Dive into this article to learn about the characteristics that set apart marble agglomerate and marble, and decide which one is best for you!
While marble has long been a part of the interior design world, agglomerated marble has recently started carving a unique niche for itself. The boom is so much that we can now barely envision a home without marble, whether natural or agglomerated.
But what is the difference between both types, and how do you know which one to choose? The answer varies with multiple factors, including your budget, personal tastes, use thereof, etc. So to help you make the best choice for your home, we’ve rounded up all the differences and aspects of each type — continue scrolling to learn more!
What Is The Difference Between Resin Marble Terrazzo And Cement Marble Terrazzo?
The term “terrazzo” is normally used to describe various stone and marble agglomerated materials, including the ones with cement and resin binders.
Resin-based Terrazzo usually have a polished look. This is because their composition and texture makes them ideal for reaching high levels of shine and polish. Cement, on the other hand, is produced and supplied in a matte or honed finish. It can be given a polished finish, but that is a bit more complicated and requires acids to aid the process.
Other characteristics that set apart resin and cement terrazzo have been discussed below.
Resin Marble Terrazzo
Standard Block Size: 305 x 124 x 84
Slab Size: 305 x 124 cm, thickness 2 cm, 3 cm and thicker
Tile Size: 30x30cm, 40x40cm, 50x30cm, 60x30cm, 60x40cm, 60x60cm in a thickness of 1.2cm.
Larger format tiles can be made on order with a thickness of around 2cm. Resin terrazzo tiles, however, are lighter than cement terrazzo.
visit our catalog here: https://www.acemar.it/resin-terrazzo/
Cement Marble Terrazzo
Standard Block Size: 305 x 124 x 70 cm
Slab Size: 305 x 124 cm, thickness 2 cm, 3 cm and thicker
Tile Size: 30x30cm, 40x40cm, 60x30cm, 60x40cm, 60x60cm with a thickness of 2cm
80x40cm, 120x60cm, and 120x120cm with a thickness of 3cm.
visit our catalog here: https://www.acemar.it/cement-terrazzo/
How Is Marble Agglomerate Different From Marble?
Both marble and agglomerate marble bring a unique and refreshing look to your home. Since they come from the same stone source, they do carry significant similarities, but there are points where they differ and require consideration as to how the two compare and what the best choice for your space is.
Appearance
Marble is extracted from one large stone and cut as needed. This explains why the natural motifs (like tone shifts or veining) align and can be laid out as a cohesive pattern across the room. What’s more, marble comes in tones like grey, black, and white which sets a cool and earthy tone in any room.
Alternatively, agglomerate marble carries a distinctly retro vibe. It comes in a larger range of colors and can develop oxidized spots that add unique flares, such as gold, to the surface. Altogether, this type helps create a bold and vintage look that enhances the aesthetic of any space.
Marble Agglomerate (Terrazzo) Cost
The strenuous procedure of quarrying and refining marble makes it a costly option. Contrastingly, the comparatively simpler and easier process of crafting agglomerate marble means that it has affordable pricing. Therefore, assessing your budget is important before deciding which option to opt for.
Terrazzo marble resin slabs and tiles price: from around 40€ to 100€ x m2
Terrazzo marble cement slabs and tiles price: from about 30€ to 60€ x m2
Care Instructions
All natural stones are porous, so agglomerated and marble stones both need sealing to prevent staining or absorption. Exposing them to prolonged liquid can also result in seepage deep into the materials. Therefore, you should try to avoid direct contact as much as possible.
In the case of terrazzo, even acidic cleaning materials can erode the surface over time, resulting in etches and scratches. A tip for efficient terrazzo marble cleaning is to use pH-balanced cleansers.
How Are Marble Agglomerates Made?
Crafting marble agglomerates is a simpler process compared to making marble tiles.
The method begins by mixing first-choice marble chips (fragments) carefully chosen for color and size with polyester cement or resin. It is then produced in standard-sized blocks by incorporating the use of the latest vacuum technology systems.
Taking a look at resin and cement terrazzo, the steps of their production differ at some points too. Cementitious terrazzo is a mixture of a 2:1 ratio of cement (grey or white) and marble aggregate. The mixture is then colored with iron oxide and mixed thoroughly with water. Once done, it is poured into the specific panels and troweled to the desired height.
Contrastingly, resin-based terrazzo is crafted by mixing water-based polyurethane resin and inert granite aggregates. The final product offers a seamless finish that is not prone to crazing or cracking.
What Are The Top Tips For Installing Marble Agglomerate?
To create a sleek and cohesive look, it is important to view and remember the tips and tricks for agglomerate installation discussed below.
- Use fast setting and deformable adhesives (like ELASTORAPID MAPEI) to lay out composite marble.
- Use a double-spreading technique to lay out the flooring.
- The recommended joint width for flooring up to 60x60cm in size is 3mm, while 5mm works well for flooring larger than 60x60cm.
- To facilitate efficient drying and prevent the build-up of moisture, make sure to seal the joints in the flooring about 3-4 days after you’ve laid it out.
Pro Tip: Utilize specific products for elastic joints. - Closely follow all instructions given by the manufacturers of the products used.
What Are The Benefits of Agglomerate Marble Over Marble And Granite?
Agglomerate marble carries incredible benefits over marble and granite. The top ones include:
- Competitive pricing
- Easy material availability
- Better uniformity of grain and color
- Improved mechanical characteristics, such as flexural strength and scratch resistance
- Perfect composition made of a mixture of different materials, such as powdered stone and crushed marble, paired with different colors and a specific binder
How To Incorporate Agglomerate Marbles In Your Home?
Agglomerate marbles are a versatile option that can be pulled off in any room of the house. Some common areas you can incorporate them in include:
- Kitchen countertops and islands. Contrast the tiles with neutral cabinets and wall paint.
- Shower interiors. Combine white marble with white resin to bring a calm feeling to your bathroom.
- Accent walls. Install them behind an earth-toned cabinet, large mirror, or bathroom tub to create a focal point.
- Bathroom flooring. Enhance the effect of agglomerate flooring by pairing it with white or silver fixtures.
Conclusion
Ready to spruce up your home renovation with the best tiling option out there? Consider the aforementioned characteristics of marble and agglomerate marble to revamp and refresh your home according to your design style, requirements, and budget!
