Balcony and terrace both refer to an exterior open space surrounded by a building. However, there is a difference between the two.
A balcony is an extension of a building and is attached to it. It is typically attached to the first or second floor and hangs in the air.
Terraces are typically at ground floor level and can be attached to the house but this is not always the case. They can come in a lot of shapes and sizes.
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Here we highlight the important differences between a balcony and a terrace.
What is a Balcony in a hotel?
A balcony is a platform that is usually built onto the second floor of a building. It is a walkway or platform that is usually built out from the wall of a house. It is typically accessed through a sliding window or door.
There are many advantages of having a balcony. These include increased living space, increased safety, increased privacy, increased storage, and increased views.
Balconies are harder to install as they have to be anchored properly. It happens quite often that a balcony falls down and people get hurt. For this reason, it is essential that the structure is sound. Often an architect or a structural engineer has to sign off on it.
A lot of apartments have a balcony. This lets people be outside when they don’t have a garden. It is also possible to enjoy the sun or barbeque in this area. Drying clothes and being able to ventilate items are other advantages of this.
Some balconies offer scenic views and can add a lot of value to the house.
Balconies often have a privacy screen to make them a more private space.
However, balconies also have some disadvantages. These include limited protection from the weather, limited space, limited view, maintenance, and security concerns. They are quite expensive to install and maintain. Depending on the installation and material, they can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years.
What is a Terrace?
A terrace is a ground-level area that is often built onto the side of a house. Depending on local building codes, terraces may or may not have a roof over them.
Most terraces in the Western world are often built on the north side of the house to take advantage of the sun’s rays during the warmest part of the day. Some people prefer to have multiple terraces so that they can move with the sun.
Terraces are easier to install as you don’t have to take the structure and stability of the house into account. It is important that the terrace is stable and level. Different materials can be used for a terrace, from gravel to big stones.
Terraces can be quite big as they are easy to install. It can be an easy way to have to cut less grass. They might require some maintenance as well though. They are often cleaned with a high-pressure washer.
Terraces are often used during the spring and summer. During wintertime, they are less often used but people tend to buy terrace heaters and fire pits to be able to use the terrace the whole year.
Terraces are generally quite durable if they are maintained well. This often includes washing the tiles and removing grass and dirt from it.
A terrace is a level area that is often built onto the side of a house. Depending on local building codes, terraces may or may not have a roof over them.
A parapet wall may be built around the terrace to provide it with strength and to separate it from the street.
Balcony vs terrace – Differences
While they both serve the function of letting people out, there are differences between balconies and terraces.
While terraces are floor level, balconies hang in the air. This makes them often smaller. They are also more expensive to install. Balconies are often used on high buildings that don’t have a garden. It is essential to consider drainage from balconies so that the water doesn’t run into the house.
Terraces on the other hand are often used in free-standing homes that have a big garden. It is quite easy to add chairs, umbrellas and a barbecue as they are big enough for this. It can seat a big group and weight is not an issue as there is no support structure. Terraces can be quite simple to install, you just need to add some wood or tiles. More advanced terraces can have heating and even roofs.
Some houses have a balcony and terrace but most houses only have one of the two as they serve a similar function.
Balconies have become a lot more popular with the advent of apartment buildings. These high structures need a way to let people outside. Balconies are a great way of doing this. They will probably become more popular in the years to come. Terraces are relatively new as it involves quite a lot of engineering. Every year accidents happen with it as people don’t install it properly or add too much weight to it. For this reason, it is important that you work with a professional when you install yours. Terraces are easier to install and maintain overall.
It depends on personal preferences, your budget, the structure of your house and the size of the garden to determine which one of the two you should install. Some people like a terrace in a hotel as it is generally bigger. Other people prefer a balcony as you have a better overview and can get more privacy.
