Terraces in Belgian bluestone, porcelain and wood
A terrace lasts for decades when what lies underneath is done properly. We lay the foundation, the slopes and the edging before the first slab.
For 30 m² of porcelain, our price is usually €6,200 to €8,400 excl. VAT, all-in: removing the old terrace, foundation and laying included.
What a terrace costs at MS VIVA
All-in price per m², taken from our quotes: removing the old terrace, disposal, foundation and laying included. On bare ground, count €56 to €66 less per m². Small areas cost more per m².
- Porcelain 2 cm8 priced projects €208 to €277/m²excl. VAT
- Belgian bluestone1 priced project €208 to €277/m²excl. VAT
- Clay paversestimated from our parking jobs €224 to €246/m²excl. VAT
Ranges taken from 9 projects priced by MS VIVA in 2025 and 2026: all-in prices including removal of the old surface, disposal, foundation and laying.
What ends up hidden
A terrace that sinks or holds water nearly always has a foundation that is too thin or a forgotten slope. This is what we lay under a bluestone terrace.
- Belgian bluestone slabsFine joints, levels checked slab by slab. Always below the door threshold.
- Bedding layerStabilised sand or draining mortar depending on the slab, so it is supported across its whole surface.
- Compacted sub-baseCrushed stone 0/32, compacted layer by layer. This is what carries the terrace.
- GeotextileStops the soil working its way up into the sub-base.
What we look at before pricing
The level of the door threshold, because the terrace has to stay below it. The slope of the ground and where the water will go. The soil, sandy or clay. Access for the mini digger and room to take the soil away. That is what separates two quotes that look identical.
A terrace against the house
It extends the living room: we line up the joints with the façade or the patio doors, keep the level just below the threshold and lead water away from the walls. This type of terrace can also qualify for 6% VAT.
Which material for your terrace?
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- Porcelain 2 cm Does not stain or fade, and cleans with water. Choose a non-slip finish for a terrace exposed to the rain.
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6% VAT for a terrace attached to the house
If your house is more than ten years old and the terrace touches it, the work can be invoiced at 6% instead of 21%. On a terrace costing €10,000 excl. VAT, that is a €1,500 difference. We check this with you when we quote.
Do you need planning permission for a terrace?
A ground-level terrace is often exempt, but each Region has its own conditions and some municipalities are stricter. We check your case during the visit.
| Brussels | Exempt if the ground level changes by no more than 50 cm and at least half of the garden stays as planted open ground. |
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| Wallonia | Exempt with no size limit if it is at ground level, does not noticeably change the lie of the land and is outside a high flood-risk zone. |
| Flanders | Exempt up to 80 m² in total at the back and side, 1 m from the boundary and within 30 m of the house. |
Rules in force on 15 October 2026. The details town by town.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a terrace cost per m²?
With us, a porcelain terrace usually costs €208 to €277 per m² excl. VAT, all-in: removing the old terrace, foundation and laying included. The price goes up for a small area, sloping ground or difficult access.
How long does the work take?
For a terrace of 20 to 40 m², usually one to two weeks, groundwork included. The weather can push back the laying: we do not lay on waterlogged or frozen ground.
What slope is needed for drainage?
A slope of 1.5 to 2% that carries water away from the house, so 1.5 to 2 cm per metre. You will not see it, but the terrace dries quickly and the walls stay dry.
Do I need planning permission for a terrace?
A ground-level terrace is often exempt, but the rules differ between Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders, and depend on the size, the height and the distance from the boundaries. We tell you during the visit.
What would your terrace cost?
Draw it on the aerial photo of your house and see the price range straight away.