What to Know About Balcony Construction?

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

A well-designed balcony enhances your home’s aesthetics, expands your living space, and adds value to your property. Balcony construction can be done DIY or using contractors, but you should be aware of everything about it.

Before constructing a balcony, you should know these things. You should choose the right type of the balcony according to your requirement, then decide the balcony space, support structure and access paths. After that you should decide the material you use for the balcony. Then you should choose balcony flooring material, and railing materials. The most important part is selecting a proper method to protect the balcony structure. You should have a solution to protect it from rainwater, UV rays, insects, and from the freeze-thaw cycles after it is constructed as a good maintenance.

The Aqviz expert team has prepared this guide by considering all the balcony-related problems by considering our clients. This guide covers everything you need to know about building a balcony, from choosing the right type, materials, and support structures to selecting flooring, railings, access paths, protection, and balcony maintenance.

We also dive into essential aspects like balcony protection and maintenance to ensure your space remains safe and beautiful for years to come. This guide helps you to make informed decisions and create a functional, stylish, and well-maintained outdoor balcony space.

Choose the Right Type of Balcony

Selecting the right type of balcony is crucial because it affects not only the aesthetics of your home but also functionality, maintenance, and overall structural integrity. Balconies are available in several types. These are also best for different purposes.

Cantilevered balcony: A cantilevered balcony has modern aesthetics and a sleek, floating appearance. Hence, these are ideal for homes with minimalist designs and where structural support allows.
Hung balcony: Hung balcony is best suited for decorative purposes or small seating areas where a full structural balcony isn’t feasible.
Stacked balcony: Stacked balcony is best for multi-story buildings and apartments. These are Cost-effective and structurally sound since it rely on vertical supports from the balcony below.
Juliet balcony: Juliet balcony is best for indoor-outdoor ambiance without extra space. These are great for rooms with large doors where a full balcony isn’t feasible.
Mezzanine balcony: The Mezzanine balcony is best for indoor applications, such as loft-style designs. The mezzanine balcony works well for additional indoor living space or overlooking an open area.
False balcony: Best for decorative purposes. These balconies add visual appeal to a façade without functional space.

When choosing a balcony type, consider its intended purpose such as for gardening, relaxation, outdoor dining, or even as a pool extension. As well as think about the weight capacity needed, privacy concerns, local building codes, and climate conditions. A well-planned balcony complements your lifestyle and increases property value while ensuring long-term durability and safety.

Decide the Balcony Space

Balcony space refers to the area allocated for your balcony, influencing usability, comfort, and structural feasibility. It is essential to determine the right size and layout based on your needs and available space. A small balcony may be perfect for a cozy seating area, while a larger one can accommodate an outdoor kitchen, garden, or even a small pool extension.

To determine the ideal space, measure the potential location and consider factors like sun exposure, wind patterns, and building regulations. Keep in mind that the balcony should harmonize with the overall architecture and not feel too cramped or oversized. Also, think about furniture placement, accessibility, and the flow of movement.

Determine the Balcony Support Structure

The balcony support structure is the backbone of the balcony. The balcony support structure depends on the balcony type, building design, and load requirements. It ensures the safety, durability, and stability of the balcony. It consists of load-bearing elements that transfer weight to the main building or floor by preventing sagging, tilting, or collapsing the balcony structure. Common balcony support structures include cantilevered extensions, brackets, columns, or a combination of these.

When selecting a support structure, material choice is crucial. You can choose wood, steel and concrete supports.

Wood offers a warm, natural aesthetic but requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and warping.
Metal, such as steel or aluminum, provides excellent strength and durability with minimal upkeep, making it ideal for modern designs.
Concrete is a top choice for long-lasting, heavy-duty balconies, providing superior load capacity but requiring a strong foundation.

The right support structure depends on the balcony’s size, purpose, and local building codes. If you don’t have an idea, we strongly recommend you to meet a structural engineer or a professional home improvement expert.

Decide Access Paths for Balcony

A balcony access path refers to how people move between the balcony and the rest of the home. It can be an interior access point (such as a door leading from a bedroom or living room) or an external staircase connecting the balcony to the ground or other levels.

You should consider this when deciding an access path in the balcony.

Ensure the balcony entrance is easy to use and meets building codes.
The balcony design should blend with the home’s architecture.
Choose balcony materials and placements that withstand exposure to environmental impacts such as sunlight, rain, and snow.
Balcony entry should not disrupt movement inside the house.

Pros and Cons of balcony access paths.

Pros and Cons of Interior Access (Doors from Inside the House)

Pros of interior access path

Provides convenience and security
Protects from weather exposure
Maintains home privacy

Cons of the interior access path

Limits flexibility in design placement
May require structural modifications

Pros and Cons of Exterior Balcony Access (Staircase from Outside):

Pros of exterior access path

Allows independent entry to the balcony
Can serve as an emergency exit
Increases accessibility for guests

Cons of the exterior access path

Requires more space
Exposed to weathering and maintenance needs

Choose Construction Material for Balcony

Balcony construction materials are the primary components used to build the balcony’s framework, including the structure, railing, and surface. Choosing high quality balcony materials significantly impacts durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost. The most used balcony materials are wood, metal, and concrete.

