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Terrazzo isn’t new. It’s been around for hundreds of years—and it stuck around for a reason. It’s tough, timeless, and surprisingly low-maintenance for how good it looks. But the word “terrazzo” today means more than one thing. If you’re looking at modern construction or commercial flooring, you’ll likely run into two types: traditional cement terrazzo and epoxy terrazzo.
The Core Difference
The biggest distinction? The binder. Traditional terrazzo uses a cement base to hold the decorative aggregates in place. Epoxy terrazzo replaces that with a synthetic resin. That one switch completely shifts how the floor is installed, how it performs, and where it works best.
Epoxy Terrazzo vs. Traditional Cement Terrazzo
| Feature | Epoxy Terrazzo Flooring | Traditional Cement Terrazzo |
| Binder | Epoxy resin | Cement mixture |
| Thickness | Thin-set (¼” to ⅜”) | 2″ to 3″ (thick-bed) |
| Cure Time | Fast, often overnight. | Slower, several days. |
| Design Options | Almost unlimited colors, patterns, and logos. | Mostly natural tones and aggregates. |
| Crack Resistance | Very high, flexible resin avoids shrinkage cracks. | Can crack as cement cures and settles. |
| Porosity | Non-porous and stain-resistant. | Porous. Needs sealing and maintenance. |
| Where to Use | Indoors only (UV-sensitive). | Indoors and outdoors. |
| Upkeep | Low maintenance, no sealing needed. | Needs sealing and occasional refinishing. |
| Cost Over Time | Higher upfront, lower long-term upkeep. | Cheaper to install, costlier to maintain. |
Installation Time and Process
If your project is working on tight timelines, epoxy has a clear edge. It’s poured thin, cures fast, usually overnight, and can be ground and polished within a day or two. This makes it ideal for busy commercial sites where downtime isn’t an option.
Cement terrazzo, by contrast, is a bit more old-school in its demands. It takes longer to install, needs thicker layers, and must cure slowly to prevent cracking. It’s more labor-intensive and requires more patience before you get that polished finish.
Durability and Longevity
Epoxy terrazzo is tough and built to last long. The resin matrix is flexible enough to absorb movement from the subfloor, making it resistant to cracking. It also holds up well against chemicals, stains, and heavy foot traffic. And because it’s non-porous, it doesn’t absorb spills. Making it perfect for hospitals, clinics, labs, and airports.
Cement terrazzo is also durable, but in a different way. It has good staying power, especially in older public buildings. However, it’s more susceptible to moisture and staining unless it’s sealed properly and maintained regularly.
Design Flexibility
Here’s where epoxy terrazzo really shines. It offers nearly limitless color options, from neutrals to bold tones. You can mix in recycled glass, mother-of-pearl, metal pieces, you name it. Logos, gradients, geometric patterns, it’s all possible with epoxy.
Traditional terrazzo has a more classic look. Most installations use marble chips and natural stone aggregates in softer, more neutral tones. That works great for historic buildings or projects looking to preserve an older aesthetic, but it’s not as flexible if you want something modern or custom.
Maintenance and Care
Epoxy terrazzo is a breeze to maintain. A simple mop and regular cleaning are usually all that’s needed to keep it looking sharp. No sealing, no waxing.
Cement terrazzo, on the other hand, needs a bit more attention. It must be sealed to keep stains and moisture out, and over time, it might need refinishing to restore its original appearance.
Where Each Flooring Type Makes the Most Sense
| Setting | Recommended Type | Why |
| Office lobbies, malls, hospitals | Epoxy terrazzo | Fast to install, easy to clean, vibrant design. |
| Heritage buildings | Traditional terrazzo | Matches historical finishes and materials. |
| Outdoor plazas or patios | Traditional terrazzo | Handles UV and weather exposure. |
| Art-focused interiors | Epoxy terrazzo | Enables complex patterns and color detailing. |
| Laboratories or sterile zones | Epoxy terrazzo | Non-porous, hygienic, chemical-resistant. |
To Recap
Deciding between an epoxy terrazzo and a traditional terrazzo floor is not just about looks. It’s about how the floor will be used, how fast it needs to be installed, and how much effort you want to put into maintenance later on.
Epoxy terrazzo remains a solid option when design or flooring type matters most. It is smooth, rich in color, and performs extremely well under heavy loads.
There is still a place for cement terrazzo, especially for outdoor applications, and in heritage projects in which the look, finish, and thickness are considered important.
Considering Terrazzo for Your Next Project?
At Dr. Cipy, we specialize in advanced epoxy terrazzo flooring systems specifically designed for high-performance spaces, be it for a progressive office, a hospital, or a commercial renovation. Our team will help you identify the right terrazzo flooring solution engineered for durability and looks.
Contact us today to discuss the flooring options available to fit your space.
FAQs
Epoxy terrazzo uses a resin binder, making it thinner, more flexible, and quicker to install. Cement terrazzo uses a cement base and is thicker and slower to cure.
Epoxy terrazzo cures in a day or two, allowing quicker polishing. Cement terrazzo needs several days to set and involves more layers.
Epoxy terrazzo can often be finished in under a week. Cement terrazzo might take up to two weeks or more, depending on conditions.
Yes. Epoxy is non-porous and flexible, which makes it better at resisting stains, chemicals, and cracking over time.