Garden terraces

Garden terrace are more than just one element of garden landscaping. They are a way of redefining the whole space, and making it take on many new and attractive functions. If your garden is currently little more than a patch of grass, it’s high time to do something about it. Make use of this space by building a terrace and your garden will start to come to life.

Extras

Furnace

The garden fireplace will give your outdoor gathering a unique atmosphere. The portable element can be positioned freely, according to the needs of the moment. If the terrace is wooden or located next to the house, it is better to opt for a gas fireplace for safety reasons. This will also prevent smoke from entering the house and soiling the façade. A fireplace with an interesting design will also be an original decoration. Some wood-burning stoves can be used in a summer patio kitchen.

Terrace heaters

Heaters are an accessory increasingly appreciated by garden and terrace owners. Spending time on the terrace on cold autumn or spring days is not only possible thanks to them, but also just as pleasant as in summer. The heat emitted by the heater provides great comfort during colder temperatures, but also creates a pleasant atmosphere in the evenings. Gas heaters are the most popular, but electric or wood-fired versions are also found.

Curtains

With curtains, we can easily turn a regular terrace into an intimate space for relaxation. Properly selected, they look stylish and can completely change the character of an interior such as a terrace. Very popular are white, delicate curtains, which give a cosy atmosphere, do not overwhelm, and the semi-transparent fabric does not restrict the view, maintaining the impression of spaciousness.

Curtains can have a shading or view-shielding function. It is then worth opting for thicker, opaque materials, obviously intended for the outdoors. The fabric should be waterproof, with increased resistance to dirt. Even so, it will be necessary to clean the curtains several times a season, and remove them in the off-season.

Carpet

If the terrace is to extend the home’s living room, then it cannot lack a carpet. This addition helps to clearly delineate the spaces on the terrace. A rug underneath a sofa will accentuate the seating area and make it more pleasant to relax, especially if the terrace surface is made of tiles or paving stones. A small rug next to the door leading from the terrace into the house will prevent dirt from getting on your shoes.

Outdoor carpet should be made of polypropylene – a weather-resistant plastic. This material dries quickly and does not mould, and is resistant to dirt, mechanical damage and UV rays. Ideally, it should have a cord structure, without hair, which makes it easier to keep clean. On roofed terraces we can also use natural, ecological jute carpets, made of plant fibres. The straw texture has a unique charm that will go well with boho and rustic styles.

Terrace plants

We go out on the terrace out of a need to commune with nature, which is why most want plants close to the place where they spend a lot of time, relax and meet with friends. Plants are also a great decorative element. We can introduce them into our space in several ways:

Pots and flower pots

• The choice of pots is so large that it is easy to find the right one for every terrace.
• If properly fitted, they will add atmosphere and emphasise style.
• The designer forms will be a decoration in themselves.
• The pots can be free-standing or built into the terrace, which is a very modern solution.
• Larger, decorative plants, e.g. bonsai trees, Palm Maples, will do well in pots built into the terrace.
• Flowerbeds will allow you to create a multi-level plant arrangement and will work well in small spaces.
• The pots allow for easy rearrangement – you can change their spacing and repot plants.
• Seasonal and edible plants can be introduced to the terrace.

Flower beds adjacent to the terrace

• Planting in the ground is easier to care for. The soil retains moisture longer than in pots, and the plants can grow freely, without the need for frequent transplanting to larger containers. Plants in the ground are fertilized less often than their counterparts in pots. It is easier to connect automatic irrigation than in pots whose arrangement we plan to change.
• You can use taller plantings as a screen from the view or sun, e.g. a row of tall Chinese Miscanthus.
• The space of the terrace is not reduced.

Pergola or trellis with climbing plant

• Climbing plants are a great way to shield yourself from the sun, rain, wind and provide privacy.
• They are often an alternative to roofing.
• Their introduction requires a structure along which to guide them – a pergola, a trellis, a wall trellis.
• They do not take up much space.
• They can be planted next to the terrace, in a flower bed or in a patio pot.
• They look very impressive.

