Poured In Place vs. Pre-Cast Terrazzo? Find the Perfect Solution

When it comes to designing with terrazzo, one size doesn’t fit all. The question is, should you go with poured-in-place or pre-cast terrazzo for your project? While both options share the same timeless material, the right choice often hinges on factors like timing, design complexity, and project goals. So, let’s take a closer look at the details to help you decide which method suits your space best.

When to Go Pre-Cast or Poured in Place for a Terrazzo Floor

Terrazzo floor projects are most commonly done with a poured-in-place application. To do this, raw materials like resin or cement with special aggregates are mixed on-site. The terrazzo is then, like the name suggested, poured in place and hand-troweled to the substrate before curing. Following curing, the installer then grinds and polishes the terrazzo to a seamless fixture.

Historically, this process has had a fairly short lead time. Even taking additional pandemic safety precautions into account, the process takes 4-8 weeks. Most of this time involves the actual pouring and setting of the terrazzo itself.

Sometimes, custom terrazzo flooring panels are prefabricated to be installed onsite. Generally speaking, there are two reasons to consider this. The first is time — perhaps there is only a limited window of time for terrazzo to be poured and set. With the pre-cast technique, you can order panels ahead of time to reduce on-site installation times.

The second is size. For certain areas of flooring space, it may be more convenient to precast and install panels of terrazzo instead of pouring it. If you’re looking to put in a design, like your organization’s symbol, or a custom terrazzo logo, pre-cast works best.

Which Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the on-site contractor will have the best perspective on which solution is best for your project. Generally speaking, however, for most terrazzo flooring projects, poured-in-place terrazzo is overall quicker and easier to execute. With limited install times, certain sized spaces, or custom logos, pre-cast makes more sense.

Choosing the Right Terrazzo Solutions for Specific Applications

Custom projects that are more complex than flooring are generally precast. This means they’re prefabricated and finished in a factory, then shipped to the project site for installation. At Andreola Terrazzo we have large precast manufacturing facilities and build custom millwork forms to fill with the terrazzo mix to create different shapes and designs.

While precast forms usually have a longer lead time than poured terrazzo, their installation time will be generally much faster. You can shorten construction-related detours and blockages by using pre-cast terrazzo pieces in certain spaces and applications.

Floors and Bases

For large, open flooring spaces, the poured-in-place technique is often the preferred choice. It’s quicker to execute on-site and provides a seamless look. Pre-cast panels are ideal for smaller or more complex areas where precision is critical.

As for bases, flat bases are always pre-cast and installed after the floor is completed. However, cove bases are typically pre-cast and installed before the flooring. Poured-in-place cove bases are also an option for fewer seams and quicker lead times, though they may result in slight material variations.

Vertical Surfaces

In terms of walls and wainscoting, pre-cast terrazzo is the go-to solution. These panels, usually ½-inch thick, are easy to install and cost-effective. Similar to walls, planters are often clad with pre-cast terrazzo for durability and aesthetic appeal. Custom thickness options are available for unique designs.

Specialty Applications

For stairs, the pre-cast technique is ideal, ensuring uniformity and simplifying installation. However, for long runs, complex curves, or stairs adjoining poured terrazzo floors, poured-in-place may be a better fit. Stair landings can also vary: larger landings often work best with the poured method, while pre-cast is ideal for mid-stairwell landings.

Seating areas are also often pre-cast for convenience and precision, especially when adjacent to stairs. The poured-in-place technique can be used for plinths integrated into larger poured sections. Moreover, pre-cast countertops are a popular choice due to their consistent quality and customizability.

Lastly, elevator cabs can be done with both pre-cast and poured-in-place. For larger cabs, the poured method is typically faster, while smaller cabs or those requiring custom logos benefit from pre-cast pieces.

Find the Perfect Solution for Your Space with Andreola Terrazzo & Restoration

If you’re looking for expert installation and support, contact Andreola Terrazzo & Restoration. They have the expertise to help with every step of the process, from design and manufacture to installation. With in-house and on-site support, they also ensure strict quality control to get your desired effect. Contact Andreola Terrazo today for more information or to schedule an estimate!

Share this Article
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
See Our Projects

FREE
Terrazzo Information Pack for Professionals

Terrazzo Information Pack for Professionals

Andreola Terrazzo & Restorations, Inc

Terrazzo design, installation and restoration, and concrete polishing.

See our extensive portfolio of completed projects