The Aude combines strong sunshine, sustained winds such as the tramontane and, on the coast, salt spray that speeds up corrosion. A material chosen from a catalogue, without regard for these conditions, ages fast: timber that greys and splits, fixings that rust, surfaces that break up.
For a timber deck, choose species that are naturally durable outdoors, such as certain tropical hardwoods (cumaru, garapa, teak), or timber treated for external use, with stainless steel screws. For a masonry or tiled terrace, the finish must be intended for outdoor use: resistant to temperature swings, to UV and to slipping. In every case, saving on the quality of the material is paid for in upkeep and premature replacement.
This is the most expensive mistake to put right. A terrace laid on a badly prepared base moves, cracks and holds water. The base must be built to last: a properly sized concrete slab, suitable joists or pedestals for a timber structure, and above all a slight fall to carry rainwater away from the house.
Rain in the Aude is rare but sometimes intense: without a proper fall and drainage, water stands, seeps in at the foot of the façade and damages both the terrace and the building. This preparation of the ground is masonry work, and it governs everything that follows.
A south or south-west aspect offers plenty of sunshine, but a terrace in full sun becomes unusable during the hot hours of summer if no shade is provided. Think about solar shading from the design stage, along with exposure to the prevailing wind, access from the living rooms and overlooking from neighbours. Moving a badly sited terrace costs far more than taking the time to set it out properly.
Depending on the commune, the layout of the plot and the type of terrace (at ground level, raised, covered), planning formalities may be needed before work starts. Coastal communes such as Gruissan, and protected areas, apply specific rules. The right reflex: consult the PLU and ask the planning department at your mairie before starting the work, not after.
An unusually low quote often hides a rushed base or lower-quality materials. Before committing, ask for a detailed quote describing the preparation of the base, the structure, the surface and the finishes, and check that the company is properly insured for this work.
MCI Construction carries out the structural work with its own teams and works in Narbonne and throughout the area: the Grand Narbonne, the Corbières, the Minervois, the Aude coast and as far as Béziers. The works are covered by the French statutory warranties, including the garantie décennale and the garantie de parfait achèvement. The company will assess your terrace project and draw up a free quote.