Terrazzo versus polished concrete

Choosing the right flooring for your home can be daunting. The good news is that out of the countless options, you’ve narrowed your choices down to two. The bad news is that they’re both exceptional, and it won’t be easy to choose between the two.a blend of marble chips, glass products, and other aggregates, offers unmatched beauty and durability. Its popularity and versatility make it a top choice for various design styles. At Policrete, Melbourne’s experts in Terrazzo, we specialise in bringing your design visions to life. This is your sign to discover the best Terrazzo design ideas to elevate your space.

Well, it won’t be easy without our help. In this polished concrete vs terrazzo guide, we’ve pit their qualities against each other so that you can make an informed, satisfying decision that you won’t regret.

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Aesthetic differences
• Durability and maintenance
• Installation process
• Environmental impact
• Best areas for use
• Common problems and solutions
• Health and safety considerations
• Customisation options
• FAQs

As Melbourne’s leading concrete specialists, we’re more than a little familiar with both of these flooring finishes. Book a consultation if you’d like to learn more about terrazzo flooring or polished concrete.

Terrazzo or polished concrete? The differences, benefits and costs explained.

Aesthetic differences

When it comes to aesthetics, terrazzo and polished concrete flooring offer distinct looks that can transform any space.

• Terrazzo: Terrazzo is known for its design flexibility and vibrant appearance. Terrazzo involves covering a base with embedded chips of marble, glass, and other aggregates. This allows for a wide range of colours and patterns, making it a popular choice for creating custom, artistic designs. If you love a floor that tells a story and adds a unique touch to your home, terrazzo might be the way to go.
• Polished concrete: Polished concrete floors, on the other hand, offer a sleek and modern look. The polishing process enhances the natural beauty of the concrete slab, creating a smooth and reflective surface. While it might not have the same level of customisation as terrazzo, polished concrete can be stained in various colours and even scored to create different patterns. Its minimalist appeal is perfect for contemporary and industrial-style homes.

Durability and maintenance

Both terrazzo and polished concrete are known for their durability, but they differ in how they perform over time and the maintenance they require.

• Terrazzo: Terrazzo floors are incredibly durable and can last decades if properly maintained. They are resistant to scratches and stains, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. However, they do require regular sealing and polishing to maintain their lustre. Without proper care, terrazzo can be prone to cracking and staining.
• Polished concrete: Polished concrete flooring is also very durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It is less prone to scratching than terrazzo and generally requires less maintenance. Regular cleaning and occasional re-polishing are usually sufficient to keep it looking great. However, polished concrete can be more susceptible to stains if not properly sealed.

Cost

Cost is a significant factor for many homeowners when choosing between terrazzo and polished concrete.

• Terrazzo: The initial installation cost of terrazzo can be quite high due to the labour-intensive process and the materials used. However, its durability can make it a cost-effective option in the long run. You will need to plan for regular maintenance.
• Polished concrete: Polished concrete is generally more affordable to install than terrazzo. The process involves polishing an existing concrete slab, which reduces material costs. Long-term maintenance is also relatively inexpensive, making it an economical choice for many homeowners.

Installation process

The installation processes for terrazzo and polished concrete are quite different, and understanding these can help you decide which is best for your home.

• Terrazzo: Terrazzo involves covering a prepared base with a mixture of cement or epoxy combined with marble chips, recycled glass, and other aggregates. Once the mixture is applied, the surface is meticulously ground and polished to a smooth finish. This process can take several days to complete, depending on the size of the area.
• Polished concrete: Installing a polished concrete floor involves polishing an existing concrete slab to achieve a smooth surface. The concrete is ground down using progressively finer grits of diamond polishing pads until the desired level of shine is achieved. This process is generally quicker than terrazzo installation and can usually be completed in a few days.

Environmental impact

Both terrazzo and polished concrete have their own environmental considerations.

• Terrazzo: Terrazzo is considered an eco-friendly flooring option because it often uses recycled materials like recycled glass and marble chips. This reduces waste and makes use of sustainable resources.
• Polished concrete: Polished concrete is also environmentally friendly, as it involves polishing an existing concrete slab rather than adding new materials. This minimizes waste and the need for additional resources. Moreover, concrete has good thermal mass properties, which can contribute to energy efficiency in a home.

Best areas for use

Choosing where to install terrazzo or polished concrete in your home depends on their unique properties.

• Terrazzo floors: Terrazzo is ideal for high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, and living rooms. Its durability and resistance to wear make it perfect for spaces that see a lot of activity. It also adds a touch of luxury, making it suitable for more formal areas of the home.‍
• Polished concrete floors: Polished concrete floors are excellent for basements, garages, and modern living areas. Their sleek and minimalist look is perfect for contemporary designs, and they can handle heavy use. The slip resistance of polished concrete can also be enhanced, making it a safe choice for bathrooms and kitchens. A well-done polished concrete job can transform these spaces into functional and stylish areas.

Common problems and solutions

No flooring option is without its issues, and both terrazzo and polished concrete have their potential problems.

• Terrazzo: Terrazzo can be prone to cracking if not installed correctly. Staining is also a concern if spills are not cleaned up promptly. Regular sealing can help mitigate these issues, but it's important to be aware of them.
• Polished concrete: While polished concrete is durable, it can develop cracks over time, especially if the underlying concrete slab was not correctly prepared. Staining can also be an issue if the concrete is not adequately sealed. However, both problems can be managed with proper installation and maintenance.

Health and safety considerations

When choosing flooring, it's essential to consider health and safety aspects, particularly slip resistance.

• Terrazzo: Terrazzo can be made slip-resistant through the use of specific sealers and finishes. This makes it suitable for areas that may get wet, like bathrooms and kitchens.
• Polished concrete: Polished concrete floors can also be treated to improve slip resistance. This is particularly important for areas like garages, basements, and any space that might be exposed to moisture.

Customisation options

Both terrazzo and polished concrete offer various customisation possibilities.

• Terrazzo: Terrazzo's customisation options are nearly limitless, thanks to the wide range of aggregates (like marble chips and recycled glass) and colours that can be used. This allows for intricate designs and patterns.
• Polished concrete: Polished concrete can be customised with stains, dyes, and scoring patterns. While it may offer less design flexibility than terrazzo, it still provides ample opportunities to create unique looks.

User experience and comfort

The feel underfoot, warmth, and acoustics of your flooring can significantly impact your comfort at home.

• Polished concrete: Polished concrete floors also have a hard surface and can feel cold. Adding area rugs can help soften the feel and add warmth. Acoustically, both types of flooring can amplify sound, so consider this in your design.
• Terrazzo: Terrazzo floors are hard and can be cold underfoot, which might not be ideal for every room. However, they are great for maintaining a cool environment in warmer climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is polished concrete the same as terrazzo?

No, polished concrete is not the same as terrazzo. While terrazzo involves covering a base with aggregates like marble chips and recycled glass, polished concrete involves polishing an existing concrete floor to achieve a smooth and glossy finish.

Is terrazzo stronger than concrete?

Terrazzo is typically stronger than standard concrete due to the combination of aggregates and the binding materials used. This makes it highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Is terrazzo more expensive than polished concrete?

Yes, terrazzo is generally more expensive than polished concrete, both in terms of initial installation and long-term maintenance.

What are the disadvantages of terrazzo flooring?

The main disadvantages of terrazzo flooring include its high initial cost, potential for cracking, and the need for regular maintenance to prevent staining and maintain its appearance.