Raised terrace
If you are looking to build a new terrace or renovate an old one, a raised terrace is an excellent option. Raising your terrace allows you to create a difference in level that is both aesthetic and functional between your terrace and the rest of your garden. Find out everything you need to know about installing and pricing a raised terrace in this article, as well as examples to give you some inspiration.
Why choose a raised terrace?
A raised terrace not only serves as a beautiful addition to your garden, but it is also very practical. For example, it serves as an extension of your outdoor living space if you have it installed as an extension of the interior floor.
How to install a raised terrace?
OPTION 1: Raise your terrace with a retaining wall
A retaining wall (usually made of reinforced concrete) serves as a boundary for the raised terrace. The exact height of this retaining wall depends on your situation and preferences. After building the retaining wall, the specialist fills the space between the wall and your house with filler sand, concrete or gravel. Finally, he lays the desired covering: wood or composite, concrete, paving stones, natural stone, ceramic tiles, etc.
OPTION 2: terrace on stilts
A terrace on stilts allows you to compensate for a height difference between your garden and your interior floor. Using a few wooden posts and cross beams, the specialist will build a solid wooden supporting structure on which he can lay the terrace boards or slabs. Since you have enough space under the terrace, ventilation is not a problem
OPTION 3: Enhance your patio with gravel or edging
If you only want to raise your deck a little, a professional can use edging or gravel to outline the deck. The method used is the same as that used to build a retaining wall, but with less materials. This creates a minimalist deck with the same functionality as other types of raised decks.
If you want to raise your terrace, it is recommended to call on a specialist to obtain an optimal result in the long term. An experienced specialist will take into account the following elements:
Good drainage : with a correct slope, you will not have to deal with puddles of water on your terrace. If necessary, the specialist will also install drain pipes to ensure effective drainage.
Threshold height of adjacent doors : it is important that there is no noticeable difference in height between the raised terrace and the adjacent interior room. The specialist will ensure that the height of your terrace is perfectly adapted to that of the interior floor.
Not all contractors offer the same options in terms of materials, finishes, etc. for your raised deck. For example, some specialists will use certain types of wood, but others will not. This is why it is recommended to compare offers from several specialists active in your area.
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There are several options for creating a raised terrace with a retaining wall. Concrete is traditionally the most used material, but garden owners are increasingly opting for wood and other alternatives to beautify their garden. In the example above, the raised terrace with a retaining wall is completed with a staircase and light tiles that match the rustic look of the house
If your deck is too high to climb easily, you can consider adding a slope or stairs. Since a gradually rising slope takes up a lot of space, most people opt for stairs to access their raised deck. This also allows you to be creative. The staircase above, for example, combines concrete pavers with wood edging.
A terrace on stilts not only has several functional advantages, but also aesthetic ones. The posts leave space under your terrace and make it appear as if it is floating in the garden. Such a raised terrace also allows you to experiment. If you have a lot of trees in your garden, for example, you can integrate the terrace near them.