A Terrace for Your Country House

A terrace and a veranda are very similar, so they are often confused. A veranda and a terrace, however, are not the same thing. Unlike a veranda, a terrace is more often open (or partially open), sits on a base separate from the house (with or without a foundation), and has a railing (sometimes none at all). A terrace may abut a house, adjoin it, or even stand apart from it. Sometimes terraces are built on several levels. First and foremost, it is a place for summer relaxation, whereas a veranda is essentially an extension of the house. That is why outfitting a terrace deserves careful thought, because it suffers more from sunlight, precipitation, and wind. And in winter, the materials it is built and finished with can be damaged by frost. Below is a discussion of which materials and furniture make sense to choose and how to protect them from sun, cold, and moisture.

THE EXTERIOR

Since a terrace often adjoins the house, its appearance should match the architecture and style of the house as closely as possible. That is, a wood terrace suits a wooden building better, and a brick one suits a brick building. A terrace is often built using the materials left over from the construction of the house. In that case, its shape can be rectangular or irregular, or even semicircular. The main thing is that the overall appearance of the terrace and the house create a sense of harmony.

Terrace with a pergola clad with white board — With the right colors and textures, a wood terrace can match a brick house perfectly. Here the terrace takes the form of a pergola on a high base, with platforms and railings.

If the topography of the site allows, the terrace can be built without supports. In any other case, you will need to raise it. This does not spoil the terrace, however — on the contrary, a raised terrace with stairs looks cozier and more original.

CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

A terrace is not classified as a permanent structure, so there is no need to register it in official documents. And it is entirely realistic to do the calculations yourself. Much more important is choosing the right materials, including for the finish.
If your terrace will stand apart from the house, it can do without a permanent foundation — it is considered a temporary structure. In this case, it is enough to follow the simplest rules (for example, do not place a terrace over utilities).
If you have chosen to build a timber frame, a sand-and-lime "cushion" 10 cm thick is used as a base, on top of which concrete blocks, log piers, or concrete supports are laid.
To save materials, the roof is best made single-pitched. If there is no need to save money, you can use any shape, but with a minimum slope of 7 degrees. The roof is often made of cellular polycarbonate, and a small standalone terrace can even be covered with a light fabric canopy. But if the structure is built to last for years, it is better to use high-quality, durable roofing materials.

As for choosing between an open or a partially enclosed terrace, it all depends on the climatic conditions of the region, the presence or absence of cold strong winds, harsh sun, and so on.

RAILINGS

Open terraces have their advantages: they are bright, they are not stuffy, and you can take in the surroundings. But there are also drawbacks: mosquitoes, gnats, and flies, moisture in the rain, and dust. Modern railing materials make it possible not only to keep all the advantages of open terraces but also to do away with their drawbacks. First of all, note that railings fall into two types:

Open and more decorative;
Closed and functional.

Even though open railings are considered more decorative, they also serve a protective function: when a terrace stands on a base more than half a meter high, there is a risk of injury from falling off it. The same applies to terraces on the edge of slopes. So even an open railing must be sturdy. However, if the terrace is very small (less than 4 square meters), there is simply no room for a railing — it would eat into the already small area.

A patio with an openwork railing — A small terrace does not need massive railings. The more elegant and delicate they are, the better.

The choice of railing material depends mainly on the type of terrace. A stone or brick railing will not suit a structure without a permanent foundation. The most common option for open railings is solid wood. Metal, stone, brick, wood-polymer composite (WPC), and PVC products are also used.

For railings made of natural wood, almost any species is suitable except maple, which is deformed by water and sunlight. The material must be treated with antiseptic and varnish. Special decking paints for wood are sold — they offer good protection from adverse factors.
WPC is a more practical material. It is made of polymer fibers mixed with wood flour. Wood-polymer composite is hard to tell apart from wood in appearance, yet it requires no painting and lasts for many years. WPC does not absorb moisture, does not rot, and is very durable.
Steel railings can be made from profile or round tubing, or forged. It is best if they are stainless steel or chrome-plated metal. Metal railings often have glass sheets set into them for looks and added protection.
PVC railings are the most inexpensive and low-maintenance, and very attractive products are available. Such railings can be bought ready-made, or you can assemble them yourself. It is better to reinforce the railing with metal rods.
Brick and stone are not used for wooden terraces — the load is too great. For permanent structures, however, it is an acceptable option.

WPC railings are more practical than wood railings. But they cannot fully imitate it.

The height of the railing depends on the height of the base. The higher it is, the higher the railing should be (at least 1.2 m, based on an average human height of 1.7 meters).

Closed railings can mean sliding double-glazed panels, mosquito screens, or ordinary glass windows. The main thing is not to block the sunlight and not to strip the terrace of its purpose. In fact, you can make this structure universal, that is, suitable for year-round use, but then you will have to think about a heating system and insulating the walls, floor, and roof.

Sliding glass panel railings will not protect against sunlight, but they handle wind, dust, moisture, and cold quite well.

TERRACE ON THE FIRST FLOOR

If the design of a two-story house includes a balcony, it can well be replaced with a cozy terrace. In that case, it can serve several functions at once: a dining room, a recreation area, or even a summer living room. To be able to use the terrace in winter, you can glaze it and insulate it properly.

