Hello dear forum,
we are currently planning our garden. Now the question is whether to have a step leading onto the terrace or to have it almost level with the floor.
We have a concrete slab that is about 15 cm (6 inches) lower than the indoor floor level.
If we decide to have a step, we would place a prefabricated step in front of the terrace door and lay the paving slabs on a layer of crushed stone on the concrete slab.
If we want the terrace to be level with the floor, we would first need to put a layer of gravel on the concrete slab, then crushed stone, and then the paving slabs.
Our gut feeling is that a step might be useful because of rain and snow. However, everyone says that it’s not a problem and that a step is not necessary. If we use gravel to raise the level, we would have to fix the outer terrace slabs in concrete and could only lay the inner slabs on crushed stone to keep everything stable.
What do you think about this topic?
What would you do, and what should we definitely consider?
We would be very grateful for your opinions and tips, as we unfortunately have no experience.
Best regards,
Ivonne
we are currently planning our garden. Now the question is whether to have a step leading onto the terrace or to have it almost level with the floor.
We have a concrete slab that is about 15 cm (6 inches) lower than the indoor floor level.
If we decide to have a step, we would place a prefabricated step in front of the terrace door and lay the paving slabs on a layer of crushed stone on the concrete slab.
If we want the terrace to be level with the floor, we would first need to put a layer of gravel on the concrete slab, then crushed stone, and then the paving slabs.
Our gut feeling is that a step might be useful because of rain and snow. However, everyone says that it’s not a problem and that a step is not necessary. If we use gravel to raise the level, we would have to fix the outer terrace slabs in concrete and could only lay the inner slabs on crushed stone to keep everything stable.
What do you think about this topic?
What would you do, and what should we definitely consider?
We would be very grateful for your opinions and tips, as we unfortunately have no experience.
Best regards,
Ivonne
N
nordanney20 May 2021 14:48neutri80 schrieb:
Is that necessary to do there as well? If there is no step, then yes. Even a standard patio door is nearly flush with the floor.
Try searching for “drainage channel patio door.” There is also a corresponding DIN standard for that.
To "fill" up to the concrete slab, use so-called single-grain concrete. On top of that, gravel, and then the terrace slabs. In front of the doors, as mentioned, install a drainage channel. It does not necessarily have to be connected to the drainage system. It has slots and therefore directs the water into the gravel layer below.
If the exit is not flush with the ground level, it might even work without a channel.
P.S.: I really like the Kann Fiori. We have it as well. But it’s a matter of personal taste.
If the exit is not flush with the ground level, it might even work without a channel.
P.S.: I really like the Kann Fiori. We have it as well. But it’s a matter of personal taste.
N
Nice-Nofret21 May 2021 08:47Definitely without a step! I always find those to be a major tripping hazard, especially when you’re carrying a tray...
Schimi179121 May 2021 09:01At the main exits to the terrace, we also made sure to have a flush threshold. After all, these are usually used more often for going in and out than the front door. And they always have no step 🙂
Ok, so you all pretty much agree that we should build without a step. That settles it... you’ve convinced us. I’m used to having a step at home myself, so we gave it some thought, especially considering rain and snow. The issue with the front door is also a good point.
Is concrete better than using gravel under the crushed stone?
I’ve already seen many people build their terrace without a drain channel. One person said they have a slope on the terrace. But you would still strongly recommend a drain channel, right?
And the outer slabs should be set in concrete so they hold despite the raised base layer (or the leveling with special concrete as suggested). I’ve read that there is a permeable concrete, which should probably be used for the outer slabs, right?
Thanks again for all the helpful replies!
I know this doesn’t really fit the title of my post, but maybe someone here happens to have a Weishaupt Biblock heat pump. Since we’re currently working on the garden, it’s part of our topic at the moment. The heat pump discharges so much water that we had severe problems in winter, and we still need to fix this. We followed Weishaupt’s instructions and placed a large pit filled with coarse gravel under the pump for drainage. But it doesn’t help.
Is concrete better than using gravel under the crushed stone?
I’ve already seen many people build their terrace without a drain channel. One person said they have a slope on the terrace. But you would still strongly recommend a drain channel, right?
And the outer slabs should be set in concrete so they hold despite the raised base layer (or the leveling with special concrete as suggested). I’ve read that there is a permeable concrete, which should probably be used for the outer slabs, right?
Thanks again for all the helpful replies!
I know this doesn’t really fit the title of my post, but maybe someone here happens to have a Weishaupt Biblock heat pump. Since we’re currently working on the garden, it’s part of our topic at the moment. The heat pump discharges so much water that we had severe problems in winter, and we still need to fix this. We followed Weishaupt’s instructions and placed a large pit filled with coarse gravel under the pump for drainage. But it doesn’t help.
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