Craftsman Concrete Floors

Durham, North Carolina Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide


Durham, NC Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide | Craftsman Concrete Floors














Durham Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide

Craftsman Concrete Floors specializes in the installation, restoration, and repair of terrazzo flooring systems, delivering durable, low-maintenance floors. From our corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas, we offer nationwide service, including the state of North Carolina. Recognized as a leading installer of commercial flooring nationwide, we provide manufacturer-warrantied flooring systems to top-tier companies across America. Our seasoned industry veterans bring decades of specialized expertise in installation, material manufacturing, and product innovation, ensuring each terrazzo flooring project is executed with unmatched attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship.

Terrazzo floors bring lasting elegance, durable finishes, and unique character to residential, commercial, or office properties across Durham. When planning and budgeting for terrazzo flooring, it’s crucial to understand the main factors affecting overall costs. These factors often include the type and quality of materials, the method of installation, and the scale or complexity of each project. By carefully analyzing these considerations, you can better anticipate expenses associated with terrazzo flooring and achieve a customized balance of style, performance, and affordability. This page provides a comprehensive overview to help you gain valuable insights and make informed, confident choices for terrazzo floor installations in Durham.

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    Boeing
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    Types of Terrazzo Flooring

    Thinset Terrazzo Flooring

    Thinset or ‘poured terrazzo’ flooring is the most common type of terrazzo floor installation. This type of terrazzo flooring offers incredible benefits such as longevity and durability, high impact and chemical resistance, low maintenance costs, and a timeless appearance. However, poured terrazzo flooring is challenging to install and requires specialized labor and materials. 

    Poured terrazzo flooring has one of the highest upfront installation costs of any type of flooring available. However, as discussed in this article, terrazzo flooring can provide one of the lowest long-term flooring costs for the correct use case. For this reason, we install terrazzo flooring in high-traffic use cases such as stadiums, municipal buildings, schools, and even jails. 

    Terrazzo Tile

    Terrazzo tile can achieve a similar aesthetic as poured terrazzo flooring with a more straightforward installation at a lower cost. Modern terrazzo tiles can come in large format sizes, such as 24″x 24″, providing a more contemporary appearance than other tiles. However, large-format tiles are more expensive to install and manufacture because of their size. Although terrazzo tiles are less costly than poured epoxy terrazzo flooring, they’re one of the more expensive types of tile installations available. 

    Variables That Drive Cost

    Aggregates

    Terrazzo flooring combines an epoxy resin binder, marble dust, and aggregates. These aggregates are most often made of marble chips; however, granite, glass, polished metals, and shells are also commonly incorporated. One benefit of terrazzo flooring is that many of these materials can be recycled materials, creating a floor with more environmental benefits than other types of flooring, such as hardwood or ceramic tile. This environmental advantage can be used to gain LEED and other environmental certifications in some circumstances. The origin and quality of aggregates are variable and significantly impact the cost of a finished floor. 

    Previous tile, carpet, and wood flooring installations each bring different challenges during the repair and restoration process. For example, glue left by a wood flooring installation will stain and discolor the terrazzo and requires careful surface grinding to restore. Removing carpet tack strips will leave voids in terrazzo that we will fill with appropriate, matching terrazzo material.

    Aggregate Pricing Overview

    Marble Chips can range from $16-$40 per 50lb bag

    Mother of Pearl is $80 – $100 per 50lb bag

    Square Footage

    The overall square footage of the installation impacts the cost of terrazzo flooring. Because we most often install terrazzo floors on large projects, such as stadiums and schools, economies of scale usually kick in at 10,000 sq. ft. or more. That means for small projects, such as residential kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, the price per square foot will be higher than for larger jobs, such as municipal buildings. Because terrazzo flooring materials are specialized, material costs per square foot are higher for projects under a few thousand square feet. Large projects are often specified with more economical materials to reduce cost.

