Can old Terrazzo be restored?
Yes, old terrazzo floors can almost always be restored, even when they appear badly worn, dull, or damaged. One of terrazzo’s greatest advantages is its longevity. Many terrazzo floors installed decades ago can be brought back to life through professional restoration rather than full replacement.
Older terrazzo floors were typically constructed with thick cement-based systems, making them particularly well suited to grinding and refinishing. When restored by experienced terrazzo specialists, original floors can regain their appearance while maintaining their historic character.
In many cases, restoration is not only possible but also the most cost-effective and sustainable option.
How Is Old Terrazzo Restored?
The terrazzo restoration process typically involves several specialist stages. Each stage is tailored to the condition of the existing floor.
The surface is first assessed to determine the level of grinding required. Diamond grinding removes surface damage, scratches, and old sealers, revealing fresh terrazzo beneath. This is followed by honing and polishing to achieve the desired finish, whether matt, satin, or high-gloss.
Once restored, the floor is sealed to protect against staining and wear. In some cases, anti-slip treatments may also be applied, depending on the environment and usage.
Restoring Historic and Period Terrazzo Floors
Many older properties across the UK feature original terrazzo flooring, particularly in hallways, communal areas, and public buildings. Restoring these floors helps preserve the character and heritage of the building.
Specialist restoration techniques are used to retain original aggregate patterns and colours while improving performance and appearance. This makes terrazzo restoration a popular choice for heritage projects and renovations.
Restoration allows original floors to remain part of the building’s story rather than being removed and replaced.
In most cases, restoring old terrazzo is significantly more cost-effective than replacing it. Restoration avoids demolition costs, waste disposal, and the need for new materials.
Replacement is usually only considered where the terrazzo has suffered severe structural failure or where the subfloor is no longer sound. A professional inspection helps determine whether restoration is viable.
For many property owners in, restoration offers a practical, sustainable, and visually rewarding solution.