ᐅ Terrace Planning for an End-Row House with a Large Garden – What to Consider?
Created on: 4 Aug 2025 13:41
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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
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nordanney23 Nov 2025 11:51Bauherrin123 schrieb:
that we wanted geotextile under the gravel to prevent weeds, but he didn’t do it. Now the gravel is compacted.LOL.Seriously, a question for you: What kind of weeds would grow through gravel beneath a thick layer of concrete and then tiles?
As far as I know, the same weeds that grow through the floor inside your living room.
Weeds grow in joints—or use a dense material. End of story. That you didn’t get what you ordered in writing is another matter.
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Bauherrin12323 Nov 2025 13:44nordanney schrieb:
LOL.
A serious question for you: What kind of weeds grow on gravel beneath a thick layer of concrete and then tiles on top? As far as I know, it’s the same weeds that come up through the floor inside your house.
Weeds grow in joints – or use a dense material. Problem solved. The fact that you don’t get what you ordered in writing is another matter.I was also referring to the joints, what could come up through the joints from below…
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Bauherrin12323 Nov 2025 20:34Thank you, I wanted to have it, and he didn’t do it. It doesn’t matter now, as it wouldn’t have been important, but if something is agreed upon, it should be adhered to. In this case, though, I am relieved because I didn’t actually need it anyway.
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Bauherrin12329 Nov 2025 22:31Hello!
Today it was around 10°C (50°F), and the temperature is expected to drop to a maximum of 7°C (45°F). There was some rain in the morning, but it stopped quickly. The landscaping company was here. They laid the slabs, and today went well—the adhesive was gray and applied neatly, everything looked fine to me. The first 10m² (108ft²) are firmly set, those were glued with the other white adhesive. The installation was very clean and tidy. Whether it will hold, I’ll only know in a few years.
We bought construction foil from Hornbach and covered the area ourselves in case it rains. The sides are left open for air circulation. I think once the rainy season is over, I’ll cover it properly.
The total terrace area, including the walkway and the connection, is 63m² (678ft²). The main terrace measures 9.60m by 4.20m (31.5ft by 13.8ft), and the smaller terrace is 2.40m by 4m (7.9ft by 13.1ft), with a path connecting them, plus space for rubbish bins, etc. The connecting section turns a corner. The terrace from the bay window was originally planned to be 3m (9.8ft), but it looked too large, so 2.40m (7.9ft) is better and more than enough.
Of course, I don’t know how durable the slabs are and can’t comment on their long-term quality. But visually they are very attractive slabs, 120cm by 60cm (47 inches by 24 inches), with a very successful color and shape, and the price is hard to beat. I bought them from Hornbach and am very satisfied; even the landscapers were impressed with the value for money. The landscapers broke hardly any slabs—only two, and none were damaged during delivery. I am happy with the shape, color, size, and layout of the terrace, at least for now; I can only say more about it after using it longer.
I’m also glad I asked the building authority in writing, since neighbors can see from all directions. The garden isn’t fenced, so everyone can still look in. Now everything just needs to dry, then work will continue on Monday.
The gutters still need to be installed, a few corners cut, edging stones around the terrace are also missing, and then everything needs to be grouted.
I expect it will be finished by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Today it was around 10°C (50°F), and the temperature is expected to drop to a maximum of 7°C (45°F). There was some rain in the morning, but it stopped quickly. The landscaping company was here. They laid the slabs, and today went well—the adhesive was gray and applied neatly, everything looked fine to me. The first 10m² (108ft²) are firmly set, those were glued with the other white adhesive. The installation was very clean and tidy. Whether it will hold, I’ll only know in a few years.
We bought construction foil from Hornbach and covered the area ourselves in case it rains. The sides are left open for air circulation. I think once the rainy season is over, I’ll cover it properly.
The total terrace area, including the walkway and the connection, is 63m² (678ft²). The main terrace measures 9.60m by 4.20m (31.5ft by 13.8ft), and the smaller terrace is 2.40m by 4m (7.9ft by 13.1ft), with a path connecting them, plus space for rubbish bins, etc. The connecting section turns a corner. The terrace from the bay window was originally planned to be 3m (9.8ft), but it looked too large, so 2.40m (7.9ft) is better and more than enough.
Of course, I don’t know how durable the slabs are and can’t comment on their long-term quality. But visually they are very attractive slabs, 120cm by 60cm (47 inches by 24 inches), with a very successful color and shape, and the price is hard to beat. I bought them from Hornbach and am very satisfied; even the landscapers were impressed with the value for money. The landscapers broke hardly any slabs—only two, and none were damaged during delivery. I am happy with the shape, color, size, and layout of the terrace, at least for now; I can only say more about it after using it longer.
I’m also glad I asked the building authority in writing, since neighbors can see from all directions. The garden isn’t fenced, so everyone can still look in. Now everything just needs to dry, then work will continue on Monday.
The gutters still need to be installed, a few corners cut, edging stones around the terrace are also missing, and then everything needs to be grouted.
I expect it will be finished by Tuesday or Wednesday.
B
Bauherrin1233 Dec 2025 14:57Hello everyone, the terrace is finished, 63m2 (678 sq ft) with a walkway in between.
I like it overall, except that the landscaper didn’t use joint spacers, so the joints are uneven in some places, which bothers me a bit. It’s too late to fix now. Maybe I’ll get used to it—it’s minimal, but still. Once furniture and so on are placed on it, you probably won’t notice it as much as now. If nothing happens after a few winters, I’ll be happy.
I like it overall, except that the landscaper didn’t use joint spacers, so the joints are uneven in some places, which bothers me a bit. It’s too late to fix now. Maybe I’ll get used to it—it’s minimal, but still. Once furniture and so on are placed on it, you probably won’t notice it as much as now. If nothing happens after a few winters, I’ll be happy.
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