We often associate outdoor living spaces with patios, gazebos, and pergolas. Breaking this limited knowledge, terraces, and balconies also count as outdoor structures.
These architectural lingo often confuse most people to the extent they're believed to be the same thing. If not thought to be synonymous, one is mistaken for the other. Either you call a balcony a terrace or a terrace a balcony when the two are non-identical.
While they're both building protrusions to the outside, you will realize they're distinct through this article's clarification. It's important to establish the nuances to determine the best to incorporate in your house design.
What is a Terrace?
Straight to the point, a terrace doesn't necessarily refer to a particular building component. It's a broad terminology that applies to various cases in the architectural spectrum.
A terrace primarily signifies a raised external platform paved and attached to a building or existing as a standalone flat open space at the ground floor level. Note that a terrace is bigger than a balcony and resembles a patio, only that it's elevated from the ground surface. In this case, the platform is accessible through several entry points.
The ground-level terrace is prevalent in duplexes, bungalows, and one-story structures. It can be communal in shared apartment buildings, where residents can use it as they please, or private spaces in individually owned homes.
If the building is flat-roofed, roof-top terraces are also possible additions. The terrace is situated on the roof of the building, making the roof multi-purpose. It becomes a serene chill spot and viewpoint offering scenic views of the surrounding neighborhood or tranquil landscape.
More Advantages of Terraces
When terraces are built, the quality of life always improves. In fact, your home appears more warm and inviting for special outdoor get-togethers, cultivating stronger interpersonal bonds and relationships.
Like a patio, you have great space for outdoor furniture, fire pits, barbeques, and hosting large parties. It could be your reading place, a dining venue for your family, or just a quiet location for home workouts, yoga, or working from home. You appreciate the versatility while directly being in contact with nature.
The extensive space also allows for the integration of decorative ideas. Be artsy and put up decor pieces and vibrant themes to uplift the outdoor look, living up to your inborn creativity. Also, for a terrace to be aesthetically pleasing, its construction intrigues a need for landscaping the adjacent ground for an overall attractive outdoor ambiance.
Balcony Features and Benefits
Are you seeking a small extra living space to relax outdoors? A balcony is a fantastic option to satisfy your reverie.
Defining in a succinct statement, a balcony is an elevated platform connecting a room to the outside, enclosed by a partial wall or metal grill railings as part of the building. From that, you can tell a balcony is accessible through one entry point. It's easy to have utmost privacy and time to yourself on the balcony without external human interference.
Balconies are found in mid-rise and high-rise buildings on the second or higher story. Therefore, single-story buildings like bungalows and cottages cannot accommodate a balcony in the house plan. No wonder balconies are famous in high-end cities, where condos and apartments have limited connection to fresh air.
For a balcony to be substantially functional and comfortable, the minimum measurements are 5 feet width, 7 feet length, and 7 feet depth. At least you'll have a reasonable amount of space for a bistro table and seats for your occupancy and an extra person to keep you company.Advantages of a Balcony
However, a balcony can be smaller or bigger depending on the intended use. A balcony isn't just for sitting outdoors; it has more benefits. You can temporarily store your clutter to decongest your house or turn it into a conducive spot for your decor houseplants and pets to feel the sunshine and cool breeze, which is vital for their health.
In urban settings, some people set up a clothesline on the balcony to dry their clothes. Or simply entertain their friends and family with an outdoor party. Apart from houseplants, you can grow vegetables and fruits in planters and accomplish your dieting goal of eating organic foods only.
Despite being considered an extended floor to the outside, a balcony may be a false balcony with no platform to stand on or sit on. It could be just an aesthetic safety feature that allows opening doors and full-height windows for optimal ventilation while preventing accidental falls.
Comparison Between Terraces and Balconies
Here is a detailed comparison relaying the significant differences between terraces and balconies. Hopefully, you will understand the distinct features differentiating a terrace from a balcony to clear the confusion.
Size and Layout
This is the simplest way to tell a terrace from a balcony. Terraces are always bigger than balconies in terms of space coverage, enabling more interactive activities. Remember, we pointed out earlier that terraces are mostly at ground level or on roof-tops and effectively add more space, unlike balconies on the upper floors.
