Contents
With vigor, spring is knocking on our patio doors. We are happy to let him in – or join outside. And where is this better than on a terrace? The warm wooden floor under your feet, you can wander the view into the garden, looking forward in the twilight on the comfortably set table in the soft light of the candles.
But before that happens, you have to invest a little sweat and work – at least if you want to build your own terrace. Even if it takes a bit of manual skill, the terrace on its own is certainly a project to dare.
Good planning and preparation is the first important point on the way to your own wooden terrace. In most cases, a certain transition from the house to the garden is predestined for a terrace anyway. If you have the choice, you can think about the direction of the preparation and influence when it has the most sun on the terrace.
In addition, the care effort is also to think, because in very shady places, the terrace is exposed to much more moisture that leaves the wood weather faster. After planning the location and size, it is time to choose the right material. Not all woods are made for outdoor use.
Choosing the right material
For a long time, tropical woods were considered to be particularly hard and resistant and were therefore often the first choice for the wooden terrace. Today there is an alternative: Thermowood. Domestic woods are treated with high heat under deprivation of oxygen – this improves their properties for outdoor use.
The wood then absorbs less water and does not tend to swell so much. In addition, it is less susceptible to fungi or insects that attack the wood. And the treatment also has an effect on the exterior: the actually light domestic woods become darker.
A solid substructure
Before the laying of the wood, a solid substructure has to be created. Depending on whether a flat base is present, the carrier can be built directly on it – or you can compensate for the surface with coarse gravel and stones.
To prevent waterlogging, a water-permeable soil is best suited. The wood for the substructure should be as stable and durable as that of the terrace, which is why you often take the same type of wood for moldings and planks. If the substructure is balanced in all directions, you can apply the boards.
For the attachment there are different methods. You can take visible screws that are drilled directly into the boards, or “invisible” flat plugs. The latter have the advantage that the wood surface is not damaged.
This not only looks good, but also prevents the wood from weathering quickly on the drilled holes. It is also important to keep a distance of between 6 and 8 mm (0.24 and 0.31 in) between the floorboards and to leave space at the sides of about half a centimeter (0.2 in) to the wall or confined space.
The right care for the wood
So the underground is ventilated – and it can form no mold. All summer long you can enjoy relaxing days in the sun. To keep it that way for many years, the right care for the wood is very important. Cleaning the wooden terrace at the beginning of spring, after a few dry days is recommended.
Dirt, leaves, moss and verdigris are best removed with water and a scrubber. Who wants to give the wood a proper cure spoils it with a special oil – with this you should wait but one or two days after cleaning, so that the wood can only dry.
The oil is primarily for the care, but it also delays the graying of the wood. However, this can not be completely avoided with any wood: it usually takes only two to three months before the wood is covered with the silver-gray patina. But many also want exactly this effect of the slightly weathered, duller appearance of the wood.
Create a decorative and cozy place
To make the terrace really cozy after construction, a decorative touch is needed. The style of house and garden already indicates the direction. To a rustic farmhouse with wood paneling fit particularly beautiful solid wood furniture in combination with other natural materials such as linen or decorative stones.
Plants and flowers set green and colorful accents, in addition to the equally handsome and tasty herbal bed. When you plant the bed, you should keep in mind that not all herbs tolerate direct sunlight in the long run, while others thrive especially well. At the end of the day, you will not only be happy about the new freshness for the kitchen, but also more about the little oasis created by your own efforts.
Leave a Reply