Terrazzo tiles installation

Terrazzo tiles must be installed on a well-levelled, clean and dry surface. Humid subsoil will cause fur deposits on the tile’s surface.
Apply the adhesive evenly on the surface the tile is being laid on, using a large-toothed comb trowel. Also apply adhesive on the back of the tile.
Position the tiles with your hands – without hammering – leaving a thin gap (1 or 2 mm, thickness of a filling-knife) for the joint. A thicker gap should be used with under-floor heating and outdoor installation (min 2mm).

The grout between tiles

The pigments contained in coloured grout may infiltrate the pores of the tiles and stain them irreversibly.
After humidifying the tiles, the grout space should be filled with very liquid NON-PIGMENTED cement grout filler using a filing knife.
Excess grout should be removed immediately with a damp sponge.
Avoid spreading the grout onto the whole tile surface.

Polishing and crystallisation of Terrazzo

After installation and grouting, it is recommended to polish (sand down) terrazzo floor tiles, the same way you would proceed with marble or natural stone floors.
Abrasive polishing should be used to level the surface and even tone and shine of the entire floor.
By removing a thin surface layer (polishing) of Terrazzo it can perfectly level the surface and even out tone , curvature and shine of the tiles/floor. This is specially recommended when installing large tiles. Additionally it can repair a floor that has suffered mechanical or chemical damage.
If you prefer to have a shinier terrazzo, the floor should be buffed with a buffing machine and neutral wax.
As with marble, Granito or other limestone floors, terrazzo can be crystallised. This simple process will harden and protect the surface of the tiles as well as enhance colour and give a shiny finish. A marble specialist should carry out this process with a buffing machine.

Donwload Terrazzo tiles laying and protection guide

Treatment and protection with sealer (Mosaic Sealer)

The sealer is applied after the installation and grouting of the terrazzo tiles, over a clean and dry floor.
Mosaic Sealer is a solvent-based sealer that limits water and oil penetration.
Mosaic Sealer impregnates the tile, reduces its porosity and keeps its natural matte aspect.
It must be applied with a brush or a roller on a dry and clean surface. One or more successive applications until the tile is saturated. You may buff with a fine cloth to give it an even distribution.
This process is only done once, as the sealer will penetrate within the terrazzo tile.
Do not apply too much. The excess would leave glistening stains on the surface (brush traces). Remove the excess sealer with a cloth before it completely dries on surface.
Always try the sealer on a loose tile before applying it on the entire surface, in order to measure the grade of absorption of the tiles.

Cleaning and daily maintenance

Like marble, cement tiles or natural stone floors, the surface of Terrazzo tiles is cleaned with PH NEUTRAL products ( NON ACID and NON ALKALINE products). Natural soap and cleaners for marble are easily available in most supermarkets. We sell « MOSAIC SOAP », a natural and Ph neutral soap. Finally, regular waxing will help create the patina and enhance the beauty of the Mosaic Terrazzo (we suggest using « MOSAIC WAX »).

Cleaning with a buffing machine and fibre disc

For cleaning and stripping a very dirty floor, use a large diameter floor polisher with a hard fibre disc (black or brown), water and PH neutral soap or mild non-acidic cleaners. Rinse thoroughly to remove the sludge generated by abrasion. Mosaic can provide a soft cleaning product for domestic use or a stronger cleaner that will help remove residues left after an installation (“MOSAIC CLEANER”). Buffing machines can generally be hired at local DIY retailers.

Heavy traffic floors: bars, shops or restaurants

These floors require special protection and attention. Please consult MOSAIC factory’s technical service.

Maintenance

The Terrazzo manufactured for worktops and tables is cement and marble based. The treatment, porosity and durability is similar to natural stone, wooden, marble or polished cement surfaces.
The worktops and tables are sealed in factory after polishing (Mosaic sealer, crystalliser and wax), limiting porosity.
Regular care with PH-neutral soap and wax, and avoiding any spills of acidic, alkaline or strongly pigmented products will ensure the long-term beauty. Terrazzo if a product that lives and evolves with time.
The slabs can be buffed or sanded down if needed, to restore the original beauty.

Handling and installation

The slabs are delivered on pallets to the pavement of the street. Unpacking of the pallet/transportation to the building site or to upper floors is not included.
Manipulation of the Slab has to be kept to a minimum .The slabs should never rest on their edges (or kept vertically) as breakage could occur due to the heavy weight (3-4cm thick slabs weight between 70 and 95kg per m2). They should be moved with care by several people.

Weight is a critical point to consider when purchasing a Terrazzo Slab. The support structure has to be well levelled and be sturdy enough to support the weight, as well as any additional weight or movement it will encounter during daily use.

In slabs that will see a daily use prone to impacts we recommend choosing a bevel for the edges as they make the edge less prone to chipping. Bevels can only be provided in exterior edge (not in sink holes, etc.)

Worktops and counters should be installed by a marble specialist, stone mason or other experienced professionals.

Our responsibility is limited to the supply of the slabs.