The 8 biggest mistakes in terrace construction and how to avoid them

Building a tropical hardwood deck can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your outdoor space. However, there are numerous mistakes that can occur during planning and implementation that can significantly affect the lifespan and aesthetics of your deck. Here are the biggest mistakes you should avoid to get the most out of your decking.

1. inadequate planning and selection of wood

Mistakes: A common cause of problems is inadequate planning and the wrong choice of wood. Not every type of wood is suitable for every environment.

Solution: Make sure that the wood meets the specific requirements of your location. Tropical hardwoods such as teak, cumaru, Garapa and Jatoba are ideal for outdoor use due to their durability and natural resistance to pests and fungi.

2. no constructive wood protection

Mistake: Structural wood protection is often neglected. If the wood is constantly exposed to moisture, damage can quickly occur.

Solution: A terrace should never be permanently exposed to moisture. This means: good drainage to allow rainwater to run off, sufficient ventilation under the structure and avoiding moisture pockets by installing wood directly on wood will extend the life of the decking. With decking pads, pedestals, clips or spacer profiles avoid direct contact surfaces between wooden components and with other materials such as concrete or earth. Ventilation profiles improve the air flow and drying of the substructure.

3. faulty substructure

Mistake: An inadequate substructure can cause the decking to become unstable and warp.

Solution: Use a sturdy subframe made of hardwoodthat corresponds to the decking’s durability class or is at most one class below it. Ensure that the subframe is well-ventilated and rests on solid foundations (subframe on deck pads, pedestal supports, or exposed aggregate concrete slabs). Ensure the correct spacing between the subframe rows (maximum 50 cm center-to-center; for Cumaru decking boards, maximum 45 cm)​​​​.

4. insufficient joint widths

Mistake: Wood is always expanding and contracting. Joints between planks that are too narrow can cause the planks to grow together and, in the worst case, push each other up.

Solution: When laying the planks, always leave enough space for the wood to swell and shrink. Work with spacers when building the terrace. The width of the joints should always depend on the width of the boards. 145mm wide hardwood planks should be built with 8mm joint spacing, 120mm wide hardwood planks with 6mm.

5. faulty fastening

Fault: Improper fastening can lead to screw breakage, deformation and loose planks.

Solution: Use stainless steel screws whenever possible stainless steel screws and pre-drill the holes. Screw them in slowly and carefully to protect the decking material from unnecessary stress. Make sure the screws are placed at a sufficient distance from the edges and ends of the boards to prevent cracking​​​​. As a rule, two screws or two clips are needed per fastening point. Each board should be fastened at the beginning and end at least every 50 cm—every 40 cm for Cumaru decking boards.

6. lack of care and maintenance

Mistakes: A hardwood deck requires regular maintenance to maintain its beauty and longevity.

Solution: Thoroughly remove dirt and deposits from the patio at least once a year with a patio cleaner. Otherwise, the biofilm will make the decking slippery over time and shorten the life of the boards. To slow down graying and counteract the formation of cracks, the decking should be treated regularly with decking oil should be oiled regularly. Cut edges should be treated with end edge wax to prevent edge cracking.

7. insufficient information in advance

Mistakes: Many problems arise because people are not sufficiently informed about the natural properties and care requirements of wood before building.

Solution: Make sure you receive and understand all the important information about the type of wood, the necessary protective measures and the correct care. This will help to avoid mistakes.
In our decking guide and in our online guide summarize many tips and hints. Other recommended sources of information are the brochures from the German Timber Trade Association and the Wood Research Austria.

8. lack of consideration of sustainability

Mistake: Not using sustainable sources of wood contributes to deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats and jeopardizes the ecological balance.

Solution: Only use wood from sustainable forestry. Our tropical hardwoods come from responsibly managed forests that meet strict environmental and social standards. The principle of conservation through use not only ensures the long-term preservation of forests, but also supports local economies and communities. By purchasing sustainably certified wood, you actively contribute to the preservation of the rainforest and ensure that future generations can also benefit from these valuable resources.

Conclusion

Building a terrace made of sustainable tropical wood requires careful planning, the right choice of materials and professional workmanship. By paying attention to the above points, you can ensure that your decking is not only beautiful, but also durable and functional. Invest in quality, sustainability and pay attention to the details – your patio will thank you with many years of enjoyment.