All kinds of balconies in private. How to make a balcony over a veranda. Unusual French balcony design

The absence of a balcony in a private house can cause the entire structure to be perceived as an unfinished building. It is a decoration of the facade and an ideal place to spend time outdoors. But this is not an easy structure, the construction of which is subject to a certain number of requirements, and the most important among them are: ensuring the integrity and unity of the entire structure.

Among the positive points can be identified:

  1. Balcony - a great opportunity to give the house a unique, inimitable look. Beautiful, individual and unusual in shape designs will decorate any private house, give it a complete look.
  2. A balcony extension is an additional area that can be used as a place of rest, entertainment, or even a work space. If the balcony is installed above the terrace, then this will help to visually divide the house into two parts, which will visually increase the volume of the entire building.
  3. Balcony extension - emergency exit during a fire.
  4. A balcony is not a cheap pleasure, but in some cases its installation can be profitable. Installing a balcony in a country house, where there is a terrace or a bay window, will help save on the roof: its role will be played by the base of this design. The balcony also acts as a roof over the entrance to the house, which becomes a reliable protection from the weather.

But, despite a fairly large number of positive aspects, there are also negative factors.

  1. The presence of a balcony is the cause of heat loss. Very often this is due to the door installed on the balcony and the thermal bridges inherent in the cantilever structure. Exceptions in this case may be structures that have autonomous supports, but their installation requires significant financial costs and significant space.
  2. The construction of this structure is characterized by the complexity of developing design documentation and carrying out installation work. Before erecting such a facade structure, it is necessary to carry out a fairly large number of calculations related to determining the loads that it will experience, and the installation process itself requires certain knowledge and skills in this construction area.
  3. Installation of a balcony requires considerable financial costs, so you need to be prepared for the fact that this pleasure will cost the owner of the house quite expensive.
  4. An ill-considered question about the placement of a balcony can cause the structure to not be used for its intended purpose. This often happens when the balcony overlooks the road, or faces the neighbor's yard. That is why it is necessary, already at the project approval stage, to carefully plan the overview visibility of the structure with the features of the environment and nearby construction objects.

Types of balconies

According to the type of design of the structure, there are two main types: open and closed balconies.

Open design

They occupy a leading position compared to closed species. This facade design is used as a decorative element, so much attention is paid to the choice of materials for decoration and its decoration. Forged metal railings, which are the main components of the decor, are widely used.

When installing a wrought iron fence, the following points must be taken into account:

  • the size of the fence should not exceed the size of the carrier plate and the opening of the balcony;
  • when carrying out work to determine the permissible loads, it is necessary to take into account the fact that it is planned to install a metal fence;
  • it is possible to carry out the installation of the fence only after the reinforced concrete slab is completely restored and leveled: all chips and cracks must be eliminated on its surface.

Closed design

Glazing of the balcony design allows you to increase the functionality of this space and make the most of the balcony: as a room for relaxation, creativity, or even as a bedroom. And those who love home flowers can breed species here that prefer a lot of sunlight.

The glazed area is protected from bad weather, extraneous noise and annoying insects. For an unusual, aesthetic and original design of facade structures, various types of glazing can be used: panoramic, stained glass, partial.

Balconies can be made of concrete or wood.

Concrete balcony

Concrete is very often used as a base material for the construction of balconies due to its unique properties and extended service life.

This architectural structure has individual features.

  1. The reliability of such a design directly depends on the thickness of the wall of the house, since the supporting structures are recessed into the wall. In the event that the wall is not characterized by increased strength, then it is necessary to install additional supports.
  2. The length of the balcony departure should not be less than one meter.
  3. The foundation slab is inserted into the wall along the entire length if the residential building was built of brick.
  4. The top level of the slab should be 5 to 8 cm below the planned floor level.
  5. The base of the structure must be waterproofed.
  6. The height of the parapet may not be less than one meter.

wooden balcony

A wooden balcony is somewhat inferior in reliability, but surpasses a concrete one in terms of decorative characteristics. This is due to the fact that wood is a unique material, thanks to which you can easily and simply create an atmosphere of comfort, sophistication and magnificence. Wood has a unique smell and has excellent aesthetic properties.

The installation of a wooden facade structure has its own distinctive features that must be taken into account.

  1. For installation, it is required to use beams with a section of 10x20 centimeters.
  2. The depth of the beams in the facade is at least 25 centimeters.
  3. The main fasteners are metal corners and bolts.
  4. The vertical and longitudinal posts fixed on the console have the following dimensions: 4 by 10 cm and 5 by 10 cm, respectively.
  5. After the installation of the boards, handrails are installed, the flooring is laid.
  6. Wooden elements are subject to mandatory treatment with oil paint, and handrails and gratings are additionally coated with waterproof and resistant to low temperature varnish.

How to make a balcony in wooden houses


A balcony in a wooden house can be installed with your own hands. First of all, the owner of the house needs to decide on the type of future construction. Often balconies are installed directly in the roof. If the owner wants to install a gable balcony, then this wish should be taken into account already at the construction stage of the building, since it is necessary to make one of the fronts deeper, taking into account the planned width of the future facade structure.

The base plate must necessarily be covered with insulation, on top of which a layer of waterproofing is laid, after which a screed is made. At the final stage, a fence is installed, the material for which is selected according to the wishes of the customer: wood, metal, brick.

