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Wood and stone terraces in Nice,
built to last by the sea.
We build exotic hardwood decks on adjustable pedestals, and terraces in natural stone, travertine or marble: around a pool, on a slab, a balcony or a roof terrace. From Monaco to Cannes, with the same care as an indoor floor.
A terrace is first of all what's underneath
The boards or the slabs are what you see. But what decides whether a terrace stays flat and sound for years is what lies beneath: the structure or the screed, the slope and the drainage.
On the Côte d'Azur, a terrace lives between the summer sun, the autumn rain and the salt air. Poorly ventilated wood warps and stains, stone laid without a slope holds water. We build every terrace with these factors in mind.
Wooden deck on pedestals: step by step
Preparing the base
On a concrete slab, we check the slope and the drainage. On natural ground, we lay a geotextile that blocks weeds, then a stable bed for the pedestals.
Our advice: on a roof terrace or balcony, the pedestals are placed without piercing the waterproofing. It's the safest solution for the apartment below.
Adjustable pedestals and joists
Adjustable pedestals make up differences in level to the millimetre. The joists sit on top, spaced to suit the thickness of the boards. The result: a perfectly flat deck, even on a sloping base.
Air circulates freely under the deck and water drains away. That is what stops the wood rotting from below.
On large areas, we build a double structure of crossed joists: stiffer, it spreads loads better, for example under a hot tub.
Laying the boards
We leave a small gap between the boards so the wood can swell and shrink with the seasons. Exotic hardwoods are very dense: we pre-drill every hole so the board doesn't split.
Our advice: by the sea, insist on A4 stainless steel screws. The more common A2 grade eventually rusts in the salt air and leaves black marks on the wood.
Steps, edges and joins
Steps and risers, edge trims, cut-outs around a pool or a tree, stone inserts in the wood. These are the details that give a terrace its finished look.
Project: wooden roof terrace with sea view and hot tub
On this roof terrace, the deck had to carry a hot tub and recessed lighting without touching the waterproofing. We placed the pedestals on the waterproofing, built a double structure of crossed joists (steps 01 and 02 above), then laid the exotic hardwood boards with openings for the spotlights.
Terraces in natural stone, travertine or marble
A stone terrace doesn't turn grey and needs very little maintenance. As with an indoor floor, everything happens under the slab: the base, the slope and the laying.
A sound screed with a slope
Stone is laid on a sound concrete screed, with a slight slope so that rainwater runs away from the house. On an existing slab, we first check the slope, the cracks and the drainage.
Our advice: on a balcony or roof terrace, have the waterproofing checked before laying. Once the stone is bonded, redoing it costs far more.
Back-buttering and the right joints
Each slab is bonded with an outdoor tile adhesive, applied to both the base and the slab. No voids under the stone: no hollow-sounding slabs and no cracks under load.
Our advice: on a large terrace, plan movement joints. In the sun, stone expands; without these joints, it's the slabs that give way.
Non-slip above all
Travertine, grey stone or marble: outdoors, we recommend a honed, brushed, flamed or tumbled finish rather than polished. Polished stone becomes slippery as soon as it's wet, especially around a pool.
Our advice: light stones such as travertine heat up less in the sun than dark ones. Barefoot in August, you feel the difference.
Wooden deck around a pool
Around a pool, the wood must meet the coping at the right height, without touching it, so that both can move. Because we also lay the copings and the surround, we work out these levels together from the start.
Wood or stone: which material?
You choose the material. We explain what each one needs, and we provide the structure, adhesives, pedestals and screws.
Terrace FAQ
Can a wooden deck be built on a roof terrace?
Yes, on adjustable pedestals. The pedestals sit on the waterproofing without piercing it, and water keeps draining normally under the deck. We first check that the slab and its drainage are in good condition.
Can marble be used for an outdoor terrace?
Yes, with a suitable finish: honed, brushed or flamed, so that it isn't slippery when wet. Polished marble belongs indoors.
How long does an exotic hardwood deck last?
Well ventilated and fixed with stainless steel screws, an ipe or cumaru deck lasts for many years. Its lifespan depends more on the structure and drainage than on the wood itself.
Does the wood turn grey?
Yes, that's natural: the sun turns all wood grey within a few months. It isn't a defect and doesn't damage the wood. To keep the original colour, apply a wood oil every year.
Do you supply the wood?
Usually you choose the boards. We help you calculate the quantity and supply everything else: pedestals, joists, geotextile, stainless steel screws and tools.
How much does a wooden deck cost?
It depends mainly on the area, the base (slab or ground), the height to make up and finishing details such as steps. Send us the dimensions and a few photos and we will give you a first estimate before the visit.
Wood and stone terraces near you
Nice · Monaco · Villefranche-sur-Mer · Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat · Antibes · Cannes · Mougins · Cagnes-sur-Mer · Saint-Laurent-du-Var
Planning a terrace?
Send us the area, the type of base and a few photos. Sergey will call you back to arrange a visit.