    Simple 1,000 sq. ft. Installation

    $30+ per square foot

    Simple 30,000 sq. ft. Installation

    $18 per square foot

    Complexity

    There is a direct correlation between the complexity of a terrazzo flooring design and a project’s cost. One of the terrazzo’s most desirable features is its endless design flexibility. Logos and other complex designs, such as flowers, birds, and insects, are often incorporated into terrazzo flooring. Because these intricate designs require a large variety of aggregates and epoxy colors as well as custom-bent metal divider strips, floors with complex designs cost more. Terrazzo flooring cost for single-color floors with simple divider strip patterns will always be much lower than for intricate floors. Fortunately for homeowners, most residential installations tend to be simple in design. 

    Simple Commercial Installation

    $20 – $30 per square foot

    Complex Commercial Installation

    $25 – $60 per square foot

    Cove Base and Stair Treads

    Terrazzo material is often poured into a cove base, providing seamless transitions between the floor and walls. If you’re unfamiliar with it, a cove base is a curved molding made from terrazzo that is seamlessly integrated into the flooring system. It eliminates the sharp 90-degree transition between the floor and wall, creating a smooth, rounded edge. This molding is often used in public restrooms, hospitals or kitchens, allowing easy cleaning and preventing moisture damage to walls. Because the cove base must be sculpted and polished by hand, this addition means an increase in cost. 

    Additionally, terrazzo can be poured onto stair treads, covering both the horizontal and vertical planes for a sleek, continuous look. This technique creates a durable staircase, perfect for high-traffic areas. However, the intricate hand-detailing required for casting and polishing makes terrazzo staircases quite pricey.

    Cove base Cost

    $28 – $35 per linear foot at 6″ tall

    Precast Stair Cost

    $80 – $135 per square foot, depending on riser configuration.

    Gloss vs Satin Finish

    One of the advantages of terrazzo flooring is the ability to customize its level of reflectivity during the polishing process. While high-gloss finishes are commonly chosen for their mirror-like appearance, satin or matte finishes are popular in modern construction for their subtle, understated elegance.

    High-gloss finishes require additional polishing steps compared to matte finishes, which makes them slightly more expensive. However, the difference in cost is typically minimal, as the extra polishing is not particularly time-intensive.

    Gloss Finish Cost

    $.50 to $1.00 more expensive for most floors.

    Other Cost Considerations

    Subfloor Preparation

    Thin-set terrazzo flooring is generally installed directly on a structural concrete slab. Subfloor preparation includes grinding the existing subfloor and installing an epoxy-based primer. This primer is required to ensure a high level of adhesion between the structural concrete slab and the terrazzo flooring. Subfloor preparation for new construction will always be less expensive than renovation projects, as we must remove fewer contaminants and make fewer repairs for new construction projects. 

    Moisture Testing

    When installing a terrazzo floor, the subfloor must be tested for moisture transmission. If the transmision of moisture is high, a moisture vapor barrier must be installed. 

    At Craftsman Concrete Floors, we always restore terrazzo floors correctly–with a heavy diamond grind and polish. This provides the most durable, slip-resistant terrazzo floor possible.

    Moisture Vapor Barrier Cost

    $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot for most floors.

    Existing Flooring Demolition 

    When installing terrazzo flooring in a renovation project, we must carefully demolish the existing flooring to prevent damage to the subfloor.  

    Demolition Cost

    $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot for most floors.

    Terrazzo Flooring Cost

    Thin-set Terrazzo

    Basic thin-set terrazzo flooring ranges from $15-40 per square foot.

    Terrazzo flooring with complex patterns can range from $25-$60 per square foot.

    Terrazzo flooring with unique aggregates, intricate patterns, or smaller project sizes can cost up to $100 per square foot.

    Terrazzo Tile

    High-quality terrazzo tiles start around $18 per square foot.

    Depending on size and complexity, the installation cost can be $10 – $15 per square foot.