Construction types

Any balcony, regardless of appearance, decor elements and size, has three main structural elements:

  • base plate;
  • parapet or fence;
  • visor (roof), wind screen.

The plate is the main structural element. It can be made of both wood and reinforced concrete. The advantage of a wooden slab is its light weight, due to which the installation of this structure can be carried out on the facade of any house.

Structure placement options

Usually the balcony is located in the central part of the house and has a common roof with it. This location option is best suited for low buildings. This placement allows you to best equip the recreation area, protected from the weather and the scorching sun. Sufficiently spacious space allows you to install folding or plastic furniture here: tables, chairs.

A small triangular-shaped balcony located under the roof of the building looks unusual and attractive. Such a room can be successfully used to organize a flower corner.

What do you prefer: a roof or a visor?

The roof is not included in the list of mandatory components of the balcony, but it allows you to significantly expand its functionality. Instead of a roof, a visor can also be installed, which will also act as protection from bad weather and direct sunlight.

Roof requirements:

  1. The surface area of ​​the roof should be slightly larger than the surface area of ​​the base plate and.
  2. The roof must be installed at an angle so that there is no accumulation of snow mass.

The roof can be single-pitched or double-pitched. The first option is the simplest and most budgetary, the second is ideal for corner balconies.

A special canopy "Marquise" will help to give the balcony an unusual and stylish look. This metal structure is covered with a special fabric, which allows it not only to act as a protective element, but also to emphasize the individual style of the entire structure.

Dome-type visors are less popular. This is due to certain difficulties in its manufacture, but many owners of individual buildings prefer this particular method of decorating the facade structure.

The arched visor looks stylish and elegant, which is practical and highly functional.

How to make a balcony in a private house: a sequence of actions

The construction of a balcony requires the following work.

  1. Frame installation. For the basis of the frame, it is recommended to use interfloor beams, which, at the design stage, were provided for extending the walls of the house beyond the boundaries. The cross section of such beams should be at least 15 cm by 8 cm. If it is planned to install a balcony with a width of more than 20 dm, or if a balcony is attached to an already finished building, the construction of additional supports becomes a prerequisite. For this purpose, an additional beam is fixed on the house, the section of which corresponds to the section of the beams of the interfloor ceiling. For wooden columns, bars with a cross section of 100 by 100 are best suited. It is desirable that they be installed at the time of pouring the foundation using box-shaped consoles. After that, on the already installed columns, 1.5 cm (± 0.5 cm) below the fixed beam, another transverse beam is laid. The rest of the bars (size 150 by 50) are fastened to these parallel bars. Mounting step - 5 dm.
  2. Mounting brackets. The installation of these elements entirely depends on the wishes of the owner of the residential building. So, triangular-shaped wooden struts can be installed. With the help of anchors, the legs of these triangles are fastened to the wall of the house to the beams of the balcony, and the hypotenuse acts as an additional support. it is permissible to decorate with forged metal elements that harmoniously complement the overall appearance of the structure.
  3. Floor laying. For the floor, it is recommended to give preference to wooden boards, the thickness of which is greater than or equal to 40 mm. Installation of boards is carried out at right angles to the supporting beams with a gap of up to 2 mm.
  4. Fencing installation. At this stage, the following points should be taken into account: the height of the railing is at least 1 meter, and the distance between the elements is no more than 11 dm.
  5. Canopy installation. This stage is not mandatory, but it will help emphasize the individuality and peculiarity of the structure.
  6. Glazing of balconies in a wooden or brick house.
  7. Processing and finishing. At the final stage, wooden structures are treated with special impregnations, which allow preserving the original appearance and extending the life of the structure.

Do not forget about the decorative elements of the balcony, lighting and arrangement, because these moments play a significant role in creating the conditions for a perfect holiday.

Reading 7 min.

Today, country houses and cottages without balconies are rare. They not only decorate buildings, but also create comfortable living conditions. Wooden balconies are cheap, easy to make and can be combined with any wall materials.

Building a wooden balcony is considered a very responsible job. First of all, there is a danger of collapse of an unreliable structure. To prevent this, the work is carried out in stages and includes calculated and practical components.

Types of balconies

Wooden balconies vary in types depending on how the support is created. The most well-known such methods.

  1. Console option.

If it is impractical to build a balcony on supports, then the cantilever method of support comes to the rescue. With this method, the base of the balcony rests on the continuation of the beams that create the interfloor overlap.

In addition, the foundation can be created by beams laid parallel or perpendicular to the floor beams. Such a base decorates the walls of the building, but there is a high risk of rotting from moisture.

  1. Attached variant.


The simplest and most modern way to build a sustainable balcony. Side supports securely hold the balcony base, and front racks create rigidity of the entire structure. Under the base there should be a free area to make the foundation. In some cases, such a balcony may be a roof for a veranda or terrace.

Preparation for work

Preparatory work, first of all, includes the creation of a project with calculations.

The success of construction largely depends on the quality of the project. When preparing it, first of all, they determine the location of the structure. The classic option is the location above the entrance to the house. In this case, the porch columns will hold the balcony base.


Balcony above the entrance to the house
  • balcony structures;
  • installed furniture;
  • people on the balcony.

Placement of people and furniture depending on the size of the balcony

There are others requirements for the correct choice of design extensions:

  • for safety, there must be a fence with a height of at least 105 cm;
  • the base of the balcony is mounted with a slope of up to two degrees, so that during precipitation the water flows out;
  • the location of the balcony must correspond to the purpose. For decoration, it is placed on the facade of the building, and for relaxation in quiet places;
  • additional equipment of the canopy will well protect the balcony from precipitation and extend the time of its operation.

