The terrace is a kind of extension of the home. It can easily become a cosy space for a morning coffee, an evening rest or a friendly meeting in the fresh air. Choosing the right flooring is a decision you'll feel with every step for years to come.
The Modern decking for the terrace is increasingly confidently imposed as an alternative to traditional tiles. He combines the warm visual effect of wood with practicality of modern materials.
In this article, we'll help you get to grips with the basics - from the choice of material and colour to installation, waterproofing and maintenance - to turn your terrace into a real leisure favourite.
Image: freepik
Traditional terrace tiles have been the standard solution in Bulgaria for decades, as they are affordable, easy to clean and well known. But they also bring specific inconveniences. Often the joints of the outer tiles are compromised with time.
The reason is the constant temperature amplitudes - in winter the joint freezes and in summer it heats up strongly. In combination with rain and moisture, this leads to its gradual deterioration - it begins to crumble and loses its density. As a result, water easily penetrates under the pavement. If the waterproofing under the tiles is not executed qualitatively, leaks often occur to adjacent rooms or apartments below.
The removal of this problem usually soon requires serious repair - Removal of existing tiles, laying of new waterproofing and re-flooring with new grouting. This is a labour-intensive process involving considerable cost and time.
Therefore, all more often alternative solutions are applied, such as: installation of slabs on adjustable feet (so-called „double floor“) without grouting or decking on a structure. These systems allow easy access to the subfloor when repairs are needed, without having to demolish the entire flooring. This greatly facilitates maintenance and reduces future costs.
Another reason to choose the comfort of the decking is the pleasant feeling when stepping on it. The cold feel of tiles or plastic flooring under bare feet does not add to the cosiness. Most plastic flooring in the form of prefabricated panels is seen to fade and warp after a few seasons. Decorative stones around the terrace are good decoration, but they cannot replace practical flooring.
Decking has a solution for these problems. Flooring made of wood or wood-polymer materials is comfortable to walk on and visually connects the interior with the exterior. With the right choice and installation, decking outperforms conventional decking in durability, comfort and appearance, lasting decades with minimal care.
The choice of material determines not only how the terrace will look, but also how much effort you will put into its maintenance. The leading decking manufacturers offer three main categories with different benefits and limitations. What they have in common is realistic wood structure and the ability to withstand outdoors.
Different high-quality materials from each category give lasting results. It's up to you to make choices based on your lifestyle and maintenance readiness. Modern flooring from these groups already cover the needs of almost any project - from a terrace to an apartment to an extensive space for relaxation and entertainment in a house, hotel or business building.
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) is a mixture of wood fibres and polymers. The material does not rot, swell or deform under temperature changes. The boards are usually double-faced - one face embossed for better grip, suitable for anti-slip flooring in outdoor areas, and one smooth face for a more modern look. Maintenance is minimal and involves only regular cleaning.
At the lower class WPC flooring, the material is often not completely homogeneous. It has larger wood particles and a higher content of polymers and other components that are not evenly integrated during extrusion.
As a result, this leads to visible surface imperfections - small dots and uneven texture, that detract from the overall look and take away from the premium feel of the product.
Furthermore, the larger wood particles are not well homogenized in the material structure. Under the influence of external factors such as rain, low temperatures and strong sun, they may start to separate over time. This leads to surface chipping, accelerated wear and compromise the strength of the board.
Additionally, the higher polymer content increases the risk of softening under temperature amplitudes, deformations over time and faster deterioration of appearance. All of this negatively affects both the aesthetics and durability of the flooring.
Solid wood flooring has a more authentic feel, but WPC outperforms it in rot resistance, moisture, colour and lower maintenance.
Solid wood, such as exotic teak and ipe or heat-treated fir and pine, brings the genuine feeling of living nature. The warmth and distinctive smell of real wood are hard to imitate.
The massive boards last for decades with regular maintenance and can be sanded and treated repeatedly. The main limitation is the annual treatment with oils or varnishes. Without it, the wood appears cracks, rotting, greying and deformation. Therefore, solid wood decking is not recommended for people looking for convenience and minimal care.
Composite decking is a technologically advanced option in which wood fibres are ground and mixed with polymers, resins and UV protection. Some dekings from composite wood are additionally protected by a special outer layer, i.e. they are sealed in a polymer shell, the so-called capped composite.
This sheath allows for additional protection and to recreate extremely beautiful wood patterns and colors. Innovative technology makes it stain, mildew and UV resistant significantly more than standard WPC.
Modern capped composite flooring retains its color for years and is a sustainable solution for people who keep to achieve maximum effect and aesthetic appearance with minimum care. The disadvantage is the higher price compared to standard WPC. For demanding projects, however, the investment pays off with long life and flawless appearance.
Image: freepik
In open terraces the load on the decking is significantly high - rain, UV radiation, freezing and thawing. High-quality WPC and capped composite are designed to last a long time in exactly these conditions. Quality and correct installation is also essential for its durability over time.
In the case of covered terraces and verandas, the decking is protected from large amounts of rain and intense sunlight, but you should still go for WPC or composite decking.
The reason is that there is a risk of rainwater ingress when the terrace or veranda is left open, which is common during the spring and summer months when we are looking for ventilation and fresh air. In this case, the water resistance of composite decking is preferable in front of interior natural coverings, which can be compromised by contact with rain. Durable composite decking in this category is in demand precisely because of its long life and low maintenance costs.
