How Many Bags of Terrazzo Per Square Meter in Kenya 2025 | Terrazzo Calculator
In Kenya, you need approximately 0.08-0.12 bags of white cement (50kg) and 0.15-0.20 bags of marble chips (25kg) per square meter for terrazzo flooring at standard 20mm thickness. For a typical 50 sqm room, you'll need 5-6 bags of white cement and 9-10 bags of marble chips. Total installed cost ranges from KES 3,500-7,000 per square meter depending on finish quality. Premium high-gloss terrazzo can cost up to KES 10,000-12,000 per sqm including labor.
Quick Reference: Terrazzo Materials Per Square Meter
| Thickness | White Cement | Marble Chips | Pigment | Material Cost/sqm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15mm (Residential) | 0.08-0.10 bags | 0.15-0.18 bags | 0.3-0.4 kg | KES 800-1,200 |
| 20mm (Standard) | 0.10-0.12 bags | 0.20-0.24 bags | 0.4-0.5 kg | KES 1,200-1,800 |
| 25mm (Heavy Duty) | 0.13-0.17 bags | 0.25-0.30 bags | 0.5-0.6 kg | KES 1,800-2,500 |
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Complete Guide to Terrazzo Flooring Requirements in Kenya
Terrazzo flooring has been a staple of Kenyan construction for decades, offering a perfect blend of durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. This composite material consists of marble, granite, or glass chips set in cement or epoxy, then ground and polished to reveal a beautiful, seamless surface. Terrazzo's popularity in Kenya stems from its exceptional longevity, with properly installed floors lasting 50+ years with minimal maintenance.
Understanding terrazzo material requirements is essential for accurate budgeting. The main components are white cement (binding matrix), marble chips (decorative aggregate), and oxide pigments (for coloring). Material quantities depend on terrazzo thickness, chip size, and desired finish quality. Our calculator provides precise estimates based on these factors.
Terrazzo's seamless surface eliminates grout lines where dirt accumulates, making it particularly hygienic for healthcare and food service facilities. Its versatility allows for countless design possibilities through combinations of chip colors, sizes, and pigmented cement matrix.
How Much Terrazzo Material Per Square Meter?
White Cement Requirements
White cement forms the binding matrix that holds marble chips together. Unlike ordinary Portland cement, white cement provides a clean, bright background that enhances chip colors and allows accurate pigmentation. For standard 20mm terrazzo, approximately 0.10-0.12 bags (50kg) of white cement are required per square meter.
White cement costs significantly more than ordinary cement in Kenya - typically KES 1,000-1,400 per 50kg bagcompared to KES 700-800 for OPC. For a 100 sqm floor at 20mm thickness, expect to use 10-12 bags of white cement, costing approximately KES 10,000-17,000.
Marble Chips Requirements
Marble chips constitute 70-80% of the terrazzo surface by area, making them the dominant visual element. Requirements vary with chip size: smaller chips pack more densely, larger chips need more matrix material. Standard requirement is 0.17-0.24 bags (25kg) of marble chips per square meter at 20mm thickness.
Marble chip prices range from KES 2,000-4,000 per 25kg bag depending on color and quality. White and mixed colors are most affordable; red, green, and imported chips command premium prices. For 100 sqm, budget 17-24 bags costing KES 34,000-96,000 depending on color choice.
Color Pigment Requirements
Oxide pigments color the cement matrix, creating the background against which marble chips display. Approximately 0.3-0.5 kg of pigment per square meter achieves medium color intensity. Quality pigments cost KES 600-1,000 per kg in Kenya.
Common colors include red oxide, yellow oxide, green chrome oxide, and black iron oxide. Mix pigments thoroughly with cement before adding water to ensure uniform distribution. Poorly mixed terrazzo shows color streaking that's impossible to correct after placement.
Terrazzo Costs in Kenya (2025 Prices)
| Quality Level | Material Cost/sqm | Labor Cost/sqm | Total Cost/sqm | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | KES 800-1,200 | KES 2,500-3,500 | KES 3,500-4,500 | Rentals, utility areas |
| Standard | KES 1,200-1,800 | KES 4,000-5,500 | KES 5,000-7,000 | Homes, offices, schools |
| Premium | KES 2,000-3,500 | KES 6,000-8,500 | KES 8,000-12,000 | Hotels, showrooms, luxury homes |
These prices compare favorably with quality tiles (KES 3,000-6,000 installed) while providing superior durability and unique aesthetics. Terrazzo's 50+ year lifespan makes it more economical than tiles requiring replacement every 15-20 years.