Cantilever balcony construction

Initially, the materials specified in the project are purchased, and the tool is being prepared. In addition, the project must have drawings with the dimensions of the parts. This will save materials and also simplify assembly.



IMPORTANT!

1. If the extension is carried out in a house under construction, then the protruding floor beams are a good basis for the construction of a wooden balcony. In the built house, the best option would be to rely on poles.

In the cantilever balcony for mounting the base, one of the options is used:

  • pinched in the wall. Disadvantage: the width of the base is limited to one meter;
  • support on cantilever beams. The dimensions of the base increase to one and a half meters.

Types of fastening a balcony to a private house

Construction work is carried out in stages:

  • markings are made on the wall according to the project;
  • for the beams of the balcony, a wooden beam is being prepared with dimensions 200 x 100 mm. It is pre-treated with antiseptic solutions;




Construction of an attached balcony


As in the previous version, work begins with the purchase of materials and the preparation of tools.

Unlike cantilever structures, such structures are more complex during installation and require more financial costs.

The stages of construction of the attached base are as follows:

  • according to the project, markings are applied on the wall and in the places where the pillars are installed;
  • for supports, poles with a diameter of more than 140 mm are selected. They are treated with an antiseptic. The lower part of the pillars to the depth of installation in the ground is covered with bitumen;
  • holes are dug or drilled. A pillow of sand is laid at their bottom;


  • at the level of the wall support, the posts are tied with crossbars;
  • the pillars are connected to the wall support with a crate, which is necessary for the installation of wooden flooring;
  • arrangement is being made.

Useful video on the topic:

Arrangement of a balcony base

These works require special care, since the reliability, attractiveness and longevity of the balcony structure largely depend on them. These primarily include:


As a rule, the frame of a wooden balcony is made of wooden elements.

Firstly, the tree has high thermal insulation qualities, and secondly, it goes well with various architectural styles.

Usually the frame of the balcony is connected to the wall with the help of bars fixed vertically on the wall at the ends of the balcony base. The height of the bars determines the dimensions of the fence.

The wall is sheathed most often with clapboard. The lining made of pine and larch looks good and is durable. If the balcony frame is large, then round profile boards (block house) are mounted. Such a wall has a pronounced log look.

  1. Floor laying.

The floor is mounted on the prepared crate. Forty-millimeter planed boards are selected as the material. To prevent water from accumulating, they spread with a gap of up to 2 mm.


  1. Fencing installation.

A good fencing is not only attractive, combined with the architectural style of the building, but also durable and reliable. Turned or carved balusters create an attractive look for a wooden balcony.

Railings are made from different materials:


In such fences, elegance is combined with high strength.


There are certain rules that the railings of wooden balconies must comply with:

  • railing height not less than 1.0 m;
  • between balusters the distance is not more than 0.1 m;
  • on the surface of the railing there should be no nicks and roughness.

When choosing a railing, it is necessary, first of all, to be guided by the safety of using the balcony.

  1. Creating a canopy.

Not every wooden balcony needs a canopy. It is equipped to create comfort and protect the balcony from the damaging effects of natural conditions.

It is easy to construct a canopy as a continuation of the roof slope. In this case, it is enough to have longer rafters.


The simplest design is the strapping of the upper part of the pillars of the balcony base support. After that, a crate is made, on which the roofing is laid.


There are polycarbonate canopies fixed on the wall. Lightweight materials that can withstand snow and wind loads are suitable for a canopy.


Processing wood elements

A mandatory requirement for all wooden balconies is insect and weather protection. Protection will be effective if it is carried out comprehensively:

  • application of primers;
  • impregnation with antiseptics;
  • coating with fade-resistant varnish.

Special requirements for the processing of sheathing material on open balconies without canopies. Therefore, before the start of installation work, the floorboards on the reverse side are covered with VISASOL antiseptic primer. It contains substances that prevent the formation of mold.


Antiseptic Teknos Visasol

For wooden railings, a varnish that is elastic, hard and resistant to weather changes is selected. The best option is an alkyd-urethane varnish. He is not afraid of mechanical influences, temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight.

IMPORTANT! It is necessary to process wooden fences with primer, impregnation and varnish from one manufacturer. Only in this way will full compatibility of all coatings be guaranteed.

Outside, it is necessary to cover the wooden balcony with paint that matches the color of the facade of the house.

So, despite some difficulties, attaching a wooden balcony to the house will be possible for people with little experience who know how to handle wood materials. The main thing is that the installation is carried out carefully, and in addition, safety measures are observed when working at height.

Reading 8 min.

Private houses open up opportunities for the owner to implement a large number of design ideas. A balcony is a beautiful and aesthetic addition to any facade. It is quite possible to do it yourself. To do this, it is enough to carefully study the instructions and perform the work efficiently. At the first stage, it is necessary to decide on the type and features of the chosen design.

Features of the DIY construction process

Among the advantages of independent construction of the structure, the following points should be highlighted:

  • can only be built if the building contains at least two floors. On such a design later it will be convenient to rest. Also, the balcony can be used to expand the room.
  • Today there are many designs. Among them, there is guaranteed to be one that will appeal to everyone. Such decoration will make any home presentable.
  • The extension is used to increase the space. On the first floor, the balcony plays the role of a roof or porch. The design in this case can perform two roles at once.
  • The balcony is additionally used as an evacuation option in case of fire or emergency.


