In many cities and towns around the world you’ll find terrazzo used outside. Just look down!
Terrazzo has been used through the centuries as an outside flooring option for concourses, terraces, patios, squares, in residential properties, cities and towns, and for commercial exteriors.
These examples of terrazzo highlight the longevity and durability of the material. Just think of Venice, Rome and Florence, where you’ll find yourself walking on terrazzo that was created hundreds of years ago. In many British cities, terrazzo is found in public spaces outdoors, dating back to the late 1800s.
The important point to know about using terrazzo outdoors is that cement based is best.
While resin (or epoxy) terrazzo has become increasingly popular more recently, it’s not ideal for outdoor use for a number of reasons. Critically this includes the impact of UV rays, which will cause the beautiful surface to fade and lose its aesthetic qualities. In addition, it can be slippery when it rains. So in theory and within reason you can use it, for example in a covered area, but we are likely to recommend using cement for durability and long lasting visual appeal.
Cement based terrazzo has quite clearly stood the test of time. It is hardwearing, so ideal for areas of heavy footfall, and has a depth of aesthetic that resin doesn’t quite match. It has better slip resistance and the colours will last for years. Cement based terrazzo used outdoors is easy to maintain, with an occasional sweeping up of leaves and dirt. It can also easily be restored to its original beauty after years of use, with a regrind and repolish.
Terrazzo comes in a number of formats: slabs, tiles, poured floors and moulded products such as bespoke worktops and furniture. Cement based terrazzo is ideal for any of these.
You can also choose from various terrazzo options, from Standard and Luxury to Bespoke terrazzo, the latter offering the ultimate in unique outdoor terrazzo.
Using terrazzo outdoors – residential Â
Patios, private pools with added slip resistance measures, shower areas, stairs, outside table tops, moulded benches, garden paving.
Using terrazzo outdoors – commercial uses
Concourses and steps, walkways, cladding, outdoor furniture in rest areas, decorative signage.
Eco-friendly alternatives
If you’re contemplating using terrazzo outdoors as part of a refurbishment project for a residential or commercial project, you might like to consider a product such as Rubblazzo. Rubblazzo is Diespeker’s own product, and has high green credentials, using London rubble (or indeed rubble from anywhere) set within an ultra-low carbon alternative to traditional cement. For the ultimate in environmental care, you can use the rubble from your own project within the mix, subject to tests to ensure that the resulting material is stable.
When you have an outside terrazzo project in mind, Diespeker will give you as much information and assistance as possible to ensure you get the stunning finish that you hoped for, that will last for many decades to come.
