DIY metal balcony fencing

Balcony railings are most often used in two cases, the first of which is to provide a protective function, and the second has a more decorative function.
Balcony fencing, in particular their railings, is necessary so that people on the balcony, loggia, terrace, etc. feel safe. Also, their appearance complements the façade of the building.

When creating railings for a balcony, all the individual preferences of the customer, his basic needs and requirements related to architecture are taken into account. They should be as harmoniously integrated into the façade of the building as possible and differ from its background by a peculiar contrast.

Design Selection Options

Any balcony railings are designed to perform the following basic functions:

Provide reliable protection for people on the balcony.
Be a decoration for the whole house, successfully fitting into the overall interior or style of the building.

It is necessary to choose the type of balcony railing taking into account the following factors:

The railings must be strong enough to withstand wind and snow loads, as well as the weight of people.
The material must be durable, capable of fulfilling its purpose for a long time.
The appearance of the railing should please its owners and also be attractive to others.
The fence should be successfully combined with the rest of the balcony elements. For example, metal railings on a wooden balcony will not look very presentable. Wooden elements are better suited for this option.

Installation of forged railings using screws

The installation technology is very simple:

first, holes are drilled into which the starting supports will be inserted;
special glue is poured;
the starting support is installed;
a hole is prepared for mounting the finishing support, glue is poured again;
the finishing support is installed;
the free space between the main supports is marked;
holes are drilled for mounting intermediate supports. They are being installed;
power parts are being prepared. Using an angle grinder, the required length is cut;
holes are drilled for the mounting bolts;
all power elements are fastened;
the free space between the power parts and the racks is covered with a special filler;
the structure is fastened with fastening bolts and nuts;
To create a more beautiful appearance, you can cover the drilling areas with soil, as well as filing to achieve the desired size.

Assembly work cannot be carried out alone. You will definitely need an assistant. Performing such an operation does not require a lot of time

It is very important that the fitting of parts is carried out with maximum precision

Many owners of private houses do most of the work with their own hands. They mainly use a welding machine. Of course, having experience working with metal and knowing the basics of welding, they can easily make such forged jewelry. There is only one thing I can advise them. Before starting work, prepare in advance the required number of electrodes, bent steel angles and profile pipes.

Lathing for roofing and railings

Requirements for balcony railings

Any builder knows that balcony fencing must comply with the safety requirements set out in SNiP and GOST. Here are their main provisions:

The height of the structure is clearly defined - 100-120 cm. This height is quite enough to prevent an adult from accidentally falling out of the balcony. For children, this height will be even more sufficient.
The distance between vertical elements (balusters or rods) is no more than 10-12 cm.
Each linear meter of fencing area must withstand a weight load of 100 kg.
Fencing elements must be smooth to the touch and free from chips, sharp edges or burrs that could cause injury.

Regulatory Requirements

There are several building regulations for the construction of various buildings "in general", each of which has a similar structure. And in their safety section, in one of the paragraphs, they formulate requirements for the height of railings for balconies, loggias and stairs:

SNiP 31-02 (apartment buildings) - height not less than 1.2 m;
SNiP 31-02, or an updated version of SP 55.13330.2016 (single-apartment buildings with no more than three floors) - height not less than 0.9 m.

In addition, balcony railings must be continuous and withstand horizontal loads of 0.3 kN/m. And in these building regulations there is no mention of the shape and materials of fencing.

The requirements are spelled out in more detail in GOST 25772-83 (despite its “age”, it continues to apply in Russia). Although this standard applies only to steel fencing, some of its requirements can be called “universal”.

Steel fencing

In this case, a steel frame is used as a supporting structure, fixed to the balcony slab and facade. Based on the method of filling the frame, there are three types of fencing:

gratings;
screens;
combined.

Only screen-type fencing is installed on the balconies of residential buildings. But in many cases, this is the same grille that holds the screen.

Especially when artistic forging or polished stainless steel is used to make gratings.

The main parameters of balcony fencing depend on the height of the house:

Up to 30 meters. The total height of the fence (from the slab) is 1000 mm, the height of the grille is 900 mm.
Above 30 meters. The total height of the fence is 1100 mm, the height of the grille is 1000 mm.

