Open terrace: differences from the veranda, design examples

The terrace is usually located outside the building on the ground, but sometimes it can have an additional base. From French "terrasse" is translated as "playground", this is the most accurate definition. It is installed on special supports and always has a fence.

The terrace serves as a transition between the house and the yard. Open extensions came to our country relatively recently, but every year they are becoming more and more popular. Terraces are designed for relaxation during the warm season, therefore such sites are especially relevant in the southern regions, where it is warm almost all year round.

The lack of architectural norms regarding the number of outbuildings near the house allows you to build several structures - it all depends only on imagination. The big advantage of the terrace is its relatively low cost and uncomplicated construction process.

Many people mistakenly believe that a veranda and a terrace are one and the same. Yet one building is different from another. The only thing they have in common is that both are optional. However, there are many differences between them.

To begin with, it should be noted that the veranda is part of the entire structure, since it has one foundation with it. It can be built at the same time as the whole house or added later. Translated from Persian, "veranda" means "gallery". Indeed, you can catch a certain similarity between them: the veranda has a large area, a roof, walls and many large windows.

The main difference between the veranda and the terrace is that the veranda is glazed and can be used in the cold season.

The main problem during its construction is the foundation: due to the colossal difference in the weight of the veranda and the house, they will have different degrees of shrinkage. To solve this problem, the foundation of the veranda is laid below the foundation of the main building.

Terraces can be:

Open terraces for a townhouse are summer annexes, as they do not have a foundation. They can be with or without a canopy. Their use is limited to warm weather only. However, in the regions in the south of the country, such extensions can be operated almost all year round.

This type necessarily has a roof and main walls. Often these terraces with a balcony are equipped with a ventilation and / or heating system. Due to these factors, such an extension can be operated at any time of the year. In some cases, such terraces can even be used as living quarters, only such projects must be prepared more carefully.

This type combines all the advantages of open and closed terraces due to the fact that you can remove double-glazed windows and doors, as well as remove the roof, which will make the closed version open. Such a terrace necessarily has a foundation, which allows for a ventilation and / or heating system.

They can also differ in other characteristics. For example, the presence of a fence, an open or closed roof, several levels, the presence or absence of ventilation or heating systems, location and shape.

Modern extensions can be located not only on the ground, but even on the roof of the building. Moreover, they are installed on both flat and pitched roofs. A full-fledged platform can be installed on a flat roof, but only a small attic terrace is suitable for a pitched roof.

Before starting construction, you need to decide on the main details of the site:

For safety reasons, the presence of a parapet is required. It must be durable and reliable.

Various materials can be used to create it:

• For private houses with a classic design, wooden fences are perfect.
• Forged fences will add solidity to the house and will last for more than one year. The disadvantage of such parapets is that they are quite expensive.
• For buildings in a modern style, steel or aluminum fencing is suitable. Such a parapet will go well with polycarbonate or glass.
• For greater reliability, parapets are often made of concrete or brick. This option is suitable for brick or concrete block houses.

In any case, when installing the fence, it is imperative to comply with building codes. For example, the height of the fence must be at least one meter.

Basically, the roof terrace of the building has a canopy. It can be placed over the entire area, or make a separate area with a canopy. The simplest solution would be to choose a special roller canopy, which, if necessary, can be rolled up or unfolded. Sliding awnings are also becoming popular. Some models are made of glass or polycarbonate.

When designing a roof terrace with a jacuzzi, it must be remembered that the floor will simultaneously act as a roof. It must protect the premises from precipitation. To do this, the floor covering should be at a slight slope (according to the norms, about one to two degrees). The slope can be done to the edge of the roof, or you can make a water intake in the center and bring out the storm drain.

Basically, flat roofs are made of reinforced concrete slabs. In this case, you can make a slope using different building materials. To do this, use a concrete screed or expanded clay.

The coating itself can be made of tiles, linoleum or floorboards. The latter can only be used if the site is equipped with a canopy. For an open resting place, it would be better to use a special decking board, which can protect the floor from precipitation and sun exposure.