The design has certain disadvantages:

  • Construction funds should be planned at the construction stage. In some cases, the owner must be willing to shell out a substantial amount of funds.
  • The construction process can only be started if the calculations have been made beforehand. With this question, you need to contact the experts in this matter.
  • In a room with a balcony, the risk of heat loss increases. The probability of a negative process will be reduced to zero if the balcony is built on independent supports.
  • It is important to carry out work rationally. Otherwise, the extension will not bring any benefit.

To date, there are a huge number of balconies that differ in appearance and construction features. The material should match the exterior style of the whole house. The design should be harmonious and aesthetically fit into the yard.

Features of the construction of concrete balconies


This design option is used most often. To strengthen it, it is necessary to additionally use overlappings. Also, during the construction process, it is important to consider the following nuances:

  • To fix the load-bearing elements, you will need to mount them into the wall. The process is carried out using electric welding. Anchors must be carefully fixed into the wall mass. The reliability of the structure as a whole will depend on this indicator in the future. In new buildings, quite often the walls of the house are not strong, so you will need to install additional supports.
  • The depth of the balcony is fixed at one meter.
  • If the construction is carried out in a brick house, then the slab will have to be brought along the entire length of the wall. Additionally, you will need to install reinforced jumpers at the junction of floors.
  • Consoles will need to be added to the stone structure.
  • Please note that the main plate must be placed at least 100 mm from the floor.
  • The design will be convenient to use if it is tilted by 2% during the construction phase.
  • The proper level of waterproofing must be organized on the slab. The coating is considered normal only if it has the ability to repel moisture. To do this, it is advisable to use a screed of sand and cement.
  • For safety reasons, the parapet should not exceed one meter. For this, it is allowed to use metal or forged elements.
  • If it becomes necessary to make a threshold, then its height should not exceed 100 mm.

Read also: Balcony design options

Wooden design features


  • Beams are used as the main load-bearing elements. The beam must be of sufficient thickness, only in this case it will be able to withstand the required pressure.
  • The beam should go at least 25 cm deep into the wall. Additionally, it is treated with anti-moisture and pest control agents.
  • For better fixing, it is advisable to use only steel corners or strips.
  • Wooden racks are fixed with M12 bolts.
  • The structure will be rigid if small grooves are made at the intersection of the beams and the console.
  • It is recommended to use boards as a floor covering. Their thickness must be at least 4 cm.
  • A safety fence can also be made from wood. To fix individual elements, it is recommended to use screws or nails.
  • The balcony will last for a long period of time if all its elements are coated with hydrophobic paint. Some owners prefer to perform oil staining.

The main characteristics of a wrought iron balcony


This design option is very popular. This is largely due to the excellent appearance. The balcony can become a decoration of any building or structure. During the construction process, the following nuances must be taken into account:

  • Forged product must exactly repeat the size of the opening. Otherwise, the grille will not look aesthetically pleasing.
  • The metal is heavy. This indicator must always be taken into account when determining the weight of the slab. It is convenient to walk only on a smooth and soft surface, on which there are no recesses and cracks.
  • A decorative metal grill is placed inside the mortgages. They must be designed in such a way that the integrity of the slab is not compromised.
  • When using a reinforced slab, it can be restored. To do this, the top layer is removed from it to the very base.
  • With the help of a cement screed, it will be possible to change the shape of the slab or the defects in its edges. In some cases, this is only possible if metal is added.
  • You can fix iron mortgages by welding. At the first stage, the formwork is welded, and only then the slab is completely poured.
  • After the surface has hardened, you can proceed to the installation of the grate. All installation work will take the owner no more than one month.
  • To eliminate damage, it is strongly not recommended to use a solution of cement and sand. It will not withstand bad weather conditions and may fall off at any time.
  • Owners with experience are advised to add glue to the solution. The thickness of the screed should not exceed 20 mm. In some cases, it is allowed to use only glue without additional impurities.

Unusual French balcony design


The design is not only unique, but also incredibly stylish. It has no decorative elements. The balcony is fully glazed with transparent or tinted glass. The installation process cannot be imagined without the following elements:

  • High strength can be ensured if the anchors are fixed at a distance of 80 cm from each other.
  • Before fixing the support deck around the perimeter of the balcony, it is advisable to place a sealing tape.
  • The blocks are interconnected by means of screws, which are placed at a distance of 40 cm from each other.
  • You can align all the elements with each other using dowel-nails.
  • The owner must also seal all holes with mounting foam. Only after that it is allowed to apply a thick layer of vapor barrier.
  • The construction process is completed by screwing the handles and leveling the slopes.

The balcony is not only a decorative element, but also a place where you can relax, sit with friends or even work! But if for a city apartment this is really a multifunctional area, then in a private house a balcony is no longer so popular.

The relevance of the balcony in a private house

Even at the stage of designing a house, it is advisable to decide whether a balcony is needed, and if so, how much. Most often, balconies are loved by city dwellers who are not yet accustomed to their own garden. After all, the advantages of a balcony are undeniable:

  • aesthetics - a house with terraces and loggias looks much more spectacular;
  • convenience - lovers of smoking before going to bed will definitely appreciate going out under the open sky;
  • functionality - a balcony can become a roof for a veranda or a porch under it;
  • additional space - for a small area it is much more profitable to make a wide balcony, under which you can arrange a flower garden.