In both cases, the distance between the vertical elements of the grille should be less than 110 mm, and the distance from the plate to the grille (screen) should be 100 mm.

For balconies in children's institutions, the requirements are more stringent:

the frame and grille should not contain horizontal elements (except for the bottom and railings);
the grid should not contain intermediate inclined elements;
fence height - 1200 mm;
grille height - 1180 mm;
the distance between the vertical elements of the grille is up to 100 mm;
the distance from the stove to the grill (screen) is 20 mm.

Balconies also include smoke-free metal cages, and they must have the following dimensions:

fence height - 1200 mm;
grille height - 1100 mm;
the distance between the vertical elements of the grille is 110 mm;
the distance from the grate to the stove is 100 mm.

General requirements for balcony railings look like this:

the steel frame and grille are made by welding;
frame and lattice elements must be free of rust, burrs and curvature;
welded assemblies must be free of scale;
the frame must be processed and protected from rust;
fences must withstand loads calculated in accordance with SNiP 2.01.07;
the distance between the horizontal elements of the grid (including the top crossbar for the railing) should be no more than 200 mm.

Basic materials for the manufacture of balcony railings

Making balcony railings with your own hands is not so easy. To do this, you must have certain construction skills and have the necessary tools. But the main difficulty lies in choosing the right material. It must fully comply with the main material of the balcony, fit into the overall appearance of the structure, and have all the necessary characteristics for this purpose.

Railings can be made from the materials listed below.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel fencing is the most acceptable option for exterior design. They can be hollow, solid, figured. Stainless steel is successfully combined with polycarbonate, plastic, and glass. Such ready-made structures are noticeably cheaper than products made from metal alone.

Stainless steel balcony railings

Metal fencing for balconies made of stainless steel has the following obvious advantages:

Gives sophistication and a certain style, decorates modern designs.
Has a very long service life.
The material is absolutely resistant to corrosion and rotting.
Does not require any care.
Has sufficient strength.
There are many design options to suit any situation.

Stone

From stone

Stone or brick are sometimes used as fencing. These materials are not relevant in cases where balconies are located in multi-storey buildings. But they are suitable for private houses. The main advantages of this choice:

Beautiful appearance, emphasizing the antique style. Stone fencing looks especially presentable on the open terraces of private houses.
Solidity, reliability.
Increased strength, resistance to damage and external influences.

And now a few important disadvantages:

The heavy weight makes it impossible to use stone and brick for apartment buildings. The weight exceeds the permissible load on the balcony slabs. Can only be used if there are good supports.
Complexity and high cost of production.
Stone or brick railings on the balcony take up too much space.

Forged steel

Forged metal balcony railings have always been popular as a classic option. Artistic forging has the following advantages:

Looks great on any balconies.
Forged products allow you to create completely unique designs, whatever their owner desires.
With a little care, the products last a very long time.
They don't take up much space.
Quickly installed.

It is worth noting that forged elements have a relatively high cost, as they are made by hand.

Metal

This is the most common material for making railings. You can choose from metal rods, corners, fittings, strips and other elements. Main advantages:

Reasonable price.
Easy to manufacture and install.
Possibility of creating a composition based on an individual project.
A successful combination with other materials and styles.

A very reliable and functional balcony can be built from reinforcement. It will be no worse than its forged counterpart, but will cost much less.

Tree

Wooden railings for balconies are used only in wooden or frame-panel houses. This way they best suit their purpose. The main advantages of wooden elements:

Environmentally friendly.
Aesthetic appeal. You can create any ornaments and figures from wood, decorating your balcony with them.
Light weight.
Easy to process and install.
Possibility of self-production.
A wealth of options to choose from.
Wooden fences can be successfully complemented with metal or stainless steel elements.

