Floor of a garden jacuzzi gazebo – a triple challenge

The flooring material had to satisfy three basic conditions – durability, load bearing and safety. A fourth, more subjective condition called upon the customer's aesthetic requirements. The plastic had to be durable to ensure good attachment to the surface and to survive intact despite difficult weather conditions and being left to its own devices out of season.

The floor also had to withstand a tub with water and three people, a weight of more than 1500 kg – and this required a material with high load bearing parameters. The third challenge was to eliminate the risk of slipping on a wet floor, injury against a sharp corner, burning by touching a hot surface or splinters. The floor had to be non-slip but also pleasant for the foot in terms of smoothness, hardness and temperature.

Stone, concrete, ceramics… or perhaps composite wood?

Four materials were in the running – granite, concrete, ceramics and composite wood. Ceramic tiles were the first to be rejected by our customer – due to the risk of them becoming detached from the substrate, heating up excessively through exposure to the sun and becoming slippery when wet. Granite slabs were appreciated for their durability and load bearing – however lost out when it came to safety (no resistance to becoming excessively hot and slippery). Concrete blocks came close to winning, as these satisfied most of the customer's requirements – however aesthetic qualities played their part here.

In the end the customer opted for composite wood. It delivered the required load bearing capacity, durability regardless of the weather conditions (also in winter and out of season when no one was looking after the gazebo) and safety – including low decking board flammability and heat accumulation, no splinters, irregularities or sharp edges. It is also non-slip (more about the properties of composite wood here)

The customer also wanted the floor not to contrast too much with the wooden structure of the gazebo and panelling which covered the tub. Thus the aesthetic factor also played a role in choosing composite wood – as well as the fact that the customer was able to select a decking board colour to match the remaining gazebo elements as closely as possible.

 

From design to the finished product

Once the material was chosen it was time to select a composite wood manufacturer. The customer opted for PVC composite decking boards which are more resistant, healthier and better quality (for a comparison of PVC and HDPE technologies see this article) – and came across Hartika, who only produces PVC composites.

We helped the customer with making the right selections from our range of products (boards, joists, end strips). Then we designed the optimal layout of joists to match the declared load bearing.

 

A cosy retreat

Enchanting mornings, lazy afternoons, magic evenings – the jacuzzi in our customer's garden turned onto a temple of bliss. We visited the gazebo a year after it was built. The flooring is in a pristine condition – it survived the winter without being worse off for it. It passed the load bearing test with flying colours. Our customer was able to start the summer season without interruptions but with a book, a glass of wine, friends and family.

Design inspirations: wanted!

Modern residential architecture is increasingly interested in creating spaces and caring for the residents' comfort - alternatives are sought for basic and soulless architectural behemoths in order to retrieve their lost charisma. With that in mind, architectural studios often reach for spacious balconies and loggias to instil a modern and cosy feel to interiors.

Examples of such designs include the Swiss Garden Tower apartment blocks with protruding balconies and climbing shrubs, community housing in Berlin with spacious balconies or the mosaic balconies idea in Poznań.

The mysterious.... balcony! What potential is it hiding?

There is a plethora of options for your balcony - an oasis of clam, and additional "room" or place for people to meet. It can also be an expression of its user's artistic inclinations. If looked after, bursting with greenery, it can be a heaven for those seeking peace and quiet. Summer is the time when we spend most time on a balcony, idling on our favourite deckchair, reading a book or chatting with those dearest to us. Its appearance affects the mood of guests and hosts.
It is also a place where cumbersome items and tools can be stored, which would otherwise be in the way, especially in smaller apartments and houses without garages. Additionally, if well composed into the architecture, it will make the entire building more attractive, elegant and pleasant to look at!

Looking for the best results - what to do and what to avoid?

In opting for greenery, pay attention the direction your balcony is facing and the needs of the plants you are choosing! Not every species likes a lot of sunlight, some plants will have larger water and fertiliser requirements and some may be particularly susceptible to changing weather conditions or pests. A balcony - particularly on the ground floor - is also inviting for the unwanted guests! To avoid unpleasant surprises, think about enclosing it and avoid keeping expensive items there.

Rain or snow, dust, freezing temperatures and leaves - these things are a nightmare not only for terrace owners but also those with balconies. As we mentioned at the outset, composite decking will significantly reduce the owner's headaches - they are resistant to extreme weather conditions, easy to clean and do not require impregnation.