But there are many drawbacks to the balcony in a private house. So, for morning coffee it is much more convenient to go to the terrace, and not to go up to the second floor back to the room. Gatherings with friends are also transferred to the gazebo, making the balcony an exclusively decorative part of the facade. And the financial side of the issue does not speak in favor of balconies - such a house will cost much more.

What design of a balcony to choose?

Having decided on the construction of a balcony, it is worth considering its design and location well. It can be a cantilever (hanging in the air), attached, or a balcony located in the attic, leaning on the walls of the house (options 1,2 and 3 in the photo). Structural solutions differ in the way of fixing balcony slabs:

  1. A slab pinched in a wall is suitable for concrete and brick houses, but is contraindicated for aerated concrete buildings due to its weight.
  2. A slab lying on beams pinched in the wall is suitable for any house, depending on the material chosen.
  3. Slab based on brackets - triangular supports can be attached to an already finished building, and a variety of options will allow you to fit a balcony into any design.
  4. A slab with a support at only one end is a variant of a slab cantilevered in the wall, but thanks to additional supports, a balcony can be made of any width and even for houses made of aerated concrete.
  5. A balcony on four pillars is, in fact, a high extension on its own foundation and independent of the rest of the building, which can be erected after the construction of the house is completed.

The cantilevered plate is used only for balconies up to 1 meter wide. A balcony on beams can be a little wider - up to 1.2 m, and on brackets a width of 1.5 m is acceptable. But using supports, you can not limit yourself and build a whole terrace.

In this case, it is desirable to immediately install a visor that will protect from the sun and rain. It should protrude beyond the perimeter of the balcony area by at least 10 cm in front and 20 cm on the sides. If this is the windward side, then the visor must be at least doubled to protect against oblique rain.

On a balcony without a visor, a garden swing with an awning roof will come in handy. It is desirable to choose folding models with coasters for drinks. In winter, the swings simply fold up and stow away in the house, and in summer it is a great place to relax, where you can even sleep.

Installation of a balcony on cantilever beams with supports

If you need professional calculations to install a balcony slab on beams, then using additional supports, you can confidently build a balcony with your own hands. Stages of construction of a wooden balcony:

  1. Choice of supports. This can be both wooden poles with a section of 14x14 cm, and concrete supports. The foundation for the supports can be shared with the house or separate. The first option is suitable for arranging a terrace under a balcony. In the latter case, the depth of the foundation should be below the freezing of the soil. The wood must be resistant to decay - larch and oak are excellent for supports.
  2. Digging or drilling holes. They should be at least 10 cm larger than future pillars.
  3. Wooden poles are treated with antiseptics, and the lower part is covered with bitumen so that the waterproofing of the ground part is at a height of 15 cm. A pillow of sand and gravel is placed under the wooden pole, and the lower part is concreted. After the mortar has hardened, the pillars are covered with soil and rammed.
  4. Concrete or brick supports require a full-fledged columnar foundation. So that the heavy balcony does not “go” into the ground, the lower part of the foundation is made 10 cm wider than the upper one, for which the formwork is installed in the form of a truncated cone.
  5. Longitudinal beams with a cross section of at least 5x25 cm are laid on the supports. The bars are placed on the edge and fastened to wooden supports with self-tapping screws, and to brick or concrete - with dowels. Between themselves, the beams can be connected overlay with metal brackets or clamps.
  6. After that, cantilever beams are inserted into the holes left in advance with a step of 0.7-2 m, which are based on the longitudinal ones. The tree is treated with antiseptics, and the ends entering the wall are wrapped with roofing material.
  7. The walls of a wooden house are sealed with membrane wind-proofing. The holes in the brick wall are filled with concrete, and the joints must be sealed with sealant.
  8. Lathing beams with a section of 5x10 cm are laid on the cantilever beams, and on top - wooden flooring. It is advisable to choose boards that are resistant to moisture or cover them annually with waterproof paint or varnish.

The balcony railing is made at least 1.1 m high. If it is planned to be solid, a gap must be left between the railing and the balcony slab for water to drain. Even at the stage of erecting the supports, the installation of the balcony should be planned with a slope of 2% towards the drain - otherwise the water will linger on the floor.

The principle of building a concrete balcony is the same, only channels are used instead of wooden beams, and a small groove should be made along the entire edge of the underside of the slab - a “teardrop”. It protects the walls of the house from drops of water that can flow from the balcony and reach the junction of the balcony with the house. Without such a groove, any waterproofing will be ineffective, and with heavy slanting rain, the places where the channels enter the wall will get wet.

Features of the extension of the balcony on supports to the finished house

If the house is built and already inhabited, and the balcony is very necessary, you can simply attach it! It can be erected both on a strip foundation and on a columnar one. The depth of the foundation is standard - below the freezing of the soil.

Expansion joint device or rigid connection?

A lighter foundation adjacent to the main building cannot be connected “tightly”, but only with the help of an expansion joint. Otherwise, with inevitable shrinkage, one of the foundations will inevitably be destroyed.

To do this, after installing the formwork, any elastic material is laid close to the old foundation - rigid mineral wool or polystyrene foam 1-2 cm thick and concrete is poured. After the new foundation has hardened, the joint is filled with an elastic sealant.

