Craftsman Concrete Floors

Boston, Massachusetts Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide


Boston, MA Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide | Craftsman Concrete Floors














Boston Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide

Craftsman Concrete Floors specializes in the installation, restoration, and repair of terrazzo flooring systems, offering enduring and low-maintenance flooring solutions. Operating from our corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas, we provide unparalleled nationwide service, including throughout Massachusetts. As one of the country’s premier commercial flooring installers, we partner with America’s leading companies to provide manufacturer-warrantied flooring systems. With decades of hands-on experience, our team of industry veterans brings deep expertise in terrazzo flooring installation, materials manufacturing, and product development, ensuring exceptional precision and excellence in every project.

Terrazzo floors offer lasting elegance, easy maintenance, and tremendous durability, making them an increasingly popular flooring choice in Boston residential, commercial, and office spaces. When planning a project involving terrazzo floors, understanding key cost components can streamline your decision-making. Factors such as your selected terrazzo material, installation techniques, and overall square footage will substantially impact overall expenses. Labor complexity, flooring preparation requirements, and the intricacy of design also influence installation costs. By familiarizing yourself with these factors, you can confidently navigate your project needs, anticipate expenses accurately, and achieve a terrazzo flooring result that perfectly blends aesthetics, functionality, and cost efficiency.

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    Our Clients

    Boeing
    Walmart
    General Dynamics
    Nokia
    Westrock
    Autozone
    Tractor Supply
    Pegasus Logistics
    Pet Smart

    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 Boston

    Retail and Shopping Centers

    Terrazzo flooring offers retail and shopping centers an elegant and highly customizable aesthetic, perfectly aligning with the sophisticated image of high-end retail environments. Known for exceptional durability, terrazzo withstands heavy foot traffic common in bustling commercial spaces without losing its visual allure. Additionally, it features excellent resistance to stains and spills, greatly simplifying maintenance in retail settings. Although natural terrazzo installations tend to have a higher upfront cost compared to alternatives like ceramic or polished concrete, their unmatched longevity and minimal maintenance often lead to greater cost-effectiveness over the lifespan of commercial flooring projects.

    Corporate and Commercial Offices

    Terrazzo flooring has become an increasingly popular choice in corporate and commercial offices due to its ability to deliver a sleek, professional, and upscale appearance, particularly in key areas such as main lobbies, entryways, and shared spaces. Highly resistant to staining and scratching, terrazzo effortlessly maintains a pristine look, even in high-traffic locations. Additionally, it offers impressive durability and longevity, significantly reducing long-term flooring costs compared to other natural flooring materials. Terrazzo’s versatile design options further allow corporations to creatively incorporate custom branding elements or unique patterns into their environments.

    Educational Institutions

    Educational institutions, from historic high schools like Boston Latin School to prestigious universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, often choose terrazzo flooring primarily for its exceptional durability and long-term value. Terrazzo floors effectively withstand decades of heavy foot traffic, significantly reducing wear and tear common in crowded campus environments. Additionally, minimal maintenance requirements keep overall costs manageable, particularly crucial considering the large floor areas typically found at campuses. Although the initial installation costs for terrazzo can be relatively high due to specialized labor, the longevity and low upkeep expenses provide substantial financial benefits over time.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Terrazzo Flooring

    Terrazzo flooring typically has a higher upfront installation cost compared to polished concrete due to its intricate installation process and premium materials. However, terrazzo’s exceptional durability and minimal maintenance requirements often make it a more cost-effective choice over time, especially for high-traffic areas.

    Yes, terrazzo is highly suitable for industrial and commercial applications despite its higher initial installation cost. Facilities across Massachusetts frequently choose terrazzo for its durability, low maintenance, and long-term cost-effectiveness in high-traffic commercial environments.

    Terrazzo performs exceptionally well in high-moisture environments, making it ideal for areas like restrooms, kitchens, or indoor pool decks. While moisture-resistant installation methods may slightly increase initial costs, terrazzo’s long-term resilience and minimal maintenance offset these expenses.

    Terrazzo flooring is highly resistant to scratching due to its dense composition and durable finish. This scratch resistance significantly reduces long-term maintenance and repair costs, making terrazzo a cost-effective flooring solution for busy areas like Boston’s commercial buildings.

    Terrazzo is an excellent choice for residential projects, offering homeowners a durable, elegant, and low-maintenance flooring option. Although initial installation costs are higher than some alternatives, terrazzo’s longevity and timeless aesthetic provide lasting value for residential spaces.

    we install Terrazzo Floors in Boston areas, including:

    Allston, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown-Leather District, Dorchester, Dorchester Center, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Fields Corner, Forest Hills, Fort Point, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Longwood Medical Area, Mattapan, Mid-Dorchester, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West End, West Roxbury.

    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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