Plastic and glass

These elements are not used independently on balconies, as they do not have the required strength. To enhance them, they are combined with metal elements. Let us list the advantages of these materials:

The ability to create beautiful modern balconies.
Resistance of plastic and glass to rotting, corrosion, and ultraviolet radiation.
Relatively low cost of materials.
Large selection of design options.
Modern glass is resistant to mechanical stress. Tempered glass is especially famous for this.
Durability. Glass can last more than 60 years, and high-quality plastic will certainly last 20 years.
Lack of care.

Parapet materials

You can make a fence from almost any material, but only those that are resistant to precipitation and durable deserve attention.

Tree

Wood is a technologically advanced material that can easily be processed in a variety of ways. The shape of the parapet can be absolutely any - from simple to intricately figured. In addition, it should be noted that wood looks very good in combination with other materials:

It should be noted that the shape and size of the lumber must be combined with the architecture of the entire house. The following can be used as fasteners:

metal brackets;
struts;
corners;
anchor with threaded rod;
"grouse".

The disadvantages of this material include high cost, the need for regular updating and restoration. Thanks to modern protective equipment, choosing the appropriate wood processing method will not be so difficult. Pay attention to alkyd-urethane varnish, which has higher quality criteria and characteristics.

The cross-sectional shape of the tree can vary or be the same along the entire length of the parapet.

Glass

If we talk about a modern and new direction in design, then it is better to give preference to laminated glass or triplex. It is strong, reliable and durable. The fencing of a balcony with a glass parapet must be made of an all-glass sheet.

To secure the finished fence to the base of the balcony, you can use:

In most cases, such designs are sold as ready-made kits. And every beginner can carry out installation, because there is nothing complicated here. Glass sheets are fixed to metal risers in the following ways:

installation in frame;
fastening using a profile;
pointwise;
special clamps (when installing the canvas in a steel frame).

Brick and aerated concrete

To make a durable balcony parapet, choose materials with enhanced characteristics, such as brick, stone and concrete. High technical characteristics, attractive appearance and durability are the distinctive features of this material. There are several disadvantages to consider:

heavy weight;
high consumption of adhesive mortar when laying brick and stone;
high price;
When doing work, it is important to be extremely careful so that the seams come out smooth and uniform.

Still, there are situations in which the use of brick for the construction of a balcony railing will be rational and necessary:

The height of the parapet does not exceed 1 m. It is better to increase the height using facing bricks.
The balcony is separated from the neighboring one by a thin partition (multi-storey building). On the resulting wall you can install shelves for storing tools.

Metal

Metal parapets can be made from the following materials:

steel reinforcement;
pipes of any diameter;
sheet and strip elements of various shapes.

It should also be noted here that for manufacturing you can choose aluminum, stainless steel and forging. The last option is the most relevant, since thanks to it you can easily add sophistication and aristocracy to the facade. Most often they can be seen on country houses and cottages. You can use both cold and hot forging.

Railing installation methods

Any balcony fencing is mounted in a certain way, which depends on the specific material:

Fences based on metal products are attached to pre-installed embedded elements. The latter are metal rods or strips fixed in the walls of the house and in the balcony slab. If the slab is made of metal, then the embedded elements are attached only to the wall, and the railings themselves are welded directly to the slab.
Wooden railings are attached to the same wooden elements. Fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws, confirmations, dowels or studs.
Stone and brick fences are connected to the wall of the house in any convenient way. For example, using mortgages recessed into the wall.
Plastic and glass fences are attached to a metal frame. Bolted and riveted connections are used.

Construction of a balcony canopy

The frame of the canopy for the balcony can also be made of forged steel

We figured out how to make a balcony in a private house from reinforced concrete and wood.

Now let's look at how to build a balcony canopy to protect from rain and snow:

The canopy is made of wood with an overhang greater than the overhang of the balcony base, 10-20 cm in front and 20-30 cm on the sides.
The slope of the visor should be 30-35 degrees.
The supporting structure of the canopy is made of longitudinal and rafter beams, as well as two struts.
Rafter beams from boards are selected with a cross-section of 5-13 cm and mounted in increments of 50-60 cm. One of the ends of the rafter beam is wrapped with waterproofing and inserted into the nest of the masonry, having first laid it on a wooden pad 20 cm long and with a cross-section of 4 * 10 cm. Rafters the legs are embedded into the wall to a depth of 13 cm, filling the nests with mortar and brick.
The opposite end of the rafter beam is supported by two struts mounted on the sides of the balcony. The struts are made from two paired boards with a cross-section of 5*13 cm and connected to each other with a bar 28 cm in height and 10 cm in width. A 5*15 cm trim is made on the side of the block and a longitudinal beam is attached using nails.
The ends of the struts are bolted to the beam, which is embedded in the masonry.
A beam of 5*15 cm with a cross-section is embedded into the wall at one end by 25 cm, and the other is released from the wall by 20 cm for attaching the struts.
Wooden sheathing is attached to the rafter beams and roofing material is laid. At the junction of the roof on the balcony with the wall, an apron made of galvanized steel is installed, and the cracks are sealed with bitumen mastic.

The construction of a balcony should be carried out in strict accordance with the instructions, since incorrect calculations or incorrectly selected materials can cause a low load-bearing capacity of the balcony and lead to its collapse.

More information on the topic: https://obalkonah.ru

Aesthetics and functionality of balcony railings

The balcony fencing is designed not only to ensure the safety of people on the balcony, but also to be aesthetically pleasing. Properly constructed railings can complement the overall appearance of the balcony, emphasizing its design style. Materials for the manufacture of fencing must be selected in such a way that they correspond to the design of the entire building or at least its facade. For example, stone railings in a wooden house or high-rise building are completely inappropriate, and a wooden fence will look ridiculous on a modern balcony decorated in a loft style.

The nature of the finishing of the fences

Based on the nature of the decoration, you can make the balcony and the wall of the house merge with each other, placing emphasis on the integrity of all components of the building and the laconicism of the decorative techniques used.

You can choose another option - decorative finishing of the balcony, decorating the entire facade of the house. By using various landscaping ideas to decorate your balcony, your balcony can become more elegant and look more comfortable.

Landscaping the loggia using:

Horizontal flower beds that are mounted at different levels of fences;
Brackets with flowerpots;
Pendant with vines;
Lattice twined with grapes.

Very often, the unique appearance of a building, its solidity, success, and completeness are due to the original balcony railings.

Advantages and disadvantages

In addition to strength, metal has several other advantages that determine the correct choice of this material for the manufacture of fences:

Long service life: the metal is not exposed to low temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, or various mechanical influences.
Balcony railings made of metal can withstand much greater loads than wood.
The versatility of the material, which manifests itself in good compatibility with others - wood, stone, brick, glass, plastic.
Easy to maintain fencing.
Light weight, which meets the necessary requirements of SNiP and GOST regarding the load on the balcony slab.

Metal fences are aesthetically pleasing and can be decorated with any pattern, including forged elements. The high cost of the material and the complexity of installing parapets can be considered disadvantages.

Varieties

Types of metal balcony fencing are classified depending on the type of material and its manufacturing technology:

The attractive shine of this metal makes it popular in the manufacture of parapets. However, stainless steel is more of a modern style, and fencing made of this material is unlikely to be suitable for the facades of classic old houses. Maintenance of stainless balcony handrails is not required: they do not need to be painted, treated against corrosion or other negative environmental influences. Even if the steel has lost its shine, it can be restored by grinding with a special tool.

Forged fences are not only durable and safe structures. They are a decoration for the facade of any building - both in modern and ancient style. Forged elements are created manually, so parapets are highly expensive. Unlike stainless steel, forged metal requires periodic maintenance - coating with special anti-corrosion agents.

It is usually not used as an independent fence, but only as a frame for filling a parapet section with glass or plastic. When installing aluminum profiles, you need to use only special fasteners. The metal is durable, but over time it loses its appearance.

Welded iron structures

A popular option in the manufacture of balcony parapets. This is explained by the fact that such a design is very easy to make with your own hands with minimal skills in handling a welding machine. The cost of the material is much lower than stainless steel or forging. In addition, you can decorate the fence as you wish, using pieces of rods of different lengths. Among the disadvantages, the need for periodic painting and priming of welded seams against corrosion is noted.

