Terrazzo Workers and Finishers

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-2053
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Clean installation site, mixing and storage areas, tools, machines, and equipment, and store materials and equipment.
• Sprinkle colored marble or stone chips, powdered steel, or coloring powder over surface to produce prescribed finish.

Tools and technology

Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Windows, Buffing machines, CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator, CPR Visual Estimator, Claw hammers, Concrete floats, Construction Management Software ProEst, Desktop computers, Dust masks, Edgers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Tile and Stone Setters
• Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
• Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
• Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
• Stonemasons
• Brickmasons and Blockmasons
• Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
• Floor Sanders and Finishers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Terrazzo Workers and Finishers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.