Case Study: 100 sqm Terrazzo Flooring in Nairobi
Project: 4-Bedroom House, Karen (Standard Quality)
Materials Used:
- • White Cement: 12 bags (50kg) @ KES 1,200 = KES 14,400
- • White Marble Chips: 20 bags (25kg) @ KES 2,500 = KES 50,000
- • Red Oxide Pigment: 40kg @ KES 800 = KES 32,000
- • Brass Divider Strips: KES 15,000
- • Total Materials: KES 111,400
Labor & Installation:
- • Base preparation: KES 15,000
- • Terrazzo placement: KES 200,000
- • Grinding (3 passes): KES 150,000
- • Sealing & polish: KES 30,000
- • Total Labor: KES 395,000
Total Project Cost: KES 506,400 (KES 5,064 per sqm)
Completed in 3 weeks including curing time. Expected lifespan: 50+ years.
Terrazzo vs Other Flooring Options
| Flooring Type | Cost/sqm | Lifespan | Maintenance | 50-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrazzo (Standard) | KES 5,000-7,000 | 50+ years | Low | KES 6,000 |
| Ceramic Tiles | KES 3,000-5,000 | 15-20 years | Medium (grout) | KES 10,000-15,000 |
| Polished Concrete | KES 2,500-4,500 | 30-40 years | Low | KES 4,000-6,000 |
| Hardwood | KES 8,000-15,000 | 25-30 years | High | KES 20,000-30,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bags of terrazzo per square meter?
For standard 20mm terrazzo, you need approximately 0.10-0.12 bags of white cement (50kg) and 0.20-0.24 bags of marble chips (25kg) per square meter. A 50 sqm room requires about 5-6 bags of white cement and 10-12 bags of marble chips.
How much does terrazzo flooring cost in Kenya?
Fully installed terrazzo costs KES 3,500-4,500/sqm for economy grade, KES 5,000-7,000/sqm for standard quality, and KES 8,000-12,000/sqm for premium high-gloss finish. Material costs alone are KES 800-2,500/sqm depending on quality.
How long does terrazzo last?
Properly installed and maintained terrazzo lasts 50-75+ years, often outliving the buildings it's installed in. Historic buildings feature terrazzo floors over 100 years old still in service. This exceptional longevity makes terrazzo highly cost-effective long-term.
What thickness is best for terrazzo?
15mm is suitable for light residential use, 20mm is standard for homes and offices, and 25mm provides maximum durability for commercial high-traffic areas. Thicker terrazzo uses more material but lasts longer under heavy use.
Is terrazzo better than tiles?
Terrazzo offers superior durability (50+ years vs 15-20 years), seamless surface (no grout lines), and unique custom designs. Tiles are cheaper initially but require replacement and grout maintenance. For long-term value, terrazzo is often more economical.
Can I install terrazzo myself (DIY)?
DIY terrazzo is possible but challenging. Mixing, placement, and especially grinding require skill and specialized equipment. Poor installation results in uneven surfaces and color inconsistencies. For best results, hire experienced professionals for floors; DIY works better for small projects like countertops.
How long does terrazzo take to install?
Complete installation takes 2-4 weeks for typical projects: base preparation (1-2 days), placement (1-2 days per 50 sqm), initial curing (2-3 days), grinding (3-5 days with multiple passes), final curing (3-7 days), and sealing (1-2 days).
What maintenance does terrazzo require?
Daily dust mopping, weekly damp mopping with neutral cleaner. Sealed terrazzo needs periodic wax application (every 3-6 months for high traffic). Avoid acidic cleaners. With proper care, terrazzo maintains beauty for decades with minimal effort.
Start Your Terrazzo Project Today
Terrazzo flooring offers an unmatched combination of beauty, durability, and value for Kenyan homes and commercial spaces. The initial investment, while higher than basic flooring options, pays dividends through decades of trouble-free service.
Use our calculator to estimate materials and costs for your terrazzo project. Combine these estimates with quotes from experienced installers for comprehensive budgeting. Invest time in design planning - chip colors, patterns, and finish quality all affect the final appearance you'll enjoy for generations.
Whether upgrading a residential space, renovating a commercial building, or specifying finishes for new construction, terrazzo delivers timeless elegance and practical performance. Join countless Kenyan buildings where terrazzo floors have served admirably for decades.
Terrazzo Materials Calculator Quick Reference
| Floor Area | White Cement (bags) | Marble Chips (bags) | Pigment (kg) | Est. Material Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 sqm (bedroom) | 2-3 bags | 4-5 bags | 8-10 kg | KES 24,000-36,000 |
| 50 sqm (living room) | 5-6 bags | 9-12 bags | 20-25 kg | KES 60,000-90,000 |
| 100 sqm (full house) | 10-12 bags | 17-24 bags | 40-50 kg | KES 120,000-180,000 |
| 200 sqm (commercial) | 20-24 bags | 34-48 bags | 80-100 kg | KES 240,000-360,000 |
* Based on standard 20mm thickness. Add 10% for wastage.