What material to choose for a terrace?
What material should be chosen to create a terrace that is not only beautiful but also durable? The aesthetic effect is certainly important, but the choice of material in terms of its resistance to weather conditions is equally crucial. When deciding on the most optimal material for us, we should consider both summer and winter weather. The state of the terrace is influenced not only by UV rays, sun, rain, and insects, but also by snow, ice, and low temperatures. These extremely different weather conditions require our material to be functional enough to meet various requirements. Fortunately, there are products available that not only enhance the decorative effect of the terrace but also guarantee its durability and excellent condition for years.
An ideal alternative to tiles?
When thinking about what material to choose for a terrace, there is no need to limit ourselves to traditional tiles. Although this is a very popular and relatively inexpensive solution, it is not without flaws and imperfections. The advantage of tiles is certainly their resistance to weather conditions, but the problem lies in their adhesion and proper substrate insulation. Improperly insulating the concrete base is enough for frozen ground to weaken the adhesive's effectiveness, or incorrectly filling the grout can cause water to seep under the tiles, leading to cracks under the influence of low temperatures. There are several potential threats, each of which often necessitates the replacement of the entire terrace covering. Knowing what we might face, it is better to opt for proven alternatives, such as deck boards. It is worth remembering that a wooden or composite terrace can be laid directly on the ground, on concrete, or on concrete pillars.
Elegant classic in the form of wood.
Concrete slabs or deck boards? The dilemma is not that great. Opting for concrete slabs, one must be aware that it is a rather cold material. Its aesthetics are modern and minimalist, but not necessarily suitable for terrace solutions. Wooden or composite boards are a much better choice, perfectly suited for everyday use, creating an extraordinary decorative effect combining classic and modern elements. Ideal for a terrace are boards made from exotic or softwood (Siberian Larch). The former boast incredible resistance to weather conditions, including water, sun, high temperatures, insects, or biological corrosion. Tropical wood species are commonly regarded as the best material for deck boards, with varieties like Teak, Ipe, Kempas, Cumaru, Bangkirai, or Massaranduba being highly valued. On the other hand, softwoods, like Siberian Larch, are often chosen for deck boards. It excels in the role of a terrace board, creating an aesthetic picture of the backyard space. However, despite its high resistance to external factors, it should be additionally protected and impregnated. In such a case, its service life will be significantly longer, and its appearance - even after years - will remain excellent!
Practical choice - composite deck board.
A trouble-free and easy-to-maintain terrace is one made of composite boards. This synthetic product is made from a mixture of wood dust and synthetic components. As a result, it is incredibly resistant to changing weather conditions, and its maintenance is very simple, involving the removal of sand, dirt, and cautious use to avoid discoloration or mechanical damage. The material itself is also prone to changing color over the years. Shades of brown and gray become less intense, affecting the aesthetic effect of the terrace. Additionally, a downside of this type of product is that it heats up quickly, making it difficult to use in very sunny areas.
Wooden deck board - a perfect material?
To combine aesthetics with functionality and natural beauty, the best choice is wooden deck boards. This is the most optimal choice because it is a naturally warm, durable, and, above all, natural material. Its maintenance and cleaning are not burdensome, ensuring a spectacular and long-lasting effect that will delight everyone. Even if the color of the board fades, it is easy to restore it using dedicated products, and if a single element of the board gets damaged, simply replace it with a new one. In summary, it is an ecological and natural material that also allows for creative projects.