    How long will installation take? 

    The installation will take at least three days for small projects such as residential bathrooms or kitchens. Because terrazzo is a poured product requiring cure time, it is impossible to complete these installations in fewer days. The installation time will vary based on the overall square footage for larger jobs such as commercial buildings. 

    Long-term terrazzo flooring costs

    Because terrazzo flooring is extremely durable, these floors provide a long-term solution for buildings that require a very long life. In fact, for most terrazzo installations, these floors will generally exceed the usable life of the building. Terrazzo maintenance is usually as simple as sweeping, mopping, or auto-scrubbing. Because of this, the cost of a terrazzo floor across its life is generally lower than any other type of flooring. Further, for businesses that cannot accept any downtime, such as stadiums, business owners can be confident that their terrazzo flooring will be in good order throughout its service life.

    Regional Office Locations

    Dallas | Fort Worth | Austin | Houston | San Antonio | Tulsa | Oklahoma City | DENVER

    Craftsman Concrete Floors is a specialty floor installation company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1999, we offer nationwide in-house service installing Polished Concrete, ESD Epoxy, Terrazzo Floors, Urethane Cement, and Concrete Overlays through our regional offices.

    Common Terrazzo Flooring Uses in Durham

    Luxury Residential Developments

    Terrazzo flooring is a preferred choice for luxury residential developments in North Carolina due to its sophisticated and custom aesthetics, complementing both classic and contemporary home designs. Prominent homeowners seeking convenience to acclaimed institutions such as Duke University Hospital often appreciate terrazzo’s durability and low maintenance requirements as a smart long-term investment. While initial costs can be higher than natural stone, terrazzo’s lifespan significantly exceeds that of traditional flooring options. Furthermore, its customizable array of colors and designs allows homeowners to create truly unique spaces that reflect their individual style and sophistication.

    Museums and Cultural Institutions

    Terrazzo flooring is an ideal choice for Museums and Cultural Institutions, facilitating customizable installations that visually communicate artistic or cultural themes and serve as enduring focal points in exhibition halls or galleries. Its robust nature ensures resilience in busy, high-foot-traffic visitor areas while significantly minimizing upkeep, making it cost-effective in the long term compared to natural materials such as marble or granite. Institutions across North Carolina, such as Duke University and the City of Medicine Academy, rely on terrazzo for its versatility and proven aesthetic appeal that complements both modern and historic architecture.

    Retail and Shopping Centers

    Terrazzo flooring is commonly selected for retail and shopping centers due to its elegant, customizable aesthetic capable of enhancing the upscale presentation of high-end retail environments. Highly durable, terrazzo withstands heavy foot traffic in busy commercial venues—similar to those visited by shoppers frequenting nearby establishments like Duke University Hospital or travelers using facilities such as Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Its resistance to stains and spills further adds convenience where maintaining cleanliness is vital. While initially more costly than traditional natural stone options, terrazzo’s longevity and minimal maintenance demands make it an attractive long-term investment.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Terrazzo Flooring

    Epoxy terrazzo typically has a higher upfront installation cost due to specialized materials and labor, but it offers greater design flexibility and lower long-term maintenance expenses. Cementitious terrazzo, while initially more affordable, may require additional maintenance over time, especially in areas with significant temperature fluctuations like Durham.

    Yes, terrazzo floors provide significant long-term cost savings for airports and transportation hubs due to their exceptional durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Their resistance to heavy foot traffic and ease of cleaning make terrazzo a practical investment, particularly in busy transportation centers across North Carolina.

    Terrazzo flooring is highly durable and resistant to wear, making it ideal for educational institutions that experience heavy daily foot traffic. Its low maintenance requirements and long lifespan significantly reduce overall flooring expenses, providing schools and universities with a cost-effective solution.

