Terrazzo is back in a big way. From hotel lobbies in Downtown Dubai to modern villas on Saadiyat Island, this speckled, polished surface has become one of the most requested floors in the UAE. If you’re planning a terrazzo floor, this guide covers the types available, what affects the cost, and how to choose the right option for your space.
What Is Terrazzo?
Terrazzo is a composite floor made of chips of marble, granite, glass or other aggregates set in a binder, then ground and polished to a smooth finish. The result is a durable, low-maintenance surface with a distinctive speckled look that can be customised in almost any colour.
Types of Terrazzo in Dubai
1. Poured (in-situ) terrazzo
Mixed, laid, ground and polished on site. It creates a seamless floor with no grout lines and allows custom patterns, logos and colour zones. It’s the premium choice for lobbies, malls and statement villa floors. Learn more about our terrazzo flooring service.
2. Terrazzo tiles (precast)
Factory-made tiles, usually 40×40 cm, 60×60 cm or 60×120 cm, laid like large-format tiles. They’re faster to install and well suited to homes, cafés, shops and renovations. Browse our terrazzo tiles range.
3. Cement vs epoxy terrazzo
| Cement terrazzo | Epoxy terrazzo | |
|---|---|---|
| Binder | Cement | Epoxy resin |
| Look | Classic, natural tones | Bright, custom colours |
| Finish | Slightly porous, sealed after laying | Glossy, non-porous |
| Outdoor use | Yes, when sealed | Best kept indoors |
| Typical use | Lobbies, terraces, commercial | Homes, retail, hotels |
What Affects the Cost of Terrazzo in Dubai?
There’s no single price for terrazzo, because every project is different. These are the main factors that shape your quote:
- Poured or tiles: poured terrazzo is made and finished on site, so it usually costs more than tiles.
- Binder type: epoxy and cement systems have different material and labour costs.
- Chips and colours: standard marble chips cost less than glass, mother of pearl or custom colour blends.
- Area size: larger areas usually bring a lower cost per square metre.
- Subfloor condition: uneven or damaged screeds may need levelling first.
- Finish: high-polish, honed or anti-slip finishes involve different grinding and sealing steps.
The best way to get an accurate figure is to share your area and preferred style with us. We’ll send an itemised quote comparing poured and tile options.
Where Terrazzo Works Best
- Villas and apartments: living rooms, entrances, kitchens and staircases.
- Hotels and lobbies: seamless poured floors with brand colours or inlays.
- Retail and cafés: eye-catching tiles that handle heavy foot traffic.
- Outdoor areas: sealed cement terrazzo for terraces and walkways.
Caring for Terrazzo Floors
Terrazzo is easy to maintain. Sweep or dust-mop regularly, clean with a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid acidic or bleach-based products. Reseal cement terrazzo every one to two years. If your floor loses its shine, professional floor polishing can restore it.
Terrazzo vs Marble: Which Should You Choose?
Marble offers natural veining and a classic luxury look, while terrazzo offers more design freedom and colour options at a wide range of budgets. Terrazzo is also more forgiving of small stains thanks to its speckled pattern.
Get a Terrazzo Quote in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
Risala Flooring supplies and installs poured terrazzo and terrazzo tiles across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with showrooms in Al Quoz and on Abu Dhabi Island. Request a free site visit or WhatsApp us on +971 56 600 9626 to see samples and get an itemised quote.
