Perfect Deck Size – How to Match the Area to Your Needs
This guide helps you plan your ideal terrace size, whether you're building from scratch or renovating an existing outdoor space.
A terrace is more than just an extension of the house—it’s a space that can completely change how you enjoy the outdoors. Whether you dream of a cozy spot for morning coffee or a larger area for family gatherings, well-planned dimensions must suit your actual lifestyle. But how big should a terrace be to remain functional, comfortable, and visually appealing?
Jak określić, ile miejsca naprawdę potrzebujesz?
Choosing the right terrace footprint isn’t only about available land—it’s about household habits and daily routines. Take a moment to clarify your needs, because they should define the size—not current trends.
Start by asking:
- How many people will regularly use the terrace?
- Will you eat meals there?
- Should it serve as a relaxation zone, children’s play area, or outdoor workspace?
A lone resident or couple may be satisfied with a compact setup—a chair and side table for morning coffee and evening relaxation. But a household with two kids, a pet, and frequent grill parties needs more space: room for dining, loungers, play area, and pet space.
If it’s too large, it may overwhelm the house, and if it’s too small – it won’t fulfill its purpose. That’s why it’s worth ensuring the right proportions and making the most of the plot’s potential, so that the terrace flows smoothly into the house and creates a coherent, aesthetic whole.
If you often host gatherings, consider laying out multiple zones—a dining area with a large table, a lounge area with sofas or loungers, and a recreation corner with grill, jacuzzi, or open space for dancing. Each area needs enough room to avoid overwhelming discomfort.
Remember: needs change over time. Today’s coffee spot might evolve into tomorrow’s extended family gathering zone—or turn cozy with emphasis on shelter from wind or sun. Planning for flexibility is prudent.
Year-Round or Seasonal Use?
If you intend to use the terrace from early spring through late autumn, allocate space for canopies, side screens, patio heating, or lighting fixtures. These features require space and influence layout functionality.
Begin with your habits and goals—not trends or aesthetics—to ensure your terrace investment truly enhances your lifestyle.
Functionality is not just about square meters
Of course, the area alone is not everything. Even the largest and most beautifully designed terrace can turn out to be impractical if you don't consider a few key details that affect everyday use. The functionality of a terrace is the sum of many small elements that in practice determine whether you will enjoy using it.
One of the most common mistakes is arranging furniture too tightly or placing it randomly. It's worth planning the space so that each element has its place and the whole doesn't feel overloaded. Make sure to:
– leave at least 80–100 cm between the table and the wall or railing – so you can comfortably pull out a chair and walk by,
– separate functional zones – dining, lounge, green – this will make the terrace multifunctional and more organized,
– arrange furniture logically in relation to the exit from the house – e.g. placing the table close to the patio door makes serving meals easier,
– have access to light and power sources if you plan to install lighting, an electric grill or audio equipment.
Another extremely important issue is the orientation of the terrace in relation to the cardinal directions. The side of the world your space faces will affect the temperature, sunlight, and overall comfort of use throughout the year.
– South-facing terrace – intensely sunny for most of the day, ideal for sunbathing lovers. However, in summer it may require additional shading, a pergola, or sun blinds to prevent overheating.
– North-facing terrace – cooler, less sunlit, which may be an advantage on hot days but also means it gets shaded quickly in autumn and winter. Perfect as a quiet, green refuge.
By considering these aspects, you will not only tailor the terrace to your daily routines but also ensure comfort of use for most of the year – regardless of weather conditions.
Choosing the right material – why composite decking boards are worth it
When planning a terrace, not only its size or location is important, but also the material used for the surface. It’s this choice that affects the durability of the structure, the comfort of use, and the overall appearance of the space. More and more investors are choosing composite decking boards, which are gaining popularity year after year – and for good reason.
Composite boards combine the aesthetics of wood with the durability of modern technology. Unlike natural wood, they don’t require regular oiling, sealing, or sanding. They are resistant to moisture, frost, UV radiation, as well as mold, fungi, and insects. This makes them perfect for the Polish climate – both in summer and winter.
The key benefits of composite decking boards include:
– Durability and weather resistance – they do not warp or crack under the influence of moisture or frost,
– No maintenance required – unlike wood, they don’t need yearly treatment,
– Easy to clean – water and a brush or pressure washer are enough,
– Consistent color and texture – the boards are dyed throughout, so scratches are barely visible,
– Safe to use – the surface is slip-resistant, child- and pet-friendly,
– Wide range of colors and patterns – from light beige to classic wood tones to modern greys and graphite,
– Easy installation and fit for any design – suitable for modern minimalist architecture as well as classic or rustic homes.
Composite decking is a perfect choice for those who value aesthetics, durability, and convenience, and want to avoid time-consuming maintenance. The Liderwood range offers a wide selection of styles and colors to help you create a terrace that suits your lifestyle and surroundings.
🎯 See how it works in practice!
And what about regulations – is a permit required?
When planning a terrace, it’s worth knowing that a permit isn’t always necessary. Everything depends on the size of the structure, its location, and when you plan to build it.
Terrace up to 35 m² – no formalities or only notification
If the terrace is ground-level (i.e. without basement, elevation, or permanent foundation) and its surface area does not exceed 35 m², in many cases you can build it without any formalities – no permit or even notification. This possibility stems from current regulations (Article 29 paragraph 2 of the Construction Law), which exempt certain minor home structures from reporting obligations.
However, if the terrace exceeds 35 m² but remains a simple structure next to a single-family house, you may need to submit a building notification to the authority. This is a fairly quick procedure, but requires basic documents – a site plan and a technical description.
When is a building permit required?
A permit is required when the terrace:
– exceeds 35 m² and is part of an expansion of the building,
– is roofed or raised above ground level,
– requires permanent foundations, e.g. a concrete slab,
– is planned in a location that may conflict with regulations on distance from the property boundary.
💡 Tip: Planning a terrace? It’s best to include it already during house design – this way it becomes part of the main project and doesn’t require additional formalities. A later decision means a separate procedure as a building extension.
👉 Not sure what applies to you? Contact us – call or write – it’s the first step towards your dream terrace!
Our advisors will help you choose the perfect size and material. We’ll prepare a custom quote tailored to your expectations and budget.
🛒 Check out our range of composite decking boards and order samples.