When it Comes to Flooring, What Exactly Does “Ease of Installation” Mean? 

It can mean a lot of things—and the answers all depend on the types of flooring that you’re considering. Here at Terrazzio, we hear this question a lot. Sometimes, there is confusion when customers assume that our “easy to install” Terrazzo tile is as easy to install as, for example, peel-and-stick vinyl tile. 

So, let’s explore Terrazzio tile and what it means to be easy to install. 

Is Terrazzio Easier to Install than Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tile? 

Definitely not. In fact, there probably are no flooring options that are easier to install than peel-and-stick vinyl. This is a quick installation flooring option that the average homeowner can do by themselves in a weekend—and they can walk on it immediately. 

It also comes with a huge list of disadvantages. Peel and stick vinyl is not at all durable—especially outside of luxury vinyl tile options—and the colors and patterns can be severely limited, too. It can be a good choice for when you need a fast, inexpensive flooring solution in an out-of-the-way space, but it’s not something that is going to hold up over time or add a unique aesthetic. 

Is Terrazzio Easier to Install than Porcelain or Ceramic Tile? 

It’s similar—but there are differences. Overall, the process for installing Terrazzio tile is roughly the same as the process for installing porcelain or ceramic—although there are some nuances. Keep in mind that porcelain and ceramic tiles are mass-produced products whereas Terrazzio tiles are entirely handmade. Extra care is needed when laying them out across the subfloor—especially when it comes to larger format tiles that are more difficult to maneuver. 

Is Terrazzio Easier to Install than Wood Flooring? 

It depends! If you’re looking at installing a pre-fab floating wood floor that doesn’t need to be finished, and that only needs to be cut and fit into place, then the floating wood floor will be easier to install, and you’ll be able to walk on it immediately. 

But what if you’re installing brand new hardwoods that need to be fastened or glued into place, then stained and finished after installation? That can be a long, arduous process—particularly if you’re trying to create a floor with a mirror shine. You’ll need to wait between each coat of finish before you can walk on it, and often, creating a shiny floor means applying multiple layers of topcoat, plus sanding in between each coat to remove bubbles and imperfections. 

Is Terrazzio Easier to Install than Poured-in-Place Terrazzo? 

Absolutely! Poured-in-place terrazzo flooring requires onsite mixing and pouring. Once poured, workers must wait for the mixture to cure, then grind it down and polish it to get that smooth, shiny look. Not only is it a messy process that creates a lot of dust, but it’s a long, labor-intensive process. 

By contrast, Terrazzio tiles give you the same look and feel—they are made from terrazzo, after all. But since they come as pre-poured, pre-polished tiles, workers can place them much like they would with ceramic or porcelain tiles. Using a rapid adhesive, it’s possible to walk on Terrazzio floors within 24 hours of installation. 

And there you have it. If you need a really quick, prefabricated floor that you can do yourself over a weekend, Terrazzio tile—or any type of solid tile, for that matter—may not be the option you’re looking for. But if you are looking for a beautiful, enduring flooring option designed to last a lifetime, Terrazzio is a wonderful choice—especially if you love the look of hand-poured terrazzo but not the difficult and time-consuming installation. 

Click below to get a sample!