What material for my terrace? © Abrisud
The warmth of wood or the resistance of stone? It is difficult to choose the ideal material for your terrace, among the many existing solutions. Maison à part takes a look at the possibilities, the budget to be expected, their advantages and their disadvantages.
Your garden is ready for the summer, but it lacks … a terrace, to have meals in the open air, or to bask in the sun. First stage : choose the material. Real or composite wood, natural or reconstituted stone, pavers, porcelain stoneware tiles, slatted floors, concrete, or even squares of synthetic grass and slabs in recycled material, the possibilities are extremely numerous … and very different from each other!
The choice of the terrace depends mainly on the type of installation that the ground allows : on sand bed, on stilts, on studs, with or without glue, etc. But also, of course, the layout you want to create, the aesthetics sought, the intended use, the region in which your house is located, etc.
Maison à part has selected 14 modern and inspiring terraces, and provides an update on their price, advantages and disadvantages.
Natural wood for a warm terrace
A wooden slat terrace © Grad
Advantages : The warmth of natural wood is an undeniable asset for a terrace. Raw or tinted, it goes well with all architectural styles.
The inconvenients : To keep its beautiful color and qualities, wood must be treated regularly and well maintained.
The price : From € 2 per plank, but much more for quality wood and / or exotic wood.
Natural wood for a warm terrace
Composite wood slats for a sun-resistant terrace
A composite wood slat terrace © Décoplus Parquets
Advantages : A blend of recycled polyethylene and wood, composite wood is more resistant to stains, pests (termites and fungi) and fading than natural wood. They avoid splinters and require very little maintenance.
The inconvenients : Less flexible than those made of natural wood, composite boards need to be placed on perfectly flat ground.
The price : From € 10 per blade, but beware of the quality of the cheapest products, which may show splinters.
Composite wood slats for a sun-resistant terrace
Wood slats for a modular terrace
A composite slatted terrace © Leroy Merlin
Advantages : Wood or composite gratings are easy to install and can be combined like slabs or tiles.
The inconvenients : The spacing between the blades can reveal weeds … a little difficult to dislodge! The gratings also have the disadvantages of the material which constitutes them, wood or composite.
The price : From 30 € / m2.
Wood slats for a modular terrace
Reconstituted stone slabs for a frost-resistant terrace
A reconstituted stone slab terrace © Bradstone
Advantages : They come in all sizes, shapes and colors! Reconstituted stone slabs are very resistant to bad weather (frost, snow, etc.) and quite inexpensive.
The inconvenients : Patina lovers, go your way! It takes longer to form on this material. In addition, too strong solvents or a high pressure cleaner can damage the stone. Prefer cleaning with soap and water.
The price : Around 40 € / m2.
Reconstituted stone slabs for a frost-resistant terrace
A natural stone paving for an aesthetic terrace
Ismalia, a natural stone paving © Carré d’Arc
Advantages : Back to basics with limestone paving. The result is very aesthetic, with mineral inlays that make each tile unique.
The inconvenients : Maintenance should be done with care to prolong the life of the product. No more pressure washers, prefer a gentle wash. The price is also a bit high.
The price : From 50 € / m2.
A natural stone paving for an aesthetic terrace
Pavers for a rustic terrace
A sealed paving stone terrace © Girpav
Advantages : Easy to lay yourself on a bed of sand, the pavers bring a traditional touch to the terrace. It is a resistant and easy to maintain coating.
The inconvenients : Unless you opt for a sealed installation, you will have to tackle the weeds that will grow between the paving stones … and regularly add sand to fill the spaces, since it tends to settle with use.
The price : Count 9 € / m2 for the first prices.
Pavers for a rustic terrace
Gravelled slabs for an ultra-resistant terrace
Gravelled slabs treated in the factory © Nextéria – Alkern group
Advantages : Very strong and very long lasting, gravelled slabs are very resistant to bad weather, and prevent the formation of moss and fungus.
The inconvenients : Their aesthetics do not appeal to everyone! However, they exist in colors (green, red, etc.)
The price : About 25 € / m2.
Gravelled slabs for an ultra-resistant terrace
Tiles for a hacienda-style terrace
A hacienda-style tiled terrace © Litokol
Advantages : Porosity free, porcelain stoneware is easy to clean. The wide choice of colors, formats and prices allows for all fantasies. Here, we opted for a warm terracotta color ideal for a hacienda atmosphere.
The inconvenients : You must pour a concrete screed before laying your tiles. If the floor is already concreted, a leveling compound may be necessary to smooth it perfectly.
The price : From 5 € / m2.
Tiles for a hacienda-style terrace
Stone imitating wood for a water-resistant terrace
Madera blade, reconstituted stone imitating wood © Orsol
Advantages : Those of wood (ribs, beauty, colors) without the disadvantages! With this reconstituted stone imitating wood, maintenance is reduced. Ideal for swimming pool surroundings because it is water resistant.
The inconvenients : Unlike real wood, the material does not patina, and it does not conduct heat. Moreover, it is rather expensive.
The price : Around 80 € / m2.
Stone imitating wood for a water-resistant terrace
Gravel for a permeable terrace
A gravel terrace © Jardiland
Advantages : Gravel sits even on slightly uneven terrain, but it is mostly permeable, allowing water to drain naturally. It is also very accessible.
The inconvenients : The gravel is noisy, and not very pleasant underfoot! It also tends to spread all over the place, including the lawn … which is problematic when mowing. To prevent it from settling in the earth, lay a honeycomb lining before the gravel.
The price : Count € 4 per 25 kg for the first prices.
Gravel for a permeable terrace
A concrete terrace for a touch of color
A terrace modernized with concrete © Entreprise Rouvière
Advantages : It is an excellent solution to renovate an existing terrace in a few hours. Concrete also helps to erase bumps in the ground. One can also choose from a wide range of colors. Waxed, micro-concrete requires little maintenance.
The inconvenients : The gesture, a little precise, needs to be carried out by a trained professional.
The price : Ask for a quote from a professional.
A concrete terrace for a touch of color
Pressed concrete imitation wood for a sustainable terrace
A concrete terrace for a wood effect © Daniel Moquet
Advantages : Pressed concrete can take on any appearance, including wood. It is very resistant and its color is stable over time. Its temperature also remains constant.
The inconvenients : If its daily maintenance is easy, it is still necessary to use a resin filler to protect it. The price is also high.
The price : From 170 € / m2.
Pressed concrete imitation wood for a sustainable terrace
Recycled tiles for an ecological terrace
A terrace made of recycled composite material slabs © Castorama
Advantages : These tiles are made of Chylon, a recycled composite material (plastics and wood chips), which makes them extremely resistant and rot-proof.
The inconvenients : Their aesthetic, very contemporary, will not please everyone.
The price : € 4.90 per 40 x 40 cm slab.
Recycled tiles for an ecological terrace
Synthetic grass for a garden-style terrace
A synthetic turf terrace © Saint-Maclou
Advantages : No need to mow, treat or …
