5 Reasons to Go for Venetian Terrazzo
This classic Italian flooring is becoming popular again. We take a look at what makes it so great
Trends are cyclical, and we often see the return of shapes and colours from the past. This is currently the case with Venetian terrazzo (also called seminato in Italian). Terrazzo is traditionally made from a blend of marble gravel and lime – though concrete is more commonly used today – which is then mixed with a finer gravel and cocciopesto, a material consisting of broken tiles and fragments of bricks and roofing tiles mixed with lime mortar. In order to create the exact desired effect, terazzo is still laid by hand and considered to be artistic and artisanal work, making it very expensive. However, there are cheaper materials that imitate the effect, such as Venetian resin flooring, which is less durable but thinner (5-10 mm), or Venetian tiles or grits, an even cheaper alternative.
Terrazzo is classic in Italy, but it also appears in many beautiful – and contemporary – homes in other countries. Why is it so popular?
Terrazzo is classic in Italy, but it also appears in many beautiful – and contemporary – homes in other countries. Why is it so popular?
2. Because It Is tough and seamless
It was chosen for Venetian palaces not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its structural peculiarities. First of all, it is durable: so much so that it is often found practically unscathed in ancient buildings. It is also highly flexible, which allowed terazzo floors to adapt to the continual sinking of the city’s foundations – Venice is entirely built on stilts – and the bending of the wooden floor supports.
It was chosen for Venetian palaces not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its structural peculiarities. First of all, it is durable: so much so that it is often found practically unscathed in ancient buildings. It is also highly flexible, which allowed terazzo floors to adapt to the continual sinking of the city’s foundations – Venice is entirely built on stilts – and the bending of the wooden floor supports.
In addition, cement does not expand and contract in reaction to moisture as much as other materials, allowing larger surfaces to be covered without joints, and without being susceptible to cracking.
To minimise the presence of water, the floor was historically hand-laid and, after a couple of days, compacted with an instrument called a battipalo, or a traditional venetian pile driver. Battipali, or “pole-beaters,” were recognised craftsmen, whose skill is unfortunately now considered to be lost.
To minimise the presence of water, the floor was historically hand-laid and, after a couple of days, compacted with an instrument called a battipalo, or a traditional venetian pile driver. Battipali, or “pole-beaters,” were recognised craftsmen, whose skill is unfortunately now considered to be lost.
Even though it is now laid with the help of machinery, terazzo remains prized for its seamless appearance. It brings fluidity and a sense of continuity to any space.
3. Because it’s a great match for any style
Though it is an antique style of flooring, terazzo works really well in all types of interiors. Available in various shades of grey that vary depending on the blend of materials in the mix, it works perfectly in colourful, minimalist and wooden settings alike.
Though it is an antique style of flooring, terazzo works really well in all types of interiors. Available in various shades of grey that vary depending on the blend of materials in the mix, it works perfectly in colourful, minimalist and wooden settings alike.
4. Because patterned tile is trendy
Terazzo’s irregular pattern is probably what makes it so fashionable today: We are now witnessing a comeback of patterned tile after years of monochrome and minimalist style, and terazzo fits and enhances the expression of patterned flooring.
Terazzo’s irregular pattern is probably what makes it so fashionable today: We are now witnessing a comeback of patterned tile after years of monochrome and minimalist style, and terazzo fits and enhances the expression of patterned flooring.
5. Because it is versatile
Terrazzo is becoming popular not only in flooring, but also in product design, as it is increasingly being used not only for flooring but also ceramics, accessories and even writing implements.
Read more:
10 Ways to Texturise With Terrazzo
Which Tiles Are Perfect for Indian Floors?
Tell us:
Do you have reservations about terazzo? share why in Comments below.
Terrazzo is becoming popular not only in flooring, but also in product design, as it is increasingly being used not only for flooring but also ceramics, accessories and even writing implements.
Read more:
10 Ways to Texturise With Terrazzo
Which Tiles Are Perfect for Indian Floors?
Tell us:
Do you have reservations about terazzo? share why in Comments below.
Venetian terrazzo is a classic Italian flooring. Despite its name, it was not invented in Venice but was used even in antiquity. Its name comes from the great popularity it enjoyed during the Serenissima Republic period (7th to 18th century) in Venice, when it was widely used for flooring in the palaces of the nobility.