The charm of a garden terrace depends on the care taken in its design and maintenance. The terrace can be designed as if it were an interior room, with its own volume, functions, decoration and so on. Playing with lighting can give the terrace the feeling of being larger, and create a magical atmosphere in the evening.
Mixing materials
A garden terrace can incorporate different components, from plant parts to inert materials, which must be both aesthetically pleasing and practical in order to strike a balance between the architecture of the house and the tastes of the inhabitants, since the ground sets the tone for the terrace.
Budget and style
When it comes to terrace design, the first question to ask is budget. The calculation must include the price of the main materials, as well as the cost of installation and ancillary materials. The terrace must not appear as a heterogeneous space grafted onto the house; it must integrate seamlessly and harmoniously into the transition between the interior rooms and the rest of the garden.
Wood decking
Building a wooden deck is a choice that raises many questions. Which wood to choose? How should it be maintained? Will it change color over time? It's important to get all these answers before starting work.
Teak is the most beautiful wood for garden decking, a noble wood for this type of work. Nevertheless, it is one of the most suitable woods for outdoor use. It is rot-proof, warps little with temperature variations and its very uniform color gives it a unique charm. Ipé is characterized by its grain-marked color, which gives it a distinctive identity. Alongside these durable exotic woods, other European woods are also used for decking. Durable woods can be used, but must be treated.
Wood aging
The color of wood naturally changes over time, acquiring a grayish or silvery hue depending on the wood. If you want to avoid this color change, oil your deck wood once or twice a year. This will give the wood a darker color than in its natural state, and should limit any cracks that may appear. To protect the deck from pollution, it should be cleaned once a year with suitable products.
A costum-made stone mat
Natural stone has the advantage of being easy to lay, offering no difficulties for a professional who knows the rules of the art. Several types of stone can be mixed. The color and finish should blend into the overall look to create an ambiance and give the space its own identity.
Ultimately, the successful design of a garden terrace unites art and practicality. By conceiving it as a room, skilful lighting and the right choice of materials create a warm ambience. The terrace then becomes the fluid link between inside and outside, a place where authenticity and identity merge to form a true home.
