An article about timber selection and protective finishes for terrace roofs, explaining how natural wood contributes to the appearance, durability and individual design of a terrace.
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A guide to planning a wooden terrace roof around furniture, daylight, weather protection, privacy screens and concealed wiring for lighting or multimedia.
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Ideas for arranging a backyard terrace beneath a pergola, including seating, a summer kitchen, planting and a style coordinated with the house.
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Pinegard explains how concrete footings and concealed fixings support wooden pergolas and garden rooms, including coordination with existing or planned terrace surfaces.
Read moreCheck the terrace orientation, window positions and proposed roof depth. Compare light transmission through different coverings and the option of adjustable shading. Assess the effect from inside the adjoining room as well as from the garden.
Measure the terrace and mark doors, windows and circulation routes. Decide whether the structure will connect to the building or be freestanding. Fixings, supports and drainage need to suit the particular location.
Start with furniture and circulation rather than facade width alone. Mark door openings, pulled-out chairs and the route to the garden. A terrace for a table and sofa needs a different layout from a small area for two armchairs.
Compare sunlight, views and the use of the adjoining room. A roof changes outdoor shelter but may also affect daylight at the windows. Consider whether you need to cover the whole terrace or just the dining or seating area.
Plan board direction, posts and furniture together so that supports do not block circulation. Define the edges of covered and open areas. Shared materials or colours can unify the composition but do not replace coordination of the structure and drainage.
Alongside colour, consider texture, laying direction and edge details. Ask about the chosen material's maintenance requirements and view a sample in daylight. Photographs taken at different times can make the same shade appear quite different.
It can be a reference, but doors, ground levels and available space need to shape the new layout. Identify whether you want to repeat the proportions, material, steps or roof. This helps retain the desired effect without copying dimensions that do not suit the site.