What nuances need to be taken into account during installation?

Forged fencing is made according to the following scheme:

the places where the slab will be connected to the balcony are marked (with a construction marker or pencil) and drilled;
a rubber seal is placed between the concrete base and the fence;
the structure is placed and the bolts are tightened for fixation;
The attachment points are masked with special decorative caps.

Balcony installers recommend paying attention to the vertical when installing this option. A building level or plumb line will help with this.

Wrought iron railings look interesting. Such an element can add shine to even the most ordinary façade of a building. With proper care, this design will last for many years.

Installation

When installing metal fencing for balconies, you must strictly adhere to the requirements of SNiP and GOST, according to which:

the minimum height of the parapet should be 1-1.2 m;
the load it must withstand is 30 kgf/m;
It is prohibited to use horizontal jumpers, but only vertical ones with a distance between posts of 12 cm.

The parapet will be of high quality and safe if you follow some installation features. So, during the installation of a new barrier structure, you need to make sure that the old embedded parts to which it will be attached are in good condition. Otherwise, they need to be replaced. To do this, remove the old concrete screed and install new mortgages with a thickness of at least 10 cm.

During installation or repair work on the balcony, the area under it must be fenced off to avoid accidents.

Tools

To install a parapet, first of all, you need to purchase all the necessary materials and tools. If forged fences are being installed, purchase ready-made sections and pipes for their fastening. In other cases, metal pipes, fittings or pipes of smaller diameter are purchased to fill the frame, as well as metal corners, channels, fasteners (nails, screws, bolts). The tools you will need are a welding machine (when installing a welded structure), a drill, a hammer, and a grinder.

Installation of fences

Installing handrails on a balcony begins with drawing up a design sketch and preparing the site. Sections can be ordered ready-made or welded yourself. If you want to install a forged parapet, it is easier to make it to order and do the installation yourself.

Installation of fencing for a loggia or balcony is carried out as follows:

The necessary measurements of the balcony perimeter are taken.
The areas for fastening parts are marked on the base of the balcony in accordance with a previously drawn up sketch. It is important to consider that further installation depends on the correct marking, which, in turn, affects the condition of the entire parapet.
A metal base from a corner is welded along the perimeter of the balcony slab.
A frame made of metal corrugated pipes is attached to this base by welding. It is attached to the wall with anchor bolts.
The balcony railing is welded to the lower frame.

Upon completion of the work, the metal is cleaned of scale and impurities, treated with a rust remover, and painted.

Stainless steel railings are installed without welding. Using a puncher, several vertical tips are fixed on the balcony base using corners, then “legs” 90 cm high and caps are put on them. The racks are fixed with embedded parts with a diameter of no more than 25 mm. The remaining crossbars are secured with bolts, which are located at the bottom of the crossbar.

How to make your own wooden railings

A good model for self-production is wooden railings in the half-timbered style. The main parts of the fence are a welded metal frame as a frame and finished sections made of timber (45 mm x 70 mm). Larch has a dense fiber structure and resistance to moisture. A set of timber costs approximately 2,700 rubles.

Larch beams for crossbars

Step 1 – cutting the timber into pieces. The length of the segments depends on the width and height of the finished sections that will be installed in the metal frame. In addition to straight sections, parts with an edge beveled at an angle of 45º are required for the manufacture of intersecting elements.

Fast cutting with a circular saw

Step 2 - gluing the blanks so that a frame is formed. Each section requires 2 vertical elements, 2 horizontal and 2 installed crosswise.

Adjusting the bars to size

Step 3 – installation of the cross in the middle of the frame. First you need to make markings, then carefully process the edges and the middle - the intersection.

Fitting and installation of the workpiece

Step 4 – gluing the parts with PVA glue, fixing them on the end sides with self-tapping screws. Instead of PVA, you can use wood glue. Before fastening to self-tapping screws, holes are drilled - two opposite the ends of each workpiece.

Method of fixing parts for glue drying

Step 5 – sanding and treatment with a protective solution. Oil-based impregnation for terraces and garden furniture was chosen as protection.

After treatment with impregnation, the wood acquires a pleasant chocolate shade.

