Terrazzo Tiles: Natural or Porcelain Lookalike?
There’s something about terrazzo tiles that grabs people. Maybe it’s the colour. Maybe it’s the texture. Or maybe it’s just the fact that they look a bit different from the usual tile designs. Whatever it is, they’ve become one of the most asked-about tile styles in our showroom.
If you’re drawn to terrazzo tiles for your bathroom, kitchen or laundry, you’ll likely come across two options—natural terrazzo and terrazzo-look tiles. They might look similar at a glance, but they’re very different in terms of cost, care and where you can use them.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the difference between the two and help you figure out which one suits your space. Whether you’re updating your family home or renovating an investment, there’s a terrazzo option that’ll do the job—and I’ll help you find it.
What Are Terrazzo Tiles? A Quick Overview
Before we compare the pros and cons, it helps to understand what terrazzo tiles actually are. While the word “terrazzo” gets used pretty loosely these days, there’s a big difference between the traditional version and the modern porcelain alternative. Both can look fantastic—but they’re made in very different ways, and that affects how they perform in a home setting.
What Is Natural Terrazzo?
Natural terrazzo is made by embedding marble, granite or other stone chips into a cement or resin base, then grinding it back to a smooth finish. It’s been around for centuries—originally developed in Venice, which is why it’s often called Venetian terrazzo.
Because it’s poured and polished by hand, no two slabs are ever the same. It’s got real artisan appeal and delivers a one-of-a-kind finish. This is part of what makes it a premium tile choice. It’s also why it comes with a higher price tag, especially when imported from Italy or other European suppliers.
What Are Terrazzo-Look Tiles?
Terrazzo-look tiles are made from porcelain and digitally printed to mimic the speckled style of natural terrazzo. The beauty of these tiles is their practicality—they’re durable, waterproof and don’t need to be sealed. Perfect for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, laundries and kitchens.
Because they’re manufactured, terrazzo-look tiles offer consistent colour and pattern, making them easier to plan around. You’ll find a range of styles—from white terrazzo tiles and grey terrazzo tiles to bolder designs like pink terrazzo tiles and green terrazzo tiles. Popular sizes include 600×600 terrazzo tiles and 300×600 terrazzo tiles, ideal for floors and walls alike.
Below are the terrazzo-look tiles you’ll find at Ross’s Discount Home Centre:
- $60.00 / m2
- $60.00 / m2
- $60.00 / m2
- $60.00 / m2
TL;DR: Natural terrazzo is a traditional mix of marble chips and cement, handcrafted for a unique finish but high in cost and maintenance. Terrazzo-look tiles offer the same visual appeal in a porcelain format that’s affordable, durable and easy to live with—especially in wet areas.
Terrazzo-Look Tiles vs Natural Terrazzo: Comparison Table
This is the part of the conversation where most customers lean in. Once they’ve seen both options, the next question is always the same: “What’s the actual difference?” Here’s the breakdown I give in the showroom—straightforward and side-by-side, so you can weigh up what matters most for your renovation.
| Feature | Natural Terrazzo | Terrazzo-Look Porcelain Tile |
| Appearance | Unique, random pattern | Consistent, realistic print |
| Price | $$$ – Premium priced | $ – Budget-friendly |
| Durability | Softer, can chip/scratch | Very hard-wearing and dense |
| Sealing & Maintenance | Needs sealing, can stain | No sealing needed, low upkeep |
| Installation | Specialist required | Standard tiler can install |
| Slip Resistance | May vary | Many slip-rated options available |
| Ideal Use | Feature floors, entryways | Bathrooms, splashbacks, laundries |
| Availability in Perth | Limited, often imported | Readily available at Ross’s |
So, which is the better option?
If you’re drawn to the handmade beauty of natural terrazzo, it’s worth considering where you’ll be using it and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on. On the other hand, terrazzo-look tiles offer all the style with far less fuss. They’re ideal for areas like bathrooms, where water and humidity are constant.
Terrazzo Tiles Compared: Practical Differences That Matter
The table above gives you a quick overview—but if you’re making decisions for your home, sometimes you want a bit more detail. Below, I’ve unpacked each feature to explain how these two tile types really compare in a practical sense. This is the same guidance I give customers in our showroom when they’re weighing up what will work best for their space, budget and lifestyle.
Appearance
Natural terrazzo tiles have a handmade, organic look. Each piece is a little different because the stone chips are mixed and poured manually. It’s part of their charm—but it also means more variation across the floor. Terrazzo-look porcelain tiles use high-resolution printing to mimic this style. You’ll get a consistent, repeatable pattern, which can make laying them easier—especially for walls, splashbacks or tight bathroom layouts.
