Terrazzo

[Ron]

Hey guys,

Noticed on the member profiles that Bri does terrazzo.I wish I had learned this dying trade.I believe terrazzo is going to have a comeback.Seen a company that produces tiles that look just like terrazzo.

Just curious as to how many of the tilesetters on the forum here have done or still do terrazzo floors.I know an old Italian guy whose terrazzo work is just amazing.Says his tools are just sitting dormant while his company installs tile.

A few months ago I read an article in the Toronto Sun about the marble mason's trade.The article promoted the Tile,Terrazzo and Marble School as a viable career choice for young people.On the cover was a young black girl toiling away on a slab of granite in the school's shop.
The journalist had done research that suggested that the average age of a marble mason this year is 55 and that there's also a huge shortage of tilesetters.

I think that the reason for shortages of tradesman such as tilesetters is that high school guidance counsellors do not see the trades as an attractive and lucrative career.Personally,if I was a parent,I probably wouldn't want my children to consider a career in masonry related trades either.But I'm sure that there are 17 year olds who would be suitable to learn these trades and prosper from it.

I was happy to see this article as it will encourage others to study at such a school.Perhaps their courses will turn out some really good tilesetters and raise the standards of quality in the tile trade.There's just too many shoemakers out there right now who are turning people off of tile.If tile work was done properly and installed to last,less people would be running to buy acrylic shower walls and laminate flooring,I'm sure.

What do you guys think?

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[Bri]

Hey Ron
I agree..sort of...I've done maybe 10 small terrazzo repairs all year..nothing bigger than 100 sq ft...and that's ok with me...you mentioned that the average marble mason is 55..well I'm 44, and I feel 55 most days...knees, back, shoulder, hip..shot to hell..from carrying 140 pound terrazzo bags all day in my youth..not to mention the 500 pound grinders and rollers..up way too many flights of stairs..eating way too much dust..grinding base in a crouching position 8 hrs a day till you legs are numb...covered head to toe in a crust of cement and marble dust. A young guy see's that and say's " I don't think so"..and I don't blame them a bit. Not that it's not a good trade to learn..you can make some decent bucks at it..but you better think of getting into management after 10 or 15 years...cause it's not an old guys trade. In fact all of the older guys, except one, that I worked with are gone now..including my father(who did go into management,I might add)So..yeah..it's a good trade...but I've met few young guys who can even lift a terrazzo bag onto the truck..let alone mix it and install it properly....Geez...a little cheese with you whine, Bri!

[Bud Cline]

My seventeen year old daughter ( a highschool senior) is majoring in mechanical drawing and drafting and following in her dads footsteps. I regret dropping it in college to become a worker bee. She has hopes of pursuing architecture and I'm not sure what the saturation level of that vocation is, or will be in the next ten years.

I've played with a little terrazzo under the guidance of a guy that did it for years. My first terrazzo job was the restoration of walks and platforms at a huge outdoor monument (Statues) in Dallas. After that a couple of mall jobs and that was it.

If you ever want to see a really bad terrazzo job look down next time your in Denvers new DIA airport. I wonder if they got paid for that one?

[John Bridge]

Ron,

Where's that school? Toronto?

44 and feeling like an old man, eh, Bri? Better find someone who can support you in the style you're unaccustomed to.

[cx]

In the spirit of giving the real tile guys a good laugh:

I thought Terrazzo was just another kind of tile.

No es la verdad?

[John Bridge]

Si, es la verdad.

There is such a thing as terrazzo tile. 12x12s, about an inch thick. They are still made but not as popular as they were about 30 years ago. I think there's a company in San Antonio that produces them.

Bri is talking about the stuff that is poured in place and then ground and polished. Can't imagine a self-respecting tile setter having anything to do with it. ;)

[Ron]

John,

Yeah,it's in Toronto.Well,actually in Concord which may be considered part of Toronto now.Dave Gobis probably knows it.

[Simple]

John,
I have those 12x12's your talking about in 2 baths and a shower.

Question: I'm replacing a bath window and need to remove and trim the terrazzo. What type of cutting tool do I use?

[John Bridge]

Geez, Mike, if you're asking a tile question it's supposed to be on the Advice Board! :D

Seriously, those things shatter easier than marble tiles. They're only held together with white cement. I would think long and hard before replacing the window. Can't you just do something with the glass?

[JC]

Terrazo in your bathroom floor?

[flatfloor]

I think they are probably Fritz Tile http://www.fritzind.com/

[Simple]

JC:
I have 4 x 4's on the floor.

John: This is the last window I need to replace. I saved the best for last. The Terrazzo sections inside the window are loose, fact they are hanging. See the gaps!
If I get them out in one piece can they be cut without shattering?
http://users2.ev1.net/~mksr/Bath.jpg

[John Bridge]

They have to be cut on a wet saw, just like marble or granite. If you can get them out, I'll come by with a wet saw and we'll work 'em over.

Push comes to shove, you could replace those jamb pieces with marble tiles. I have a surplus of those taking up space. Don't know what color, though.

Did Michele Olifant ever get hold of you?

[Simple]

Great!

No I have not heard from her. As a matter of fact my phone has not rang for two days.

I did get in a good days work. I had to work O.T. That would be 9 hrs non stop. Hehe

[John Bridge]

Did you say 9 (nine) hours in 1 (one) day?

I hope that was a typo on your part, otherwise I won't be able to help you. I only help slackers.

I myself managed 7 (seven) hours today. I'm a bit overwhelmed by it, but I'm beginning to recover. Miller's is helping.

I retiled Michele's kitchen floor a month or so ago (600 feet). Gave her your name, but hey . . .

[Simple]

No I did. Which means I will not start till about noon tomorrow and cut off around five. Need to make up for the long day some how!

Thanks for pass'n my name.......

[John Bridge]

Oh, okay, well that's more like it. Guess I'll help you after all. :)