    Terrazzo floors are highly resistant to cracks and damage due to their robust composition, significantly reducing repair and replacement costs over time. Properly installed terrazzo flooring by Craftsman Concrete Floors can provide up to 100 years of reliable service, making it a cost-effective choice for commercial and residential spaces alike.

    Installing terrazzo as a seamless, grout-free surface can slightly increase initial installation costs due to the additional labor and precision required. However, the absence of grout lines reduces maintenance efforts and costs over time, making seamless terrazzo a practical and aesthetically appealing flooring option.

    we install Terrazzo Floors in Durham areas, including:

    Albright, American Village, Arrowhead, Audubon Park, Autumn Ridge, Beechgrove, Bethesda, Braggtown, Breckenridge, Brightleaf at the Park, Bull Durham, Carillon Forest, Central Park District, Cleveland-Holloway, Colony Park, Copper Mill, Country Club Heights, Croasdaile Farm, Crooked Creek, Cross Timbers, Crown Point, Downtown Durham, Duke Forest, Duke Park, Duke West Campus, Eagles Pointe, East Durham, Eastwood Park, Ellerbee Creek Watershed, Eno Trace, Fairfield, Falconbridge, Five Oaks, Forest Hills, Fox Run, Garrett Farms, Grandale, Greymoss, Grove Park, Heather Glen, Heritage Heights, Highgate, Hillandale Commons, Hope Valley, Horton Hills, Lake Park, Landon Farms, Latta Road, Lochaven Hills, Long Meadow, Lyon Park, Marydell, Merrick Moore, Milan Woods, North Durham, Northgate Park, Old Farm, Old North Durham, Old West Durham, Omah Street, Parkwood, Penrith, Pickett Road, Pine Valley, Rockwood, South Durham, Southpoint, Spring Valley, Stadium Heights, Stonehill Estates, Summer Meadow, Sunningdale, Swann’s Mill, The Hills at Southpoint, The Valley, Trinity Commons, Trinity Heights, Trinity Park, Trotter Ridge, Twin Lakes, University Estates, Valley Run, Walltown, Warehouse District, Waterford, Watts Hospital-Hillandale, Wellington Forest, West Hills, West Murray Avenue, Westwood Estates, Woodcroft, Woodlake, Woodstone.

    we install Terrazzo Floors Nationwide, Including:

    Albuquerque, NM; Albany, NY; Anaheim, CA; Anchorage, AK; Arlington, TX; Arlington, VA; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Bakersfield, CA; Baltimore, MD; Baton Rouge, LA; Birmingham, AL; Boise, ID; Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Chandler, AZ; Charleston, SC; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Chula Vista, CA; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Colorado Springs, CO; Columbus, OH; Corpus Christi, TX; Dallas, TX; Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Durham, NC; El Paso, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Fremont, CA; Fresno, CA; Garland, TX; Gilbert, AZ; Glendale, AZ; Grand Rapids, MI; Greensboro, NC; Hartford, CT; Hialeah, FL; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Huntsville, AL; Indianapolis, IN; Irvine, CA; Jacksonville, FL; Jersey City, NJ; Kansas City, MO; Las Vegas, NV; Laredo, TX; Lexington, KY; Lincoln, NE; Long Beach, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Louisville, KY; Lubbock, TX; Madison, WI; Memphis, TN; Mesa, AZ; Miami, FL; Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New Orleans, LA; Newark, NJ; Norfolk, VA; North Las Vegas, NV; Oakland, CA; Oklahoma City, OK; Omaha, NE; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Plano, TX; Portland, OR; Providence, RI; Raleigh, NC; Reno, NV; Richmond, VA; Riverside, CA; Sacramento, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Ana, CA; Scottsdale, AZ; Seattle, WA; Spokane, WA; St. Louis, MO; Stockton, CA; Tampa, FL; Toledo, OH; Tucson, AZ; Tulsa, OK; Virginia Beach, VA; Washington, DC; Wichita, KS; Winston–Salem, NC

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