Price
Natural terrazzo is a premium product, and its cost reflects that. Depending on the type and complexity, prices can range from $120 to over $300 per square metre. This higher cost is due to factors like material quality, design intricacy, and the labour-intensive installation process.
In contrast, terrazzo-look porcelain tiles are a more budget-friendly option. At Ross’s, our terrazzo-look tiles are priced at $60 per square metre, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising on style. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to achieve the terrazzo aesthetic on a tighter budget.
Durability
Porcelain is one of the toughest tile materials on the market. Terrazzo-look tiles made from porcelain can handle knocks, drops and foot traffic without a fuss. Natural terrazzo, by comparison, is softer and more prone to chipping, especially around edges. It also wears down over time, which can be an issue in busy households or high-use areas like hallways.
Sealing & Maintenance
This is a big one. Natural terrazzo needs to be sealed during installation and resealed over time. It’s also more porous, so you’ve got to watch out for stains, especially from things like oil, red wine or bathroom products. Terrazzo-look porcelain tiles don’t need sealing at all. A quick wipe and they’re good as new—making them ideal for low-maintenance homes.
Installation
Natural terrazzo often needs a specialist tiler, especially if it’s being poured in place or cut from slabs. It’s heavy, can be tricky to work with, and needs more prep. Terrazzo-look tiles, on the other hand, are installed just like any other porcelain tile. Any experienced tiler will be able to handle them without issue.
Slip Resistance
Slip ratings vary a lot with natural terrazzo, depending on how it’s polished and what finish you choose. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to use it in wet zones. Most terrazzo-look tiles available in Perth come with slip ratings suitable for bathrooms and laundries—some are even rated for commercial wet areas.
Ideal Use
Natural terrazzo shines in statement areas like entryways, staircases or commercial foyers. It brings real wow-factor, but it’s not always practical for everyday wet areas. Terrazzo-look tiles are perfect for bathrooms, kitchen splashbacks, laundries and other areas where you want the look without the risk or ongoing upkeep.
Availability of Terrazzo Tiles in Perth
Natural terrazzo is often imported and may involve longer lead times or limited stock. Terrazzo-look tiles are generally easy to source, with popular colours and sizes stocked locally. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we always aim to keep a practical selection on hand for quick renovations.
TL;DR: Natural terrazzo is high-end and full of character, but needs more care, budget and planning. Terrazzo-look tiles give you the same style in a durable, low-maintenance format that suits busy homes and tight timelines.
My Advice: When Each Option Works Best
Once you know the differences between natural terrazzo and terrazzo-look tiles, it really comes down to where you’re using them—and how much time, effort and budget you’re happy to commit. I’ve helped plenty of Perth renovators make this call, from first-home buyers to seasoned investors, and the best choice always depends on the job.
Go Natural If…
- You’re creating a high-end, formal feature space like an entry or hallway.
- You want a unique, artisan finish and don’t mind the upkeep.
- Your budget allows for custom installation and ongoing maintenance.
Go Porcelain Lookalike If…
- You’re tiling a bathroom, laundry or kitchen where water resistance matters.
- You want a terrazzo look without paying a premium.
- You’re working with a tighter budget or timeline.
I remember one customer who came in absolutely set on natural terrazzo for their bathroom floor. Once we chatted through sealing, slip ratings, and how much extra it’d cost to install and maintain, they shifted to a terrazzo-look tile instead—and they haven’t looked back. It gave them the look they wanted with zero fuss.
We’ve also had plenty of investors tile entire homes and bathrooms using terrazzo-look tiles. They’re hard-wearing, easy to clean, and give the space that on-trend look without overcapitalising.
TL;DR: Go natural if you’re after a statement finish and don’t mind the upkeep. But if you need something practical for everyday living—especially in wet areas—terrazzo-look tiles are the way to go. They’re cost-effective, low-maintenance, and still look fantastic.
Conclusion
Both natural and terrazzo-look tiles have their place in home design. Natural terrazzo is perfect for high-end feature spaces where budget and upkeep aren’t an issue. But for most everyday renovations—especially in Perth bathrooms, kitchens and laundries—terrazzo-look tiles are the smarter, easier choice.
They give you that same on-trend speckled look without the extra cost or care, and they’re a great match with other finishes like white vanities, brushed tapware, or our pre-assembled kitchen cabinets.
If you’re thinking about using terrazzo tiles in your next renovation, swing past our showroom in Guildford or check out our range online. You’ll find inspiration and expert advice to help you pull the whole look together with confidence.
