This trend is also reflected in the Lithuanian real estate market: analysis by “Citus” shows that apartments with terraces in Vilnius make up only about 2% of the supply, but their price per square meter is on average 25% higher than similar apartments without a terrace. Therefore, a terrace today can be not only a part of comfort but also an investment in the long-term value of the property.
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What budget should be planned for terrace installation? What should be paid attention to? What mistakes should be avoided? Professionals share their advice.
How much does a 20 m² terrace cost?
The price of a terrace is determined not only by the chosen boards. The total estimate includes foundations, frame, fasteners, protective materials, installation work, and maintenance. Therefore, it is important to evaluate not only the initial price but also future terrace maintenance costs.
To make it easier to estimate the budget, we provide an indicative estimate for a 20 m² (4 × 5 m) terrace, comparing three most commonly chosen options – impregnated pine, thermowood, and WPC composite. All terraces are installed on screw piles, without a roof or stairs, so the differences are mainly determined by the chosen materials and their installation.
Category | Impregnated pine | Thermowood | WPC |
Terrace boards | 350–500 € | 700–1200 € | 900–1900 € |
Frame | 220–350 € | 250–400 € | 300–500 € |
Screw piles | 400–600 € | 400–600 € | 400–600 € |
Fasteners | 50–100 € | 120–220 € | 180–320 € |
Geotextile and base | 30–70 € | 30–70 € | 30–70 € |
Oil | 30–60 € | 50–80 € | – |
Materials | 1100–1700 € | 1600–2600 € | 1900–3400 € |
Installation work | 1100–1400 € | 1150–1450 € | 1250–1550 € |
Total | 2200–3100 € | 2750–4050 € | 3150–4950 € |
Methodology. Calculations are based on data from terrace calculators operating in Lithuania, 2026 market prices, and assortments of major building materials retail chains such as “Senukai”. The estimate is indicative. The final price depends on the specific project, structure, and chosen materials.
Which material to choose?
The price of the boards alone does not tell how much the terrace will actually cost. It is equally important to assess the service life, maintenance needs, and how the material will change over time under Lithuanian climate conditions.
Material | Service life | Maintenance | Main advantages | What to pay attention to |
Impregnated pine | 7–10 years | High (oil every 1–2 years) | Lowest initial investment, easy installation | Requires regular maintenance, may crack over time |
Thermowood | 15–25 years | Low–medium | Dimensional stability, durability, lower moisture absorption | Higher initial investment |
WPC composite | 15–25+ years | Minimal | No need to oil, moisture resistant, no splinters | Can heat up more in the sun, technological gaps must be maintained during installation |
Impregnated pine remains the most economical choice but requires regular maintenance. Thermowood often becomes a compromise between price and durability – it absorbs less moisture and is more stable. Meanwhile, WPC composite requires a higher initial investment but practically no annual maintenance.
These differences are also reflected in the market: although natural wood still accounts for about 42% of the global terrace decking market, the WPC composite segment is growing the fastest. It is forecasted that its demand will increase by more than 6% annually. As demand for lower-maintenance solutions grows, the selection of thermowood and WPC products in stores is also expanding.
What mostly determines the final terrace price?
Even terraces of the same area can vary greatly in price. The final price is determined not only by the chosen decking but also by the complexity of the structure, plot conditions, and additional solutions.
The price usually increases if:
- the terrace is installed higher above the ground;
- stairs or railings are needed;
- a non-standard L or U-shaped structure is chosen;
- a roof or pergola is installed;
- lighting is installed;
- the plot has difficult soil conditions.
It is important to also consider that the price of the boards is only part of the total terrace estimate. Foundations, frame, fasteners, geotextile, protective strips, and installation work also contribute. For example, WPC boards often require a denser frame than wooden ones, and clips used for their installation usually cost more than regular wood screws.
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Therefore, even terraces of the same area can differ in final price by several thousand euros.
Most common mistakes that cost the most in the long run
Even quality materials will last shorter if the terrace is improperly installed.
Specialists highlight several common mistakes:
- geotextile is not laid, so plants start to grow under the terrace;
- saving on stainless steel fasteners;
- 1–2% slope for water drainage is not formed;
- necessary gaps between boards are not left;
- terrace sides are closed off and air ventilation is not ensured;
- protective EPDM or bitumen tape is not used on wooden joists.
These solutions make up a relatively small part of the total project cost, but omitting them can significantly shorten the terrace’s service life and lead to higher repair costs in the future.
Is it worth installing the terrace yourself?
Installing a terrace independently can save more than a thousand euros, but it requires not only time but also technical knowledge. It is important to properly install the base, lay geotextile, form a 1–2% slope for water drainage, accurately install the frame, and maintain the necessary gaps between boards.
The more complex the terrace project, the more knowledge and experience are needed, so before starting work, it is worth assessing whether you have the necessary experience and tools, or if such a project is better entrusted to professionals.
Simpler small terraces can be suitable “do-it-yourself” projects. Specialized tools are needed – from a cordless screwdriver and saw to precise measuring instruments. When planning work independently, it is convenient when all materials, fastening systems, and tools needed for the structure can be found in one place and advice can be sought from sales experts of these products.
Not only installation but also operating costs
The cheapest terrace is not necessarily the most economical in the long term. Impregnated pine costs the least but needs to be cleaned, oiled, and protective coatings renewed every few years. Meanwhile, thermowood and WPC composite require less maintenance, so a higher initial investment may pay off over time.
When choosing terrace decking, it is worth considering not only its price today but also how much maintenance will cost over the entire service life.
Therefore, when choosing a terrace, it is worth calculating not only the initial investment but also future maintenance costs. A lower board price today does not necessarily mean a lower total terrace cost after 10 or 15 years.
