{"id":9989,"date":"2023-05-05T02:02:14","date_gmt":"2023-05-05T02:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perfectoutdoorspaces.com\/?p=9989"},"modified":"2023-06-10T03:27:29","modified_gmt":"2023-06-10T03:27:29","slug":"how-much-weight-can-a-balcony-hold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/how-much-weight-can-a-balcony-hold\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Weight Can A Balcony Hold?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many people enjoy using their balcony to enjoy the outdoors, whether it is a sunset view or a place to unwind with the family. Depending on how big that balcony may be though, poses the question of how much weight your balcony can hold<\/strong>, and how safe it will be for what you intend to do and put on it. We take a look at the answers below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A balcony is typically constructed to hold 50 – 100 lbs. of load per square foot<\/strong>. While this is considerable items like hot tubs or pools can exceed these limits<\/strong>. Load limits vary depending on balcony construction. Cantilevered balconies offer the most weight support followed by post and bracket-supported balconies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balconies can be constructed from different materials, such as wood, concrete, and steel, and all of them will support between 50 to 100 lbs of weight per square foot<\/strong> provided they are taken care of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are factors that will impact this load and weight limit, including construction materials, age, items placed on the balcony, maintenance, size, and construction method <\/strong>and we will explore these below and look at some signs to look out for to ensure your and your families safety.<\/p>\n\n\n

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not holding much weight, this one!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Average Weight A Balcony Can Hold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are a homeowner considering constructing a balcony, or live in an apartment that is fortunate enough to have a balcony. It is important to consider what you are planning to put on it and if the load limits and condition of your balcony will accommodate these plans. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we mentioned above balconies typically are constructed to hold a weight of between 50 to 100 lbs. per square ft. <\/strong>While this is plenty of most use cases, there are heavier uses that need to be researched depending on the factors we will discuss in the following article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you want of have access to a small and cozy balcony, you should be aware that it will be unlikely to hold heavy furniture items, of course the size available will be limiting as well. However, if small then realistically you are likely planning a small table a couple of chairs and maybe some greenery which if a well and properly maintained balcony this combined weight will be absolutely fine. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally speaking, small balconies of 6 to 8 feet long should hold about 4-8 people and unless these people are very small, there wouldn’t physically be room for more than that anyway.<\/strong> Especially if you have chairs and a table set up on there as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will discuss construction types in a little more detail in sections below, but if your balcony is on a home (rather than an apartment) it maybe it is supported by vertical posts or by brackets. While these are perfectly acceptable ways to construct a balcony, and will still support considerable weight, they are not as strong as cantilevered balconies more often found in apartment blocks. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without getting structural engineers is the only fully accurate way of assess the loadmits and strength of your balcony, if you know it is bracketed or uses post supports then you should be aware that is is likely to support less than cantilevered construction. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Your Balcony Safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many accidents involving balconies are, perhaps surprisingly, down to user error rather than poor maintenance, or not up to code and not built or inspected accurately. So before using your balcony, you should take all the necessary safety measures and ensure that the balcony is safe for use and equally importantly the people using it are safe to do so. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We take a look at some of the things to be aware of when you are constructing or using a ready installed balcony<\/p>\n\n\n\n