Adding a balcony to your property can help improve the overall aesthetics and thereby increase its value too. Balconies are great venues for family and friends gathering, relaxing, enjoying the views, weekend barbeques, and watching the world go by. This article explores the different types of balcony structures that can help you towards identifying the best one for your property.

1. Hung Balconies

This balcony structure generally uses stainless steel cables that fix to the walls and “hang” the balcony or balconies. The balcony sits perpendicular to the building, a steel cable fixes to the edge of the balcony and a large plate is connected to the building at 45 degrees. The design is minimalist and is not commonly used but is a good option to consider if you haven’t previously included in the building plan.

2. Cantilevered Balconies

Unlike hung balconies, these types of balcony structures are constructed in a way protrudes from the face of the building without any support. Instead, they are fixed to the building and weight is supported by cantilevering the structure off the wall. 

These balconies need prior planning as it imposes a larger point load on the building. As such, they cannot be added without careful evaluation. 

Traditional cantilever balconies are made of steel or concrete. But recent developments in modern designs and innovative materials have provided property owners with the option of adding more aesthetic results.

You must also consider the depth of the cantilevered balconies when creating one. For instance,the smaller the depth the less movement or less “bounce” you can expect.

3. Stacked Balconies

Stacked balconies are the most common types of balcony structure and are popular due to its simplicity. They also impose a minimal load on the building or structure as they are generally not connected to the building.

Instead, they are supported using vertical posts or pillars. Concrete pads are erected on the ground, where the weight of the balcony or balconies (if stacked on top of each other) is supported by these pillars and transferred to the ground. The size of these pillars depends on factors such as the size, weight and number of balconies stacked on top.

Stacked balconies are commonly used in apartment and residential buildings due to its unified appearance, simplicity of structure, and ease of implementation.

4. Balcony Decking

Balcony decking is a platform on the outside of a building, enclosed by walls, supported by columns or console brackets. When constructing these types of balconies, there are several considerations to achieve the best and appropriate design. 

Which of these types of balcony structures are right for you?

There are many factors that you as a property owner would have to consider when choosing the right type of balcony. These include the material used, color, government, and local code requirements, the purpose, and how it would complement the building in the end.

Such considerations need to be carefully evaluated and as such it’s best to consult a professional balcony contractor. 

Additionally, you want to consider asking your contractor the questions about the cost of creating a balcony structure, what’s the guarantee on balcony structures, what are the types of materials used for balconies etc.

If you need help answering such questions, do get in touch with our professionals at SPS Roofing and we will book you in for a free consultation call. We provide roof patios and balconies in Devon and throughout South West England.