When the spring sun shines, you want to turn your gaze outside to the home yard. A terrace is a great addition to the home yard, providing a comfortable outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment.
Building a terrace is not very difficult after all, and a high-quality terrace can be achieved with careful planning and quality materials. After a carefully prepared plan, the actual construction of the terrace can be done in a couple of weekends!
A well-planned terrace is half done
A neat and well-executed terrace not only serves the resident's needs for a long time, but also increases the property's value. That's why it's worth investing time and effort into terrace planning. With a good and thoroughly thought-out plan, it's easy to start building a terrace that suits your needs perfectly!
Start planning by considering the terrace's intended use – what do you want to do on the terrace and what needs does it have? Will the terrace serve as a passageway, or what kind of furniture do you want to place on it? Do you need empty space on the terrace for hobbies? Is the terrace intended to have a barbecue area or perhaps a hot tub?
Once the intended use is mapped out, think about where the terrace should be placed and where it best serves the residents. Do you want to enjoy morning coffee on the terrace in the sunshine, or perhaps spend evenings savoring the sunset?
What size terrace do you need? It's best to make the terrace sufficiently large from the start. A terrace that's too small soon feels impractical and doesn't serve its users well. When considering the terrace size, make sure to leave enough space around the furniture and that moving around the terrace is effortless.
Once the intended use, location, and size are clear, check local building regulations and verify if you need a separate permit to build the terrace. Also, check if you need stairs or terrace railings. A railing usually must be built when the fall height exceeds 500 mm or when there is a risk of falling or misstepping.
Plan the terrace's intended use, location, and size carefully.
Groundwork is done according to the soil.
Terrace groundwork depends on the soil beneath. The yard soil might be, for example, non-frost-susceptible sand or gravel, or perhaps frost-susceptible clay. Sandy soil usually drains water well, whereas clay does not absorb water, which is why the ground freezes. If you're unsure about the need for groundwork and the appropriate foundation method, ask a professional for help. It's worth doing the groundwork carefully, as fixing it later is always more challenging.
A non-frost-susceptible gravel or sandy base usually offers the easiest foundation for a terrace, and the foundations require minimal work. Groundwork in such soil is rarely needed; usually, removing the topsoil and leveling is enough. In this case, the terrace foundations can often be made directly on concrete slabs placed on well-leveled ground.
With non-frost-susceptible sandy soil, groundwork is easier.
Frost-susceptible clay soil requires a bit more attention and work. Such soil needs frost insulation to prevent the foundations from moving. In frost insulation, frost-susceptible soil, like clay, is dug out and replaced with gravel or crushed stone. A screw pile foundation might also suit frost-susceptible soil, in which case separate frost insulation isn't needed, as the screw pile itself is screwed below the frost line.
If it's a sloped plot, cast pillars may be needed to make the terrace straight and safe. In such cases, it's also worth considering the possible need for a railing.
Whatever the soil type, to ensure a neat finish, it is good to peel off the topsoil across the entire terrace area. The soil under the terrace should be leveled so that rainwater can drain away from any building. Place filter fabric on the peeled soil area and a good layer of water-permeable soil material such as crushed stone or gravel on top of the fabric. The fabric prevents weeds from growing under the terrace, and the crushed stone prevents rainwater from pooling.
When building on rock, you don't have to worry about ground frost or peeling off topsoil, but building a level terrace requires a bit more skill from the builder. Terrace foundations can be attached directly to the rock using, for example, drilled brackets. Remember to choose stainless fasteners, as replacing fasteners later is a laborious task. If the rock is flat, the frame can also be made on adjustable terrace feet.
Don't skimp on foundations
The groundwork and foundations of the terrace should be done carefully. A properly and carefully executed foundation ensures a long-lasting and safe terrace.
There are several ways to implement terrace foundations, and as we discussed earlier, the soil quality significantly affects the foundations. In this blog post, we present three foundation methods suitable for terraces:
1. Lightweight foundation on top of slabs
A simple lightweight foundation works well for frost-free gravel or sand bases. Start by peeling off any topsoil and leveling the ground. Place the filter fabric in position and spread a good layer of crushed stone on top.
After this, measure the spots for the concrete slabs and place them in position. Measure the slabs to the same height using a laser or spirit level. The larger the slabs you choose, the better.
Once the slabs are in place, you can start on the terrace frame. It is good to place a piece of roofing felt between the frame board and the slab to prevent any moisture from rising into the frame boards.
For non-frost-prone ground, a lightweight foundation using concrete slabs is sufficient. Measure the slabs to the same height using, for example, a spirit level and a piece of wood.
2. Block Foundation
The block foundation is made from pillar blocks. If the ground is frost-prone, make frost insulation by digging a hole about 60-80 cm deep and approximately 50 cm in diameter. The hole should reach below the frost line. Fill the hole with gravel and carefully level the surface. If you wish, you can place a piece of filter fabric at the bottom so that the soil does not mix with the gravel.
Even if you don't do frost insulation, it's worth peeling off the top layer of soil and placing a filter fabric underneath, along with crushed stone or gravel. Place a concrete slab on the gravel surface, and on top of the slab, the required number of pillar blocks. The center of the blocks is filled with ready-mixed concrete, and pieces cut from rebar are embedded into the fresh mix.
