Hello,
I am currently planning a terrace. We are looking for something with a wood look, but not actual wood.
The first option that comes up is of course WPC. My current plan is as follows:
WPC – Fiberon Horizon Symmetry with an aluminum substructure on adjustable pedestals. Subsurface: gravel, crushed stone, weed barrier fabric, concrete slabs, pedestals, spacer tape, WPC decking.
Estimated cost for the substructure and WPC is about 5000€ for 32m² (344 sq ft).
Through further research, I came across porcelain stoneware – 2cm (0.8 inch) thick "ceramic terrace slabs" called “Foresta.” Here, the aluminum substructure is not needed – everything else would be the same. Due to the cheaper surface material, I would expect to spend around 3000€.
However, I find very few user experiences with porcelain stoneware in gardens.
Is installation on adjustable pedestals the best method for porcelain stoneware? Or is it better on drainage concrete? Directly on crushed stone?
Regarding adjustable pedestals:
Since joints cannot be closed when laid on pedestals, does this lead to an untidy appearance? Can it be ensured that all tiles lie flat, stable, and level without wobbling?
I am currently planning a terrace. We are looking for something with a wood look, but not actual wood.
The first option that comes up is of course WPC. My current plan is as follows:
WPC – Fiberon Horizon Symmetry with an aluminum substructure on adjustable pedestals. Subsurface: gravel, crushed stone, weed barrier fabric, concrete slabs, pedestals, spacer tape, WPC decking.
Estimated cost for the substructure and WPC is about 5000€ for 32m² (344 sq ft).
Through further research, I came across porcelain stoneware – 2cm (0.8 inch) thick "ceramic terrace slabs" called “Foresta.” Here, the aluminum substructure is not needed – everything else would be the same. Due to the cheaper surface material, I would expect to spend around 3000€.
However, I find very few user experiences with porcelain stoneware in gardens.
Is installation on adjustable pedestals the best method for porcelain stoneware? Or is it better on drainage concrete? Directly on crushed stone?
Regarding adjustable pedestals:
Since joints cannot be closed when laid on pedestals, does this lead to an untidy appearance? Can it be ensured that all tiles lie flat, stable, and level without wobbling?
We have ceramic tiles that are 2cm (0.8 inches) thick and measure 90 by 45cm (35 by 18 inches).
In our case, they were laid directly on the gravel, but some tiles now sound hollow when walked on, which annoys me, although my wife doesn’t notice it at all.
One mistake we made was not using tile spacers with a cross design. You should definitely use those, which are available with only a few millimeters (inches) of height so they sit directly on the gravel. This way, you can also grout the tiles.
And please, don’t choose anthracite color tiles because they get very, very hot.
In our case, they were laid directly on the gravel, but some tiles now sound hollow when walked on, which annoys me, although my wife doesn’t notice it at all.
One mistake we made was not using tile spacers with a cross design. You should definitely use those, which are available with only a few millimeters (inches) of height so they sit directly on the gravel. This way, you can also grout the tiles.
And please, don’t choose anthracite color tiles because they get very, very hot.
Christian Glan21 Jan 2022 12:34I would only consider WPC decking if terrace slabs cannot be used due to weight restrictions. I have already seen many old WPC terraces that are over 10 years old and simply no longer look good.
@ PhilippK:
"Is installation on pedestals the best option for porcelain stoneware tiles? Or is drainage concrete better? Directly on gravel?"
Answer:
With only a 20mm (0.8 inch) tile thickness (as you mentioned), the tiles are not self-supporting. This means 20mm (0.8 inch) thick tiles cannot be laid on pedestals because they will break under load. For this purpose, slabs about 40mm (1.6 inch) thick are necessary.
You will most likely not use drainage concrete but rather a drainage screed.
This is always made with single-sized aggregate (monograde) to allow water drainage through the material structure.
The disadvantage of this non-standard subfloor is the naturally lower flexural tensile and compressive strength due to the monograde structure, which can only be compensated by significantly greater thicknesses.
Therefore, if only 20mm (0.8 inch) material thickness is available, installation in a gravel bed remains the only option!
-------------------------
Regards, KlaRa
"Is installation on pedestals the best option for porcelain stoneware tiles? Or is drainage concrete better? Directly on gravel?"
Answer:
With only a 20mm (0.8 inch) tile thickness (as you mentioned), the tiles are not self-supporting. This means 20mm (0.8 inch) thick tiles cannot be laid on pedestals because they will break under load. For this purpose, slabs about 40mm (1.6 inch) thick are necessary.
You will most likely not use drainage concrete but rather a drainage screed.
This is always made with single-sized aggregate (monograde) to allow water drainage through the material structure.
The disadvantage of this non-standard subfloor is the naturally lower flexural tensile and compressive strength due to the monograde structure, which can only be compensated by significantly greater thicknesses.
Therefore, if only 20mm (0.8 inch) material thickness is available, installation in a gravel bed remains the only option!
-------------------------
Regards, KlaRa
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