While there are plenty of stunning readymade terrazzo options, if you want a totally unique surface for a home or a commercial premises, bespoke terrazzo is the way forward.
Most terrazzo designs are marble chippings of various sizes bound together in a cement or resin binding. There are dozens of standard designs which are manufactured as large slabs, which are then cut to size, either into floor tiles or worktops, receptions desks, vanity units, etc.
Diespeker has a huge range of standard terrazzo designs, with plenty of choices of colours and mixes of marble chippings and chunks.
However, a bespoke terrazzo puts the design firmly in your hands. This is the process for commissioning your own, unique terrazzo:
First steps
Before you start, get an idea of the cost of having a bespoke terrazzo made for you. Because of the methods involved, this is a premium product with a price tag to match, so you will need to look at it as an investment. Budgetary considerations include the size of the terrazzo, and the complexity of the design – for example if it needs to be curved or ribbed.
You should also consider lead times. While a standard terrazzo is ‘off the peg’ a bespoke terrazzo can be a long process.
Design inspiration
Think about the interior colour scheme. You may prefer to opt for a more neutral terrazzo design which gives you the option of switching up your colour scheme in the future. Even then, you could include a highlight colour. Some clients want the terrazzo to lead the interior design, choosing bold and bright mixtures of colours, sometimes in the same colour spectrum, but sometimes in vibrant clashes of colour. Businesses may like a terrazzo in their corporate colours, or to have a logo incorporated into the design.
Look at interior design magazines for inspiration. You may find a starting point for your own terrazzo, which you can then change to make it into your own. You can also visit Diespeker to see both standard and bespoke designs up close, which may help with your own ideas.
You certainly don’t need to stick to marble chippings. There are plenty of other materials that can be added to a terrazzo mix. There are more details on what you can and can’t use on this companion article.
Samples of your design
Once you have an idea of the design you would like, you will need to commission samples to be made up. While its possible to create samples using online tools, there’s nothing quite like seeing your ideas made into an actual piece of terrazzo. There is a £80 charge for sample making, but this will be discounted from the price when you place your order.
Production
When you are happy with a sample, you can press the green light on production of your bespoke terrazzo. At Diespeker, all bespoke terrazzo is made by our specialist team, and you are welcome to visit to see progress. Some clients get involved by physically placing aggregate into the terrazzo mould before the binding mixture is poured over. It makes the bespoke terrazzo even more of a personal thing!
The terrazzo must then set before being cut into tiles or into shape. Features such as cut outs for sinks and hobs and edges are then added in the factory, where the final grinding and polishing takes place.
Installation and maintenance
Diespeker also provides installation services, which gives you the peace of mind that your project is receiving expert care all the way from concept to completion.
We are highly invested in providing maintenance advice. Terrazzo is not a bombproof material and needs to be looked after, from regular sealing to using the correct cleaning products. We provide plenty of guidance on the care of terrazzo, for worktops take a look here.
Conclusion
You are always welcome to visit Diespeker’s premises to discuss your ideas, without obligation. You may find a standard terrazzo amongst our stock that ticks all the boxes, but if you remain intent on a bespoke terrazzo we will work with you to achieve exactly what you want.
You will need to invest time in the process to create a terrazzo that reflects your personal or brand style, ensuring both functionality and uniqueness, but it’s an investment that is absolutely worthwhile.
