What are the cost factors involved in terrace construction?
Building a terrace in your garden can provide a great opportunity for outdoor leisure and entertainment. However, in addition to the cost of materials like floorboards and screws, and the possible rental of machinery, there are also hidden costs associated with such a project.
The major cost factors that affect terrace construction are:
- The size and shape of the terrace
- The type of decking materials used
- The materials required for the substructure
Other factors that can impact the overall cost of your terrace project include:
- Fees for professional services
- The cost of tools and equipment
To better understand and estimate the total financial investment required for your terrace construction project, consider the following tips. These tips can also help you identify ways to save money during the project:
- Do thorough research on the cost of materials and professional services.
- Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and services.
- Consider using recycled or repurposed materials to lower costs.
- Plan your project during the off-season, when prices may be lower.
- Do as much of the work as you can yourself, if possible.
1. Opt for a simple, linear terrace shape
The shape and size of your terrace will greatly impact the overall cost of the project. A larger area will require more materials and labor, while a smaller area will be more cost-effective. There are many design options for the shape of your terrace, including curved, semi-circular, and triangular shapes that can be customized to fit your property, orientation, and personal preferences.
However, it's important to note that straight, linear terrace shapes are typically easier and less expensive to construct than more complex designs. The only exception is if you opt for a gravel or grit terrace, as these do not require an expensive substructure and can be piled up without the need for specialized patterns, making them a more affordable option.
2. Reuse existing elements
Taking inventory of the existing conditions on your property is a crucial step in minimizing unnecessary expenses for your terrace project. You may be able to reuse the substructure of an existing patio or terrace, which can help reduce labor, material, and overall costs.
For instance, if you have an existing wooden terrace, it may make sense to simply replace the floorboards and address any damage, such as moisture on the substructure, rather than starting from scratch. It's important to carefully consider your personal preferences and the existing building conditions during the planning phase in order to make the most cost-effective decisions for your project.
3. Calculate the durability of the terrace covering.
The cost of the terrace per square meter depends on the material chosen for the covering and the construction of the substructure. Using high-quality building materials and a stable foundation can improve the overall durability of the project, making the higher investment worthwhile in the long run.
The best way to select the right covering and foundation is by considering your own requirements. If you want to set up a new seating area quickly and cheaply to relax on a deck chair or have a small barbecue, then a covering made of larch or Douglas fir wood would be ideal. However, if you want a more durable and robust wooden terrace, consider using boards made of WPC or hardwoods such as bamboo and bangkirai.
On the other hand, for a representative seating area where larger barbecues or parties with friends are frequently planned, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to build a terrace using high-quality, bonded fine stoneware. A wooden terrace may not be suitable for this type of usage since it doesn't withstand moisture well. Therefore, it's advisable to plan ahead and factor in your future plans and use when calculating the cost of your terrace.
4. Accurately calculate the quantities of materials.
Once you have marked out the dimensions of your planned terrace, it's important to calculate the necessary materials required for the substructure and covering accurately. Additionally, you may need to factor in special mortar for grouting tiles, paving stones, stone, or concrete slabs. When calculating the quantities, it's crucial to consider the wastage of building materials.
The more precisely you measure the quantities, the easier it will be to avoid excess materials and reduce costs. For consumables like screws or dowels, it's also advisable to adjust the packaging sizes or quantities to the calculated requirements. The OBI garden planner can help you in calculating the necessary quantity.
Two people are seeking advice on how to plan their terrace accurately.
5. Borrow or Rent Tools and Machinery.
To avoid delays in implementing your terrace project, it's important to have the necessary tools and machinery available for each work step. If you don't have tools like a drill or vibrating plate in your workshop, you can consider borrowing them from relatives, friends, or neighbors.
If additional equipment is required, renting may be a viable option for terrace construction. You can create a cost-benefit analysis based on the purchase price, period of use, and other possible uses for future projects. If needed, OBI offers rental services for machines and tools.
Two people are discussing options for acquiring the necessary tools and machinery for their terrace project.
6. Plan Delivery and Storage.
Including the building environment of your new terrace in the planning process at an early stage can help reduce money, time, and effort. For example, it's worth designating specific areas for the delivery and storage of building materials and clearly marking them for suppliers. Adequate space should be available for processing the materials.
Having easy access to the construction site can also save time during delivery and removal. If heavy stones or chippings for the substructure need to travel long distances to the construction site, it can cause delays in the overall process and increase the costs of your terrace, especially if professionals are involved in the construction process.
Two people are discussing the importance of planning delivery and storage for their terrace project.
7. Assess Your Own Abilities.
To ensure that the construction of your new terrace is successful without incurring additional costs, it's important to realistically assess your own manual skills. Before starting construction, it's advisable to educate yourself about all the necessary steps and associated requirements. This way, you can better plan which sections of the project might require the help of friends, family members, or professionals.
Mistakes or improperly executed work during the construction process can have serious consequences and lead to high costs. It's therefore not advisable to skimp on helpers and specialists. MachbarMacher*, for example, offers support with implementation and can be booked for individual work steps within your project.
Two people are discussing the importance of assessing their own abilities before beginning their terrace construction project.
8. Reuse Excavated Earth.
Excess building materials, such as soil from excavating the terrace area or leftover wood, can be temporarily stored and used for other construction projects in the garden. In addition to your wooden terrace, you could use them to create paths, walls, or a pond later on. This not only saves the costs of removal, disposal, and repurchasing, but also reduces waste and benefits the environment. It's also advisable to keep small items, such as screws, as you'll likely need them for smaller jobs.
Two people are discussing the benefits of reusing excess building materials in their garden after completing their terrace construction project.