An eco-friendly terrace is designed using natural elements like wood, complemented by pre-loved accessories and an abundance of plants. Wondering how to achieve this green space?
Building an Eco-Friendly Terrace with the Right Wood
For an eco-friendly terrace, the choice of wood is crucial. Go for locally sourced, certified wood from forests managed sustainably, marked by PEFC or FSC labels.
Steer clear of teak and other exotic woods. Despite their beauty and moisture resistance, their environmental impact is significant due to long transport distances and often unsustainable harvesting practices.
Avoid petrochemical-derived materials like certain composites, which are typically plastic-based.
Wood types vary in their resistance to insects and decay, rated from class 1 (highly resistant and durable) to class 5 (not resistant, less durable). For your terrace, pick wood that can withstand moisture and pests.
In summary, for your terrace flooring, prioritize new certified local wood, reclaimed wood, or porcelain stoneware—a clay-based option that can mimic the look of wood without the environmental downsides.
Green Terrace Lighting with Solar Power
Light up your terrace using solar energy. Solar lights come in various designs to suit your outdoor style. These lamps have tiny solar panels that power them up. Just place them on your terrace—no wiring needed.
Choose from solar chandeliers, string lights, or table lamps, and opt for those with switches so you can turn them off to avoid disturbing garden wildlife at night.
Consider also using natural candles to give your terrace a soft glow and add a bohemian or romantic flair.
Eco-Friendly Terrace: The Charm of Recycled Decor
Deck out your terrace with recycled furniture—it’s green, cost-effective, and incredibly chic. You’ll find all the outdoor furnishings you need, pre-loved and full of character.
Scour second-hand shops, browse online marketplaces, or check out community sales for these treasures. You’ll discover tables, benches, chairs, shelves, and plant pots with a past life. Even reclaimed wood can be found to construct your terrace or to craft furniture like sofas, coffee tables, or vertical gardens.
Complete the look with a vintage rug, repurposed vases, and mirrors, drapes, or a wooden pergola. Adorn it with climbing plants for a natural canopy that provides cool shade in the heat of summer.
Green Terrace Tips: Focus on Plants
Naturally, an eco-friendly terrace is a celebration of plants.
Select a variety of repurposed containers in different shapes and colors for your plants.
For successful planting: drill drainage holes in the pots, layer the bottom with clay pellets or gravel, fill with a mix of garden soil, potting mix, and compost (and sand for certain plants), and then plant your seeds or seedlings and water well.
Position each plant thoughtfully, considering sunlight, shade, and wind protection, and group plants that thrive together. Start seeds indoors if you enjoy gardening, then transfer them to pots on your terrace.
Eco-actions for your terrace: collect rainwater for irrigation, use organic and reproducible seeds, prefer local plant species, and diversify to encourage biodiversity.
Decorating tip: create a visually appealing cluster of recycled pots and plants for a stunning display.