The formwork in this case is placed close to the building and filled with a cement-sand mixture.

If there is no confidence in the stability of the soil, it is rational to apply a compromise that combines an elastic and rigid connection. To do this, steel ruffs are fixed in the foundation with a layer of glue, which will provide the necessary mobility without destroying the concrete. A construction sealant is applied to the entire surface, and the free ends of the ruffs are closed with plastic bushings.

How to connect a balcony to a wall?

How to make an "additional" balloon? There are two mounting methods:

  • with fastening the beam, on which the logs of the balcony will rest, on the wall of the house;
  • with the installation of the second row of supports close to the wall of the house.

In the first case, the principle of construction is practically the same as a balcony on cantilever beams. Unless these beams are based not on the walls of the house, but on the base board. Such a balcony will not be able to withstand heavy loads, so it is not recommended to install furniture on it.

If you use slopes - wooden brackets with an additional transverse beam attached to them, the reliability of the structure increases. The tree itself is quite plastic, so you don’t have to worry about different shrinkage and deformation of the walls.

In order not to rent heavy equipment to lift the finished concrete slab, you can make a formwork and pour the slab yourself:

  1. 100 mm metal corners are laid on the supports - for internal and external brickwork.
  2. Masonry is done to the level of the future balcony slab. It is important not to forget - so that water does not flow into the room, the floor on the balcony should be slightly lower.
  3. The formwork for the slab is also made of chipboard, supported by beams on the underside, and the top is covered with a film to protect it from moisture.
  4. First, the outer belt is poured, and only after it is filled - the plate. To prevent the balcony from “moving away”, ruffs fixed with elastic glue are driven into the wall, the wall itself is covered with insulation, and the free ends of the ruffs in plastic bushings are poured along with the stove.
  5. The joint after the concrete has hardened is filled with building sealant.
  6. It is imperative to lay waterproofing on the concrete screed with a minimum of 15 cm on the wall of the house. You can put street tiles on the floor - it is resistant to temperature extremes and does not require special care.

You should not make a solid wall on an open balcony - rain and melt water will stagnate, it will have to be removed manually each time. Forged railings look much more impressive.

If you want to make a small hinged balcony, the video describes the basic principles of the reinforcement mesh and its attachment to the wall:

An integral element of modern multi-storey buildings is a loggia or balcony. But, in accordance with the norms of modern aesthetics of high-rise buildings, it is not always allowed to produce their glazing, and, moreover, not everyone will prefer to carry out this event on their own. In this regard, the question often arises of repairing an open balcony. Despite this, the fundamental concept of modern construction is the rejection of the standardization of urban buildings, and therefore, in modern homes you can find more and more buildings that are very different in their architectural features from traditional buildings. Structural elements of buildings, and especially balconies, also underwent certain changes that could not go unnoticed. The described changes affected not only urban high-rise buildings, but also private houses, where the architectural features of buildings are more variable. In this regard, the owners of private houses get more opportunities to equip a unique and truly original balcony design, which will favorably highlight each specific building. It should be noted that the arrangement of an open balcony in a private house is appropriate only if it is characterized by the presence of at least two floors. Many will object that balconies can also be located on the ground floor, but in this case such an extension is called an open terrace and has nothing to do with a balcony. As in urban high-rise buildings, open balconies are built in accordance with the basic rules and regulations, and therefore, it is inappropriate to say that less attention is paid to balcony elements in a private house, since they are also subjected to high loads. Given the relevance of the previously identified issue, in this article we will consider the main types of open balcony structures, the requirements that must be taken into account during their construction, as well as the features of their design and finish.

How to equip a balcony in a private house: the main types of structures

In the process of arranging an open balcony, it is important to adhere to the basic architectural concept of the building and maintain harmony between the elements of the balcony and the overall appearance of the housing. Due to the presence of this design, the functionality and attractiveness of the facade of the building, as well as the overall comfort in the house, are significantly increased. There are two types of balcony structures:

  • Beam-rack balcony structures;
  • Beam-cantilever balcony structures;

The construction of such structures involves the installation of load-bearing balcony beams in the crown of the log house, as well as the use of wooden or metal slopes, which are necessary to strengthen the cantilever part. The section of the supporting beams of the cantilever part is selected in such a way that the possibility of the balcony collapsing during operation is completely excluded.

The main types of balconies in private houses and features of their installation

The most common option used in the process of building a private house is concrete balcony structures. What are their main design features?

The main features of concrete structures:

  • Depth or Reach- standard design parameter, the value of which is 1 meter. Its implementation is carried out as follows: a reinforced concrete slab is pinched into one of the load-bearing walls of the house and welded to metal embedded parts, the role of which can be performed by anchor bolts, metal profiles or plates. If you are building a house of stone or brick, the installation of the slab is carried out at the stage of raising the wall;
  • In some cases, due to the massiveness of the balcony, it becomes necessary to install additional supporting elements, which, like an additional console, abut against previously prepared soil;
  • Since the balcony in a private house is an open structure, it is necessary to take care of its ability to withstand the negative effects of environmental factors. How to do this - consider a little lower;
  • The installation of the balcony slab is carried out in such a way that its upper part is at least 10 cm below the threshold;
  • Metal elements made of steel profile act as a material for a balcony railing, while the height of the railing must be at least one meter. To fix steel gratings, they are welded to metal embedded parts, which are an integral element of the balcony slab.
  • However, concrete balconies are not the only option for arranging balcony elements. Often in private houses you can also find wooden balconies, but the requirements for them are no lower than those for concrete structures.