Step 6 – making the handrail. Part height – 60 mm. If the height of the beam is not enough (45 mm), then it can be increased by cutting the second piece in half lengthwise and gluing one part. After grinding, the handrail must also be treated with impregnation.

Handrail surface treatment

Step 7 - installing fasteners for wooden sections on the metal frame. The frame is made of steel, so the fastenings can be fixed by welding. The best fit are corners that will simultaneously serve as supports for the sections.

Welding metal corners

Step 8 – installation of finished wooden sections. Each section must be installed in the corners and mounted on galvanized screws.

Tightening screws with a special nozzle

Making wooden railings for a cottage balcony is not that difficult. Of course, power tools increase the speed of production and installation. Having only a plane and a hacksaw at hand, you will have to tinker with wood processing much longer.

The result is neat and reliable railings in the half-timbered style

Repair of railings on the balcony

Sometimes it is not the installation of a new railing that is required, but the repair of the old one. The need to completely replace the parapet arises in the following cases:

The deterioration of a structure due to exposure to precipitation and other weather conditions over a long period of time.
If there is a need to insulate a balcony, but the structure is not reliable enough to withstand the weight of the glazing, its complete replacement is required.
The desire to change the appearance of the fence.

Repair and replacement

Operations such as insulation, expansion and glazing of a balcony are often impossible without strengthening or even replacing the parapet. Reinforcement is done by tying the old corner with a new one. When strengthening the balcony parapet, the railings are usually changed completely. Their edges, as well as the edges of the lower frame trim, are inserted into the wall and secured to it with a piece of corner.

When reinforcing the fence, the top frame is securely attached to the wall

Sometimes old metal parapets even have to be dismantled and new railings for balconies made. This operation is performed with your own hands in two stages. Previously, the old elements are cut off with a grinder, and then a new frame is welded in their place.

When expanding the balcony along the slab, the railings are completely changed

Types, characteristics and methods of installing balcony railings

Safe operation of the balcony largely depends on the quality and reliability of the installed parapet. Balcony railings must comply with all rules and regulations for building construction, and also form a single composition with the facade of the house. In addition to standard balcony blocks, in modern construction, balcony railings made of metal, wood, and tempered glass are often used.

Reliable fastening and resistance to external influences determine the period of trouble-free operation, as well as the attractive appearance of the structure. Our article will tell you which balcony railings are in greatest demand, as well as the installation and operation features of the main options.

Where to begin?

It’s best to start from the beginning, namely by deciding what you have at the moment and what needs to be done.
The situation when a new balcony or loggia is built on the site of an old one, albeit small or dilapidated, cannot be solved in the same ways when the same structure is built from scratch. If you want to reconstruct your balcony, that is, replace the old one with a new one, then you already have beams ready for use. During the construction of the house, they were either brought into the interfloor space or made as a continuation of the beams of the floor frame. In this case, all you have to do is use these critical elements to construct a new deck. You will attach fencing elements to the old beams and walls. In principle, the installation of the balcony can be considered complete.

If work starts from scratch, it will not be possible to secure new beams; you will have to use other supports, for example, columns. The pediment of the balcony will subsequently rest on them.

Frame assembly

The construction of a balcony or loggia begins with a frame. A cantilever element, a beam with a cross-section of 50x150 mm, on which the main load-bearing structure will rest, is attached to the load-bearing wall using anchors. It is fixed in such a way that the total height of the floor of your structure remains below the level of the threshold of the door to the balcony. This value is about 10 cm. The difference in levels is necessary to avoid precipitation from entering the apartment.

On the opposite side, a longitudinal supporting structure is mounted, into which the transverse beams of the balcony will rest. This structure, or load-bearing element, must be supported by at least two columns and mounted taking into account a slight inclination from the doorway. This way, snow and rain will not accumulate near your balcony door.

Why are struts needed?

