ᐅ Terrace Planning for an End-Row House with a Large Garden – What to Consider?
Created on: 4 Aug 2025 13:41
B
Bauherrin123
Hello everyone,
we are now moving on to the outdoor area. We have an end-terrace house with a relatively large garden but a small budget. Still, we want to build a large, beautiful terrace.
We have contacted various craftsmen, gardeners, and companies with offers ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 (or equivalent), so all kinds of quotes.
I need some ideas now:
Below is the sketch: The main point is that I definitely want two terraces: one main terrace along the house in the front, 28m² (301 sq ft), and a smaller one on the side, 12m² (129 sq ft). Now I want to connect the terraces, and I have heard different opinions on this. Some recommend offsetting the terrace stones as a pathway, etc. I have actually decided to close off the corner, meaning to expand the main terrace on the side, creating a corner terrace. Sometimes I worry that it might not look good and I’m unsure. We have a large family; I want large tables with chairs, swings, and more solid surface, but without overdoing it. Also, I don’t want to have to take care of a huge garden, so that would be practical for me. The neighbor was not allowed to build wider or bigger due to property division rules limiting the sealed area, but for Jens, that should not be a problem.
Now my question to you:
How would you plan the terrace? The bigger it is, the more expensive it will be.
What kind of slabs do you have, what material and installation method? I have quotes for 2cm (3/4 inch) slabs set in concrete or 4cm (1 1/2 inch) slabs on a gravel/sand base. I want large slabs.
I would like light-colored slabs with anthracite edging. Regarding roofing, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to build 7m (23 ft) wide and whether I can exceed the building limit line. I would like about 7 by 4m (23 by 13 ft)... but that would be 1m (3 ft) over the building limit. On the side, I have already enlarged the living space with a bay window under a special permit; I don’t know if I can add a roof there too. Now I need advice, ideas, tips—I’m a bit lost about what to consider, etc.
I’m also happy to hear about your experiences with terraces, what mistakes you made, what worked well, what you would do differently. Especially, what did your terraces cost.
Thank you
we are now moving on to the outdoor area. We have an end-terrace house with a relatively large garden but a small budget. Still, we want to build a large, beautiful terrace.
We have contacted various craftsmen, gardeners, and companies with offers ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 (or equivalent), so all kinds of quotes.
I need some ideas now:
Below is the sketch: The main point is that I definitely want two terraces: one main terrace along the house in the front, 28m² (301 sq ft), and a smaller one on the side, 12m² (129 sq ft). Now I want to connect the terraces, and I have heard different opinions on this. Some recommend offsetting the terrace stones as a pathway, etc. I have actually decided to close off the corner, meaning to expand the main terrace on the side, creating a corner terrace. Sometimes I worry that it might not look good and I’m unsure. We have a large family; I want large tables with chairs, swings, and more solid surface, but without overdoing it. Also, I don’t want to have to take care of a huge garden, so that would be practical for me. The neighbor was not allowed to build wider or bigger due to property division rules limiting the sealed area, but for Jens, that should not be a problem.
Now my question to you:
How would you plan the terrace? The bigger it is, the more expensive it will be.
What kind of slabs do you have, what material and installation method? I have quotes for 2cm (3/4 inch) slabs set in concrete or 4cm (1 1/2 inch) slabs on a gravel/sand base. I want large slabs.
I would like light-colored slabs with anthracite edging. Regarding roofing, I’m not sure if I’m allowed to build 7m (23 ft) wide and whether I can exceed the building limit line. I would like about 7 by 4m (23 by 13 ft)... but that would be 1m (3 ft) over the building limit. On the side, I have already enlarged the living space with a bay window under a special permit; I don’t know if I can add a roof there too. Now I need advice, ideas, tips—I’m a bit lost about what to consider, etc.
I’m also happy to hear about your experiences with terraces, what mistakes you made, what worked well, what you would do differently. Especially, what did your terraces cost.
Thank you
B
Bauherrin12316 Oct 2025 12:52There is some uncertainty about whether the building boundary will be removed, as it dates back to 1980 or 1985, and the plots have since been divided, causing additional issues. My neighboring plot is still undeveloped and belongs to the same owner we bought from. He is now retired but previously worked at the building authority in another federal state. He is having the land divided into three plots, not sold, because although three nice houses could be built through this division, they would extend beyond the building boundary. He told me he plans to apply for permission for this. However, this process will take some time. We also do not want to build the roofed area so soon.
I have still filed an objection. Of course, you cannot build beyond the building boundary indefinitely, but if it can be removed or if building beyond it is allowed, it should be for a reasonable depth so that it makes sense. I do not want a depth of 5 meters (16 feet), but 4 meters (13 feet), so that you can sit at the table comfortably. I can give it a try and see what comes of it.
I have still filed an objection. Of course, you cannot build beyond the building boundary indefinitely, but if it can be removed or if building beyond it is allowed, it should be for a reasonable depth so that it makes sense. I do not want a depth of 5 meters (16 feet), but 4 meters (13 feet), so that you can sit at the table comfortably. I can give it a try and see what comes of it.
