When building a terrace, both the substructure and the type of tile you choose play a crucial role. Depending on these factors, a specific build-up is required to prevent frost damage during winter. Below are the two most common methods.
Terrace on soil - draining build-up
Prevent tiles and joints from loosening over time due to water infiltration by choosing a draining terrace build-up:
Excavate the soil to a depth of at least 40 cm.
Add a draining layer of stones and compact it thoroughly using a vibrating plate.
Add a layer of lean concrete or coarse concrete and compact again.
Apply a screed with a 1.5% slope away from the house. Allow it to dry and cure for 28 days.
For ceramic tiles: use Tilestone Ecoflex Ultra with the double bonding method.
For natural stone: use either Tilestone Ecoflex Ultra or a layer of white mortar.
Terrace on a concrete base - without basement underneath
As concrete is not very porous, water tends to remain on the surface, increasing the risk of frost damage. That’s why proper drainage is essential:
Lay a drainage mat on the concrete base without adhesive.
Apply a reinforced screed at least 5 cm thick with a minimum slope of 1.5 cm per metre, sloping away from the house.
For ceramic tiles: use Tilestone Ecoflex Ultra with the double bonding method.
For natural stone: either lay the tiles in a bed of white mortar or use Tilestone Ecoflex Ultra.
With the right terrace build-up, you’ll enjoy a durable and frost-resistant outdoor surface for years to come.
