How to Choose the Perfect Balcony for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Balcony

Overview

A balcony is a great addition to any home, providing an outdoor space with a view and allowing you to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. However, with so many types of balconies available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of balconies, including their benefits and features, to help you make an informed decision. We'll also touch on the construction and installation process, as well as the different materials available, so you can find the perfect balcony for your home.

Key features

  1. Size: Consider the size of the balcony. Is it large enough to accommodate furniture, plants, or other items you may want to add?
  2. Layout: Consider the layout of the balcony. Is it easy to move around in or will furniture need to be rearranged?
  3. Material: Consider the material of the balcony. Is it made of wood, metal, or a combination of both?
  4. Weather Protection: Consider the weather protection of the balcony. Is it enclosed or does it have an awning for protection?
  5. Accessories: Consider any accessories you may want to add to the balcony. Is there a railing or steps available?
  6. Cost: Consider the cost of the balcony. Are there any additional installation fees or materials that need to be purchased?

See the most popular Balcony on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Variety of sizes and shapes available - Balconies come in many different sizes and shapes, including rectangular, square, circular, and more, so they can easily be adapted to fit the size and shape of any home.
  • Adds extra space to your home - Balconies can be used as an extra space for entertaining, relaxing, or even just as a place to admire the view.
  • Adds aesthetic appeal - Balconies can add a great aesthetic appeal to the outside of any home, making it look more attractive.
  • Increases home value - Balconies can add significant value to a home, making it more desirable to potential buyers.
  • Increased privacy - Balconies can also provide extra privacy as they are typically enclosed in a railing or wall, providing a private outdoor area.
  • Weather protection - Balconies also provide protection from the elements, keeping occupants dry and comfortable during rain or snow.

Cons

  • Cost: Balconies can be quite costly and require significant investments in materials and labor.
  • Maintenance: Balconies require regular upkeep and maintenance to avoid weather and wear damage.
  • Safety: Balconies can be hazardous if not properly constructed and maintained. They may require safety features like railings and stability.
  • Space: Balconies take up a significant amount of space, both inside and outside of a home.
  • Design: Balconies must be designed to fit the particular architecture, size, and layout of the home.

Best alternatives

  1. Outdoor Deck - An outdoor deck is a great way to add space to your yard and increase the versatility of your outdoor area.
  2. Patio - A patio is an outdoor area, usually made of concrete, pavers, or other hard surface material, and is perfect for seating and entertaining.
  3. Pergola - A pergola is an outdoor structure that provides shade and protection from the elements. It is often made of wood or metal and is usually attached to a house or other structure.
  4. Gazebo - A gazebo is a pavilion structure, often octagonal or circular in shape, and is usually set up in a garden or other outdoor space.
  5. Screened Porch - A screened porch is an outdoor space that is enclosed with screens to protect it from the elements. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still being sheltered from the elements.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Outdoor furniture - Furniture designed to be used outdoors, such as chairs and tables.
  • Outdoor lighting - Lights that are designed to be used outside, from string lights to LED spotlights.
  • Safety railings - Rails designed to keep people safe from falls on elevated decks, patios, balconies, and stairways.
  • Weatherproof coverings - Materials such as awnings and tarps designed to protect balcony surfaces from rain, snow, and other weather.
  • Grills and cooking appliances - Outdoor grills and other cooking appliances, such as side burners and smokers, designed for use on balconies.
  • Flooring - Rugs, tiles, and other flooring materials designed for outdoor use, such as on balconies.
  • Wind screens - Screens designed to block the wind on a balcony, such as wind-blocking screens.

Common questions

  1. What are the dimensions of a balcony? The dimensions of a balcony can vary greatly depending on the size and shape of the building, as well as the type of balcony desired. Generally speaking, balconies will be anywhere from a few feet in length up to 10 or more feet in length, and from a few feet in depth up to approximately 4 feet in depth.
  2. What materials are used to construct a balcony? The most common materials used to construct a balcony are concrete, wood, metal or glass. Concrete is often used to form the base of a balcony, while metal can be used for railings and wood can be used for the flooring. Glass is often used in modern balconies for railings and canopies.
  3. Are there size limits for a balcony? Most building codes will require that a balcony must be at least 36 inches wide and 36 inches deep. However, larger balconies may require additional supports and should be designed by an experienced engineer.
  4. What type of maintenance is required for a balcony? Depending on the material used, a balcony may require regular maintenance, such as painting or staining, in order to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. Additionally, railings and other components must be regularly inspected to ensure they are secure.
  5. How much does it cost to build a balcony? The cost of building a balcony can vary greatly depending on the materials used, the size, and the complexity of the design. Generally speaking, a basic balcony can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Additionally, additional features such as a canopy or a hot tub may add to the overall cost.

Trivia

Balcony is a mobile app designed to help you keep up with the latest news and trends. What’s interesting is that Balcony was created by a group of students from the University of Toronto. After a successful launch in 2015, the app quickly grew in popularity. Within a year, the app had over one million downloads and it was named one of the top 10 apps of 2016 by Apple. With its easy-to-use interface and user-friendly features, Balcony has become a go-to source of news and entertainment for many people. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.