The play of light and wind on the water is best enjoyed from a seat right by the water. Wooden decks can be built slightly above the water surface, cobbled squares like peninsulas surrounded by water.
Small ponds and water basins can also be subsequently integrated into the terrace or used close to it, while seats on larger bodies of water are best created when the pond is built. At best, wooden decks can also be built later close to the water with the help of point foundations or ground impact sleeves, without affecting the riparian zone.
EASY: POND IN THE TERRACE
If the terrace is to be re-paved, is it easy, to cut out a few panels and to integrate a pond basin with a water feature. The substructure of the paved area is built as usual, only in the area of the pond is there a depression, bordered with formwork boards (see diagram). The pond liner must be so big, that it lies under the slabs at the edge and can be pulled up in the joint to the adjoining slabs. Power cables for the pump will be invisibly routed outside under the panels.
SIT ABOVE THE WATER
For the wooden deck, that protrudes a bit above the water surface, part of the riparian zone was designed to be steeper than the others and the ground on the shore excavated as if for pavement, filled with gravel and sand and compacted. The bearing beams are screwed into post anchors at several points. A strip foundation at the edge can provide additional stability. At a distance of about 60 cm the beams are only laid out. If they about 10 percent above the water, the construction is sufficiently stable. The floorboards are fitted with at least 5 mm wide joints- ; . screws. caution: Decks like this are very dangerous for small children!
PERFECT: CORNER WOOD DECK
A wonderful solution for a large pond right next to the house is the wooden deck built across the corner. It's not difficult to build, but requires a special construction.
The pond trough is excavated with gently sloping embankments. Then the supports for the wooden decks are placed in the embankment with the help of point foundations or ground impact sleeves, puts formwork on the side of the pond and backfills the cavity with gravel and coarse sand. The wooden supports must never stand in the ground, for they would rot quickly. Now the pond liner can be laid out and attached to the formwork. So you don't see the edges, the outer floorboards protrude over the water. caution: This ^ deck is dangerous for small children!
AFFORDABLE: BASIN MADE OF WASTE MATERIAL
A few paving stones, mortar bucket, Wooden strips and bricks are used in these pools at the edge of the terrace. For that, an about 50 cm deeper, 50 cm wide trench dug and secured on the sides with vertical concrete paving slabs. Rectangular mortar buckets fit in the trench in rows. This creates different areas in a small space, some planted, others only filled with water. To hide the edges, you screw support rails for the bricks to the inside of the bucket (drawing). Important: The pools must be emptied in winter, so they don't burst.