Affordable Contemporary Terrace Ideas and Designs

Woodstock Design and Install

Tellurian Construction

Donny Mays Photography
Small contemporary back terrace in Portland with no cover.

Maison de Vacance

Susanna Cots

Fotos de Mauricio Fuertes
Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary roof rooftop terrace in Barcelona with a potted garden and no cover.

London Courtyard

Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer

A view across the garden where you can see the water which was designed to create the illusion that it runs from the top of the stainless steel water wall into the reflective pool and then over the stainless steel water chute into the bottom pond

Peas in a Pod

CplusC Architects + Builders

This is an example of a small contemporary back terrace in Sydney with no cover.

Aluminum Picket Railing

Mountain View Sun Decks Ltd.

Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary back terrace in Calgary.

2nd Street | 3rd Floor Addition

Studio CrowleyHall, pllc

Michael K. Wilkinson
Inspiration for a small contemporary roof terrace in DC Metro with an awning.

Pond Swing and Pond House

Ann Brooke Landscape Design

The pond house has magnetic mosquito curtains that can be opened and closed in minutes. The Wittus stove adds warmth as well as a place to make a cup of tea. Photo by Peter Margonelli

Wood trellis structure with wood inset floor

Springfield Design

This is an example of a large contemporary back terrace in San Diego with a pergola.

Modern and Traditional Stairs and Railing - Salt Lake City, Utah

Pteryx

Custom steel deck railing with powder coat finish
This is an example of a large contemporary back first floor metal railing terrace in Salt Lake City.

Battersea Square

Granit Architects + Interiors

This small but complex project saw the creation of a terrace above an existing flat roof of a property in Battersea Square. We were appointed to design and prepare a scheme to submit for planning permission. We were able to successfully achieve consent to extend the roof terrace and to create approximately 100 square metres of extra space. The process was protracted and required negotiation with the local authority to restrict any overlooking potential. The solution to this challenge was to create a design with two parts connected by a 1m wide walkway. We also introduced planting in front of the glazing that controls the overlooking without the need for sandblasted glass. This combination of glazing and planting has made a significant difference to the final feel of space on the terrace. Our design creates separate zones on the terrace, with sections for living, dining and cooking. We also changed the windows in the penthouse to sliding folding doors, which has created a much more functional and spacious feeling terrace. We had to work closely with the structural engineer to work out the best way to create a deck structure over the existing roof. Ultimately the design required large long-spanning steels supported by the load-bearing walls below. An infill deck structure supports the terrace too. There was significant technical coordination required with glass balustrade company to achieve the right finish. The terrace would not have been complete without a great garden. We worked in partnership with garden designer Richard Miers, who specified the planted beds, water features, planting, irrigation system and lighting. Overall we have created a beautiful terrace for our client with approximately 100 square metres of extra living space.

Trex Composite Decking at Central Valley

Central Valley Builders Supply

Trex Transcend Decking in Island Mist and Trex Pergola in Island Mist and Classic White.
Small contemporary back terrace in San Francisco.

Mill Valley Bernstein Deck

Phil Kline - General Contractor

Design ideas for a contemporary terrace in San Francisco.

Outdoor Deck - Mid-Century Open Floor Plan with View Deck

Eco Minded Solutions

The concrete walkway connects the home from front to back. In this picture you can see the quaint bark bench, positioned for watching the moon rise over the canyon.

Custom Mangaris Porch Deck with Pergola

Outside InStyle

Mangaris wood porch and pergola extension from backyard landing. Steel cable railing for kid safety. Mangaris wood stadium steps for extra patio seating. Photo by Katrina Coombs

Gabled Pergola with Waterfall Stairs

Artisan Custom Carpentry

Inspiration for a medium sized contemporary back terrace in Chicago with no cover.

Custom Addition in Collegeville, PA

OMNIA Group Architects

This cozy outdoor deck was an addition to the renovated kitchen and dining area, overlooking the built in pool.
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary back terrace in Philadelphia with a fire feature and a roof extension.

