Terrazzo originated in Italy over 500 years ago as a practical and artistic way to reuse stone fragments. Today, it remains a timeless architectural material used in both historic and contemporary spaces. New York Cement Tile’s terrazzo collection honors this legacy while offering modern designs, colors, and finishes for today’s interiors.

Yes. Terrazzo is a porous material and requires proper sealing to protect it from moisture and staining. Tiles must be sealed both before and after grouting.

SEALANT RECOMMENDATIONS

Wet areas (showers, bathrooms, spas, kitchens):
We recommend the application of Laticrete® Bulletproof® Sealer to achieve a natural, breathable finish with enhanced stain and moisture protection. Both the tile surface and grout joints should be sealed as the final step of installation.

Dry areas (including floors):
We recommend sealing the grout joints with Laticrete® Bulletproof® Sealer as the final step of installation to provide additional protection against staining and long-term wear.

Please note that while terrazzo is water resistant, it is not waterproof. For this reason, we strongly recommend applying a waterproof penetrating sealer to further protect both the tile surface and grout joints, particularly in wet or high-exposure areas.

Always perform a test application in a small, inconspicuous area prior to full installation to confirm compatibility and ensure the desired appearance.

Good to know about Laticrete® Bulletproof® Sealer:

• Premium, high-performance penetrating sealer
• Designed for demanding environments, including heavy traffic and frequent cleaning
• Excellent resistance to both oil-based and water-based stains
• Commonly specified for commercial and high-use installations, including restaurants

We also recommend confirming with your installer that they are familiar with this product and that it is suitable for the specific site conditions.

To maintain the surface, use only pH-neutral cleaners and avoid acidic or abrasive products. Terrazzo should be re-sealed every 1–2 years, or more often in high-traffic or wet areas. Always follow the sealant manufacturer’s guidelines.

For routine cleaning, use warm water with a pH-neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile & Stone Cleaner. For heavier buildup, Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute) may be used. Avoid bleach, vinegar, or acidic cleaners, as they can dull and damage the surface over time.

We strongly recommend professional installation by an experienced tile installer. A general installation overview includes:

• Blend tiles from all boxes prior to installation to evenly distribute natural variation.
  
• Use a high-quality medium-bed thin-set mortar and lightly dampen the back of each tile before setting.
  
• Set tiles by hand only do not use mallets.
  
• Allow tiles to cure fully, then seal before grouting.
  
• Grout in small sections using Mapei Flexcolor CQ, wiping clean as you go.
  
• Finish with a topcoat sealer or wax appropriate for the installation environment.
  

For full step-by-step instructions, please refer to our Terrazzo Installation Guide.