Arrange the perfect balcony: a reflection of your inner self!

You can customise your balcony so that it matches your interior design and obtain a shape and size which you can arrange as you see fit. Remember that a beautiful balcony corresponds with the with the surroundings and echoes the character and passions of its users! If you want to establish a green heaven, then consider urban jungle style, which will transform your balcony into a lavish garden! Brown composite decking will add a touch of mystery to its appearance and will be a perfect match for its natural look. It will also be an ideal surface for blankets and cushions - often seen on balconies of this type instead of classic furniture.

Scandinavian style is also green and natural, albeit much more toned down. Minimalistic shape and neutral colour furniture and flowerpots are to be found here. Light or brown composite decking in cooler shades will be right - it will go hand in hand with the whites, greys and black touches.

A Provence style balcony is an alternative lying between opulence and elegant minimalism. Similarly to Scandinavian style, it shies away from bright colours - however it creates an impression of being somewhat messy and romantic. Delicate greys, violets and pale greens are the modus operandi.

For other balcony arrangement inspirations (and much more!) click here. Draw inspiration from these ideas and see various styles of completed Hartika composite decking projects.

PVC guarantees terrace durability in the European climate zone!

PVC composite boards due to their high resistance, exceptional surface hardness and ease of maintenance are a well-known terrace material used in the construction industry for many years. They are characterized by low abrasiveness - they are resistant to scratches and mechanical damage, they do not absorb moisture and thus do not crumble over the years. Their high resistance to UV radiation means that they do not fade or soften under its influence, and the polymerization process used in their production ensures their strength at low temperatures.

Unlike PVC based composites, PP and HDPE boards are easier to scratch even when used lightly. Their reduced density makes them significantly less resistant to low temperatures. They are also highly susceptible to changes in weather conditions and sunlight - under their influence they deform relatively more easily, crumble, and lose their color. Due to their inherent "softness", their surface is usually sanded or smooth. PVC-based composite boards in order to give them a texture similar to wood have a brushed surface, which reduces their slipperiness, and to the touch creates a pleasant feeling of contact with natural wood.

European manufacturers - safety and protection for the user!

Composites based on polypropylene and polyethylene usually come from countries in the Far East. They are often offered by manufacturers who are not bound by the strict legal restrictions applied by European manufacturers. As a result, the offered products do not have the features of construction products, they are often devoid of hygienic certificates, and their sale is driven by their low price, not the real utility value.

PVC boards have a fire resistance class B defined on the basis of EU standards - indicating non-flammability, in contrast to products containing polymers of reduced durability, which are characterized by fire spreading. PVC-based composite decking is also 100% renewable, which contributes more to environmental protection. Their physical-mechanical properties guarantee a longer useful life, and they do not emit any harmful substances into the environment.

Opt for timeless terrace style and elegance combined with durability!

Due to the presence of petroleum derivatives composite boards basing on PP, PE and HDPE pose a risk of safe use, and the increased content of wood materials reduces their durability. Often after just a few seasons, visible deformation of their working surface can be observed. Planks made of low-grade polymers are also susceptible to color changes and easy to rub off.

The secret to the appearance of composite wood is the properly selected proportions of wood dust in relation to the other components, as well as the high quality materials used in their production. Proper sanding methods prove the hardness of the material, ensuring that composites are safe and non-slip. Thanks to the care given to the quality of PVC boards, they retain their shape and durability and enjoy their beauty for years.

Aesthetics - you just sit back and let the beauty of your terrace turn heads!

You can arrange your terrace according to your individual needs and preferences - discover example styles which you can use for inspiration! A composite terrace is the perfect alternative to maintenance-intensive wood. It maintains its natural appearance, but it is definitely more durable - it does not decay, rot or lose its shape when exposed to the elements. It is also cheaper and does not require specialized care - it will remain beautiful without any effort on your part!

Safety - a composite terrace means peace of mind for you and your family!

For the production of our decking we use the highest quality components, without toxic substances present in cheaper substitutes, which we described here. Composites do not absorb water, thus they are resistant to fungi, mould and cracks! In addition, composite wood has a smooth surface, making it safe for bare feet.