Terrazzo Floor Restoration in Columbus, OH

We understand that terrazzo treasures are often discovered hiding under old carpet or tile in historic buildings throughout Columbus. With our professional restoration services, these unique floors can shine again. Our team serves the entire Columbus metropolitan area of over 2.1 million people, bringing specialized knowledge and care to every project we undertake.


When you choose Columbus Flooring Company for your terrazzo restoration needs, you're selecting a reputable partner with proven results. We take pride in our position as one of the top terrazzo refinishing services in Columbus, OH. Our restoration process not only cleans but also repairs and seals your terrazzo surfaces, ensuring they remain beautiful for years to come. Whether you own a historic building or a modern space with terrazzo features, we have the skills to enhance your flooring investment.

Terrazzo consists of decorative chips embedded in a binding matrix that's ground and polished to a smooth finish. Traditional terrazzo uses marble chips in cement, while modern versions often incorporate glass, granite, quartz, or even recycled materials. The matrix can be cement-based or epoxy resin. Cement terrazzo offers a classic look but requires more maintenance. Epoxy terrazzo provides better flexibility, color options, and stain resistance.


We use high-quality aggregates in our terrazzo installations, with chips available in various sizes from fine to large. The ratio of chips to matrix determines the final appearance. More chips create a busier pattern, while fewer chips result in a more subtle design. Metal divider strips separate different colors and control cracking. These strips, typically brass, zinc, or aluminum, can form artistic patterns that enhance your floor's design.


Terrazzo originated in 15th century Venice when workers discovered a way to reuse discarded marble chips. They set these fragments in clay and polished the surface to create decorative flooring. This technique spread throughout Europe, particularly in grand buildings and churches. By the 1920s, terrazzo reached peak popularity in the United States, appearing in Art Deco buildings and government structures. The development of electric grinders in this era made installation faster and more affordable. At Columbus Flooring Company, we recognize terrazzo's rich heritage. Many historic buildings in our area feature original terrazzo that we've helped restore to its former glory. Modern terrazzo continues this tradition while incorporating new materials and techniques.

Terrazzo Floor Composition

Restoration vs. Replacement

When faced with damaged terrazzo floors, many property owners wonder if replacement is necessary. The truth is restoration is almost always more cost-effective than complete replacement. A full replacement can cost 3-5 times more than professional restoration services.


We at Columbus Flooring Company specialize in bringing life back to worn terrazzo without the disruption of demolition. Restoration typically takes days rather than weeks required for new installation.


Your existing terrazzo likely has historical or architectural value that new flooring cannot replicate. Our restoration techniques preserve these unique characteristics while addressing damage.


Environmental benefits are substantial too. Restoration reduces landfill waste and eliminates the need for new materials, making it the greener choice for eco-conscious property owners.

Signs of Terrazzo Damage

Cracks are one of the most common issues with terrazzo floors, often appearing along joints or in high-traffic areas. These can range from hairline fractures to more substantial splits that require immediate attention. Chips and pits develop when small pieces of aggregate become dislodged, creating uneven surfaces that collect dirt and worsen over time. We look for these during our initial inspection.


Discoloration may indicate water damage, chemical exposure, or worn sealant. Yellowing terrazzo often suggests that the protective coating has deteriorated. Dull areas where the shine has faded point to surface wear. This loss of luster happens gradually in busy areas and indicates that polishing is needed.


Stains from spills or improper cleaning products can penetrate unsealed terrazzo. Our team identifies the type of stain to determine the best removal method.

Terrazzo flooring Restoration Process

Our restoration method combines traditional techniques with modern equipment to ensure the best possible results for your floors.

  • 1. Cleaning and Preparation

    We begin every terrazzo restoration project with thorough cleaning. First, we remove all furniture and obstacles from the area. Then we use specialized cleaning solutions designed specifically for terrazzo surfaces to eliminate dirt, grime, and old wax buildup.

  • 2. Repairing Cracks and Chips

    After cleaning, we focus on structural repairs. Cracks and chips are common issues in terrazzo floors, especially in older buildings. We fill these imperfections with specially formulated epoxy or cement-based fillers that match your terrazzo's composition.

  • 3. Grinding and Leveling

    Diamond grinding is our preferred method for terrazzo restoration. We use specialized equipment with diamond-embedded pads in progressively finer grits to remove the top layer of damaged terrazzo.

  • 4. Polishing and Sealing

    After grinding, we begin the polishing phase. We use mechanical polishers with increasingly fine diamond pads, sometimes going up to 3000 grit for an ultra-smooth finish.

