The terrace can be the perfect space for summer aperitifs and dinners with friends, the ideal place for Sunday morning breakfast, reading a book, or sunbathing. The terrace is a very special part of the house, a place with great potential that is not always adequately utilized. Renovating a terrace is the perfect opportunity to reinterpret this space, adapting it to best suit our needs. Indeed, terrace renovation concerns both aesthetics and functionality. Let’s explore together how to best renovate a terrace.
Renovating the Terrace: where to Start?
The terrace consists of various components that have both functional and aesthetic characteristics. Before starting to renovate a terrace, it’s important to consider the condition of these elements:
- The parapet: this is a fundamental part of the balcony that decisively determines its appearance. Is a low wall, balustrade, or railing better?
- The flooring: what condition is it in? Does it need to be changed? If so, which materials and colors should be chosen?
- The insulation: the terrace, like other parts of the house, needs insulation. Thermal insulation is used only in special cases, but waterproof insulation of the terrace is mandatory.
- The lighting: how to make the best use of natural light and how to place lamps and lanterns to use this space even when the sun goes down?
- The water and electricity connections: when a terrace is of significant size, it is essential to provide connections for utilities.
Let’s look in more detail at how to intervene and what things should never be forgotten when renovating a terrace.
1. Plan the use of your terrace from the start
A terrace can be used in various ways. Much depends on its size and exposure to sunlight. A small terrace can be transformed into a small island of relaxation, perhaps set up as a place to eat meals or read a book. If it’s larger, it can become a perfect place to arrange loungers, poufs, and small sofas, or to hang a hammock. If you have a lot of space, you could also consider installing a terrace pool, specifically designed not to burden the structure.
2. Make the most of natural lighting
To enjoy an outdoor space, it is essential to carefully evaluate how to make the best use of sunlight. At certain times of the day, the sun could be the most precious ally, while at other times it could be very annoying. It is therefore important to study the terrace’s sun exposure, also considering the purchase of curtains and umbrellas. Obviously, the orientation of the balcony can already tell us a lot about its strengths and the issues of this space:
- A terrace facing North will be very cold in winter, but perfect for seeking relief on the hottest summer nights;
- A terrace facing South will generally be warm and enjoy a lot of light at noon;
- A terrace facing East will enjoy good lighting during the morning hours;
- A terrace facing West will be a well-lit place during the afternoon, the perfect setting for aperitifs and dinners at sunset.
3. Plan artificial lighting
Once the sun has set? The terrace is a perfect place to be enjoyed at night. Plan the lighting so that this space can be used even in the dark hours. Make sure it’s possible to adjust the degree of brightness in the space. During a dinner, for example, it’s important to be able to see the food on the table. However, after dinner, it’s nice to opt for soft lighting, perhaps using lanterns and candles.
4. Choose the flooring very carefully
Choosing the flooring for an outdoor space is not simple; several factors need to be considered. The choice of materials is something that requires a lot of attention. In addition to aesthetics, technical aspects such as weather resistance must also be evaluated. You need to choose waterproof flooring that is also non-slip. At the same time, it is necessary to choose a material that also resists temperature changes and UV rays. There are many options that adapt to every need. Porcelain stoneware is an excellent solution for outdoor spaces. There are also various types of wood treated in increasingly effective ways to ensure not only warmth, elegance, and sophistication but also good resistance. And if you love the Mediterranean style, why not opt for multicolored Mediterranean tiles?
5. Preserve your privacy
Often, the terrace is a place very exposed to the view of neighbors and strangers. Not infrequently, this can create some discomfort. Overcoming this problem is very simple. Equip yourself with curtains and space dividers to create a barrier between your terrace and the outside. Use climbing plants. This way, you can enjoy your space sheltered from prying eyes, opting for suggestive and highly effective solutions.
Would you like to know more? Contact us now and within 48 hours we will carry out a free, no-obligation inspection of the terrace to be renovated.
