The Key to Terrazzo Tiles: Aggregates

Two of the most notable features of Terrazzio's Terrazzo tiles are their durability and vibrant range of textured colors, and aggregates are why. In the simplest terms, an aggregate is a combination of several elements. So when it comes to Terrazzo tiles, an aggregate can include a range of granularly-crushed materials that are added directly to the tile mix for texture, color, strength, and specific design elements. These aggregates can be made from pulverized rock, crushed concrete, sand, marble, and many other recycled or manufactured hard materials.

Because of the enormous possible range of aggregate materials that can be used, Terrazzio tiles can be created to showcase any number of colors and patterns. Most importantly though, because these aggregates are what give Terrazzo tiling its color patterns, the tiles become impervious to color fade. The reason why is obvious: The colors are integrated throughout a section of tiling as part of its very makeup. This means that even decades of use allow original color patterns to keep shining through.

So where can Terrazzio tile aggregates come from? Let's take a closer look!

Stone Chips

Stones of pretty much any kind can be crushed down into little chips, pebbles, or even fine sand and added to terrazzo tile resin substrate. The kinds of rocks that can be used include granite, decorative stones, limestone, onyx, agate, and marble, among others. Marble is useful because its little pieces can come in a whole range of colors that blend wonderfully with the terrazzo resin for custom colors and designs.

These different rock types can be sourced from all over the world, but in the case of marble and limestone, they often come from domestic quarries. Agate and onyx can come from several U.S. states or from countries like Brazil and Canada.

Recycled Materials

For a decorative filler that offers a lighter environmental footprint, Terrazzio also offers terrazzo tiles formed with recycled aggregates. In particular, Terrazzo designers can offer recycled materials such as crushed porcelain and recycled concrete to create tiles with unique colors and design patterns for any floor space or countertop.

Exotics

Exotics can vary enormously too and as long as they consist of hard materials, they can be blended with terrazzo resin to form very strong surfaces. One famous example is the terrazzo floor of the famous NYC toy store, F.A.O Schwartz, which had a prominent scene in the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks. In this case, the floor in the background is made of tiles filled with brilliant, broken yellow buttons sourced from the New York City Garment District. Other exotics can include marine shell pieces, mother of pearl, and many other unique substances for some truly fascinating design choices.

Why Terrazzio?

The materials described above give terrazzo tiles from Terrazzio a range of styles, designs, and color options that almost no other floor material can really match. The tiles themselves are extremely hard, long-lasting, and exceptionally easy to clean. They can also be cut to whatever custom size and visual needs you have for your own commercial or home floors. What's more, as we already mentioned, color in terrazzo tiles isn't just surface-deep. It lasts as long as the tiles themselves do. Contact Terrazzio for a quote on your own project to find out more about what's available.