Design Elements
Design-wise, terraces are primarily open spaces that could be covered or left open to the sky. They can be covered with awnings, umbrellas, or glass roofs for sun protection to amplify comfort. Balconies are ever roofed, on the other hand.
Another key difference in the design aspect concerns location. Terraces may be connected to a building or be free-standing away from it, while balconies are fully attached to a building, extending a room or lobby to the outside. Also, remember that a terrace must have a platform, while a balcony may not have one in the case of a false or faux balcony.
Not forgetting, terraces are often open-sided with ample access points, while balconies are enclosed with a partial concrete wall or metal railings for personal safety and accessed through the room they're attached to.
Usage Scenarios
Terraces are basically elevated patios used in the same way as patios in that you can position any outdoor furniture, BBQ grills, or hammocks. They're ideal for socializing with friends and family and holding huge parties or evening dinners. Balconies, on the other end, limit entertainment due to space, but they work well as secure outdoor locations for storage, houseplants, pets, and romantic dinners.
Maintenance Requirements
Terraces and balconies share the same cleaning methods and supplies. However, it's easier to maintain a balcony than a terrace because a balcony is smaller and compact. Terraces will likely take longer and consume more manpower, especially if furniture and outdoor accessories are present. Plus, if the terraces are completely open, they'll demand a more regular cleaning and maintenance routine due to the heavy exposure to external elements.
Cost Considerations
Whether roof-top or ground-level, terraces are more costly to build than balconies on the same building. The expensiveness stems from the extensive space a terrace consumes compared to a balcony, which means using more construction materials, involving more construction workers, and heavy time consumption.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Terrace and a Balcony
Regarding your house plan, you might wonder what to include between a terrace and a balcony. Making an informed decision will require you to internalize these factors.
Available Space
Of course, you must check the amount of space available in your residence to accommodate these outdoor structures. Space determines whether you'll opt for a terrace over a balcony or vice versa. Those with large porches or backyards can choose terraces; balconies are suitable with little to no space, where a raised platform is the best idea.
Additionally, the size of a balcony or terrace depends on the available space. The more space, the bigger a terrace or balcony can be constructed.
Desired Functionality
Another important consideration is what you want your outdoor space for. You should figure this out before selecting the type of outdoor space.
If the intended functionality involves large gatherings, then a terrace suffices. On the contrary, if you want an intimate and more private outdoor area, opt for a balcony.
Budget
As said earlier, it costs more to build a terrace than a balcony. Therefore, you should consult your architect to help you calculate the construction cost estimates for your desired outdoor structure and also seek advice on which one best suits your home.
With your budget already made, let the professional know your budget and trim down the prices so that the predicted total expenditure lies within your budget. If it means going for a balcony instead of a terrace to avoid spending over your budget, so be it.
Location and Time
The location of your to-be or already existing residence influences your choice of an outdoor structure, in relation to topography. In sloped rugged terrains, setting up a terrace calls for landscaping, which creates additional expenses. Also, terraces are possible to construct in the countryside away from towns and cities, while balconies suit city and town dwellers where congestion, and tall buildings are a norm.
Also, what time of the year you'll be using the terrace or balcony decides whether to go for a balcony or a terrace. An all-year-round use warrants a balcony, while open roof terraces are the best chilling spots during summer, especially by a swimming pool.
Real-Life Balcony Examples
Cantilevered Balconies
This is a popular modern architectural design. The balcony projects to the outside, looking like it's floating in the air. But in actual sense, it's supported by a cantilever beam on the end attaching to the building.
Glass Balconies
Where glass is used, expect a striking visual appearance. It exudes class, luxury, and style, giving the feeling of living in a posh area. Most people love the stylishness but fear glass is a vulnerable material, especially if the balcony experiences lots of commotion.
Stacked Balconies
Stacked balconies are common in high-rise apartments, whereby the balconies are in one line, going up and present on every floor. That beautiful arrangement augments the exterior aesthetics of the building.
Conclusion
Outdoor spaces are essential components of residential designs in the sense that they make your home feel enormous, fancy, and ornate. Because there are different types of outdoor spaces, be careful to decide the most suitable one after thorough brainstorming and research.
Balconies and terraces are some of the most loved outdoor spaces. If you are stuck on matters of choice, contact us for more clarification. Above all, ensure your final choice of an outdoor space fulfills your outdoor needs for the most satisfying outdoor experience in your home.
