ᐅ Looking for a low-maintenance patio for a new build suitable for children
Created on: 11 Apr 2021 19:59
C
C.beckmann1986
Hello everyone,
we are hopefully moving into our new semi-detached house soon, so we can start planning the terrace. It is planned to be 6.00 x 3.20 m (20 x 10.5 ft) facing southwest.
The developer suggested KANN Fiori 40 x 40 cm (16 x 16 inches) tiles. Unfortunately, that’s not really our style, so we need to find something else.
To be honest, we feel a bit overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options and are hoping for some practical advice.
In general, we don’t mind concrete tiles. However, they should be low-maintenance or at least not very demanding and not too sensitive. I’ve often read that tiles with “factory-applied protection” are easy to clean but can scratch easily. I just imagine kids playing with sand and so on...
We also prefer larger formats. We thought about 80 x 40 cm (32 x 16 inches) tiles laid in a staggered pattern. But since the terrace isn’t really huge, I’m not sure how well such large (or even larger) tiles would look. The same applies to color. Anthracite sometimes looks really great but will probably get quite warm in a southwest-facing garden. Would a gray shade be noticeably “cooler”? I guess that depends more on the material.
Since some of you have probably faced similar situations before, I’m very curious about your recommendations.
What would you suggest regarding material, size, color, and maybe even companies?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Christian
we are hopefully moving into our new semi-detached house soon, so we can start planning the terrace. It is planned to be 6.00 x 3.20 m (20 x 10.5 ft) facing southwest.
The developer suggested KANN Fiori 40 x 40 cm (16 x 16 inches) tiles. Unfortunately, that’s not really our style, so we need to find something else.
To be honest, we feel a bit overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options and are hoping for some practical advice.
In general, we don’t mind concrete tiles. However, they should be low-maintenance or at least not very demanding and not too sensitive. I’ve often read that tiles with “factory-applied protection” are easy to clean but can scratch easily. I just imagine kids playing with sand and so on...
We also prefer larger formats. We thought about 80 x 40 cm (32 x 16 inches) tiles laid in a staggered pattern. But since the terrace isn’t really huge, I’m not sure how well such large (or even larger) tiles would look. The same applies to color. Anthracite sometimes looks really great but will probably get quite warm in a southwest-facing garden. Would a gray shade be noticeably “cooler”? I guess that depends more on the material.
Since some of you have probably faced similar situations before, I’m very curious about your recommendations.
What would you suggest regarding material, size, color, and maybe even companies?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Christian
Grease stains come off easily on porcelain stoneware. Concrete is more sensitive and harder to clean.
We have a few hundred square meters (square yards) of porcelain stoneware on the terrace and also concrete in the garden paths, etc.
Porcelain stoneware also works great with machine cleaning or a high-pressure cleaner.
Even light-colored slabs get hot when they are directly in the sun. The surface texture makes a subjective difference.
We have a few hundred square meters (square yards) of porcelain stoneware on the terrace and also concrete in the garden paths, etc.
Porcelain stoneware also works great with machine cleaning or a high-pressure cleaner.
Even light-colored slabs get hot when they are directly in the sun. The surface texture makes a subjective difference.
As a temporary solution on the terrace, we used leftover driveway pavers: KANN paving stones. After 3 years, they became very stained and unhygienic due to animal carcasses (3 cats), two children (fruit stains), and my husband (accidentally spilled fryer grease there). No amount of scrubbing or cleaning helped. Stay away from them.
Porcelain stoneware is ideal by comparison. We have 3cm (1.2 inches) thick slabs measuring 80 x 40cm (31.5 x 15.7 inches) laid on a sand bed. I’m very satisfied.
Porcelain stoneware is ideal by comparison. We have 3cm (1.2 inches) thick slabs measuring 80 x 40cm (31.5 x 15.7 inches) laid on a sand bed. I’m very satisfied.
S
Stefan2.8412 Apr 2021 09:50Is the issue with dirt really that serious? My initial thought was to use a standard KANN paving stone, the same one we’re using in the entrance area, also on the terrace. Then, if it wears out after 10 years, we could replace it. Is this Betonplus better? Or does it not make a difference?
When it comes to low maintenance and kids, WPC immediately comes to mind—barefoot decking without splinters. A 75% wood / 25% plastic blend with a closed surface. Everyone here walks barefoot, in socks, or slippers when going in and out, and the little ones slide along on their knees. It gets as warm as stone, so just provide shade in summer and you’re all set. The anti-plastic group here in the forum, those who have vinyl, laminate, or linoleum flooring indoors, will definitely have their opinions stirred up again with this.
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