The main features of the installation of open wooden balconies:

  • Answering the question: “How to make an open balcony?”, We note that the basis of the structure is cantilever beams that perform a load-bearing function and take on all the existing loads. They are made from a bar with a section of 100x200 mm and embedded in a load-bearing wall to a depth of at least 25 cm;
  • The location of adjacent beams is carried out at a distance of 70-80 cm from each other. At the same time, they are carefully treated with an antiseptic solution and the sections located in the wall are waterproofed, for which roll waterproofing materials are used, one of which is roofing felt;
  • After installing the cantilever beams, they proceed to the installation of other elements of the balcony, using only bolted elements and a groove connection and abandoning self-tapping screws and nails;
  • The enclosing element can act as a separate part and be mounted to vertical posts or constructed in parts, after which each element is installed separately;
  • The final stage is the installation of wooden handrails, the ends of which must be sunk into the wall and coated with a protective varnish, characterized by high frost resistance. Bolted elements are covered with paint.

Requirements for the installation of a canopy

  • A canopy is an element that protects a balcony structure from atmospheric precipitation and sunlight. Often it is made of wood or metal;
  • The dimensions of the visor must exceed the dimensions of the balcony. So, the front part should be 10-20 cm larger, and the side part - 20-30 cm, while the angle of inclination is 30-35 degrees. The canopy consists of several structural elements - two struts, rafters and longitudinal beams;
  • Wooden boards 150x30 mm in size are used as rafters. In most cases, they rest against the wall, where they are embedded in specially prepared grooves. The laying depth is 13-15 cm. It must be remembered that the ends embedded in the wall must be waterproofed. In this case, the distance between the rafters is 50-60 cm. The grooves into which the ends of the rafters are inserted are sealed with concrete mortar, and the opposite ends are installed on struts, which are paired boards that are attached to vertical posts;
  • To increase the strength of the structure, two cantilever beams are installed, one end attached to the wall, and the other to the racks. For the manufacture of beams, a bar measuring 150x50 mm is used;
  • A crate made of slats or boards is laid on top of the rafters, after which the roofing material is installed on them. At the same time, the junction of the wall and the roof is subject to mandatory sealing, which will prevent the penetration of atmospheric precipitation under the roofing material.

Open balcony photo

Features of floor preparation on an open balcony

Due to the fact that an open balcony is constantly exposed to precipitation and sunlight, in the process of its arrangement it is necessary to pay careful attention to the arrangement and finishing of the floor. For these purposes, it is necessary to choose specialized coatings that will prevent the influence of bad weather or excessive drying. The most optimal solution, from the point of view of specialists, is the implementation of a concrete screed, on top of which the selected coating is laid. The most popular coating for arranging the floor on an open balcony are:

  • plastic materials;
  • Ceramic tile;
  • Linoleum;
  • Terrace decking;
  • Moisture resistant paint.

If you have painted the floor on the balcony with paint specially designed for outdoor use, you can not carry out repairs within the next 4 years. However, if you plan to thoroughly insulate the balcony, in this case it is recommended to give preference to other protection methods that involve increased resistance to moisture;

In accordance with the following option for arranging the floor, it can be covered with linoleum or laid out with ceramic tiles, which will protect the concrete screed from the damaging effects of precipitation.

Ceramic tile- one of the best options for arranging the floor on an open balcony. Despite the fact that they are characterized by increased strength and resistance to external influences, it is important to pay attention to the following parameters when choosing a material:

  • Protective material indicators, such as frost resistance and moisture absorption coefficient, since even for closed balconies, temperature differences can reach limit values;
  • It is important to pay attention to the integrity of the tile, as well as its quality characteristics, while choosing a material with a rough surface;
  • It is important to take into account the weight of the material in order to prevent excessive load on the balcony structure. There are lightweight samples of ceramic tiles that do not carry an additional load on the balcony structure and at the same time increase its reliability.

Terrace decking- a material that in appearance resembles deck board modules and is also used to equip the floor on an open balcony. It is characterized by lightness, durability and high waterproofing characteristics, as a result of which it is excellent for installation in open areas. Terrace decking is made from rot-resistant hardwood or polymer composites. A distinctive feature of the material is its low specific gravity, due to which an increased load on the balcony structure is not created.

Important! As for linoleum, which is sometimes used as flooring on an open balcony, experts do not recommend placing high hopes on it and refuses its direct, more reliable competitors, such as terrace decking or porcelain stoneware. This is due to its low resistance to temperature extremes. And, despite the fact that, on the one hand, the material is characterized by strength and durability, as well as ease of installation and subsequent maintenance, it is not recommended to use it as a floor covering on an open balcony, since poor-quality waterproofing can lead to its decay.

Important! The interior decoration of an unglazed balcony differs from that for glazed structures, since they involve the use of a variety of finishes and insulation that are resistant to atmospheric precipitation.

Wall decoration on an open balcony: basic materials

The decoration of the walls on the open balcony is also characterized by its own characteristics. For this purpose, it is necessary to use moisture-resistant materials that are characterized by resistance to pollution and a long service life, as well as ensure the resistance of the room to the effects of such natural factors as high humidity, drying out, and temperature changes.

