Terrazzo polishing is a practical and cost effective solution to restore the appearance of an existing terrazzo floor without replacing it. Terrazzo is a unique composite made from materials such as marble, quartz and granite chips set in a cement or epoxy binder. Popular from the mid-20th century onwards, terrazzo was commonly used in older HDB flats across Singapore and can still be found in many homes today.
Can your old Terrazzo floors be restored?
Mostly, yes. Older terrazzo floors can often be significantly improved through professional terrazzo polishing.
See some of our terrazzo restoration case studies: 50yo HDB Terrazzo Floor Transformation Case Study
What can be restored?
- Dullness
- Light scratches
- Yellowing and discolouration (improvement depends on the original condition)
- Small chips
- Surface stains
What HAS LIMITATIONS?
- Hairline crack
- Deep scratches
- Yellowing and discoloration of skirting (limited improvement)
Not every imperfection can be completely removed. Hairline cracks and deeper damage may remain visible after restoration, while the narrow and curved surface area of terrazzo skirting also limits how much it can be mechanically polished.
How is professional Terrazzo polishing done?
Terrazzo has properties similar to natural stone such as marble, so similar grinding and polishing methods and industrial machinery are used.
Many terrazzo floors in older Singapore HDB developments have not been regularly maintained for decades. As a result, they can be extremely dull or heavily worn and may require more intensive restoration rather than a straightforward polish.
The typical process includes:
- Inspection of the existing floor condition
- Grinding and honing to remove surface imperfections
- Repairing suitable chips and damaged areas
- Multi-grit polishing to progressively restore the surface and shine
- Deep cleaning to remove dirt and residue
- Sealing (optional add-on)
Typical duration of works: 1 full day
*Terrazzo floors are ready for immediate usage with no extended no downtime
With quality and professional methods, even terrazzo floors that are over 50 years old can often be significantly restored.
Terrazzo polishing price guide in Singapore (2026)
Terrazzo polishing price depends on several factors, including the size of the area, condition of the floor and amount of restoration required.
A terrazzo floor with surface dullness may only require standard polishing. Floors with scratches, stains, chips or uneven areas may require grinding and multiple stages of polishing, which will cost more.
As a rough guide, standard terrazzo polishing prices are:
| HDB Type | Estimated Price (SGD) |
|---|---|
| 2-Room (1 Bedroom) | $550-$650 |
| 3-Room (2 Bedrooms) | $600-$700 |
| 4-Room (3 Bedrooms) | $700-$800 |
| Per sqft | Custom quotation |
*Final pricing depends on the condition and size of the actual floor
Should you restore or replace your old Terrazzo floors?
If your existing terrazzo is still structurally sound, restoration is worth considering before replacing it entirely. These floors are increasingly rare in newer homes, and their durability is one reason many have remained in use for decades.
Factors to consider when deciding between restoration and replacement:
| Restore | Replace |
|---|---|
| $ (Few hundred dollars) | $$$ (Few thousand dollars factoring for hacking, disposal, supply and installation of new material) |
| Quick turnaround (1 day work, no downtime) | Longer turnaround (2-4 weeks) |
| Preserves the original terrazzo aesthetic | Allows you to completely change the aesthetic |
If your terrazzo floor is still in good condition but has simply become dull, scratched or stained, terrazzo polishing may be all it needs to bring it back to life.
Before spending thousands replacing your old terrazzo floors, it is worth finding out what can be restored first. WhatsApp us for a free inspection and quote.
We’re your one-stop solution to all your home improvement needs. Get us to help: Parquet sanding & varnish, Engineered wood polishing, Parquet repair, Outdoor deck varnishing, Marble polishing, marble gum grouting, and homogenous tile polishing.