A terrace on the second floor can be one of the following design types:

A structure on supports, attached to the wall of the cottage. Beneath it is an open space (or another terrace).
A terrace located above the living rooms, with its floor serving as the ceiling of the rooms below.

Both types can be built at the same time as the house or attached to an existing one.

A cantilevered terrace rests on beams and supports made of wood or metal. The supports must be reinforced with a concrete foundation.

An open terrace on the second floor serves as a roof for the terrace below. It rests on sturdy posts made of wood and is fitted with an external staircase. A terrace over the rooms of the house should be well waterproofed, especially if it is the open type.

It is recommended to protect a terrace above the rooms of the house from wind, rain, and cold.

FLOOR COVERINGS

Because of the nature of terraces, the coverings face strict requirements for frost resistance, moisture resistance, resistance to damage, and so on. Aesthetic qualities are not in last place either. The style of the covering must harmonize with the material the terrace is built from. The most common flooring materials for terraces can be called the following:

Natural wood. Both exotic and common species are used. It is important that the boards be thoroughly impregnated with antiseptics. Keep in mind that wood, especially varnished wood, becomes slippery in the rain. For that reason, leave small gaps between the boards or install a special drainage system.

No other material can replace natural wood. But it requires special care.

Porcelain stoneware is very strong, but it has a number of serious drawbacks. On top of that, it is cold (not everyone likes to walk on a cold floor even in summer), and in winter and rain it is very slippery. So if you choose porcelain tile, give preference to rough, matte tiles.
Decking, or WPC, is the material we mentioned earlier. For flooring it is also excellent — it does not deform, repels moisture, and can withstand temperatures from 80 to -45 degrees. WPC resembles natural wood, but it cannot be called a perfect match for wood in appearance or feel. That is perhaps its only drawback.

WPC board is practical and simple, but still not quite wood.

Ceramic tile (which can include the porcelain stoneware mentioned above), including clinker, is laid on terraces over a screed quite often. For this purpose, use only frost-resistant types with a textured surface, without glaze, and with an abrasion rating of IV or V. To keep water from pooling on the floor, the tiles are laid at a slight slope and the joints are carefully sealed, and in winter rubber mats are placed on top so the surface is not slippery.

A textured surface, no gloss, and resistance to temperature swings are the main requirements for using tile on a terrace floor.

Concrete (paving) tiles (and stamped concrete) are also quite common as floor finishes. However, they are quite heavy, so they require a reinforced base. In addition, concrete gets very hot in direct sun.
Rubber coverings come in rolls or as tiles. They are used on sports fields and poolside areas, as well as for flooring. These materials have many advantages: hygiene, resistance to heat and frost, fire resistance, and a pleasant feel.

Rubber flooring is safe against injury and needs no special care.

TEXTILES AND FURNITURE

Furniture and decor on a terrace also come with special requirements. It is best to use washable surfaces and low-maintenance pieces that are durable and resistant to temperature swings. Covered terraces are easier to furnish — they are protected from wind, moisture, heat, and extreme cold. So it is quite realistic to put wicker furniture, solid wood furniture, and even upholstered furniture on them. For an open terrace, the choice is harder. Beforehand, you need to decide whether the furniture will be stationary or movable, "disposable" or built to last for years. And, of course, your budget is decisive.

Wooden furniture today comes both as single pieces and as complete terrace sets. Its durability depends not only on the type of wood but also on the quality of the finish. The most expensive and most durable is teak.

Elegant wicker furniture looks great on a terrace, but after the summer season it is better to move it into a warm room for storage.

Plastic furniture suits many country-house owners for its low maintenance, light weight, and affordable price. But truly durable, high-quality plastic still cannot come cheap. It is, however, very easy to care for.

Synthetic rattan with soft cushions is an ideal solution for practical buyers.

Metal furniture pieces can combine a metal base with plastic, wood, and glass. The main thing is that all metal elements be coated with special anti-rust compounds.

Metal can be combined with glass, textiles, and any other materials.

As for the curtains that open patios are often fitted with, "outdoor" fabrics are commonly used. They are treated with special solutions to repel moisture and dirt, do not fade in the sun, and last a very long time. There are synthetic blackout curtains that protect from sunlight.

Blackout curtains (or just dark curtains) are great for protection from the sun and prying eyes.

In addition, curtains made of natural fabrics are hung on terraces: cotton, linen, and silk. They pair perfectly with the texture of wood, if the terrace is made of wood, and lend a special charm and comfort. Sheer voile curtains are fitting if the terrace is not on the sunny side. Light tent fabrics with a density of 180-230 g/m2 are very popular. The type of curtains can be anything: on hooks, grommets, with tiebacks, lift-up, roller, panel, and so on. The color depends on the style of the terrace and the need for protection from sunlight.

Sheer vertical roller blinds are a good option for a terrace.

Of course, curtains on a terrace are not an essential element at all, but they change its atmosphere to something homey, warm, and cozy in a surprising way. Curtains protect furniture from dust, fading, and even rain. Their choice depends entirely on the taste of the homeowner. It is best to have several sets of curtains.

There are a great many ideas for building and furnishing a terrace. Choose the perfect one for yourself.