Epoxy vs. Cement Terrazzo
Which One Should You Choose?
Terrazzo has made a strong comeback in contemporary architecture—loved for its seamless appearance, durability, and custom design potential. But not all terrazzo is created equal. One of the key decisions in choosing a terrazzo system is the type of binder: epoxy resin or cement-based.
So, what’s the difference—and why do we prefer epoxy terrazzo, like VIA.ZZO?
- Seamless Finish & Thickness
- Epoxy terrazzo allows for a thin, smooth layer—typically only 12 to 18 mm thick and up to 20 mm thick for Palladiana technique. It’s cast in place and polished to a perfectly seamless surface, even across large areas with no visible joints under 100 sqm.
- Cement terrazzo is much thicker—30 to 70 mm, and requires expansion joints approximately every 2 meters, breaking the visual continuity.
Winner: Epoxy – thinner, lighter, and much more elegant in large uninterrupted spaces.
- Durability & Maintenance
- Epoxy systems are non-porous, meaning they don’t stain or absorb water. This makes them extremely easy to clean and maintain—perfect for high-traffic commercial or public spaces.
- Cement terrazzo is porous by nature, requiring regular sealing and more maintenance over time. It can stain or discolor if not properly protected.
Winner: Epoxy – low maintenance and stain-resistant.
- Design Flexibility
- Epoxy terrazzo supports a wide range of colors, aggregates, and patterns, including complex custom inlays, curves, and vertical applications.
- Cement terrazzo is more limited in color options and doesn’t allow for the same level of detail or creativity. Additionally, resin-based terrazzo can easily replicate the appearance of a cement-based terrazzo floor.
Winner: Epoxy – unbeatable design freedom.
- Installation & Curing Time
- Epoxy terrazzo cures faster and allows quicker installation, reducing downtime for commercial projects.
- Cement terrazzo takes much longer to install and cure, sometimes delaying the overall project timeline.
Winner: Epoxy – faster, more efficient installation.
Conclusion: Why Epoxy Terrazzo Wins
While cement-based terrazzo may still have its place in restoration or historic settings, epoxy terrazzo outperforms it in almost every category: it’s thinner, more durable, easier to clean, and offers far greater creative possibilities.
VIA.ZZO, our epoxy terrazzo systems meet the highest international standards (NTMA-compliant) and are crafted with natural aggregates—marble, granite, quartz—customized for each project and polished to perfection.
If you’re looking for a modern, seamless, high-performance terrazzo system, epoxy is the clear choice.