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Terrazzo, from the Italian word for terraces, was created several hundred years
ago in Europe when Venetian workers discovered a new use for discarded marble
remnants. Since that time it has become a logical, practical solution for contemporary
design and construction.
Fifteenth-century Venetian mosaic workers began to use odd-size marble chips
(remaining from shaping the stone tesserae) to surface the terraces around their
living quarters. The uneven surfaces created, when the chips were set in clay
to anchor them, convinced the workers that flattening the surface would produce
a smoother surface more comfortable for walking. They began to rub the surface
with handstone, achieving a flat surface. |
Gifted craftsmen brought the Terrazzo concept to America with them from Europe
in the late 18th century, where Terrazzo was used extensively in monumental
structures. (Our first President, George Washington, designed his Mt. Vernon
home and selected Terrazzo for many of the rooms.)
Soon American Terrazzo was created from the wealth of marble in the United States
and American ingenuity advanced installation techniques. In the last 40 years,
new developments were achieved with the discovery of epoxies, polyesters, latex
and acrylics. |
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Today, the floor meant for Kings and Queens is available to everyone. Terrazzo
is considered by today’s architects and designers to be a contemporary
flooring and wall material for interior and exterior use. Terrazzo has proven
itself through history as the sensible choice for floor surfaces that require
resistance to heavy abuse, while still retaining the beauty and low maintenance
costs.
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The National Terrazzo & Mosaic
Association, A Brief History of Terrazzo |
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