When choosing a tile, it is worth stopping at the rough version, since it is very easy to slip on a smooth one, which is extremely dangerous on the roof.

Mineral wool is usually used for thermal insulation of the floor (that is, the roof). It is necessary to lay the material in 2 layers, so that the seams of the lower and upper layers do not coincide. Mineral wool slabs must be stacked very tightly to each other.

You can also use expanded polystyrene. In this case, the seams must be filled with polyurethane foam or glued with adhesive tape.

Decorating with flowers will help make the terrace colorful and lively. You can decorate the resting place with potted flowers, or you can plant evergreen shrubs around. A floral border will be an excellent frame. Thuja planted in a row will help not only to decorate the landscape, but also create protection from the wind. This finish is very beautiful.

For outdoor areas, there are special garden furniture for sale. It is resistant to sun and weather.If you equip the terrace with ordinary furniture, then such furniture will not last long due to the fact that it is not intended for outdoor conditions. For those who plan to use the terrace infrequently, there is folding furniture that, if necessary, can be taken out and unfolded. For frequent gatherings in open areas, wicker furniture is ideal. This is an ideal value for money.

Beautiful tulles will help to bring lightness and airiness to the interior of the terrace. They can be made from light chiffon or heavy textiles - it all depends on the imagination. They can be tied in buns or dissolved depending on preference or mood. Also, by changing the color of the tulle, you can completely change the style of the terrace.

The traditional style is also called cottage style. This design is characterized by elegance and pedantry. Such a space will be reserved and serious. Basically, the traditional style is used in outdoor areas that are used only during the warmer months. This interior uses only warm colors and pastel shades, mahogany and cedar. Walls can be decorated with paintings and photographs, which are arranged symmetrically. Curtains should be chosen from heavy fabrics.

The modern style is based on minimalistic elements. Simplicity in furniture and decorative elements is welcomed. The main rule is that the simpler the better. It is worth abandoning the use of objects that do not carry any practical benefit. Distinctive features of this style are clear straight lines and unusual color combinations. From materials it is worth choosing metal, stone and plastic.

Pop art is great for decorating a children's play terrace, as it is characterized by unusual color combinations. Decorative items can be soft toys, bright items, lamps, mirrors, posters, paintings, graffiti, and the like. All the details in the pop art style exist separately from each other.

When creating an English-style terrace, the emphasis should be on wicker furniture and large pillows. It can be described as aristocratic, discreet and elegant. The main difference lies in the many soft and voluminous pillows on armchairs, sofas and chairs. In such an environment, you cannot do without a wicker rocking chair. A fireplace can be installed on the terrace, and the interior can be supplemented with various figurines, figurines, flowers in pots, wooden benches and tables.

Mediterranean design mainly used in small areas and is filled with shades of white and blue to visually expand a small space. For this design, you can use glass, natural wood, plastic, clay and ceramics. Also, a fireplace made in a classic style will fit well into the Mediterranean design of the room. Various patterns on furniture and decorative items will perfectly complement this terrace.

Rustic decoration is often used for outdoor areas. This design is best done from natural wood, supplemented with live plants in flowerpots. You can also use natural stone items, large dressers, handicrafts, an abundance of textiles (curtains, towels, blankets, tablecloths). The rustic style creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In order for the terrace to match the eco-style, a lot of free space is needed, but sunlight will fall. There should not be a lot of furniture and cluttered areas. In the evening, fluorescent and LED lighting will look good. Colors should be light and natural. Fresh flowers will fit well here.

Glamorous style characterizes luxury and extravagance. It should only be used on very spacious terraces. For the design of a small area, it is better to choose a different design option.Glamor is characterized by shiny metal objects, soft pillows in bright covers, a large abundance of crystal and expensive items, candles, paintings or photographs, as well as rhinestones, furs, feathers and genuine leather products.

For such an interior, you should choose expensive materials. The main thing is not to overdo it with the color scheme. To make the room look harmonious, you should decide on the main shade, and use the rest of the colors as an addition to it. You should know that this design is used only in closed terraces. The flooring is mainly chosen in dark colors.

For information on how to attach a small terrace to a country house, see the next video.