Greenfield Elevated Deck and Pergola

Fiano Landscapes

Not everyone has the backyard that suits a hardscape patio. Those situations sometimes call for a different approach....especially in this case! We built a second-level deck and pergola for this family outside of Greenfield. Cedar all around! They also wanted to retain their beautiful views. So we used a cable railing system that is safe and effective at preventing falls, but also perfect for maximizing those views. I think it turned out well, don't you? Sun-Dried tomatoes anyone?

PUENTE ROMANO

patricia darch interiors

Design ideas for a large contemporary back terrace in Other with a roof extension.

Deck covers by Adjustable Patio Covers

Adjustable Patio Covers, NE, LLC

Arcadia Louvered Roofs give you more enjoyment of your deck with protection from hot sun, rain and snow.
Small contemporary back terrace in Other with a pergola.

Ti Va C'henderv / La terrasse

Fanny Perrot, Etienne Magueres, Pierre L

François Dantart
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary back terrace in Nantes with no cover and a potted garden.

Affordable Contemporary Terrace Ideas and Designs

There’s nothing quite like an outdoor space with a view and if you’re elevated up high then there’s more chance of getting that view. Even if you’re not blessed with a natural view from your home, an elevated space outdoors will at least give you the chance to survey the land in front of you; whether that’s a few square metres or whole acres! A terrace is one way of achieving this as it gives you the flat surface of a patio but elevated; either on a flat roof, as decking in your garden, or extending out from your house at ground level or higher. Whether a contemporary terrace is your only outside space and you want it to function as a garden or you’ll be using it as a dining or seating area, there are all sorts of contemporary design ideas, furniture, plants and accessory options to think about.

How do I decorate or design a contemporary roof garden?

UK homeowners are resourceful when it comes to outside space and will make the most of anything they can get their hands on, so it’s no wonder that in urban areas and cities we look to the roof for a place to get some rays. A contemporary roof terrace can work in just the same way as a decking area, but you just may need a few extra elements to make it more comfortable – a way of shading an area from the sun, perhaps a parasol or sun shade, a touch of green to break up the stark nature of a roof, and a drainage system that will stop rain water collecting in colder months. If you want to create a whole garden on your roof you’ll be a little more restricted than when on ground level. Plants may have to remain potted, but you can find companies that design and install green roofs – systems that allow plants to be planted into the roof surface. However, green roofs can be costly and tricky to install, so stick to pots and raised flower beds if you want to stay on the safe side. Loungers, deck chairs and rattan chairs are great pieces of roof garden furniture as they’re portable and can be moved around your rooftop garden easily; perfect for sun chasers. However, if you want to create a larger sense of space for your roof terrace design, think about built-in benches or seating around the sides or a corner of your roof garden.

What to consider when designing garden decking

A decked garden area may look simple once finished, but there are so many factors to consider when it comes to putting together decking ideas. You’ll need to think about the materials you want to use, the balustrades or railings you might choose, whether you will have a raised deck and decking steps, and whether you want decking lights.

Which decking material is best?

Composite decking is a popular choice for outdoor deck material because it offers a combination of practicality and style. The boards are made of wood and plastic fibres so that the classic wooden look is kept but the plastic fibres mean they will be much more durable and easier to maintain than traditional hardwood. If you can’t resist the natural look and feel of hardwood decking boards, then yellow balau, iroko and ipe decking are suitable outdoor boards that will give you the classic feel of a traditional wooden deck. Remember, with hardwood decking you will regularly need to treat the wood to keep it clean, waterproofed and to maintain the colour. As wood is usually more of an investment than composite or plastic decking, it’s a good idea to speak to decking specialists or timber merchants because they will be able to advise you on the best wood for your design and how best to treat it. You may find that different decking materials are better to suited to different types of terraces; whether that’s on a roof, in the garden or on a balcony. Whether you are designing a terrace, balcony or decked garden area from scratch, or just looking to decorate what you already have, take a look through the photos on Houzz to find terrace and balcony ideas and inspiration.

United Kingdom

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