4 Luxurious Terrazzo Look Tile Options
Traditional terrazzo tiles have been used in design and architecture for hundreds of years, offering an immensely long lasting and durable finish in an endless variety of applications. These stylish tiles feature a uniquely speckled pattern that is made up of a scattering of natural stone or coloured glass chips. Modern tile making technology has allowed for the creation of a terrazzo look tile alternative that will offer a similar look as the real thing. In this guide, we look at the key differences between these two types of tiles and browse a selection of our latest terrazzo look tile options to inspire you!
What is the Difference Between Terrazzo Tiles & Terrazzo Look Tiles?
Real terrazzo tiles are a type of tiling solution that was first created in the 15th century in Venice, Italy. These tiles were created as a means of using up leftover pieces of natural stone from Artisan workshops; discarded scraps and chips of natural stone would be gathered up from the floors and embedded into a wet cement tile, resulting in the signature speckled look that this elegant material is so well known for. Traditional terrazzo continues to be made in this fashion, offering a sustainable approach to tile design as the process saves scraps of quality stone from being tossed into landfill.
Terrazzo look tiles on the other hand are essentially a type of tile that has been designed to look like real terrazzo. These tiles are most often made of a durable, non-porous porcelain finish with an ultra-high definition image of terrazzo printed onto their surface. These tiles are often more cost effective than real terrazzo tiles, allowing for a more accessible solution that can be used in a wide variety of applications in both residential and commercial settings. Furthermore, porcelain tiles are resistant to staining, scratching, heat and moisture, making them a popular alternative choice for those seeking a low maintenance option that will not require sealing.
The Stylish Galleria Terrazzo Look Tile Collection
Terrazzo look tiles will feature variations in tone and pattern from one tile to the next which in turn enhances their realistic appearance. Our stunning Galleria collection offers a striking and bold aesthetic that combines a set of contrasting colours for maximum impact. These fabulous Italian tiles are available in a selection of classic colours including white, grey, black and a soft terracotta option.
Available in a selection of classic neutral tones, the luxurious Galleria collection comes in a versatile 200 x 200mm size which can be used as either a floor or wall tile solution in the home.
Chunky Terrazzo Look Tile Options
Real terrazzo tiles can be sourced in a selection of different options, offering the ability to choose between larger or smaller chip sizes for a unique finish. Our Taras terrazzo look tiles feature a stylish representation of real terrazzo finishes with a large chip size pattern that is often a popular choice for tiling larger spaces as they effortlessly tie in with the scale of wider rooms. Offering a modern finish in the home, these fabulous tiles can be used on floors and walls and are available in a selection of versatile different sizes.
The Taras range includes a wide selection of large format tile sizes to choose from that are suitable for use as a floor or wall tile in the home. The collection also includes matching Kit Kat tiles that can be incorporated in your design scheme to create a lush feature element.
Experimenting with Terrazzo in Bathroom Design
Traditional terrazzo tiles can be included in your bathroom design scheme to create a wonderfully decadent and timeless look. These tiles are often paired with natural stones or timbers to create a luxurious aesthetic in this part of the home. Although real terrazzo tiles can be used in the bathroom, they are best avoided for use as a shower base tile. This is because consistent exposure to pressurised water as well as ingredients found in soaps or shampoos can result in discolouration of the tile’s concrete finish. In design schemes where a terrazzo look is desired throughout the entirety of the bathroom’s flooring, porcelain terrazzo look tiles offer an incredibly durable alternative solution.
The fabulous Positano range includes a variety of classic terrazzo inspired patterns and colours to suit a modern home. These stylish tiles can be used as both a floor or wall tile solution in the bathroom with the collection even including a matching outdoor floor tile that will allow you to create a seamless look between adjoining indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces.
Creating Dynamic Designs in Commercial Spaces
Terrazzo tiles have long been a favourite choice for designing commercial and retail spaces, offering an immensely durable and long lasting solution that can easily stand up against the usual wear and tear seen by these types of spaces. A strong benefit of using real terrazzo in commercial design is that the material can be professionally rejuvenated when necessary in order to bring the surface back to its original form. As there are different slip rating requirements for different types of projects, it is always worth exploring alternative floor tile solutions, especially terrazzo look tile varieties that offer the same look but can be sourced in a variety of different finishes to suit a range of different requirements.
Our Italian made Arcstone collection includes an endless array of tile sizes and colours to choose from. Suitable for use in both residential and commercial spaces, these luxurious tiles offer a timeless aesthetic that can easily pair well with both traditional and contemporary design styles.
Terrazzo look tiles offer a wonderfully low maintenance alternative solution to traditional terrazzo, allowing for a more accessible and modern take on this timeless classic. From stylish options for the home to elegant large format tiles for commercial spaces, our Melbourne tiles store houses an immense collection of elegant choices to suit every taste and style; visit us in person or shop for tiles online here!
