How to get the perfect terrace for every kind of weather

Terrace care for rainy weather needs to happen at two levels. The first and more important one is that, the floor of your terrace needs to be waterproofed. Before the season arrives in full force, you’ll need to fix leaks, pooling, and cracks on the wall. You’ll need to check for areas that encourage dampness, too, and treat it all in one go.

Second, consider the roof of the terrace. If you wish to curl up with a good book and a hot cuppa to enjoy a mild shower on your terrace, you’ll need to protect yourself from the rain overhead. If you have built a roof, this problem is fairly taken care of. But you’ll need to ensure that you move any fabrics or upholstery under the shelter to prevent them from getting damp.

Also, if you have decorative plants on your terrace, you’ll need to move them to a location that provides shade and protection from direct rain hits – a little rain is good for a plant, but a lot can be deadly.

Tropical climates are a mix of hot and humid, which is generally not very conducive for terrace entertainment. But with some handy tips for terrace care, you should be able to get things going. Consider the thermal effects of a terrace courtyard. Since this climate has very low wind speeds, a fairly open terrace helps in air circulation with increased natural ventilation. This should be juxtaposed with clever shading solutions too, which can decrease the heat gain from radiation.

It can be done by covering the roof partially with heat resistant materials, which protect the terrace and its inhabitants from direct heat. The addition of a ceiling fan, floor fan or a cooler can provide additional comfort.

Certain tropical climates are also known for the mosquito menace that increases especially during dusk hours. You can surround the terrace on all four sides with a transparent white net, which can be tucked away during the day.

Dry weather is characterized by its aridity. The summer temperatures can easily soar to 40 degrees and there may be a large diurnal temperature range of 15-20 degrees. The weather maybe characterized by clear skies, dust storms and hardly any rain.

The criteria for your terrace should be to lower temperature and maximize comfort during summer. Whether you have a temporary or permanent roof, have it covered with white or a light shade to be able to reflect sunlight during the day, bringing the overall temperature down. Shade the edges with tall potted trees like bamboo, which add protection from dry wind gusts and keep the area cooler. Take a cue from this lush and gorgeously decked terrace rendered by Bender Arquitetura, architects from Brazil.

A terrace is usually best enjoyed during warm weather. Surround yourself with the smell of fresh flowers and produce. This weather is perfect for hosting cosy summer parties on the roof. Add a set of light curtains to the roof shade on all sides and cosy up the seating arrangement with a small coffee table.

Don’t forget to add some weatherproof lighting and ready the barbecue pit. You can shift any potted greens to the corners to give your space a more airy feel. Also add a good floor rug and some floor cushions for an easy seating arrangement. Bring out that lounge chair and makeshift bookshelf, or even a mini fridge. Terrace care for warm weather is quite simple too. There really is so much to do on a terrace during summer, that you’ll simply want the season to last through the year.

Again, such weather is a terrace owner’s delight. A Mediterranean climate is dictated by warm, hot summers and mild cool, wet winters. A pergola-like structure can be ideal for your terrace and perfectly complement this weather. You can have the unit connected to a wall, or keep it as a standalone fixture surrounded by local all-season flowering plants. A great terrace design idea is to bring in a collapsible protective cover. It can be pulled over for shade and left open when the weather gets balmy. 

Pergolas come in an excellent array of designs and materials these days. From stable cedar wood to antique wrought iron, you can go for the one that fits with your overall interior décor style. A pergola also offers options for entertainment, or can be used as a shaded area only for food.

When it gets slightly chilly or a bit more than that, a windy, cold terrace area can be converted into a wonderful place to gather under the stars and can be made warm and cosy. Add thick curtains to the edges of a terrace covering or pergola, to keep the wind from flowing freely and for keeping the cold at bay. Cosy up your seating arrangement with an added mattress and keep a blanket handy for cover. 

The perfect terrace addition is a portable electric fireplace heater that can keep you company on a cold night. Most come with remote controls and produce natural and efficient infrared heat. Choose one according to the area you want to warm up. When doing up your terrace for cold weather, make sure you create a thick enclosure space for the heater to work efficiently.

On a final note, having a terrace is a wonderful luxury in an urban set up. Make it count by doing it right. Check out another ideabook for more inspiration - 8 amazing solutions to make your garden more private!