B
Bauherrin12316 Oct 2025 12:57Sorry, the building boundary is not being removed but extended by a few meters. Therefore, it might be possible that I am allowed to build beyond it. Since the other houses in the Reuhe area are built further forward and to allow for a terrace plus a roof, this adjustment is necessary. There are also other issues, but it’s worth trying. I definitely have the 3m (10 feet).
A
Aloha_Lars16 Oct 2025 14:10Bauherrin123 schrieb:
I don’t want it 5 meters (16 feet) deep, but 4 meters (13 feet), so you can sit at the table. I can try it and see what comes out. I also want to win 20 million in the lottery, not 15.20 euros. For me, this whole thread is a prime example of "Me first."
Everyone should follow the rules, but because I want to sit at a big table, I don’t want to.
No understanding from my side. You knew what you were buying.
B
Bauherrin12316 Oct 2025 16:55Aloha_Lars schrieb:
I also want to win 20 million in the lottery, not just 15.20 euros. To me, this entire thread is a perfect example of "me first."
Everyone should follow the rules, but because I want to sit at the big table, I don't want to.
No understanding from me. You knew what you were buying. I submit building inquiries to find out exactly what I’m allowed to do in order to avoid illegal constructions, and I use my right to appeal in cases where there is a borderline issue that can be reconsidered, because I would prefer something different. I ask again if it would be possible; if this bothers you, then simply don’t read it here—that is my right. There are others who just build without permission and later either have to demolish their work or not, because no one checks. Maybe you prefer that approach. I have experienced many times that appeals have been successful, especially with our building authority, so I would give it a try. What’s the problem? I don’t have to say yes and amen to everything if there might be alternatives. If anyone wants to avoid that, they can simply step aside.
B
Bauherrin12317 Oct 2025 19:22Hello,
Unfortunately, I can no longer get the Villeroy & Boch tiles at a good price, so today I looked at porcelain tiles at Hornbach. To keep within budget, I chose the ones shown in the picture. 100m² (1,076 sq ft) cost 2,700 euros. Sizes are 60 x 60 x 2cm (24 x 24 x 0.8 inches) or 120 x 60cm (47 x 24 inches).
Which size would you choose? I’m bothered by the rectangular ones because I’m not sure how to lay them—should I turn them around at the corner? Along the front of the house, I would lay them lengthwise, but I would also like to use them for the side terrace. So, how do you lay them—do you rotate the tiles? This problem wouldn’t occur with the 60 x 60 ones since they are smaller.
There are no other sizes available.
So my questions are:
1. Has anyone installed similar tiles and still likes the look? Is there anything I should consider?
2. Which size should I choose?
The picture and sketch are attached.
Thanks
Unfortunately, I can no longer get the Villeroy & Boch tiles at a good price, so today I looked at porcelain tiles at Hornbach. To keep within budget, I chose the ones shown in the picture. 100m² (1,076 sq ft) cost 2,700 euros. Sizes are 60 x 60 x 2cm (24 x 24 x 0.8 inches) or 120 x 60cm (47 x 24 inches).
Which size would you choose? I’m bothered by the rectangular ones because I’m not sure how to lay them—should I turn them around at the corner? Along the front of the house, I would lay them lengthwise, but I would also like to use them for the side terrace. So, how do you lay them—do you rotate the tiles? This problem wouldn’t occur with the 60 x 60 ones since they are smaller.
There are no other sizes available.
So my questions are:
1. Has anyone installed similar tiles and still likes the look? Is there anything I should consider?
2. Which size should I choose?
The picture and sketch are attached.
Thanks
Too light, it gets dirty quickly.
If it’s that light, you’ll need to clean it regularly with a pressure washer. Using a pressure washer damages the sealant, which causes it to get dirty even faster (this is probably less of an issue with porcelain tiles than with concrete pavers, but still).
If it has to be that light, a pattern with more variation would be better.
If I personally were to choose porcelain tiles (I usually prefer wood), I would go for the
“porcelain terrace slab Metallic Steel Black with rectified edges, 120 cm x 60 cm x 2 cm” (it’s also available in 60 cm x 60 cm, but in this case the 120 cm size isn’t much more expensive than the one you mentioned).
I find that quite stylish.
A mitered joint for the change in direction would be ideal.
Otherwise, if that’s not wanted or becomes too expensive, I would keep the larger surface as one piece and make a cut edge there (which might be necessary anyway due to an expansion joint—your contractor will know).
If it’s that light, you’ll need to clean it regularly with a pressure washer. Using a pressure washer damages the sealant, which causes it to get dirty even faster (this is probably less of an issue with porcelain tiles than with concrete pavers, but still).
If it has to be that light, a pattern with more variation would be better.
If I personally were to choose porcelain tiles (I usually prefer wood), I would go for the
“porcelain terrace slab Metallic Steel Black with rectified edges, 120 cm x 60 cm x 2 cm” (it’s also available in 60 cm x 60 cm, but in this case the 120 cm size isn’t much more expensive than the one you mentioned).
I find that quite stylish.
A mitered joint for the change in direction would be ideal.
Otherwise, if that’s not wanted or becomes too expensive, I would keep the larger surface as one piece and make a cut edge there (which might be necessary anyway due to an expansion joint—your contractor will know).
Similar topics