The installation of a wooden terrace has always been trendy. This device changes the configuration of your space and makes it more welcoming and warm. This landscaping is also an aesthetic extension of choice, especially since you have the choice between several types of wood. If you plan to build a wooden deck, you will first need to prepare the ground. This step is essential.
Preparing the soil upstream
Any wooden terrace construction requires that you be in good standing with the administration of your municipality. Go to the Town Hall for more information. However, this step will not be necessary if the height of the terrace does not reach 60 centimeters. To be sure, you have to take the measurements from the ground level of the field. Likewise, if the surface of your terrace is to exceed 20 m², you will need to apply for a building permit.
The different steps
Once the administrative procedures have been completed, start the actual preparation. It will consist of taking into account the physical elements of the space you have available.
Chemical stripping
Chemical stripping is a step considered unnecessary by many people. Do not skip it if you have the necessary equipment or can afford it. Indeed, this process will prevent herbs and plants from growing again on the ground to be exploited for the terrace. Once the ground is bare with the glyphosate, the remaining work will be easier to carry out.
Smoothing
Before even getting to the smoothing, use ropes, and wooden sticks to delimit the perimeter. This will give you a glimpse of what that space will be like when you’re done. Then, the smoothing step will be where you flatten the ground. A difficulty will arise at this level depending on whether your soil is non-sandy or loose.
In the first case, use a vibrating plate to knock it down. Now put a rot-proof felt or geotextile. In the second case, you will need to pour a concrete slab with a thickness of between 5 and 8 centimeters.
In either case, make sure that there are no irregularities on the ground. The prepared floor must be perfectly level for your goal to be achieved. Note that the terraces must be built below the threshold of your door. The recommended height is 3 cm. Also, plan for a slight slope of one centimeter per square meter. This variation in the level of earthwork will be used to easily evacuate rainwater to your garden or a pit. The direct consequence is the absence of moisture on the floor of your patio.
Moreover, such a task requires tact, skills, know-how, and the right equipment. So, if you feel that you are not up to the task, do not hesitate to call a professional.
Laying a terrace: the supports
The last step of setting up supports is not as delicate as the previous one. Then start with the choice of support. You should not overlook this point. It is indeed at this stage that certain elements such as the barbecue or the planter will find a place. The supports which generally intervene in the installation of a terrace are the concrete screed, the pedestals, and the concrete blocks.
The concrete screed is a layer of mortar designed with cement, lime, or resin. It is used to level or flatten surfaces in the objective that they receive one or more outer layers. The pads, on the other hand, are also called foundation pads. They distribute the loads on the ground.
The wooden deck requires a good foundation. Therefore, its implementation must be your priority to guarantee sustainable use of this space in your backyard. It starts upstream with the administrative procedures, continues with several phases, and ends with the installation of supports.