  • 5. Final Touches and Inspection

    Before considering the job complete, we conduct a thorough inspection. Our team looks for any areas that might need additional attention, particularly checking that repairs blend seamlessly with the original floor.

Specialized Restoration Techniques

Color Matching and Custom Repairs

We excel at matching colors in your existing terrazzo floors, making repairs virtually invisible. Our specialists analyze the original aggregate mix and binder to create custom patches that blend seamlessly with surrounding areas.


Using specialized Terrazzo patch kits, we can replicate even the most unique color combinations and patterns. This attention to detail ensures that repaired sections don't stand out as obvious fixes.


For extensive damage, we create custom-mixed terrazzo that matches the original specifications. Our color matching process involves careful sampling and testing before application to guarantee perfect integration.


The final result is a floor where new and old sections appear as one continuous surface, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of your space.

Historical and Heritage Restoration

Our heritage restoration services honor the craftsmanship of original terrazzo installations while bringing them up to modern standards. We understand the historical significance of terrazzo in landmark buildings and approach each project with respect for traditional methods.


For buildings on historical registers, we work within preservation guidelines to maintain authenticity. This might include sourcing similar materials to those used in the original installation or recreating design elements that have been lost over time.


We document the existing condition thoroughly before beginning work. This helps us preserve design elements like borders, medallions, and other decorative features that give historical terrazzo its character.


Our team has experience working with different eras of terrazzo, from early cement-based installations to more modern systems. This knowledge allows us to choose appropriate restoration techniques for each specific period.

FAQs on Terrazzo Floor Restoration

At Columbus Flooring Company, we specialize in revitalizing historic and modern terrazzo surfaces to restore their original beauty and durability. Here are answers to common questions about our terrazzo restoration services.

  • Can old terrazzo floors in historic Columbus buildings be restored to their original appearance?

    Absolutely. Even severely damaged historic terrazzo found in Columbus's landmark buildings can be beautifully restored. Our restoration process addresses common issues like deep cracks, chips, stains, yellowing, and dullness that occur over decades. We use specialized diamond grinding techniques to remove layers of damage, followed by progressive polishing to restore the terrazzo's natural luster. Many of our clients are amazed to discover the vibrant colors and intricate patterns hidden beneath years of wear in their historic terrazzo.

  • What is the cost to restore terrazzo flooring in Columbus?

    Terrazzo restoration in Columbus typically ranges from $5-$12 per square foot, depending on the floor's condition, size, and complexity. Historic terrazzo with extensive damage or custom designs may cost $10-$15 per square foot. This comprehensive service includes repairs, grinding, polishing, and sealing. For context, a 1,000 square foot restoration project would typically range from $5,000-$12,000. We provide detailed estimates after a thorough on-site assessment of your specific terrazzo.

  • How long does the terrazzo restoration process take?

    For an average commercial space or home (1,000 square feet), the complete terrazzo restoration process typically takes 3-5 days. This includes preparation and protection of adjacent surfaces (1 day), repairs to cracks and chips (1 day), multiple grinding and honing stages (1-2 days), and final polishing and sealing (1 day). Historic or extensively damaged terrazzo may require additional time. The floor can usually receive light foot traffic 24 hours after completion.

  • Do you provide maintenance programs for restored terrazzo floors?

    Yes, we offer customized maintenance programs designed specifically for Columbus commercial buildings and homes with terrazzo flooring. These programs typically include quarterly or semi-annual maintenance polishing, pH-neutral cleaning treatments, and periodic resealing as needed. Our maintenance services help prevent the need for full restoration in the future and keep your terrazzo looking beautiful year-round. Many of Columbus's prominent buildings with high-traffic terrazzo areas rely on our ongoing maintenance services.

  • Can you repair cracks and chips in our terrazzo flooring?

    We specialize in repairing all types of terrazzo damage including cracks, chips, holes, and missing sections. For cracks, we use specialized epoxy fillers color-matched to your terrazzo matrix. For missing pieces, we can create custom terrazzo to match the original composition and pattern. Our craftsmen are particularly skilled at matching historic terrazzo formulations found in many of Columbus's early 20th century buildings. These repairs become virtually invisible after the full restoration process.

  • Is the terrazzo restoration process dusty or disruptive to building occupants?

    We utilize dustless grinding technology that captures up to 98% of the dust generated during the restoration process. This advanced equipment connects our commercial grinders to powerful HEPA vacuum systems, dramatically reducing airborne particles. For occupied commercial buildings in Columbus, we often work during off-hours and can section off areas to minimize disruption. Our team coordinates closely with facility managers to create restoration plans that accommodate your operational needs and building occupancy.