Terrazzo tiles: a guide to the look, the options and the care

Terrazzo started as a way to use marble offcuts, set in cement and polished smooth. Today it is popular across Melbourne's inner north, including Northcote and Thornbury, because it is playful but practical. Terrazzo tiles give the look without pouring a floor. See our terrazzo tiles or visit the Reservoir showroom, about 10 to 15 minutes from Thornbury and Northcote.

Where terrazzo works

• Bathroom floors: the speckle hides water marks and soap between cleans.
• Kitchen and living floors: it hides crumbs and wear in busy rooms.
• Feature walls and vanity walls: a terrazzo wall behind a plain vanity is a strong, simple look.
• Laundries and powder rooms: small rooms that can take more character.

Chip size and colour

Small chips read as a soft texture from a distance and suit small rooms and calm schemes. Large chips are bold and graphic and suit bigger floors or a single feature. Base colours range from white and warm grey to pink, green and charcoal. A pale base with multicoloured chips keeps a small bathroom bright; a darker base hides more and feels moodier.

Porcelain terrazzo or real terrazzo?

Porcelain terrazzo look tiles are printed and fired, so they are dense, consistent and need no sealing. Cement or resin terrazzo tiles have real chips and a deeper, more natural variation but usually need sealing and more care. For most bathrooms, porcelain is the easy choice. Ask our team which type each range is.

Pairing terrazzo

• Pick one chip colour and repeat it in the vanity, wall tile or towels.
• Keep walls plain, such as white subway tiles or 300x600mm wall tiles.
• Brushed brass, matt black and chrome tapware all work; brass warms pink and cream terrazzo, black sharpens grey.
• Timber vanities soften the look in Edwardian and bungalow homes.

Slip resistance

For bathroom and shower floors, choose a matt or grip finish with a slip rating suited to wet areas. Polished terrazzo looks beautiful but is better for dry areas. Read our choosing floor tiles guide.

Care

Clean porcelain terrazzo with a pH neutral cleaner. Seal cement or resin terrazzo as the maker recommends and avoid acidic cleaners that can dull it.

Ordering

Terrazzo tiles are call to order. Batch variation matters with real chips, so order the full quantity at once plus about 10 percent. Book a free measure if you would like help.

Common questions

Is terrazzo good for bathroom floors?

Yes. Choose a matt or grip finish for wet areas. The speckle hides water marks between cleans.

Does terrazzo look dated?

Terrazzo has been used for centuries and keeps coming back. Choosing a chip size and colour that suits your home keeps it timeless.

Do terrazzo tiles need sealing?

Porcelain terrazzo look tiles do not. Cement or resin terrazzo tiles usually do.

Can I see terrazzo tiles near Northcote or Thornbury?

Yes. Our showroom at 214 Broadway, Reservoir is about 10 to 15 minutes from both suburbs.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.