost by size

Terrazzo flooring costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed on average or $4,000 to $10,000 for a 200-square-foot room, depending on the type. Poured terrazzo floors cost $20 to $70 per square foot with installation, while Terrazzo tile costs $15 to $35 per square foot installed.

Terrazzo flooring cost by size Floor size (square feet) Average cost installed 50 $1,000 ' $2,500 100 $2,000 ' $5,000 200 $4,000 ' $10,000 300 $6,000 ' $15,000 400 $8,000 ' $20,000 500 $10,000 ' $25,000 1,000 $20,000 ' $50,000 1,500 $30,000 ' $75,000 2,000 $40,000 ' $100,000

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Terrazzo flooring cost per square foot

The cost of Terrazzo flooring depends on the type. Poured terrazzo uses an epoxy or cement base mixed with different colored aggregates that is then poured, cured, ground, and polished. Terrazzo tiles are more DIY-friendly but limited in color and design availability.

Terrazzo flooring cost per square foot (including installation) - chartTerrazzo flooring cost per square foot Floor type Average installed cost per square foot Poured terrazzo $20 ' $70 Terrazzo tile $15 ' $35

Poured terrazzo flooring

Poured terrazzo flooring cost

Poured terrazzo flooring costs $20 to $70 per square foot on average with installation, depending on the job size, material quality, installation method, and complexity. A terrazzo floor involving unique designs with several sections and different-colored aggregate mixtures can reach $100+ per square foot.

The most common installation methods for poured terrazzo flooring are thinset, sand-cushion, and monolithic.

Poured terrazzo flooring installation methods Installation method Details Thinset

• Thin ¼" to 3/8" epoxy terrazzo layer installed over a concrete or plywood subfloor
• Best for interior flooring

Sand-cushion

• Cement base topped with a middle layer of sand to allow expansion and contraction, then a final terrazzo layer
• Thicker, heavier result; best for high-traffic and exterior applications

Monolithic

• ½" terrazzo layer installed onto a new or existing concrete slab
• Budget friendly but more prone to cracking

Choose cement-based terrazzo for outdoor flooring. Epoxy terrazzo flooring is lighter, smoother, and installs faster than cement-based flooring, but epoxy flooring is prone to peeling and fading with exposure to the elements and does not hold up well outdoors.

Terrazzo tile cost

Terrazzo tile costs $15 to $35 per square foot installed or $8 to $20 per square foot for materials alone. Tile sizes range from 8"x8" to 24"x48". Terrazzo tiles offer a slightly cheaper terrazzo flooring option, but they do not provide the limitless customization or the smooth, seamless look of poured terrazzo flooring.

Terrazzo tiles are often used for smaller projects or in combination with poured terrazzo flooring.

Terrazzo tile samples in various colors and patterns

Terrazzo floor installation cost breakdown

The table below shows an average breakdown of materials and labor costs for terrazzo flooring installation. Keep in mind that every project is unique, and material quality and flooring design can drastically sway these price ranges.

Terrazzo floor installation cost factors Factor Average cost per square foot
(poured terrazzo) Average cost per square foot
(terrazzo tiles) Materials $10 ' $50 $7 ' $15 Labor & job supplies  $10 ' $20 $8 ' $20 Total installed cost $20 ' $70 $15 ' $35

Many factors affect the total cost, including:

• Project size & complexity 'Installing terrazzo in a larger area requires more materials and labor, which increases the total cost, but the cost per square foot may be reduced for larger installation projects.

• Complexity ' An ornate terrazzo flooring design takes longer to install than a terrazzo floor with one uniform poured surface.

• Location / travel fees ' The installation company may charge additional travel fees if you are outside of their service area.

• Floor type & installation method ' Terrazzo tiles take less time to install than poured terrazzo flooring. Monolithic installation is the most budget-friendly method for poured terrazzo, but this method does not include a cushion layer.

• Material type, color, &design

  • The aggregate material greatly impacts the cost. Recycled glass or pottery fragments are much cheaper than chips made of marble or other high-end materials. The aggregate concentration also affects the price.

  • Installing a terrazzo floor with a complex design requires placing metal dividers to create the design and using multiple dyes for sections of different colors.

• Stairs ' Precast terrazzo stair treads and risers increase the project cost but prevent moisture damage to walls and allow for easier cleaning.

• Epoxy vs. cement base ' Epoxy-based terrazzo is more economical but can only be installed indoors.

Adding surface texture doesn't drastically affect the price and is often the best choice for traction in higher traffic areas.

Labor cost to install terrazzo floors

The average labor cost to install terrazzo floors is $10 to $20 per square foot for poured terrazzo or $8 to $20 per square foot for terrazzo tiles. The project size and complexity also impact the total labor cost. Installers charge $35 to $45 per hour on average for terrazzo flooring installation.

Labor costs may also include:

• Existing floor removal

  • Carpet removal costs $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot.

  • Removing tile flooring costs $2 to $7 per square foot.

• Repairs & site prep

  • Repairing or replacing the subfloor costs $2.20 to $4.75 per square foot.

  • A concrete slab costs $6 to $12 per square foot installed.

  • Installers may grind the concrete floor to ensure the terrazzo mixture bonds properly to it.

• Radiant heat flooring ' Radiant floor heating costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed. Consider this upgrade before you install new flooring since the floor will need to be removed and redone if you decide to install radiant floor heating later.

• Moving furniture ' Some flooring companies charge $25 to $75 per room to move furniture. Other companies include this service in their flooring estimate.

Terrazzo flooring can sometimes be installed over existing flooring, saving on demolition and disposal costs.

A cat sleeping peacefully on a poured terrazzo floor in a home.

