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
i_b_n_a_n13 Apr 2021 13:33
... and then not only can you no longer carry them, but moving the laid slabs becomes impossible. Using a crowbar to move them won't work because the edges will break. Adjusting the height afterward: impossible. Once such a slab is laid, it stays in place. The installation itself (my daughter did this on her terrace) was only possible there with a mini excavator plus a suction device. The stones were even significantly heavier (100cm x 100cm x 8cm (40in x 40in x 3in) concrete slabs with "SuperduperSealing").
B
bortel
13 Apr 2021 14:24
One more reason to use a 2cm (0.8 inch) porcelain stoneware tile, which we installed with two suction cups at 100x100cm (39x39 inches). ;-)
(
((andreas))
20 Apr 2021 14:48
Does anyone have experience with Cedral fiber cement boards for terraces?
I just received samples by mail, and they feel good. Installation is probably straightforward as well. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find any information on the price yet.
If anyone has them: How easy are they to maintain? How hot do they get in the sun?
S
Strahleman
20 Apr 2021 19:53
Somehow, it feels like nobody uses natural stone (e.g., travertine) as terrace slabs. At the tile/stone center, they really tried to steer us away from natural stone and promote ceramic instead. Their argument was that natural stone is more prone to staining and ceramic is more durable. Is there really that much wrong with natural stone?! We are planning to use it but are a bit confused that it’s hardly ever seen.
P
pagoni2020
20 Apr 2021 20:45
Okay, maybe tiles and similar materials are more resistant or whatever. Still, in my opinion, you shouldn’t let yourself be unnecessarily unsettled and should ask your seller to explain the necessary care measures so you can enjoy the beautiful stone.

Of course, for every topic there is also a matching horror scenario, including barbecue sauce, ketchup, spilled grease, and much more.

From that perspective, the best solution would be to cover the terrace with gravel only 😀 and have everything inside the house made of materials that are easy to wipe clean.

I have also seen several terraces like this. We used to have our bathroom done with this stone, and I really like it, also because it is definitely not a short-lived trend like many things you read and see nowadays.
Hangman20 Apr 2021 20:55
@C.beckmann1986 If this is still relevant, take a look at KANN Andalusia. We have it in 80x40cm (32x16 inches), anthracite. I think they look good and are easy to maintain. It was standard for us, so it can’t be too expensive ;-)