Commercial case study · Queens Road, Brighton
Brighton Terrazzo Stair Restoration
Eight floors of dull, damaged and heavily scratched terrazzo stairs were repaired, deep cleaned, diamond honed, polished and sealed during a live office refurbishment.
The brief
Restore a neglected staircase without losing safe access
Years of heavy foot traffic and unsuitable cleaning had left the terrazzo stairs, floors and landings dull, dirty, discoloured, scratched and pitted. Cracks, holes and damaged nosings also required repair before a consistent finish could be restored.
The project formed part of a live construction programme. The team needed to coordinate with scaffolding and other trades, control pedestrian movement and keep the building's fire-escape routes available throughout the work.
The restoration sequence
From controlled access to the final sealer
A larger team worked weekdays, weekends and out of hours over the four-week programme. Each stage was coordinated so the stairs could be restored safely and the construction timetable maintained.
Protect and phase
Work areas were closed with barriers and warning signs, with alternative routes clearly identified before treatment began.
Deep clean
Mechanical and chemical methods removed ingrained dirt and staining from landings, strings, treads and risers.
Repair damage
Cracks, holes, landings and stair nosings were resin repaired with selected terrazzo chippings.
Diamond hone
Progressive diamond honing reduced heavy scratches and refined the repaired surface.
Diamond polish
The terrazzo was polished to recover its clarity and an appropriate, consistent finish.
Seal and hand over
A penetrating stone sealer was applied once the restoration stages were complete.
Project photographs
Brighton terrazzo restoration in detail
The completed project
A cleaner, repaired and more consistent terrazzo finish
The four-week programme addressed the ingrained dirt, damaged areas and heavily scratched surface across the eight floors. The completed stairs recovered a finish closer to the terrazzo's original appearance while meeting the wider refurbishment programme.
Cracks, holes and nosings were addressed before the final honing and polishing stages.
Landings, strings, treads and risers were included for a more coherent result.
Phased working and controlled routes supported the needs of the live site.
Common questions
Terrazzo stair restoration FAQs
Can badly scratched and pitted terrazzo stairs be restored?
Many worn terrazzo stairs can be substantially improved. The appropriate method may include deep cleaning, resin repairs, diamond honing and polishing, but the existing surface should be inspected and tested before the process is confirmed.
Can cracks and holes in terrazzo stairs be repaired?
Cracks, holes and damaged nosings can often be resin repaired using suitable terrazzo chippings. Colour, aggregate, depth and the surrounding condition affect how closely a repair can be blended.
Can terrazzo stair restoration be completed in an occupied building?
It may be possible to phase the work where safe access, alternative routes and the building programme allow it. On this Brighton project, work areas were controlled in stages while access to the fire escapes was maintained.
Does restored terrazzo need sealing?
A suitable penetrating sealer may be applied after repairs, honing and polishing to help protect the restored surface. The product should be selected for the terrazzo and how the stairs will be used and maintained.
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Send photographs, your location and a short description of the surface and its condition. Floor Polishing Services can then discuss the most suitable next step.