What is terrazzo flooring?
Terrazzo is a composite flooring material composed of stone chips (marble, granite, or other aggregates) embedded in a cement or resin binder, then ground and polished to create a smooth, durable surface.
Terrazzo consists of decorative stone chips-typically marble, granite, or quartz fragments-distributed throughout a binder that is usually cement-based or epoxy resin. Once poured and set, the entire surface is ground flat and polished to reveal the pattern of chips suspended within the matrix. This creates a durable, seamless finish that can last decades in high-traffic areas.
In Klang Valley buildings, particularly those built before the 1980s and 1990s, terrazzo remains common in lobbies, corridors, and commercial floors. The material was favored for its ability to take a high polish, resistance to wear, and the varied aesthetic effects possible by choosing different chip colors and sizes. Older institutional buildings, shophouses, and office towers throughout the region often feature terrazzo work from that era.
Maintenance of terrazzo requires periodic repolishing to restore shine and protect against staining. Because it is porous (especially cement-based versions), sealing is recommended. The material can be repaired by filling chips or cracks with matching binder material. Property owners in Klang Valley who want to restore or maintain terrazzo floors typically need contractors with experience in grinding, polishing, and sealing. A directory of tile and marble flooring specialists can help identify contractors familiar with terrazzo's particular requirements.