The terrace is the star of the summer! As soon as the fine weather arrives, you appreciate taking advantage of this open space on your exterior which forms a link with your home. Whether it is intended to accommodate your meals and barbecues as a couple, with family or friends, your evening aperitifs and afternoon coffee or tea breaks, or whether it is a space dedicated to relaxation and relaxation or to watch your children play in the swimming pool, the terrace is the heart of the garden during the summer months. However, it is not always easy to know how to equip your floor. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of all possible materials in order to make the right choice.
Wood: a noble and warm material
Wood is a noble, warm and generous material. However, there is wood and wood! In fact, not all are equal. For a terrace, it is recommended to opt for a quality, solid, weather-resistant species that is not likely to produce splinters that can injure you. So avoid the first prices and turn to solid woods or exotic woods.
The advantages of wood
- It is a natural and ecological material.
- Warm by nature, it gives your terrace a very pleasant cozy and cocooning effect.
- Its popular aesthetic blends very well with all styles of architecture and blends perfectly into the garden.
- The wood can be raw, stained, varnished or painted to change the mood.
The disadvantages of wood
- Wood requires regular maintenance and adequate treatment to retain its shine.
- It is imperative to protect the wood against pests (fungi, mold, moss, etc.).
- Wood tarnishes and grays naturally. If you don’t like this coloring, you will have to repaint it every two to three years.
Composite: the effect of wood without its disadvantages
The composite is a mixture of wood and recycled polyethylene. It resists weather and pests better than wood and retains its color much longer. In addition, no splinters can hurt you.
The advantages of composite
- The composite imitates wood very well, but without its drawbacks. It does not suffer the effects of bad weather and parasites. In addition, its color is preserved and fades little.
- Smooth and flat, the composite does not form splinters, provided you avoid the first prices, of poor quality.
- Its maintenance is very limited and easy.
The disadvantages of composite
- Its blades are not very flexible and must be placed on very flat ground.
- Although it is reminiscent of wood, it does not have its natural warmth or feel.
Porcelain stoneware: a solid and aesthetic terrace
Porcelain stoneware imitates natural stone very well and is much more resistant to time, weather and wear. All atmospheres and aesthetics are possible with a tiled terrace.
The advantages of porcelain stoneware
- A wide choice of colours, materials and atmospheres is available for an original terrace.
- The tiling does not require any particular maintenance.
- Unalterable, it resists the vagaries of the weather and repeated passages without losing its luster or its color.
- His price is really interesting.
The disadvantages of porcelain stoneware
- Some appreciate its colder appearance less than stone. If he imitates it well, he remains too regular and straight to create an illusion.
Concrete: a sustainable terrace
Concrete is a durable and very resistant material. Long shunned for its cold aesthetics, it is now available in a wide range of colors and shades. Concrete works well with all styles of homes, including older, rustic ones.
The benefits of concrete
- Concrete can take on all colors and imitate other materials to suit all tastes.
- Solid, it is durable and resistant.
- It does not require any special maintenance.
The disadvantages of concrete
- Concrete can feel cold because it lacks the natural warmth and authenticity of stone or wood.
- For many, it evokes construction material and not a finished product.
- Its installation requires the services of a professional.
Natural stone: a unique aesthetic
Natural stone is very aesthetic and lines your terrace with grace, splendor and refinement. Each slab is unique and creates an original and unparalleled terrace. On the other hand, the stone can be fragile, which is why it must be taken care of!
The advantages of natural stone
- Aesthetic, natural stone can take on several shades.
- Each tile is unique. Your terrace will look like no other.
The disadvantages of natural stone
- Fragile, natural stone must be maintained gently with a water-based wash and black soap. Forget any detergent product and do not use a high-pressure cleaner.
- Watch out for stains, because some stones absorb grease!
- Natural stone is very expensive and requires a substantial budget.
Reconstituted stone: a practical imitation
Reconstituted stone can imitate all natural materials and take on a wide range of colors, reliefs and sizes. Less expensive than the natural version, it is also more resistant and easier to maintain.
The advantages of reconstituted stone
- A vast choice is possible with reconstituted stone. The choice of size, shape, color and relief is very wide.
- It is resistant to bad weather and especially to the vagaries of winter such as snow and frost.
- Its price is attractive.
The disadvantages of cast stone
- The patina effect of natural stone takes much longer to form on reconstituted stone.
- More fragile, it requires simple cleaning with water and black soap. Avoid any high-pressure cleaner.
Recycled tiles: the ecological terrace
Recycled tiles are made of Chylon, which is a composite material made of recycled plastic and wood chips. Perfect for responding to green trends, it is also rot-proof and extremely resistant.
The benefits of recycled tiles
- Very resistant, they are resistant to bad weather, UV and the passage of time.
- Their aesthetic is original and very contemporary.
- Their cost is attractive, for an excellent quality/price ratio.
- They require little maintenance.
The disadvantages of recycled tiles
- Their modern appearance may displease and is not suitable for all architectures.
Synthetic grass: an extension of the garden
Pleasant to the touch and aesthetic, synthetic turf requires no maintenance and stays green all year round! It is an original and increasingly popular way to cover your terrace. In addition, its softness is appreciated by the little ones, because falls are generally well cushioned.
The advantages of synthetic grass
- Synthetic grass extends your garden without maintenance! No mowing, no treatment and no watering to have a beautiful lawn in all seasons.
- The rain does not accumulate there and does not stain.
- Several colors are available for lovers of originality.
The disadvantages of synthetic grass
- You have to pay the price for a thick, resistant synthetic turf that does not flatten over time.
- Difficult to maintain, it does not allow easy removal of food stains.
- The frost makes it slippery.