Elevated terrace made of natural wood planks - the elegance of wood in a modern system

It is a system in which terrace boards (e.g., made of exotic or European wood) are mounted on joists, which in turn rest on adjustable pedestals.

The structure consists of:

• natural boards,
• joists (wooden or aluminum),
• terrace pedestals,
• substrate (ground, concrete, roof).

Thanks to the use of adjustable pedestals, a ventilation space is created under the boards, allowing for free air circulation and moisture drainage from the structure.

→ See also: Substructure of a raised deck terrace - what does it consist of and how to design it?

Why choose natural wood?

The most important advantages:

• natural and timeless appearance
• warm, pleasant-to-the-touch surface
• possibility of renovation and refreshing
• wide selection of species (exotic, European)
• good durability with proper care

Thanks to this, wooden terraces are eagerly chosen for:

• single-family homes,
• gardens,
• premium spaces,
• architectural projects.

However, it is a material that requires maintenance and refreshing, as well as proper moisture drainage, otherwise it begins to rot. The use of a raised deck system greatly helps in draining moisture.

Construction of a terrace from natural wood planks

The layer system for a raised deck terrace is:

1. substrate
2. adjustable pedestals
3. joists
4. decking boards

Joists are the intermediate element, laid on the pedestals, and the boards are attached to the joists.

• transferring loads from the board to the pedestal
• structural stability,
• even support of the boards.

The most commonly used are:

• wooden joists (matched to the type of board),
• aluminum joists (increase durability and stability).

Their spacing depends on:

• board thickness,
• type of wood,
• expected load.

→ See also: Substructure of a raised deck terrace - what does it consist of and how to design it?

Ventilation and durability of wood in a raised deck terrace

One of the greatest advantages of the ventilated system is the protection of wood against moisture.

Thanks to the space under the boards:

• the wood dries faster,
• the risk of mold and rot is limited,
• the durability of the entire terrace is increased.

This is a key difference compared to traditional structures mounted directly on the ground.

Deck boards can be installed:

• using screws (visible fixing),
• using clips (hidden fixing system).

Clip system:

• improves aesthetics,
• ensures an even gap,
• allows the wood to work (expansion).

→ See also: Accessories for raised deck terraces – system elements that determine durability

Wooden deck and water drainage

In the raised deck system:

• water flows down between the boards,
• does not pool on the surface,
• does not cause degradation of the structure.

Thanks to this, the deck is more resistant to weather conditions.

→ See also: Installation of the terrace without permanent gluing

• gardens and home terraces
• balconies and loggias
• rooftop terraces
• recreational spaces

This solution is especially valued in projects where aesthetics and contact with natural material are important.

Most common mistakes

In the installation and design of raised deck terraces, the most common mistakes are:

• lack of ventilation under the boards,
• incorrect joist spacing,
• lack of expansion joints,
• using improper wood,
• lack of regular maintenance.

A raised deck terrace made of natural wood planks is a solution that combines:

• the aesthetics of natural wood,
• the durability of a ventilated system,
• modern installation technology.

Thanks to the use of pedestals and an appropriate substructure, it is possible to create a terrace that will not only be beautiful but also functional and durable for years.