terrazzo flooring

I have moved in a duplex that has terrazzo flooring. The flooring in the livingroom is damaged with nicks, discoloration and pits. The kitchen has adhesive tile over the terrazzo except under the refrigerator and stove. My question is that I want to remove the tile and clean all the flooring well enough for placement of perhaps another flooring cover. My first question is. How do I remove the old tile? Second, what flooring is recommended to cover the terrazzo. It's not attractive on it's own and I do not want to remove the terrazzo . Oh! also, the tile is in the bathroom and that I want to remove also. I do have pets. 9 cats and 1 16lb dog. So the flooring needs to be pet friendly. Because, of the pets I do not want to use carpeting. Thank You Roger in Clearwater, Fl e-mail address is res00t7j@gte.net

 

Treat terrazzo as if it were a concrete slab floor. The only flooring materal that might be a problem over terrazzo is a wood floor, but that too can be done. If you like tile, use tile, if you like sheet flooring use that. Repair the holes or dings with concrete patch, flooring leveler, or Fix All before laying sheet goods.

The old tiles can be removed with a floor scraper and some elbow grease. Spreading Dry Ice (if you can get it) on the tile before hand will help. On the other end, heating the tile with a torch will help also.