Cost to restore terrazzo floors

The average cost to restore terrazzo floors is $3 to $8 per square foot, but prices can range from $1 per square foot to as high as $20 per square foot. Total restoration cost depends on the location, square footage, level of wear, extent of repairs, restoration method, and finish type.

Restoring terrazzo flooring involves grinding the floor to remove dull spots or stains and bring back the original shine, patching cracks or holes, and polishing.

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Choose diamond polishing for the longest lasting and best performing result. This polishing method typically costs the most but also requires less ongoing maintenance than other methods.

Cost of terrazzo flooring vs. other floor types

On average, flooring installation costs $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the material. This puts terrazzo flooring at the high end of the pricing spectrum. However, terrazzo flooring also lasts much longer than some materials.

What is terrazzo flooring?

Terrazzo flooring is a composite flooring material made by mixing chips or fragments of materials like glass, granite, marble, or quartz with an epoxy or cement base. The mixture is poured in place or precast into tiles or other forms. Proper installation results in a smooth, durable, long-lasting, surface.

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Installers may use metal divider strips to create unique designs or patterns with variations of the poured terrazzo mixture.

The word "terrazzo" comes from the Italian word for "terraces".

Terrazzo flooring pros and cons

Terrazzo flooring costs more than most other flooring types, and installation requires an experienced professional. However, this smooth, seamless, durable surface outlasts most other materials and offers near-limitless customization. The table below shows some additional benefits and disadvantages of a terrazzo floor.

Terrazzo flooring pros and cons Pros Cons

• Durable and long lasting
• Unique styles
• Easily customizable
• Low maintenance, seamless surface
• Eco-conscious

• Expensive up front
• Requires professional installation
• May need routine polishing
• Hard and cold under the feet; not ideal for some parts of the home

Terrazzo flooring FAQs

Are terrazzo floors expensive?

Terrazzo flooring cost falls at the high end of the price range for flooring installation. However, when installed properly and well cared for, this smooth, seamless flooring surface typically outlasts most other flooring materials, making it a cost-effective long-term investment.

How long does it take to install terrazzo flooring?

Terrazzo flooring installation takes 3 days to several weeks, depending on the type, project size, design complexity, prep work needed, and whether the base is epoxy or cement.

• Cement-based terrazzo takes longer to cure than epoxy-based terrazzo.

• Precast terrazzo tiles take less time to install than poured terrazzo since they don't need extra curing time.

How long do terrazzo floors last?

Terrazzo floors last 40 to 100+ years with proper installation and maintenance. Some terrazzo floors can outlast the building in which they are installed. Maintenance involves weekly sweeping or damp mopping and periodic resealing. A neglected terrazzo floor may need scrubbing and buffing with a neutral-pH cleaner.

Can terrazzo floors be repaired?

Terrazzo floors can be repaired in most cases. Repair costs vary depending on the damage and floor type. Terrazzo tiles are typically quicker to replace than a damaged section of poured terrazzo. Some repairs require cutting a piece out so the company can match the color and design.

For terrazzo tile flooring, buy a few extra tiles at the time of installation to have them on hand for future repairs. Finding a perfect match later may be difficult if the tile color or design is discontinued.

Getting estimates from terrazzo floor installers

When searching for a terrazzo flooring company near you, be sure to:

• Look for licensed, bonded, and insured flooring installers specializing in terrazzo floors.

• Look for members of the National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (NTMA).

• Check out their profiles and customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Get 3 to 5 estimates with similar details to compare.

• Avoid extremely low bids, as this may indicate low-quality work.

• Get a detailed contract and warranty in writing before installation starts.

• Avoid paying cash or making large upfront payments. Follow a payment schedule instead and only make the final payment when the job is complete.

Questions to ask terrazzo flooring installers

Ask the following questions to help you choose the best terrazzo flooring contractor:

• How long have you been installing terrazzo flooring?

• Are you a member of the NTMA or any other professional organizations?

• What training or certifications do you have?

• Do you recommend epoxy-based or cement-based terrazzo for my project, and why?

• What polishing method do you use, and why?

• How long will the installation take?

• How soon can I walk on the floor after installation?

• Does the estimate include all prep work, installation, and cleanup?

• What additional costs might come up during the installation?

• How should I maintain the floor after installation?

• Do you offer a warranty, and what does it cover?

How we get this data

Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.

As told to Lauren Jones.

Unlike in Europe, where terrazzo is everywhere, from grocery stores to city halls to post offices, in the U.S. we're not as lucky. Terrazzo is labor-intensive and out of reach for most clients, unless they have deep pockets (it can cost up to $30, if not more, per square foot). Palladiana, a type of terrazzo with larger stone chunks, is unheard of'we hadn't been able to find any brand or stoneworker who was producing it Stateside. 

But a year ago my partner at Bells + Whistles, Jason St. John, and I came across a printed porcelain product from the Italian company Ceramica Fioranese. A stone rep was the first to show us the tile, which is a part of the I Cocci collection, a selection inspired by flooring recovered from a country home in northern Italy dating back to the early s. We absolutely loved it. When we were hired to design the second Marrow Fine store in Newport Beach, California, we knew it would be the perfect time to utilize it. We were hoping to find a client daring enough to try it out and knew owners Tim and Jill Sassone would adore it just as much as we did. 

The shop's first location and the Sassones' Rancho Mirage home, which we also designed, were much brighter. But for this spot, they wanted to go with more neutral blush tones. The faux terrazzo ended up being the perfect complement. We ended up purchasing it for $5.60 per square foot, plus shipping, and it was easily installed on the floors by our contractor, as it's a large-format, 36-by-36 tile. Typically terrazzo can be tricky because it's a thick stone and doesn't meet handicap accessibility rules, but this product is much thinner yet still very strong. 

Now when people walk into the store, they can't believe it's not the real thing. I was even surprised!

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