Planning the Perfect Balcony

Balconies have been used on properties for generations, but with more contemporary features they are becoming an increasingly popular addition to modern homes.

For those looking to work with specialist balcony companies such as Bradford fabricators, what are the different construction methods you can use to create your perfect balcony? Here we look at some top tips for positioning a balcony and the range of materials and styles you can incorporate so that you can make the best use of your new feature.

Roof-Top Balcony

If you have a flat roof on your garage or above part of your house, this can be turned into a balcony without too much inconvenience. You will need to check that the structure can take the necessary weight or whether it will need to be strengthened to accommodate people and furniture.

It's also important to assess the drainage requirements: you don't want to end up with a wet balcony, as this won't look appealing and increases the weight pressure even more.

Juliet Balcony

These small openings have become a popular feature on new-build properties, with the use of decorative iron railings fixed in front of patio-style doors to provide a barrier but still allowing the doors to open. These types of balconies, which can be manufactured by Bradford fabricators, don't increase the square footage of your home, but they do create a feature of the property and enable more light and air to get into the upstairs rooms.

When you're designing a Juliet balcony, look at the size of the railings to ensure that they're safe for children and pets, and check that the door opens inwards so that you can make the most of the addition.

Steel-Beam Balcony

A steel-beam balcony is ideal if you want to add space to the outside of your property that can be used for a variety of purposes, including dining, relaxing and entertaining. These structures are exceptionally strong so will last for many years with minimal maintenance requirements.

During construction, beams are inserted into the walls of the property, and then a grid is built that will take the weight of the flooring, railings, furniture and people. A steel balcony doesn't have to look boring, and the materials can be coloured to complement your property in almost any shade, including green, blue or black, so that it looks similar to traditional wrought iron.