Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Terrazzo Worker
What terrazzo workers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a terrazzo worker?
Check the slab. From there, the day usually includes install divider strips, mix terrazzo, and pour and trowel. Full time, often union jobs.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a terrazzo worker working full time.
- Check the slab.
- Install divider strips.
- Mix epoxy terrazzo.
- Pour and trowel.
- Grind yesterday’s pour.
- Grout pinholes.
- Polish.
Where terrazzo workers work
Terrazzo workers work in large public and commercial buildings.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often union jobs.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Install divider strips
- Mix terrazzo
- Pour and trowel
- Grind surfaces
- Grout
- Polish
- Seal floors
Tools you’ll use every day
- Planetary grinders
- Trowels
- Mixers
- Divider strips
- Vacuums
- Polishing pads
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Artistic craft
- Union pay
- Lasting work
- Specialized skill
What’s hard
- Small, declining trade
- Heavy grinders
- Knee strain
- Chemical exposure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like artistic floors
- I’m patient
- I can run heavy grinders
- I like teamwork
- I want union pay
- I like lasting work
Not sure? Take the free Terrazzo Worker fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Control silica dust
- Wear chemical gloves
- Use knee pads
- Ventilate epoxy