Terrazzo

The History of Terrazzo

Archaeologists use the word Terrazzo to describe the floors of early neolithic (10,000-11,000 years ago) buildings in Western Asia which were made out of burnt lime and clay, coloured red with ochre and polished. The embedded crushed limestone gave them a slightly mottled appearance.

More traditionally Terrazzo is understood to date back 2,000 years to the golden age of Rome when in a very basic form it was prized as a durable flooring material. The actual word 'Terrazzo' was coined in the 15th Century and is derived from the Italian 'terrazza' for terrace. By then Venetian marble workers were refining the product by embedding leftover marble chips into a mortar base and then rubbing the resulting uneven surface smooth with stones. The next development was in the 18th Century when it was discovered that a goat milk sealant highlighted the true colour of the marble.

Gifted craftsmen took the Terrazzo concept to North America where the addition of dividing strips meant that different marble colours could be laid adjacently, allowing the creation of intricate patterns and designs. In the 1920s the advent of electric grinding equipment meant that the high standard of finish we expect today was suddenly achievable. The introduction of white Portland cement combined with mineral colour pigments meant that the spectrum of colour possibilities for Terrazzo was now unlimited.

In the last 40 years the discovery of epoxies, polyesters, latex and acrylics has revolutionised Terrazzo production and it has undergone a contemporary revival. What was once 'the flooring meant for kings and queens' is now available to everyone in a far greater variety of forms than could ever have been imagined by its originators.

Tanson Terrazzo

Tanson Terrazzo is made to order by Ranger Applied Finishes Canterbury in Christchurch and delivered nationwide. Highly polished terrazzo products have been crafted in this factory for almost 100 years making it New Zealand's oldest terrazzo manufacturer.

Tanson Terrazzo is a hardwearing, low maintenance application with a wide variety of uses. Its durability and strength make it ideally suited for use on paving, seating, kitchen benches, bathroom vanities, fireplace hearths, wall panels and boardroom tables. Virtually any situation demanding the ultimate design statement can be enhanced by the inclusion of terrazzo.

Features of Tanson Terrazzo

• Strong and durable
• Low maintenance
• Fire and water resistant
• Hygienically smooth and seamless
• Classic or contemporary
• Unlimited colour palette
• Custom made
• Versatile Distinctive
  
  

Prefabricated Terrazzo

In its traditional form terrazzo is created by imbedding marble chips into cement and then highly polishing the surface to produce an impervious and highly decorative finish. However the versatility of Tanson Terrazzo allows almost unlimited variations on this theme. By customising mixtures of chip colours and pigments, using local stone chips in place of marble, or inserting seashell, paua or metal shapes into the surface each terrazzo item can be personalised to satisfy individual requirements. Samples are available to demonstrate just how varied the possibilities are.

Terrazzo Flooring

Decorative terrazzo flooring is created in situ and its virtually indestructible nature makes it the surface of choice in airports, supermarkets, hospitals and shopping malls. As with prefabricated terrazzo the colour palette is limitless and for durability it has no peer. Numerous terrazzo floors dating back hundreds of years are as impressive today as when they were first created. Tanson Terrazzo floors provide a cost-effective alternative to granite or solid marble, whilst incorporating the same opportunities for making a design statement as with individual terrazzo items.

Polished Concrete And Masonry

The same grinding and polishing process used to produce Tanson Terrazzo can be applied to standard concrete blocks and pavers. The resulting exposed aggregate effect puts a striking spin on this common building material particularly when it is incorporated into landscaping situations.

Existing concrete floors can be also be ground and polished to create a similar effect without the expense of applying a new floor topping. The aesthetic results will be largely dependant on the composition of the concrete, but this can be an economical way of creating a durable and easily cleaned surface for heavy traffic areas.

Other Services

The combination of modern machinery and traditional hand polishing skills allow almost any shape to be polished. A range of decorative items can be viewed at the Tanson factory.

Marble chip in various colours and sizes is available for sale in single bags or by the tonne.