This is a decking, WPC decking board. The material was created specifically for use on terraces. It consists of a wood-polymer composite, which includes shredded wood and plastic in a ratio of 80% and 20%. Decking is a great alternative to natural wood, it does not slip due to longitudinal grooves, is easy to clean, pleasant to the touch, has no knots or cracks, and looks just fine. We have already written how to make a floor from a decking with our own hands. The disadvantages of WPC decking can only be attributed to the fact that it can still be distinguished from natural wood, despite all the efforts of manufacturers.
Clinker tiles or paving stones. The clinker is essentially a burnt brick that does not absorb moisture and is not at all afraid of frost. For the terrace, it is better to choose clinker tiles with a corrugated surface, and the choice of shades is very large – from white to bright red. The pluses include durability and frost resistance, the minuses – the possibility of moisture accumulation between the tiles or on them, if the slope is not equipped.
Porcelain stoneware. Very reliable tile that is not afraid of frost. The pluses include a variety of designs, because porcelain stoneware can imitate both stone and wood, and even leather. To prevent the floor covering from slipping, it is necessary to choose unpolished porcelain stoneware with a rough surface. The disadvantages include the need to lay on a prepared concrete slab.
Ceramic tile. Care should be taken when choosing such a floor covering for a terrace. The tile must be frost-resistant, intended for outdoor work! You should also choose structured, corrugated tiles to avoid the risk of slipping. The disadvantages of ceramic tiles on the terrace include low impact resistance. However, if one tile breaks, it will be easy to replace it, you will not have to change the entire floor..
Concrete tiles. It can be of different sizes and shapes, it is usually placed on a sand-cement mortar. Concrete tiles will serve for at least 25 years, are resistant, it is quick and easy to lay a floor covering of large enough slabs. The disadvantages of this version of the floor on the terrace include the possibility of uneven subsidence if the base was created incorrectly. Also, concrete slabs can be slippery in winter..
Stamped, decorative concrete. It can imitate various materials, it is very beautiful, durable, durable, has no seams, because these are not separate tiles, but a continuous coating. But stamped concrete can be slippery and it heats up quickly in summer. In addition, it is mounted for a long time, the base is a reinforced concrete slab.
Stone slabs. Natural material with many advantages. On the terrace, you can use slabs of syenite, basalt, granite, slates. Sandstone and travertine are only suitable for covered terraces as they are not very durable. The advantages of a stone floor include aesthetics and durability. The stone can wear out over time, but it ages beautifully without losing its noble appearance. Cons – with a strong impact, stone slabs can crack, are quite expensive, there are seams that can get dirty.
And finally, natural wood. Very beautiful, noble, pleasant to walk barefoot. Of course, not all types of wood are suitable for open spaces, such as a terrace, you should choose the most resistant oak or ash. Teak, merbau, larch are also suitable. If spruce or pine is chosen, then they must necessarily undergo heat treatment. The disadvantages of natural wood on the terrace include the need to regularly treat the floor with antifungal agents. In addition, a tree under the sun can change color..