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How to make a colourful D.I.Y. terrazzo table

By Bunnings magazine / May/June 2022

Pink terrazzo table

Overview

Terrazzo is traditionally made by adding marble chips, stone pieces or crushed glass to a concrete formula that is poured into a mould, left to harden, and polished. It’s mainly used for tiles and flooring, but it's becoming more on-trend for homewares.

Making your own D.I.Y. terrazzo table is easier than you might think. We’ve used a plastic pot saucer as a mould to make this table, but you could use any shape mould that you like. To adjust the volume of mixture, simply change the size of the measuring jug to suit bigger or smaller projects. For a deeper pink, add more red oxide with less white, and vice versa for a lighter shade.

To turn the terrazzo slab into a functional table, we simply cut a base from a MDF panel and fastened a couple of metal furniture legs. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this attractive piece.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, disposable gloves and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Mix the cement, sand and oxide

    Cover an old basin with insect mesh. Use a large spatula to sieve three parts off-white cement, one part sand and one part oxide (three parts white, one part red).

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: To fill a 780mm x 365mm plastic pot saucer mould, use a 1L jug to measure the parts into a 16L basin.
    Cement, sand and oxide mixed in an old basin lined with insect mesh
  2. 2

    Combine the dry mix and a bonding agent

    In a jug, combine one part bonding agent with four parts water. Pour small amounts into the dry mix, combining until it has the smooth consistency of toothpaste, discarding any leftover solution.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Pour 200ml bonding agent into a 1L jug and top with 800ml water.
    A person pours a bonding agent into a pink cement mix.
  3. 3

    Scatter mosaic glass over the mould

    Sprinkle crushed mosaic glass evenly over the base of the mould. Use a small spatula to dollop concrete directly onto the glass, without moving the pieces.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: To make our table, we used a 135g box of Rose Quartz crushed glass.
    Crushed mosaic glass scattered on a rectangle mould
  4. 4

    Fill mould with the mix

    When the base is covered, add another layer of concrete to fill the mould to 30mm deep, spreading it evenly. Agitate the mould to remove air bubbles, lightly smooth the surface with a rubber trowel and leave to dry overnight. Remove the mould and leave to cure for 24 hours.
    A person fills a mould with a pink terrazzo cement
  5. 5

    Smooth and seal

    Spritz with water and smooth the edges with 120-grit wet-and-dry abrasive paper. Sand over the top with 180-grit abrasive paper and then wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Brush with two coats of concrete sealer and leave to dry.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tips: The top of the table is the face formed by the mould.
    A person applies sealer to a pink terrazzo tabletop.
  6. 6

    Make the base

    Cut the 9mm MDF panel to 710mm x 300mm. Smooth the edges with 180-grit abrasive paper and wipe away any dust.

    Spray paint the MDF and metal legs with the primer. Apply light, even coats, leaving to dry after each. Centre the legs upside down on the MDF, marking them 100mm in from the ends.

    A combination square used on the base of a white side table
  7. 7

    Secure the legs

    Apply fast-drying, high-strength construction adhesive over the leg plates, reposition and secure with 13mm screws, leaving to dry for 30 minutes. 

    Flip the leg assembly upright, apply adhesive over the MDF base and centre the tabletop, clamping and leaving to dry.

    Clamps holding a pink terrazzo tabletop, table base and legs together.
  8. 8

    Keep in mind

    • When mixing the cement and during sanding and spray painting, work in a well-ventilated area that is out of the wind and wear the appropriate safety equipment (dust mask, disposable gloves and safety glasses). Cover bare skin to avoid irritation from airborne material. Before spray painting, cover surrounding areas with a drop cloth to avoid overspray.

    • Cement is a dry powder that is combined with other elements including water to create concrete. Choose a white or off-white cement; otherwise, the concrete will be grey.

    • Use washed sand rather than builder’s sand. (Builder’s sand contains clay which will make the concrete too sticky and heavy for this project.)

    • We used store-bought crushed glass because it’s safer to work with than crushing your own glass or marble mosaic tiles.

    • The terrazzo table is for decorative, indoor use only. It is not designed to be used as a seat. Lift it by supporting the leg plates. Avoid placing food directly on the tabletop – always use a serving board or plates.

  9. 9

    Seeking inspiration for another D.I.Y. weekend project?

    Check out our guide to how to make this D.I.Y. tiled table.

     

    Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.