Craftsman Concrete Floors

Chicago, Illinois Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide


Chicago, IL Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide | Craftsman Concrete Floors














Chicago Terrazzo Floor Cost Guide

Craftsman Concrete Floors specializes in the installation, restoration, and repair of terrazzo flooring systems, offering durable and minimal-maintenance floors. From our corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas, we deliver professional in-house service statewide in Illinois and nationwide. As one of the country’s premier installers of commercial flooring, we supply manufacturer-warrantied systems trusted by America’s leading companies. Our skilled veterans have decades of expertise in materials manufacturing, flooring installation, and product innovation—ensuring unmatched precision, quality, and craftsmanship in every project we complete.

Terrazzo floors offer timeless appeal by combining exceptional durability with sophisticated aesthetics. For residential, office, or commercial properties in Chicago, it’s essential to clearly understand the factors impacting terrazzo flooring costs. Factors such as chosen materials, specified installation methods, and total project size are crucial determinants of overall pricing. Additionally, design complexity and specific customization requests can affect final costs. Gaining clarity about terrazzo flooring prices early in your planning will help you balance your design preferences, building requirements, and budget constraints seamlessly. This resource thoroughly explains cost considerations, providing helpful insights for informed decision-making about terrazzo flooring in Chicago.

Discuss Your Project & Get a Quote

Speak with an expert and get a no obligation estimate. A Craftsman Specialist will reach out within one business day.








    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 Chicago

    Hotels and Hospitality

    Terrazzo is often chosen for hotels and hospitality venues in Illinois for its timeless appeal and versatility in design, adding a sophisticated flair to lobbies, hallways, and communal areas. Its exceptional resistance to stains, heavy traffic, and general wear makes terrazzo ideal for bustling hospitality environments, such as those frequented by travelers using O’Hare International Airport or attendees of events at Soldier Field. Although natural terrazzo tends to carry higher initial installation costs compared to other flooring types, the long-term expense is offset by its low maintenance requirements and durability, providing hospitality operators an elegant yet practical flooring solution.

    Healthcare and Medical Facilities

    Terrazzo flooring is frequently chosen for healthcare and medical facilities due to its seamless, non-porous surface, which offers superior resistance to bacterial growth and contamination—a critical concern for hygiene-driven environments such as hospitals and clinics. Prominent medical institutions in Chicago, such as Northwestern Medicine and University of Chicago Medicine, opt for terrazzo mainly because it easily meets rigorous sanitation requirements and significantly reduces long-term facility costs thanks to its durability and minimal maintenance. Although initial installation can be costlier compared to natural alternatives, terrazzo’s lifespan often exceeds 75 years, providing a highly cost-effective investment over time.

    Sports and Entertainment Venues

    Stadiums and entertainment venues frequently choose terrazzo flooring due to its exceptional strength and long-term durability, qualities essential for high-capacity spaces like the concourses and walkways of venues such as Soldier Field. Terrazzo’s resistance to spills and heavy foot traffic makes it particularly suitable for crowded concession areas where cleanliness and maintenance are priorities. Additionally, the customizable design capabilities of terrazzo flooring allow venues to prominently feature unique team logos and branding. Although natural terrazzo tends to be more expensive due to premium materials, its lifespan of 40 to 100 years makes it highly cost-effective long-term.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Terrazzo Flooring

    Terrazzo flooring typically has higher upfront installation costs compared to polished concrete due to the specialized materials and labor involved. However, terrazzo’s exceptional durability and low maintenance requirements often offset these initial expenses over time, making it a cost-effective choice for many Illinois property owners.

    Terrazzo flooring offers significant advantages in historic restoration projects, as its installation costs are balanced by its longevity and authentic appearance that complements historic architecture. Additionally, terrazzo can be customized to match original designs, preserving the aesthetic integrity of historic buildings.

    Terrazzo is considered an eco-friendly flooring option due to its use of recycled materials and long lifespan, which reduces waste and environmental impact. Although initial installation costs may be higher than some alternatives, terrazzo’s sustainability and minimal maintenance expenses make it a cost-effective choice over its lifetime.

    Yes, pre-manufactured terrazzo tiles are available and typically offer lower installation costs compared to traditional poured terrazzo flooring. These tiles simplify the installation process, reducing labor expenses and project timelines, while still providing the durability and aesthetic appeal of traditional terrazzo.

    Terrazzo flooring installation generally takes between one to two weeks, depending on the project’s size and complexity. In Chicago, factors such as building accessibility and local labor rates can influence installation timelines and overall project costs, making it important to plan accordingly.

    we install Terrazzo Floors in Chicago areas, including:

    Albany Park, Archer Heights, Armour Square, Ashburn, Auburn Gresham, Austin, Avalon Park, Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Beverly, Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Burnside, Calumet Heights, Chatham, Chicago Lawn, Clearing, Douglas, Dunning, East Garfield Park, East Side, Edgewater, Edison Park, Englewood, Forest Glen, Fuller Park, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, Grand Boulevard, Greater Grand Crossing, Hegewisch, Hermosa, Hyde Park, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, Kenwood, Lake View, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Loop, Lower West Side, McKinley Park, Montclare, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood, Near North Side, Near South Side, Near West Side, New City, North Center, North Lawndale, North Park, Norwood Park, O’Hare, Oakland, Portage Park, Pullman, Riverdale, Rogers Park, Roseland, South Chicago, South Deering, South Lawndale, South Shore, Uptown, Washington Heights, Washington Park, West Elsdon, West Englewood, West Garfield Park, West Lawn, West Pullman, West Ridge, West Town, Woodlawn.

    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

    Blog

    Project Highlight: 34,000 Sq. Ft. ESD Epoxy Installation in Dallas, Texas
    Project Highlight: 34,000 Sq. Ft. ESD Epoxy Installation in Dallas, Texas Craftsman Concrete Floors recently completed a major project, installing a 34,000-square-foot ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) …
    Project Highlight: New Residential Terrazzo Floors in Fort Worth, Texas
    Project Highlight: New Residential Terrazzo Floors in Fort Worth, Texas Craftsman Concrete Floors is proud to showcase our latest project: the installation of a stunning …
    Project Highlight: 67,000 Sq. Ft. ESD Epoxy in Houston, Texas
    Project Highlight: 67,000 Sq. Ft. ESD Epoxy in Houston, Texas Craftsman Concrete Floors recently completed a major project, installing a 67,000-square-foot ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) epoxy …