Installation Instructions

concrete terrazzo

These concrete terrazzo tiles should be treated like natural stone. They arrive unsealed and must therefore be protected from excessive moisture, debris, and extreme-pH substances during storage and installation. The tiles are handmade with natural materials, so some variation in color and thickness is to be expected. Boxes should be mixed to blend the natural variation across the installation.

It is important to work with a licensed professional tile installer to select the best products for the use case. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all selected products and be sure to test the appearance of selected materials before proceeding with installation.

SETTING:

The tiles should be set correctly on appropriate sound substrate using published tile industry best-practices. The correct trowel method with the correct trowel notch size is critical to bonding tiles with the substrate in a way that prevents cracking and breakage during service. Correct trowel method should include straight, parallel grooves in the bonding material to enable air to escape from under the tile when bonding. Swirled mortar, spot-bonding, and other inferior trowel techniques must be avoided. The installer is strongly advised to review and follow industry best practices such as those recommended by ANSI and the National Tile Contractors Association.

A video illustrating the importance of proper trowel technique and correct installation method is available on YouTube:

“Trowel and Error” by the NTCA

PRE-SEALING:

The tiles must be pre-sealed before grouting. Sealer can be applied to the individual tiles before setting, or to the floor after setting but before grouting. We recommend pre-sealing with Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus, which is a solvent-based penetrating sealer. Please note that water-based finishing sealers cannot be applied over solvent-based sealers, so plan accordingly (see “Notes on Sealers” below).

Follow sealer manufacturer instructions to apply 2 or 3 thin coats and remove excess before it dries; do not over-apply. Ensure sealer is completely cured before proceeding to grout.

GROUTING:

These tiles are compatible with undyed cementitious, epoxy, and quartz grouts. Care should be taken to closely match grout color to concrete color to minimize staining or hazing of the concrete. Consult with your licensed installer to choose the best grout for the installation. Grout in small areas, cleaning excess grout as you go; do not grout the entire floor at once as excess grout of any type is very difficult to remove once it has dried on the tiles.

Notes on Grout:

  • Cementitious grouts - these are traditional sanded or unsanded cement-based grouts. They are economical and easy to apply, but often contain dyes that may leach into the tile and cause discoloration over time. They must be sealed and the sealer maintained to prevent degradation over time.

  • Epoxy grouts - these are more costly than cementitious grouts and are more difficult to apply, but provide a very robust, water-resistant grout line that does not need to be separately sealed. They consist of colored sand in a two-part clear epoxy. The colored sand does not penetrate the tile, although care must be taken to remove it from the tile surface during grout application. (Example: Laticrete SpectraLock Pro or SpectraLock Pro Premium)

  • Quartz grouts / Ready-mixed grouts - these newer types of grout consist of colored sand in a carrier such as polyurethane or acrylic. They provide many of the benefits of epoxy grouts, but are much easier to apply. (Examples: Mapei FlexColor CQ or Laticrete SpectraLock 1)

FINISH-SEALING:

After the grout is fully cured, remove debris from the tile surface with a vacuum or wiping down with a soft cloth. Avoid excessive moisture and ensure tiles are fully dry before applying finishing sealer. Choose an appropriate sealer with your installer’s guidance and seal according to manufacturer’s instructions. The product used will determine the maintenance schedule for inspection and reapplication as necessary.

Notes on Sealers:

  • The finish sealer must be compatible with the chosen pre-sealer. Solvent-based sealers can be applied over water-based sealers, but not vice-versa

  • Penetrating sealers - these offer moderate protection against water and dirt intrusion without changing the look of the natural concrete (if desired, glossy or wet-look penetrating sealers are available). Penetrating sealers are often not adequate protection if contact with excessive moisture or extreme-pH food, drinks, or cleaners is expected. We recommend Miracle Sealants 511 Porous Plus or 511 H2O Plus.

  • Wax - there are many stone and concrete waxes available that can be applied over top of penetrating sealers for added luster and additional protection.

  • Topical sealers - these are the most robust sealer options. They can be found in a variety of finishes including matte, satin, and high-gloss or color-enhancing. All options will alter the natural look of the concrete, but they provide the best protection for demanding environments.

BRASS:

If your tile contains brass aggregates, please note that they are unlacquered and will develop a patina over time. Periodic exposure to moisture or alkaline substances might accelerate this. Finishing with a high-quality topical sealer will greatly slow oxidation of the brass. If desired, the brass can be polished to restore its original shine; we recommend wet-sanding using 400-grit silica carbide-based sandpaper (never use aluminum oxide-based sandpaper on brass). Only very light sanding is necessary. Water helps to keep the concrete surrounding the brass clean while sanding.

CLEANING:

Clean all spills immediately, especially acidic substances such as wine or lemon juice. Always use a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Remove grit and dust regularly with a broom, vacuum, or soft cloth to avoid abrasion.

Regularly inspect and maintain the chosen sealer.