3. Screw Pile Foundation
Screw piles are a convenient way to implement the foundation and work well for both sandy and frost-prone soils, provided the soil is not too rocky.
Screw piles are installed into the ground below the frost line by turning clockwise. A lever such as a crowbar is recommended. Attach the chosen fastener for the frame boards to the end of the screw pile.
Remember to ensure the bearing capacity of the pile before installation. It is also important to check that there are no sewer or electrical lines at the installation site before screwing the pile into the ground.
There are many different foundation options for terraces. Study the different options carefully and consult a professional if needed when choosing the right foundation method.
A sturdy terrace frame can withstand even larger Midsummer dances
A sturdy terrace lasts and is comfortable to use. A sagging terrace is not pleasant to walk or work on, and repairing it later is laborious. A sturdy, stable terrace is comfortable for hosting even larger Midsummer dances.
The recommended joist spacing for composite decking is 400 mm.
The terrace frame is built from main beams and joists. Frame boards are available in different sizes, and the size depends on the terrace's size, desired height, and chosen decking. Naturally, a larger frame board is sturdier. The strongest material can be chosen for the main beams of the frame, and slightly smaller frame boards for the joists, but the frame can also be made with frame boards of the same size.
The joist spacing of the frame usually varies between 400-700 mm. The correct joist spacing is determined by the decking material and its dimensions. For example, a traditional 28 mm thick pressure-treated wood terrace board generally requires a joist spacing of 600 mm. Similarly, composite decking needs a denser joist spacing, and the recommended joist spacing for composite terraces is 400 mm.
The frame construction begins with the outer ring boards, i.e., the main beams. Place the outer ring beams in position and screw them together. We recommend using only stainless or acid-resistant steel screws and fasteners in the frame. Remember to check the terrace's diagonal measurement. Measure the positions of the joists and screw the joist hangers onto the main beams of the outer ring. Place the joists into the joist hangers and screw them in. The terrace frame is ready! Next, we move on to the decking.
High-quality decking lasts and looks good
There are many high-quality material options for terrace decking. When choosing decking material, consider your own needs and requirements, as well as your budget. Also think about how much time and effort you are willing to spend on terrace maintenance or finishing.
More traditional durable wood boards are more affordable options and, when properly maintained, withstand weather conditions well. An AB-class decking board is a stylish and durable pressure-treated decking board suitable for all terrace applications. A good alternative to pressure-treated wood is the domestically produced spruce Pauha decking board. The domestic product is completely non-toxic and a safe choice. If you want a completely maintenance-free, very durable, and long-lasting terrace, wood composite is the best choice.
Kompostiittilauta Ulkokalla is a stylish, timeless, and completely maintenance-free decking board.
It is important to know the size of the terrace before purchasing decking boards. The neatest result is achieved when the board is the full length of the terrace. This makes the work progress smoothly and easily, as no joints need to be made on the terrace. Decking boards fortunately available in many different sizes, so you can choose the option that best suits your terrace.
Before you start installing the decking boards, double-check the frame's diagonal measurement. If the diagonal measurement is correct, decking installation can begin. It is best to start installing the decking boards from the front edge of the terrace. Leave about a 5 mm gap between the boards; a good measuring tool for this is, for example, a carpenter's pencil. If the board is damp, use a smaller gap, as the wood will shrink when drying. Screw the boards in with stainless steel deck screws, which withstand weather changes well. To ensure a neat finish, make sure the screws are aligned with each other.
Composite boards installation uses hidden fasteners that go between each board. Multiple fasteners are placed between the boards, making it easy to keep the spacing even. Make sure to install the board all the way to the base of the fastener. It is also helpful to use a measuring tool at regular intervals to check that the board line does not shift.
Composite boards are fastened with hidden fasteners placed between the boards.
A finished deck is a joy to the eye
Finish the deck with a suitable treatment. Pressure-treated timber loses its color over time due to sunlight and moisture. With proper maintenance, the product stays good and beautiful for a long time. Pressure-treated deck boards can be treated, for example, with tinted or untinted wood oil, wood preservative, or paint intended for outdoor use. Pauha deck boards are pre-treated with gray-toned, water-based Teknoshield 4015-00 wood oil. For the best durability, the treatment should be renewed annually. Even during installation, the cut ends of the deck boards should be treated with protective wood oil. Wood composite deck boards are maintenance-free and require no treatment. Cleaning with water or brushing is sufficient.
Building your dream deck can begin
Now that you know everything you need to build a successful deck, it's time to get started! Remember, building a deck is fun and rewarding. A quality deck significantly improves the comfort of living at home and increases the property's value. So don't hesitate to get started and build your dream summer oasis. Good luck and success with your deck construction!
A quality deck significantly improves the comfort of living at home.
Deck construction in a nutshell:
- Plan the deck and its location carefully
- Do the necessary groundwork for the deck area
- Make the foundations for the deck
- Build the deck frame
- Install the deck boards
- Finish the deck
- Dispose of waste pieces according to the material
Check out the composite deck installation instructions in the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ1JD0D3uQI
