Career & application guide

Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

Get to know the work, the skills that matter, and how to prepare your next application.

Explore this guide

What do terrazzo workers and finishers do?

Apply a mixture of cement, sand, pigment, or marble chips to floors, stairways, and cabinet fixtures to fashion durable and decorative surfaces.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Grinder
  • Installer
  • Terrazzo Finisher
  • Terrazzo Grinder
  • Terrazzo Installer
  • Terrazzo Journeyman
  • Terrazzo Laborer
  • Terrazzo Mechanic

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Measure designated amounts of ingredients for terrazzo or grout, according to standard formulas and specifications, using graduated containers and scales, and load ingredients into portable mixer.
  • Grind surfaces with a power grinder, or polish surfaces with polishing or surfacing machines.
  • Cut metal division strips and press them into the terrazzo base for joints or changes of color to form designs or patterns or to help prevent cracks.
  • Blend marble chip mixtures, place into panels, and push a roller over the surface to embed the chips.
  • Modify mixing, grouting, grinding, or cleaning procedures, according to type of installation or material used.
  • Spread, level, or smooth concrete or terrazzo mixtures to form bases or finished surfaces, using rakes, shovels, hand or power trowels, hand or power screeds, or floats.
  • Grind curved surfaces or areas inaccessible to surfacing machine, such as stairways or cabinet tops, with portable hand grinder.
  • Wash polished terrazzo surface, using cleaner and water, and apply sealer and curing agent according to manufacturer's specifications, using brush or sprayer.
  • Position and secure moisture membrane and wire mesh in preparation for pouring base materials for terrazzo installation.
  • Fill slight grinding depressions with matching grout material and hand-trowel for a smooth, uniform surface.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

Ready to plan your search?

Start with terrazzo workers and finishers as your target. You can change your role in the quiz and tell us your location and work preferences.

Explore related occupations