From hospital corridors to outdoor plazas, customizable terrazzo finishes address slip-resistance without compromising design, allowing designers to combine traction, durability, and visual appeal, inside or out. Terrazzo provides a naturally non-slip walking surface, while its slip resistance can be tailored with finishes, aggregates, or coatings to meet specific safety requirements.
Slip Resistance Matters
Terrazzo is ideal for public spaces where safety is critical. To reduce slip risks, terrazzo finishes can be tailored to address specific SCOF (Static Coefficient of Friction) standards, which measure friction by simulating realistic walking conditions on wet surfaces. Outdoor or wet areas benefit from textured or rustic finishes for consistent traction.
Finish Options and Performance
- Polished Finish: High-gloss look, SCOF up to 0.6 wet; ideal for lobbies and corridors.
- Honed / Matte Finish: Slightly textured, SCOF up to 0.6 wet; recommended for healthcare, senior living, and high-traffic interiors.
- Textured / Slip-Resistant Finish: SCOF up to 0.8, achieved with abrasive aggregates or surface treatments; perfect for stair treads, ramps, and wet areas.
- Rustic Terrazzo: Non-polished, slightly rough surface ideal for outdoor walkways, patios, and pool decks; provides natural traction in all weather while resisting wear and staining.
- Embedded abrasives like aluminum oxide or silicon carbide can also be incorporated to enhance traction in demanding areas without compromising terrazzo’s visual versatility.
Beyond textured and abrasive finishes, terrazzo can incorporate other design elements to enhance slip resistance. Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, designed by David M. Schwarz, exemplifies this approach. Terrazzo stair treads feature embedded stainless-steel bars, providing long-lasting traction in high-traffic areas while complementing the arena’s sleek, modern aesthetic. The project earned the 2021 NTMA Job of the Year award for its combination of technical precision and creative design.
Routine cleaning with neutral cleaners and periodic sealer application preserve both appearance and slip resistance. Outdoor rustic terrazzo may require occasional pressure washing to maintain texture.
Terrazzo combines safety, durability, and design flexibility for virtually any environment—indoors or out. From textured interior floors to rustic terraces, customizable finishes provide traction, hygiene, and long-term performance without sacrificing style.
Learn more about specifying terrazzo for safe, high-performance floors on the NTMA website.
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