Many city dwellers dream of having a green corner. We explain how to design a terrace garden.

The Best Way To Design And Furnish A Terrace Garden

A roof garden or terrace offers a much more intimate retreat in the city center than a balcony. For homeowners, it is often an addition to the garden as it offers a nice view. A terrace in the upper part of the house will not only significantly improve the property but also your quality of life. All you need to do is figure out how to make the most of this area. You should always make sure to check in advance if your project is restricted by any building regulations or by the structure of your roof. Keep in mind that creating a roof garden sometimes puts a very high load on the roof. That is why you should check to what extent the structural conditions allow planting and whether the substructure can support the additional weight.

Landscaping Ideas On Terraces And Roofs

With a little effort and imagination, you can transform your terrace into a fully equipped living space. Depending on the space available and the load capacity of the building, you can divide it into different zones so that you can enjoy it throughout the year.

Cover Your Garden On The Terrace

If your garden is exposed to strong sunlight, you will need to add a suitable cover. This will provide valuable shade and you will be able to stay in it even in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest. At the same time, it is an ideal refuge from which you can watch the summer storms. With the right cover, your furniture, decorations, plants, and play areas will always stay dry and clean.

Depending on taste and needs, sometimes an umbrella is enough. However, it is not an ideal solution in strong winds. A fixed awning protects from the sun and light rain. On the other hand, a canopy with an aluminum frame, glass, and integrated sun protection is a robust and durable option. But even a wooden pergola with climbing plants or a waterproof fabric awning is equally valid. It is important that it is made of a type of weather-resistant wood that is not prone to rot and is not vulnerable to fungal infestations. Coniferous woods such as Douglas fir, pine, and spruce are popular and are particularly suitable materials for a rooftop pergola.

Weather Resistant Floors

The type of coating you should choose when designing the terrace is a matter of taste, price, and durability.

If you have a large terrace, you can use various coverings to divide the area into different sections depending on your needs and with options adapted to the purpose of each of the areas.

There are several materials that can be used as linings:

Wood

A wooden floor is comfortable and does not get too hot even in strong sunlight, a major advantage for those who enjoy walking barefoot. To ensure that the floor remains intact for a long time, the wood must be installed on a substructure and treated properly. Native larch and Douglas fir must be sealed, for example against blue mold and rot. If not, a special decking oil or another oil suitable for the type of wood used will protect floors from UV light and moisture.

WPC

This wood-plastic composite is a material that is typically made up of 60% wood chips and 40% plastic. Due to its composition, WPC flooring is more weather resistant and robust than pure wood. This type of flooring is also placed on a substructure to prevent water from collecting. WPC flooring is easy to clean, as dirt can be easily removed with a pressure washer.

Tile

Exterior tile is a durable, low-maintenance coating. They must be placed on a completely level surface that will not move or shift in the future, otherwise, cracks and stresses in the tiles may occur. A significant advantage of this coating is the wide range of colors and patterns available, which means that you can unleash your creativity. To avoid the risk of injury, make sure you buy non-slip tiles.

Lawn

Nature lovers can even enjoy grass in their terrace garden. It can be high-quality artificial grass, which is placed on any surface. In this case, it is important to ensure that it is permeable to water and resistant to UV rays. As an alternative, and depending on the load capacity, you can choose to create natural green areas on your roof with rolls of grass or by sowing grass seeds. Regular lawn maintenance and a substrate that mimics real garden soil are crucial if you want to create an authentic lawn. Our guide will show you how to lay grass correctly.

In Summary: Design Of A Garden On The Terrace

• A terrace or roof garden will improve your quality of life and significantly enhance the qualities of your home.
• Before designing your green space, check the load-bearing capacities of the building and find out if there are any building regulations that must be followed.
• Weather-resistant flooring is an essential component of any garden. Wood, WPC, and non-slip tiles are common alternatives. Natural green areas can also be added in certain circumstances.
• Add a screen for more privacy and a cover to protect you from wind, sun, and rain.
• Furniture and decorative objects made from weather-resistant materials are suitable for this outdoor space. Plastic and metal are easy to maintain, while wooden furniture creates a cozy atmosphere.
• We recommend that you plant a mix of hardy, winter-hardy plants and summer annuals in your terrace or roof garden. Wildlife-friendly plants are an additional food source and shelter for bees, butterflies, and insects.

You may also be interested in Rooftop gardens: ideas and how to make one