A stunning and easy-to-maintain terrace with Kirami patio elements
The terrace renovation provided an opportunity to upgrade the yard, making it more functional and durable. In place of the dismantled terrace, a new structure was built using Kirami FinVision® Patio Nordic Misty modules, meeting the needs for easy maintenance and stylish design brought by modularity. The result was a practical and aesthetically pleasing terrace that will serve everyday life and leisure for many years to come.
Beneath the Surface: What Can Dismantling a Terrace Reveal?
It all started with a simple plan to slightly adjust the drainage pipes beneath our house's foundation slab to improve the slope. To get the machinery closer to the house and within a better working distance, we first had to dismantle part of the existing terrace, which had been built from long planks.
During the demolition, we discovered that the terrace had been constructed on clay, covered with plastic—presumably to prevent weed growth. While the plastic may have helped somewhat, it also trapped moisture in the clay. As a result, the three-year-old terrace had already suffered from rot and moisture damage. Weeds had begun growing through the terrace, but they originated more from seeds that had settled on the surface rather than plants pushing through the plastic.
As the work under the house's foundation progressed, we found even more moisture in the area. The partially decayed terrace and the plastic underneath had to be completely removed. This allowed us to install a better drainage system around the foundation of our late-1980s house.
A Practical and Beautiful Terrace Inspired by a Builder's Tip
Next, we had to plan a new terrace. Our contractor recommended a gravel base to better control the moisture from the clay. Other options we considered included ground screws and plastic terrace feet. The contractor also suggested a modular terrace design, which would make maintenance easier by allowing us to lift individual modules only where needed.
After some research, we discovered Kirami FinVision® Patio Nordic Misty elements at kirami.fi. Their size, refined appearance, and detailed installation drawings and instructions convinced us. We contacted Kirami, and within a week, a stack of elements was delivered to our yard. For the generously sized terrace, we used nine Kirami FinVision® Patio Nordic Misty M-sized modules, while five S-sized modules were used for the walkway leading to the kitchen door. This created a beautifully flowing terrace structure.
Foundations in Place and Terrace Installed in a Day
The gravel base was prepared before the modules arrived. Concrete slabs were laid and leveled on top of the gravel so we could start installing the modules immediately. While lifting the larger modules would ideally require four people, we managed with two. The smaller modules were easy for two people to handle. The entire terrace was assembled on the foundation in just one day.
Kirami FinVision® Patio Modules Made the Terrace Renovation Effortless
We have to say—we’re very satisfied. The process was smooth, the delivery arrived as scheduled, and communication with Kirami was excellent. The terrace looks even better than we had imagined. Next, we’ll repurpose usable materials from the old terrace to build planter boxes, adding some greenery to the space.
We also tested lifting the terrace modules for maintenance purposes and found that two strong individuals can lift and move them when necessary for annual cleaning. I plan to use a leaf blower in the fall to remove leaves and seeds, keeping the terrace clean for the following year.
Highly recommended! Keep Kirami FinVision® Patio Nordic Misty in mind when it’s time for your next terrace renovation.
