Terrazzo is traditionally a flooring material made by exposing marble chips in a bed of concrete and then polishing until smooth. Now, however, you can purchase terrazzo in tile form. It is often used in public buildings because it is long-lasting and can be refinished repeatedly.

Terrazzo is quite slippery and can cause falls, so it may not be a good flooring choice for families with small children or elderly members. Ask your contractor about applying non-slip additives to the surface.

Install Yourself? No
Best Uses: Flooring, walls, countertops, backsplashes
Pros: Unique beauty, elegance, longevity
Cons: Expense, can cause slips
Price Range: $7–$10 per square foot