Wood: Wood is natural and has a warm look. Wood balconies work well in traditional and rustic designs. However, wood requires sealing and regular maintenance to prevent rot, insect damage, and warping.
Metal: Metal (Steel or Aluminum) balconies offer modern appeal, excellent strength, and resistance to harsh weather conditions. Steel provides robust support, while aluminum is lightweight and rust-resistant. Metal balcony structures require occasional maintenance to prevent corrosion.
Concrete: Concrete is the most durable balcony option. Concrete balconies withstand heavy loads and extreme weather. It is low maintenance and fire-resistant but can be costly and requires a strong foundation.

So, what should you consider when choosing balcony materials?

Weather resistant: Choose the balcony materials that withstand your region’s weather conditions.
Loading capacity: Consider the loading capacity of the balcony if it is large.
Maintenance requirements: Wood requires frequent care, while metal and concrete need occasional upkeep.
Aesthetic & style: Ensure the material complements your home’s design.

Choose a Balcony Flooring Material

Balcony flooring material refers to the surface covering that provides safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. It must be durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain.

Considerations When Choosing Balcony Flooring Material

Flooring should resist rain, sun exposure, and temperature changes.
Choose materials with a non-slip surface for safety.
Opt for easy-to-clean and long-lasting materials.
The flooring should match the overall balcony and home design.

By considering these things the best balcony floorings are tiles, composite decking, concrete pavers, and natural stones. More than that, you can use these 4 types of balcony floorings for your balcony.

Tiles: Tile is durable, highly water resistant, and available in various styles. Porcelain or ceramic tiles are ideal for outdoor use.
Composite decking: Concrete decking is a mix of wood fibers and plastic. It offers a wood-like look with low maintenance and high weather resistance to the balcony.
Concrete pavers: Concrete is heavy-duty, long-lasting, and customizable in different patterns and finishes to the balcony.
Natural stone: Natural stone provides a premium and elegant look to the balcony, while being highly durable but it is costly and requires proper sealing.

In order to have higher balcony flooring protection, you can choose waterproof balcony flooring. Waterproof balcony flooring is highly resistant to water and they do not absorb water like general balcony floorings.

Choose Balcony Railing Material

Balcony railing material, structural and aesthetic components that provide safety, support, and design appeal to the balcony. The railing must be strong enough to prevent falls while enhancing the overall look of your home.

What should you consider when choosing balcony railing materials?

Safety & durability: Balcony materials should meet safety regulations and withstand weather conditions.
Maintenance needs: Consider the maintenance requirements of the balcony material due to some damages from water, sunlight, etc
Aesthetic appeal: Consider the aesthetic appeal of the balcony railing. It should complement your home’s architecture.
Visibility & privacy: Consider how much privacy you need from the railing. According to that choose the railing material.
Cost & installation: Consider how much you can spend on the balcony railing and its installation.

Considering all, these are the most used balcony materials you can use for your balcony construction project

7 Types of balcony railings

Glass balcony railings
Stainless steel balcony railings
Wrought Iron balcony railings
Aluminium balcony railings
Composite balcony railings
Wood balcony railings
PVC balcony railings

How to Protect a Balcony?

Balcony protection is essential to extend its lifespan, prevent structural damage, and maintain its aesthetic appeal. So you should follow the below protection methods to protect the balcony from water, UV light, pests and insects, and from freeze thaw cycles.

Protect balcony from rainwater: Rainwater can cause wood rot, rust on metal, and cracks in concrete.

Apply waterproof sealants and coatings.
Install proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.
Use weather-resistant flooring and railing materials.

Read More: How to Waterproof Balcony?

Protect balcony from UV rays: UV rays can fade surfaces, dry out wood, and weaken some materials.

Use UV-resistant paints and finishes.
Install awnings, pergolas, or sunshades.
Choose fade-resistant materials like composite decking.

Protect balcony from Insects, Birds, and Rodents: Wood can attract termites, and open railings may invite birds and rodents.

Treat wood with pest-resistant chemicals.
Install mesh barriers or bird spikes.
Use sealed flooring to prevent nesting.

Protect balcony from Freeze-Thaw cycle: In cold climates, trapped moisture expands and contracts, causing cracks and weakening materials.

Use freeze-resistant materials like stone or composite decking.
Ensure proper drainage to prevent water buildup.
Apply protective sealants to prevent moisture infiltration.

How to Maintain a Balcony?

Proper balcony maintenance is essential to keep it safe, functional, and visually appealing. Regular upkeep helps prevent structural issues, extends the lifespan of materials, and ensures a comfortable outdoor space. So you should follow the below maintenance steps to keep the balcony more effective and strong.

Regularly clean the balcony
Inspect the balcony deck for cracks, rust, or rotting wood
Apply waterproof sealants and coatings on the balcony floor
Ensure proper drainage in the balcony floor
Maintain and protect balcony furniture
Remove snow and ice buildup on balcony in the winter
Prevent and remove rust from metal components
Check and secure railings, fasteners, and support structures
Adapt maintenance based on seasonal changes