7 Balcony Types: More Space, Elegance, Safety & Low-Maintenance
A balcony is a raised platform extending from a building’s exterior, providing an essential outdoor space enclosed by a railing or balustrade. Different types of balconies are available all over the world with different sizes, designs, materials, and purposes.
At Aqviz, we have identified these 7 types of balconies consisting of more space, elegance, safety, and requiring less maintenance. These include minimum water damage, leaks, and cracks over time. More than that with the right design and proper waterproofing, these balconies offer long-lasting durability and protection against the elements.
Our top pick 7 balcony types are,
- Juliet Balcony
- Cantilevered Balcony
- Hanging Balcony
- Stacked Balcony
- False Balcony
- Suspended Balcony
- Walkout Balcony
1. Juliet Balcony
Juliet balcony is a false balcony with a railing or glass barrier attached directly to a window or door, offering no standing space. Juliet balconies are made of wrought iron, steel, or glass. Juliet balconies are common in Europe, particularly in France and Italy, and are often seen in historic urban buildings.
A special factor of Juliet balconies is their ability to enhance aesthetics and airflow without structural extensions. The Juliet balcony helps to save space for compact homes. It improves natural light and ventilation through windows. Juliet balcony design adds timeless architectural charm and enhances safety for high-rise openings. Due to their enclosed design, Juliet balconies have minimal exposure to rain and snow. However, waterproof coatings are recommended for metal railings to prevent rust caused by moisture or humidity.
Balconies use these 7 Types of railing materials. They help to protect users, improve aesthetic appeal, and make barriers around the balcony.
2. Cantilevered Balcony
Cantilevered balcony is a protruding platform anchored into a building’s framework without external supports. Cantilevered balconies are typically constructed using concrete, steel, or composite materials. Cantilevered balconies are popular in modern architecture across countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia.
A special factor of cantilevered balconies is their sleek, minimalist appearance. Cantilevered balconies maximize usable outdoor space without obstructive columns. They blend seamlessly into contemporary buildings and provide unobstructed views for urban apartments. The structure is durable when built with quality materials. Cantilevered balconies require waterproof membranes and sloping floors to drain rainwater and melting snow. Without proper waterproofing, water pooling can damage the balcony or building structure.
3. Hanging Balcony
Hanging balcony is a suspended platform supported by cables, rods, or brackets from above, creating a floating effect. Hanging balconies are made of glass, steel, or lightweight alloys. Hanging balconies are popular in scenic regions like Switzerland and Japan, as well as luxury properties.
A special factor of hanging balconies is their ability to provide panoramic views with minimal visible supports. Hanging balconies offer a modern, eye-catching design perfect for scenic locations. They allow customizable shapes and sizes to suit unique spaces. The installation is less invasive compared to traditional balconies, and the floating design enhances visual appeal. Glass panels may fog or collect snow, and metal components are prone to corrosion. Weather-resistant seals and anti-corrosion coatings are essential to protect hanging balconies from rain, snow, and humidity.
4. Stacked Balcony
Stacked balcony is a tiered or multi-level structure integrated into a building’s façade, often creating cascading outdoor spaces. Stacked balconies are typically made of reinforced concrete, steel, or glass. Stacked balconies are common in modern high-rise buildings and eco-friendly designs, particularly in urban hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and New York.
A special factor of stacked balconies is their ability to maximize outdoor space vertically while maintaining structural harmony. Stacked balconies provide private outdoor areas for multiple floors and enhance natural light penetration into interiors. They are ideal for creating green terraces in urban environments. Due to their tiered design, stacked balconies require advanced waterproofing systems and sloped surfaces to channel rainwater and prevent pooling. Protective coatings on materials like steel or concrete are essential to withstand humidity and temperature fluctuations.
5. False Balcony
False balcony is a decorative railing or balustrade fixed to a building’s exterior without a functional platform. False balconies are made of lightweight materials like wrought iron, PVC, or decorative stone. False balconies are commonly found in Mediterranean-style homes, historic European buildings, and tropical architecture.
A special factor of false balconies is their ability to mimic the appearance of traditional balconies at a lower cost. False balconies enhance curb appeal and provide a sense of openness without compromising indoor space. They are often used to frame windows or doors for aesthetic purposes. Since false balconies lack a standing area, they have minimal exposure to weather elements. However, metal components may still require rust-resistant finishes to endure rain or coastal mist.
6. Walkout Balcony
Walkout balcony is a ground-level or lower-floor outdoor platform with direct access to a garden, patio, or street. Walkout balconies are made of durable materials like wood, concrete, composite decking, or stone, often paired with glass or steel railings. Walkout balconies are common in homes built on sloped terrain, particularly in countries like the USA, Canada, and Switzerland.
A special factor of walkout balconies is their seamless integration with landscapes, providing effortless indoor-outdoor living. Walkout balconies enhance accessibility for gatherings, gardening, or leisure activities. They add functional value to basements or lower floors and increase property appeal. Due to their ground-level exposure, walkout balconies are prone to water pooling, soil erosion, and snow accumulation. Waterproof membranes, proper drainage systems, and weather-resistant materials like treated wood or rust-proof metals are essential to prevent damage from rain, humidity, or frost.
What Balcony can Pool Water?
Cantilevered, stacked, and walkout balconies standing water pooling if they lack proper sloping and drainage systems when it is raining or snowing. Walkout balconies, being at ground level, can also suffer from soil erosion and snow accumulation, increasing the risk of water damage. Ensuring proper waterproofing and drainage is crucial for these balcony types.
Which Balconies need Waterproofing?
Cantilevered, stacked, hanging, suspended, and walkout balconies require waterproofing. When these balconies are exposed to rain, snow, and humidity, making them susceptible to water damage, rust, and leaks. Proper waterproof membranes, sloped floors, and corrosion-resistant coatings are essential to prevent long-term structural damage in these balconies.
Which type of Balcony is Best?
The best balcony type depends on your needs. If you want aesthetic appeal and ventilation, a Juliet balcony is ideal. For maximizing outdoor space, a cantilevered or stacked balcony is best. If you prefer panoramic views, a hanging or suspended balcony is a great choice. For gardening and accessibility, a walkout balcony is the most practical.
What Balcony is Good for Gardening?
The walkout balcony is the best for gardening because it has direct access to the ground, allowing for easy watering, larger planters, and natural soil integration. Additionally, stacked balconies can also be used for vertical gardens, especially in urban environments where space is limited.
We highly recommend you to waterproof the balcony if you are planting on the balcony. Continuous watering may damage the balcony floor and walls by making mold and mildew, stain marks, paint peeling, and blistering over time.
