How does thin-set terrazzo differ from traditional terrazzo?

Traditional and thin-set terrazzo differ primarily in their installation method and the materials used for the binder.1

Traditional Terrazzo

In the traditional method, a 4-centimeter (1.5-inch) underbed of cement and sand grout is poured over the substrate. Once this layer hardens, a grid of metal divider strips is installed to manage shrinkage cracks, and a mixture of colored cement and marble chips is poured between them. After the material cures, the surface is machine-polished to reveal the chips and dividers.1

Thin-Set Terrazzo

Thin-set terrazzo eliminates the heavy cement and sand underbed. Instead, the metal divider strips and the binder—typically an epoxy resin—are applied directly onto the subfloor along with the marble chips. Because epoxy resins provide the necessary strength and adhesion without the bulk of a thick cement base, this method allows for a much thinner application than the traditional process.1