The 8 biggest mistakes when building patios and how to avoid them

Building a deck out of tropical hardwood can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your outdoor space. However, there are numerous errors that can occur during planning and implementation that can significantly affect the lifespan and aesthetics of your terrace. Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid to make your patio look its best.

1. Inadequate planning and selection of wood

Error: A common cause of problems is inadequate planning and incorrect selection of wood. Not every type of wood is suitable for every environment.

Solution: Make sure the wood meets the specific needs of your location. Tropical hardwoods like Teak, Cumaru, garapa and jatoba are ideal for outdoor use because of their durability and natural resistance to pests and fungi.

2. No constructive wood protection

Error: 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 in which rainwater can flow away, sufficient ventilation of the structure and the avoidance of moisture pockets by installing wood directly on wood extend the lifespan of the terrace. With patio pads, pedestals, Clips or Distance profiles Avoid direct contact between wooden components and other materials such as concrete or earth. Ventilation profiles Improve airflow and drying of the substructure.

3. Faulty substructure

Error: An inadequate substructure can cause the terrace to become unstable and warp.

Solution: Use a stable one Hardwood substructure, which corresponds to the resistance class of the top covering, or is a maximum of one class below that of the top covering. Make sure the UK is well ventilated and rests on solid foundations (UK on patio pads, pedestals, exposed concrete slab). Make sure the rows of substructure are correctly spaced from each other (maximum 50 cm center distance).​​​​.

4. Insufficient joint widths

Error: Wood continually expands and contracts. Joints between the 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 floorboards, always leave enough space for the wood to expand and shrink. Work with us spacers when building the terrace. The width of the joints should always be chosen depending on the width of the board. 145mm wide hardwood floorboards should be built with 8mm joint spacing, 120mm wide hardwood floorboards with 6mm.

5. Incorrect fastening

Error: Improper fastening can lead to screw breakage, deformation and loose boards.

Solution: Use stainless steel if possible stainless steel screws and pre-drill the holes. Screw slowly and carefully to protect the fastening material from unnecessary stress. Make sure that the screws are placed at a sufficient distance from the edges and ends of the boards to avoid cracks. As a rule, two screws or two clips are required per screw point. Each plank should be screwed at least every 50 cm at the beginning and end.

6. Lack of care and maintenance

Error: A hardwood deck requires regular care to maintain its beauty and longevity.

Solution: Thoroughly remove dirt and debris from the patio at least once a year with a Patio cleaner. Otherwise, the biofilm will make the terrace slippery over time and shorten the lifespan of the boards. In order to slow down graying and prevent cracking, you should use it regularly decking oil be oiled. Cut edges should be included front edge wax treated to prevent edge cracks.

7. Insufficient information in advance

Error: Many problems arise because there is insufficient information about the natural properties and care requirements of wood before construction begins.

Solution: Make sure you receive and understand all important information about the type of wood, the necessary protective measures and proper care. This helps to avoid errors​​.
In our terrace guide and in our online Guides Many tips and hints are summarized. Other recommended sources of information are the brochures from German wood trade association and the Wood Research Austria.

8. Lack of consideration of sustainability

Error: Avoiding sustainable sources of wood contributes to deforestation and destruction of natural habitats and endangers 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 protection through use not only ensures the long-term conservation of forests, but also supports local economies and communities. By purchasing sustainably certified wood, you are actively contributing to the preservation of the rainforest and ensuring 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 execution. By paying attention to the above points, you can ensure that your patio is not only beautiful but also durable and functional. Invest in quality, sustainability and pay attention to the details - your terrace will thank you for many years of enjoyment.