On the terrace or nearby, it is worth introducing plants that repel mosquitoes, flies and other annoying insects. Remember, however, that flowering species will attract pollinators such as bees, wasps, butterflies. If someone in the household is allergic to these insects, it is better to replace flowering perennials with herbs that attract pollinators less. Here are some examples of them:

• Lavender – repels mosquitoes and moths, attracts pollinating insects.
• Peppermint – repels all insects.
• Faassen’s catnip – repels mosquitoes, attracts pollinating insects and cats.
• Garden sagebrush – repels mosquitoes.
• Pelargonium sp. – repels mosquitoes, flies, midges.
• Marigold sp. – repels mosquitoes, ants, aphids.
• Basil sp. – repels mosquitoes.
• Rosemary sp. – repels mosquitoes, ticks, moths.
• Thyme sp. – repels mosquitoes, flies, attracts pollinating insects.
• Lemon balm sp. – repels mosquitoes.
• Plectranthus coleusowate (so-called mosquito) – repels mosquitoes.
• Catalpa bignoniowa – repels mosquitoes.
• Fennel – repels mosquitoes.
• Geranium root – repels mosquitoes, snails.

Terrace lighting

The primary function of terrace lighting, is to enable use after dark, and to improve safety. Lighting also has a major impact on the overall appearance of the space. If chosen properly, it will emphasise the style and create an atmospheric ambience. There are several lighting options to choose from:

Ceiling and wall lamps

• A functional and effective form of lighting.
• It will work well on terraces with a canopy and adjacent to the building.
• The luminaires often offer the possibility of directing the light beam, which makes it possible to illuminate exactly the area we need.

Standing lamps

• The right choice will emphasise the style of the terrace.
• Lamps with attractive forms are decorative.
• We can choose a high lamp to place on the floor or a low lamp for a table or shelf, for example.
• Electric, battery, rechargeable or solar variants are available.
• They give a lot of freedom to deploy and move to other locations.

Light garlands

• They will work well on roofed terraces where cords can be hung up.
• They will create a cosy atmosphere.
• They are usually affordable.

Ground lighting

• Spotlights built into the terrace or LED tape can be used.
• LED tape can be used to highlight the edges of a terrace, built-in pot or bench.
• The LED tape is flexible and can be adjusted in length to fit even the most unusual shape.

Terrace roofing

A terrace roofing significantly increases the usability of the terrace. It protects against rain and shades the resting area. In addition, it protects your furniture, accessories and paving from the elements, so that they deteriorate much more slowly.

A canopy structure is easier to install if the terrace is adjacent to the house, but it can restrict light from entering the building. We do not need to roof the entire terrace so as not to cut off access to the sun, or use a temporary, mobile canopy.

Garden umbrella

• The element is fully mobile, so it is easy to change its location.
• During high winds, it must be folded.
• In the off-season, it is best stored in a dry place.
• Some models have an adjustable tilt angle.
• The cheapest option for roofing a terrace.
• Protects against light rain.

Garden sail

• A major advantage of the sails is that they can be mounted on an existing pergola or wooden structure.
• Sails can be fixed or unfurled.
• Fixed sails come in a variety of shapes – narrow bands, square, rectangular, triangular.
• The ability to unroll and retract the fabric allows the canopy to be adapted to the prevailing weather situation.
• Protects against light rain.

Awning

• The terrace awning is a very convenient and functional solution for roofing a terrace.
• Extends to any length.
• The attachment to the building wall makes it stable and secure.
• To install it, the terrace must be adjacent to the building.
• It can be damaged in high winds, so it is better to roll it up for that time.
• Protects against light rain.

Pergola

• It can have a sheltered roof and side walls.
• The canopy of the pergola can be fixed, polycarbonate, plexiglass, sails or climbing plants can be used.
• It can be metal or wooden.
• The structure is durable, resistant to adverse weather conditions.
• It even protects against heavy rain.

House roof extension

• This type of roofing is consistent with the style of the house.
• You need to plan the extension over the terrace already during the construction of the house.
• It will shade the living room or any other room with access to the terrace.
• The structure is very durable and stable.
• It even protects against heavy rain.