Terrace Decking, should I use it, and why?

The origins of a terrace decking

Did you know that the word terrace comes from the Latin word for “earth”, meaning a structure that is built or raised up from the earth?

The word patio has also been used to describe a terrace, both are similar but a terrace and a patio are not the same.

The distinguishing factor between the two is that a terrace is ground-level, but it is raised from the ground around it such as being built at the edge of a hill or cliff.

The word terrace gives more description as to the physical surroundings of the outdoor structure whereas a patio is on flat level ground.

Over the years, terraces have undergone significant transformations, with the term becoming synonymous with any type of structure that links the outdoors with the space within.

Today, terraces and their decking’s are often found in gardens, particularly in sloped or hilly terrain, as well as on rooftops and in place of ordinary patios.

Teckwood’s composite wood terrace decking’s in particular, has become popular as they create a beautiful, natural bridge to the outdoors.

Like any structure, though, wood terrace decking’s do have several considerations affecting their construction.

Terrace decking accessibility

Terraces can often differ from regular decking or patios with their placement. They may be on the roof of a building or short distance away from the house within a garden.

They might also be built into the side of a hill!

So, the first consideration when building any type of terrace decking is its accessibility. Unless your terrace decking is being built right outside your backdoor, consider how people will reach the area.

Will stairs have to be built to the roof?

Will you use a composite wood decking walkway of the same material to create a path to the garden or up the slope?

Will you use a different material to create a unique design, such as river stones or pavers that can surround the composite wood terrace decking to give it additional style?

Make sure that you have the right drainage

Any terrace and its decking needs to have good drainage. Rooftop terraces, which have walls built around them, can find themselves becoming basins, which collect rainwater over time.

Hillside terraces and some garden terraces will also need water drained or channelled away from the area to avoid things like erosion, which could shift the earth away from beneath the structure, causing it to become unstable.

Because composite wooden terraces are often built slightly raised up from the ground, any erosion may not be easily apparent until the footings of the terrace begin to loosen.

Therefore, proper drainage needs to be installed beneath the structure to help ensure that no erosion takes place and that rooftop terrace designs do not become waterlogged.

In some instances, the final size and shape of your terrace decking will be dictated by the area you install it on. For example, rooftop terraces often take the entirety of the roof.

Hillside terraces may have more room for unique designs, with multiple levels being built into the hill as it moves upward.

Terraces surrounding pools will need to be large enough to accommodate the water area, as well as leaving enough room to manoeuvre around it.

In addition to the amount of space that you have, consider how you will use the terrace to determine its final size.

For example, if you plan on using the terrace decking for entertaining, you will want to include enough space for furnishings, a grill, or possibly a bar.

Decking’s meant for enjoying a garden may be smaller, butting right up against the plants you wish to admire.

A terrace decking used in place of a patio may need to be large enough to accommodate a patio-style table or lounge chairs, while a terrace surrounding a pool may work best if there is enough room for sunbathing.

Creating an individual composite terrace decking

One of the nicest things about using wood plastic composite decking to create your terrace decking, as opposed to creating a patio or using other materials, is the fact that you can build things right into the design that can enhance its use.

For example, the same wood plastic composite decking you use to create the terrace decking can also be used to build seating or benches right into the perimeter of the design.

You can also build storage into the terrace decking, stairs or steps, walkways, wet bars, or tables.

Using the same composite decking material throughout gives you a sense of continuity through the design and helps you use the entire space more effectively.

Why use composite decking to create a terrace

It makes sense to use a Teckwood composite decking board to make the most of your terraced area as they do not splinter and are resistant to moisture and rotting, so you can enjoy the terrace for longer without issue.

Teckwood’s composite decking systems require no additional maintenance such as staining or treating and it is barefoot friendly and offers excellent ant slip values.

You need to keep the maintenance down

A terrace decking needs to handle the elements, since as it is often fully exposed to the sun and rain due to its location.

Teckwood’s composite decking only needs a periodic clean with a soft bristle brush and soapy water.

For those difficult to move stains a pressure washer may be required.

Use only stainless steel concealed fixings

You may have walked on timber terrace decking and seen a few screws and nails sticking out of the boards creating a trip hazard.

The best way to avoid this when laying a terrace decking is to use Teckwood’s stainless steel concealed fixing system using this method creates a smooth looking screw free terrace decking surface.

You do not even have to use any specialist tools!

Make sure your terrace decking is anti slip

Thanks to our anti-slip and barefoot friendly products you will be able to enjoy your terrace decking without any of the worries of traditional wooden decking.

With natural timber decking boards, the surface often becomes waterlogged and algae forms, making the decking very unsafe.

These issues can be easily overcome by using Teckwood’s terrace decking systems which have excellent slip-resistance values whatever the UK weather.

The low water absorption rate of our composite terrace decking and the added mould inhibitors in our unique composition have the added benefit of discouraging the growth of mould and mildew, making the boards easy to keep in great condition and ensuring you feel confident when walking on the terrace even in the wet.

Use fade resistant colours

Once you have discovered the right colour you want it to stay that way throughout the years.

You do not want keep reapplying that colour over and over again using a paint or stain. For some this may not be a big problem but it is something worth avoiding if at all possible.

Utilising Teckwood’s fade resistant terrace decking provides reassurance that repeated summers of sunshine won’t damage and effect the look and finish of the boards.

This is because we finely balance the material composition of our boards with just the right level of UV inhibitors.

They outperform timber alternatives when it comes to fade resistance ensuring your colour will stay true for years to come.

Teckwood’s range of composite terrace decking boards has been designed to enhance any outdoor space.

The touch and feel of timber has been combined with the durability of composites to create terrace decking boards which are the perfect low maintenance option for any terrace decking project.

You do not need to compromise on appearance, durability or safety. Build a better terrace decking with help from the design team at Teckwood.

Call 0800 799 9082 or email on info@teckwood.co.uk