How to Cover Terrazzo Flooring

Carpeting Over Terrazzo

• 1

  Measure the area to be covered and cut carpeting to the measurements. Cut carpet padding to the length of the area in 3-foot strips.

• 2

  Install tack strips around the edge of the area. Use a drill with a diamond drill bit to drill holes in the terrazzo for the strip and screw into place.

• 3

  Apply carpet adhesive to the bottom of the strips of padding. Tack one end of the strip into the tack strip and roll evenly along the floor to the opposite side and tack into place on the other end. For the first and the last pieces, tack along the edges of the strips.

• 4

  Apply carpet adhesive to the back of the selected carpet and roll over the padding. Use a kickboard to ensure the carpet is smooth and even.

Covering Terrazo with Ceramic Tile

• 5

  Cut ceramic tile to fit the area. Measure the area and cut the tiles to fit.

• 6

  Determine the type of terrazzo flooring to select the type of Thinset concrete adhesive to use. The floor will be either epoxy or concrete based. Epoxy-based floors require epoxy Thinset. Concrete base requires concrete Thinset.

• 7

  Mix the appropriate Thinset according to the manufacturer's directions and apply a thin layer the back of the ceramic tiles using a small trowel. Set the tile in place and use a rubber mallet to gently tap the tile tightly into place. Smooth out the excess Thinset along the edges to act as mortar between the tiles.