Terrazzo is one of the most common types of flooring materials you can find in a home. Given the many advantages it offers, it’s not a surprise that this has been a familiar sight in houses for many, many years. Its history, after all, runs much further.
15th Century Italy
Created in Europe, its history started about 500 years or so ago. Terrazzo is the Italian word for terrace and fundamentally came into existence by the 15th Century when oddly-shaped marble pieces were a common leftover from many jobs. Venetians of that time eventually found a way to reuse the material by putting the marble rocks in clay or mixing the marble chips in concrete, the GSA says. They would grind them after that, which lead to a smoother surface.
The Galera Tool
At this point, though, it wasn’t yet the type that most people now know and love. After grinding away at the surface, those Venetians then used a tool, what they called a Galera, to let them continue grinding at the floor while they were standing. It took a while before they discovered that goat milk could work as a handy finish, allowing it to show its true color. In 1924, the Galera was modified and those modifications lead to the electric grinding equipment workers now use to create a smoother finish.
From Europe to the U.S.
It was about the late 1700s when these were brought to US soil from Europe. It quickly became one of the most common types in American homes. Today, given the durability, shine and cost-savings these kinds of floors offer, it’s easy to see why a lot of home owners prefer this over a range of choices available in the market. With a history that dates back to hundreds of years ago, it’s the perfect type for you if you want something that lasts and endures.