Current exterior trends in Europe indicate growing interest in long-life, low-cost materials for maintenance. This is why the share of WPC and capped composite flooring is steadily growing in the market.
The drainage system is an issue that many people do not pay attention to when planning, and it is key.
Here are the main measures to drain the water:
The decking is placed on a structure of spacers (feet) and subfloor profiles, which provides space underneath for water to drain. In this way it stays under the decking and does not settle on the flooring. The total minimum height of the decking with the spacers and the underlay profile is 4 cm.
The decking profiles are placed side by side with a joint of 5 mm, through which rainwater flows.
The base on which the decking structure is placed is necessary, to be with a drainage system, with a slope to drain the water to a siphon or to the yard.
In case the decking is installed on a terrace, it is good to waterproof its base. The construction of the decking made of spacers and backing profiles is placed on the waterproofing without disturbing it.
If you choose decking boards instead of planks, the correct slope of the terrace plays a decisive role. The slabs follow the slope of the base, and in heavy rain the larger amount of water can be retained on them. For outdoor terraces, Artefino therefore recommends a load-bearing system.
Every design of terraces with decking is built around the color solution, which should be consistent with the façade, furniture and landscaping. Dark shades, such as anthracite, dark coffee and chocolate, give a modern, minimalist character and suit light facades. Light tones - birch, teak, grey and beige - make small terraces visually more spacious.
When choosing texture you have two options: embossed surface with better grip and smooth, which also has anti-slip characteristics, but is preferred to achieve a cleaner look. Most boards are double-faced, giving flexibility of choice.
If you use decorative Yard accessories With planters, lighting or a small water feature, choose a color that fits into the overall picture. Match it with the right garden paving to create a unified feel.
Image: freepik
The installation of decking for a terrace requires good preparation. Follow these steps or contact experienced installers for assistance.
The first step is to build a supporting structure from spacers (feet) and aluminium or WPC subfloor profiles that are placed on them. The height of the spacers takes into account the thickness of the decking profiles, the height of the selected substrate profile and the threshold of the door to the terrace. It is important to maintain a distance of approximately 40-50 cm between the individual profiles of the structure in order to create a stable base and distribute the load on the decking. The structure we have built allows us to pinch the decking boards into it and leaves space underneath for rainwater to drain away.
A 5 mm joint is left between the individual decking boards, which allows the water to run off evenly without lingering on the surface.
The fastening of the decking boards to the structure is done by means of a screw clip, which is placed in the joints between the decking profiles. This way we get a hidden installation without visible fasteners. The clip system allows the boards to have the necessary freedom to their natural movement under temperature changes between winter and summer. This movement is minimal and almost imperceptible, but having this freedom is extremely important as it prevents stress in the material, deformation and compromise of the pavement over time.
The feathers of the clip enter the side longitudinal grooves of the boards and by screwing the screw to the underlying aluminium or composite profile, the decking profiles are fixed to the structure. A thin screwdriver tip is used to facilitate screwing.
WPC and capped composite decking are the leaders in ease of maintenance among all outdoor solutions.
Here are the basic steps for decking maintenance:
Clean regularly with water - leaves, dust and sand should not accumulate in the gaps between the boards, which could block the siphons or drainage holes. If you do happen to get a siphon under the decking blocked, it can very easily to dismantle several boards in the siphon section and it be cleared, then the boards be put back in place.
For stubborn stains Use the decking profile cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.
Once a year can do a more thorough cleaning with a water jet (under no circumstances use a steam jet) at low pressure.
Avoid metal brushes and abrasive preparations, because they scratch the surface.
Check the brackets (clips) and fasteners each spring.
Regular cleaning significantly extends the life of the flooring and keeps the terrace looking fresh season after season.
Quality WPC and capped composite decking is tested at temperatures ranging from -30°C to +60°C to ensure its behaviour in real conditions. The material does not crack at low temperatures, does not rot or swell with prolonged wetting and under water.
Particularly important for Bulgaria is resistance to frequent transitions between cold and thaw, characteristic of our continental climate. In areas around water, such as a jacuzzi or small pond on the terrace, it is important that the coating provides good adhesion even when the surface is wet.
Artefino offers full consultation for every terrace project - from the choice of material and series to the quantity calculation and installation logistics.
The specific prices of decking vary according to the type of material and profile, and the company's specialists can prepare a specific offer according to the dimensions and requirements of your terrace.
A decked terrace does not only mean flooring, but an increasingly popular trend is to clad the vertical surfaces as well. Terrace walls lined with decking create a good visual effect and a sense of completion.
The special terrace cover for walls and railings includes facade profiles - facade cladding or decking boards mounted horizontally or vertically. Separate walls, columns and railings can be lined with cover panels and facade profiles from Artefino, which are fully compatible with the decking as material and colours.
Plan the lighting before installation. It is much easier to run the cables along the structure before the boards are in place. Embedded LED elements turn the terrace into a cosy place, even when it's completely dark outside.
In most cases, yes, by building the decking substructure on top of the old slab.
Yes, WPC and capped composite do not rot or swell, making them a particularly good solution in shady and damp conditions.
Absolutely mandatory. Without a quality membrane under the structure you risk water penetration into the rooms under the terrace.
Yes, Artefino offers façade profiles - façade cladding for vertical cladding that are compatible with floor decking systems.
WPC only requires regular cleaning with water. Solid wood requires additional annual sanding and treatment with oil or impregnating agent to prevent cracks, rotting and greying.
