When you build a terrace, you want it to look beautiful not only today but also retain its appeal over the years. However, almost all materials are affected by sunlight, moisture, temperature fluctuations, loads, dust, and chemicals (especially near pools or barbecue areas).
Over time, your terrace may change:
Color
Under UV exposure and weathering, natural wood gradually loses its color — it may darken, fade, or acquire a gray or silver tint.
If it’s a low-quality composite, you might notice fading, especially when the surface lacks UV protection or has a strong color contrast.
In addition, sharp temperature differences (for example, sun/shade) can cause localized discoloration or stains.
Texture
With wood, cracks and “fiber clouding” may appear over time (especially along the edges), making the surface rougher.
On coated materials (varnishes, oils), the protective layer may wear or wash off, changing the texture — it can become smoother (from fiber abrasion) or, conversely, start to “crumble.”
Moisture, frost, and fungi “age” the surface: darker tones, uneven texture, and possible micro-damage.
Surface
The surface may lose its original flatness — boards can slightly warp, especially if they were improperly fixed, exposed to excessive moisture, or overheated.
If installation was done incorrectly (without ventilation or with a poor base), gaps, raised edges, and dirt accumulation may appear.
Roughness can also change — for example, wooden boards may develop scratches, furniture marks, or liquid stains. Low-quality composites may even start to delaminate.
Why Do People Appreciate “Authentic Aging”?
There’s a growing trend for real aging — not artificial patina or decorative “antique effects,” but natural, time-earned character. People want materials and surfaces that genuinely show they’ve served for years — small marks, a softened color depth, more expressive texture. This creates a sense of authenticity, history, and “life” in the space. A terrace no longer looks like a showroom display — it feels like a beloved place filled with memories. People find joy not only in a flawless surface but also in one that has character.
However, the “5-year scenario” can differ dramatically. If the material is cheap or installation was done poorly, the terrace may look unattractive after five years — faded color, damaged boards, uneven surface, and visible wear. If the material is high-quality, the installation professional, and the maintenance minimal — the terrace can still look excellent, showing only light signs of use. That’s the ideal, desirable aging.
How to Reduce “Unpredictable Aging”?
- Choose only high-quality material with UV protection, moisture, temperature, and fungus resistance.
- Trust installation only to professionals who ensure proper ventilation and slope for water drainage.
- Maintain your terrace: wash it regularly and promptly remove dirt and dust.
- Avoid aggressive chemicals or mechanical damage to the surface.
Innovative Decking Boards by Bruggan and Legro
Bruggan
Bruggan is an innovative series of decking boards for which five years is not a test — it’s proof of endurance.
Bruggan demonstrates exceptional resistance to heat, cold, moisture, and other environmental factors. It’s highly protected and yet looks like natural wood. But unlike real wood, Bruggan after five years can still look “as new.”
By choosing Bruggan for your terrace, you get a material that, even after years of use, retains its appearance — almost like a freshly installed deck — without typical aging signs such as severe fading, loss of texture, or surface damage.
Legro
Legro is another premium decking system, known for its quality and natural appearance. Its key feature is 100% color protection, backed by the manufacturer’s warranty — from 15 to 25 years.
As a result, a Legro terrace after five years will look remarkably fresh, showing minimal signs of wear, with virtually no color, shape, or texture loss.
Why Do These Boards Still Look “Like New” After 5 Years?
- Thanks to a carefully balanced composition of components, rigorously tested at every stage of production.
- Thanks to their low-maintenance nature: these decking boards require no annual sanding, varnishing, or repainting, meaning the surface remains cleaner and less prone to damage.
- Thanks to professional installation — Bruggan and Legro recommend only long-trusted partners who know how to build a terrace that lasts.
After five years, your terrace can look very different — from visibly aged to nearly brand new. It all depends on the material, installation, and maintenance.
If you want it to look “as if installed yesterday,” choose premium solutions such as Bruggan and Legro — engineered for maximum resistance to color, texture, and surface changes. They create spaces with minimal risks and maximum confidence in a long-lasting, beautiful appearance.
