Summer is coming, and it will be time to sit outside more often. To do so, what is better than a nice decking terrace? In this category, the terrace on pedestals is an excellent alternative for all types of terrain. 

Indeed, it avoids undertaking major earthworks. The pedestals can be placed on concrete, an old tiled terrace, ground stabilised with sand or gravel or even stabilised grass. Obviously, this solution is very likely to be a cheaper one as well.

The practicality of the elevated position allows the storage of electrical networks and other equipment. In addition, a wooden terrace on pedestals offers thermal comfort that you will not have with a concrete or tiled terrace.

A few quick installation elements to keep in mind, even though you should call for professional help to take on such endeavour. 

1. Start with the installation of the geotextile;

2. Install the pedestals starting from the outside corner of the terrace, the distance between the pedestals is 40 cm;

3. Place the joists, checking the level each time;

4. Leave an expansion space between the terrace and the facade of the house;

5. Check the alignment of the ends of the joists;

6. Lay the wooden planks or tiles.

Now let’s look at common mistakes to avoid so that your terrace lasts for long!

• Mistake n°1: a perfectly flat terrace.

To allow the flow of rainwater, the terrace must have a slope of 5%. The highest point of the slope should be at the level of the front of the house.

• Mistake n°2: minimising the quality of the wood.

The terrace is subject to bad weather and temperature variations. It is therefore essential to choose quality wood that has been treated to withstand outdoor conditions. As reclaimed wood specialists, we can only recommend using Kalimantan recycled ironwood because of its unmatched strength. 

• Mistake n°3: not leaving any space for expansion.

It should be remembered that wood is a living material that deforms depending on weather conditions. It is therefore necessary to leave a space of about 5 mm between the boards to prevent them from overlapping when they expand.

• Mistake n°4: choosing the wrong location.

Consider your needs before installing the deck. Choose a location in partial shade so as not to suffer from the heat during your lunches. A south-facing installation will expose you to great heat between noon and early afternoon. It will of course also expose your wood to greater sun exposure, favouring degradation. The surface of the wood could start to break down and decay, and the wood begins to split, rot, warp, lose its rich colouring and literally fade to grey.

• Mistake n°5 not to make when creating a terrace on a pedestal: not checking the level.

It is essential to check the level each time you lay a wooden pedestal or plank to check the slope.