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The terrace is usually the last step in creating a comfortable and warm outdoor space in your backyard or garden. These multi-functional outdoor spaces can be used for events ranging from private relaxing afternoons to hosting luxurious dinner parties. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose to reduce costs by building a simple concrete terrace, or you can choose to splurge by adding fire pits, barbecue grills or even water features.

You can expect to pay between US$1,000 and US$5,000 for a new ground terrace. This cost range is due to the diversity of design factors, including size, materials used, labor costs and accessories. If any preparatory work must be done before installation, such as leveling, leveling or dismantling the old terrace, this fee will also be included in the final cost. If you request, most contractors will provide cost estimates for your project for free.

On average, gravel is the cheapest terrace material and has the shortest installation time. It can match well with less landscaped, wilder gardens or backyards, and provide a good drainage system. However, it is not very comfortable under the feet and it is difficult to keep level.

Cast concrete slabs are versatile and inexpensive. It can be shaped according to your choice and provides a good foundation for any future floor or accessory installation (such as glazed tiles or dining tables). Concrete slabs can have various finishes and designs, but if you value practicality, you can also maintain the classic, plain concrete appearance.

Slate is another classic and timeless terrace material. Usually larger floors are made of natural stone and are therefore very heavy. Professional installation is highly recommended. Slate comes in many colors and shapes, which means you can find regular squares or rectangles as well as more irregular "fragmented" shapes. Please note that depending on the type of stone used, there may be specific maintenance requirements, so please do your research accordingly.

The brick paver is a simple DIY installation. They are durable, classic in appearance, easy to replace, and available in a variety of shapes and colors. One of the attractions of brick is that it can be easily used to make beautiful patterns or pictures on your terrace. Herringbone, weaving and concentric circles are all common patterns.

Also known as paving stones, pavers are an extremely common choice for patios. The pavers are made of stone, concrete, clay or brick, come in a variety of styles and colors, and offer almost endless pattern possibilities. Specially manufactured for use in terraces and sidewalks, the paver has excellent durability and low maintenance costs.

Sand, slate, and tiles are all examples of other materials that can be used to create a patio or backyard space. Sand is a fairly inexpensive option, depending on where you live, but may require regular maintenance to prevent debris, while slate and ceramic tiles can be quite expensive but easier to maintain.

These patios are exactly what it says on the tin: the patios are flush with the ground. They are by far the most common type of terrace and the easiest to install, regardless of the material used.

The elevated terrace is built above the ground. Sometimes this is an aesthetic choice—a raised terrace provides more elegance and depth than a ground terrace—but if you want your terrace to be flush with the door of your home, or if your house is built on a level ground On top, it can also be a practical option slope. Because retaining walls, roofs, and other reinforcements must also be built, raised terraces are more expensive, time-consuming, and complicated to build.

If you want protection from the elements, or just want a more comfortable atmosphere, a covered terrace will meet all your needs, and then some. The covered terrace can be connected to your home or free-standing, can be built on the ground or raised. Covered patios are more expensive than uncovered patios because you also need to pay for the construction of any structure and the cover itself. However, if bad weather is your enemy, or you are investing in beautiful accessories and appliances, then it is worth the extra cost of a covered terrace.

The larger your terrace area, the higher the cost. More complex terrace shapes (that is, not square or rectangular) may also increase the time and money of the project.

One of the benefits of having a terrace is that you can decorate it the way you like. For some people, this means installing space for fire pits, various walkways, hot tubs and even outdoor kitchens. For others, it just means buying some beautiful outdoor furniture and decorative plants. In any case, any important items you add to the terrace should be discussed with your contractor and guaranteed to add extra costs to your project’s final bill.

When you consider adding lights or outdoor mini refrigerators to your patio (or in between), you also need to install the accompanying infrastructure. You can connect your terrace to your home’s plumbing, electricity, and natural gas, but additional modifications and installations will cost you.

You may also need to hire independent experts (such as electricians) and your terrace contractor. Your contractor will most likely know a good businessman to recommend to you.

If you want your terrace to integrate seamlessly with your garden (planned or real), then it is a good idea to hire a landscape expert. Experts can help you understand which material is best for your garden and what kind of drainage system you need. If you plan to install water features, such as fountains or ponds, landscape professionals are also essential.

In order to lay the terrace, the substrate must first be prepared. The surface of the ground must be level, then any objects must be removed and any necessary drainage and leveling modifications must be made. Depending on where you live, this may be a quick, painless, and low-cost process, or it may be a long, noisy, and expensive process.

Always consult a professional to determine what preparations must be done. Poor grades may mean a complete reconstruction much faster than you hoped.

In some areas, installing a patio or structure in your backyard may require an additional city permit. These must be purchased and paid before construction starts, so please consult the local government for more information.

Professional labor costs for terraces are usually around US$40 to US$80 per hour, or US$4 to US$12 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project and the additional equipment or materials that must be used.

Although DIY installation of the new terrace is possible, please consider the complexity of the project. If you just add ground concrete slabs or gravel terraces, DIY installation may be easier and more cost-effective than hiring professionals. Even simple brick terraces can fall into this category.

However, if you use expensive pavers or materials to build your terrace, please consider hiring a professional, as they will know how to handle the materials correctly to install your new terrace correctly.

If your terrace is to be raised or covered, has an unconventional shape, or needs to install infrastructure for outdoor equipment or functions (for example: electricity or heated walkways), you should also consider professional installation. Likewise, for any ground preparations that may be required (leveling, drainage, etc.), please always consult a professional.

Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At the age of 18, he traveled the world with a backpack and credit card, and found that the true value of any points or miles lies in the experience it brings. He is most comfortable sitting on a tractor, but he understands that opportunity is where he finds it, and discomfort is more interesting than complacency.

Lexie is an assistant editor responsible for writing and editing articles on various family-related topics. She has nearly four years of experience in the home improvement field and has used her expertise while working for companies such as HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie's List).