  • Primer, which is used for the initial processing of walls on the balcony. Experts recommend using primer mixtures, the structure of which allows them to penetrate deeply into the pores of the coating and increase its adhesive and strength characteristics of the surface. At the same time, it is important to select primers taking into account the surface finish;
  • paints and varnishes, when choosing which it is necessary to take into account their resistance to abrasion. In this case, it is recommended to give preference to a weather-resistant coating, which is used for painting external surfaces;
  • Plaster. If you decide to give preference to the specified finished material, choose decorative plaster, which uses special additional additives that prevent shrinkage and cracking on the treated surface;
  • Tile, in the case of which choice, experts recommend giving preference to porcelain stoneware, which is distinguished by its strength and high frost resistance, as well as resistance to precipitation;
  • Clapboard or siding- ideal materials for arranging open areas, due to their resistance to temperature extremes and precipitation. If we talk about materials for the crate, then for the manufacture of these elements it is recommended to abandon wooden slats and use metal elements treated with anti-corrosion compounds.

Original design ideas for an open balcony

When developing a design project for an open balcony, you can proceed in two ways:

  • Choose a solution for decorating the balcony that is in harmony with the holistic stylistic concept of the apartment, while maintaining the unity of style;
  • Create an oasis that contrasts with the overall picture, which will not violate the holistic interior concept and will decorate the interior of the main room.

Both glazed and open balcony, the design of which is the subject of this article, is a full-fledged room in the warm season, which is regularly used by residents of an apartment or a private house. In this regard, the decoration of the balcony must be approached no less carefully than the decor of any other room. In the process of this, it is important to clearly define the functional purpose of the room, its stylistic solution and color scheme, which will generally determine the concept of this space. In most cases, an open balcony is used as a cozy corner for gatherings, where you can arrange wicker furniture and plant as many green plants as possible, which will perfectly match the stylistic concept of Provence or country, as well as eco-trends that are relevant in the interior. So, let's consider the main stylistic directions used in the design of an open balcony with your own hands.

  • Modern style, a characteristic feature of which is a combination of urban motifs and distinct notes of high-tech style and minimalism. It is based on the harmony of materials, shapes and colors. Distinctive features of the style are laconic decor and light pastel shades, diluted with bright color spots;

  • High tech- a style that is characterized by conciseness and restraint of design. An ultra-modern style concept is created using a combination of metal and plastic, an abundance of glossy surfaces, clear shapes and concise lines. A distinctive feature of the style is coldness, which is expressed in restrained cold tones and clear lines of the interior. Contrasting colors of decor and accessories help to emphasize the originality and democratic style;

  • Sea style, which, at first glance, is created by the presence of beach attributes, should convey the emotional state of endless relaxation and carelessness, as a result, to create it, a color scheme of white, blue and yellow shades is used, as well as light furniture with striped upholstery, which is part of a bright mosaics that convey the mood and atmosphere of a sea idyll;

  • Classic style, chosen for the decoration of the balcony, retains its inherent luxury and solemnity, which are combined with calmness, rigor and sophistication. Both in interior decoration and in furniture, wood is mainly used, although the use of bamboo or vinyl wallpaper, decorative plaster or stone, and wall painting does not contradict the “modern” classics. As for the location of lamps, various accessories and pieces of furniture, it is important to observe symmetry here;

  • Country style in the interior is designed to recreate the atmosphere of rustic coziness and comfort, conducive to relaxation after work. At the same time, the interior of the balcony is dominated by natural materials that correspond to the eco-style concept. The basis of the interior is wooden furniture and natural textiles - curtains, tablecloths, decorative napkins, and additional charm is given to it by lamps and lamps, as well as rugs, preferably handmade.

Ideas for decorating an open balcony:

Use of folding furniture. Due to the fact that in the summer the open balcony is used for friendly gatherings, its arrangement requires a large amount of furniture, the placement of which is often problematic in a small balcony space. In this case, folding furniture comes to the rescue: folding chairs that can be hung on the wall and removed at any time convenient for you, as well as lightweight folding tables made specifically for terraces and open balconies;

Rest and reading corner. Even on the smallest balcony, a comfortable chair or a cozy armchair can easily fit on which you can place a warm blanket or soft toys. Having decorated such a corner with an abundance of decorative greenery, you will provide yourself with a pleasant pastime over a cup of coffee or reading books;

Creating a vertical garden. If you are a lover of indoor plants, but there is sorely not enough space in the apartment for them, the best option for you will be a fashionable solution that involves creating a vertical garden that will turn any wall into a flower bed or garden bed. To create it, you will need special containers that you can purchase or make yourself;

Growing edible plants. In pallets installed on window sills or railings, as well as planters, you can grow not only cacti or flowers, but also edible plants, including various types of lettuce, chili peppers, parsley or dill. They are characterized by a no less decorative look than indoor plants, and besides, they will delight you with a home harvest;

Creating a lounge area on the balcony. If desired, on the balcony, at no extra cost, you can recreate an oriental-style relaxation area, which implies the presence of soft pillows on the floor, which are easily laid out and removed in case of bad weather, and, moreover, allow you to place a large number of people on them. Such an environment will be appreciated by lovers of tea ceremonies in oriental style and lovers of hookahs;

Use of a biofireplace. Compact bio-fireplaces can be easily rearranged from place to place, besides, they do not need additional devices and do not emit smoke. By creating a corner of live fire, you will not only warm up in the evening, but also recreate a cozy atmosphere of romance and home relaxation with your family.