In some cases, based on engineering calculations, it is necessary to attach struts to the columns.
Struts are inclined load-bearing elements, one edge of which rests against a transverse beam, and the other against a column or load-bearing wall. In case of installation of this kind, the rigidity of the structure increases, and hence its safety for others. Struts are made not only from metal or timber, but also from boards in the form of a solid triangle. Calculations will tell you which is better, and your task is to monitor the appearance of the emerging structure. Do not forget that the “wrong side”, hidden from your eyes, will be visible to everyone else.

Support columns: manufacturing and installation

The main load falls on the support columns, which must not only be placed correctly, but also firmly secured. To do this, a columnar foundation is made - a concrete monolith that will cover the column column and securely hold it. When installing columns, box-shaped consoles are used.

Characteristics and basic requirements for balcony railings

Construction regulations have special requirements for fencing balconies and loggias. First of all, they are necessary for the safe operation of the balcony, prevent the risk of a person falling out, and also serve as an additional basis for possible glazing in the future.

Balcony railings must have an attractive appearance, heat and moisture resistance, as well as increased strength under mechanical stress.

The main physical characteristics of balcony fencing must meet the following criteria:

The height of the fence on the balcony must be at least 90 cm; usually in construction it is used from 100 to 120 cm.
The railings on the balcony along the entire length must withstand a load of 30 kg per meter.
The distance between the vertical lintels of the balcony railing should be no more than 12 cm, so that small children cannot climb over and put their lives in danger.
All metal and wooden elements must be reliable and also subjected to anti-corrosion and antibacterial treatment.

Safety

The base of the balcony is most often made of a simple reinforced concrete slab, which is recessed into the wall. It is very important that it is at least a few centimeters below the floor level, and also has a slope towards the outside. Only with this placement will all rainwater and melted snow quickly leave the balcony.

If subsequent glazing will not be carried out, it is very important to make additional holes for water drainage. This is especially true for fences made of brick and aerated concrete, which do not have gaps or spans.

When installing a balcony railing, it is very important not to forget about your own safety. Wear protective clothing, gloves, respirators and goggles. Also, you should not forget about the people who are below you - a brick or hammer should not fall on their heads.

Basic materials for balcony railings

The main requirement for parapet material is, first of all, reliability. Balcony railings must withstand not only negative external influences (sun rays, temperature changes, high humidity), but also be reliable under mechanical stress. Until recently, residents of multi-storey buildings were offered exclusively reinforced concrete or metal welded structures. When repairing work on a balcony, such elements are often replaced with new ones. The most commonly used materials are metal, wood and glass.

Stainless steel

Metal balcony fencing made of stainless steel is distinguished not only by its increased strength characteristics, but also by its visual appeal. Such designs will decorate any facade, fit perfectly into the interior, and are also affordable.

Among the main advantages of stainless steel are the following:

Relatively light weight, which allows them to be used even with insufficient foundation strength.
Visual appeal. Modern industry offers a choice of several options for manufacturing such products that differ from the traditional chrome-plated sheen.
Easy to care for. After installation, such fences do not require regular painting, anti-corrosion treatment, or restoration work for a very long time.
Affordable price. Compared to its main competitors: welded metal structures and wood, stainless steel has an ideal price/quality ratio.
Easy to install. Fastening is carried out to the base itself, as well as to the side walls. With sufficient experience in construction work, the process of installing stainless steel balcony railings can be carried out independently.
Large selection of design solutions. In addition to standard smooth tube designs, the range of modern materials offers a wide variety of original balcony railings for every taste and color.

Stone

Decorating balcony railings from natural and artificial stone is an extremely attractive and practical solution. Similar projects are found in private houses, because the standard balcony design of high-rise buildings will not withstand the increased loads and weight of the slabs. For these purposes, a composite material - porcelain stoneware - is usually used.

In addition to an almost eternal period of operation (from 50 years and above), stone fencing for loggias and balconies has an attractive design and perfectly demonstrates the status of a country house, as well as the tastes of its owner.

The disadvantages include significant weight, so the concrete base should be strengthened as much as possible, and ideally have additional supports from below (columns or other architectural solutions). The second significant drawback will be the high cost, especially when decorating balcony rooms with a large area.

Forged steel

Forged fencing also has an attractive design, can withstand negative external influences well, and is not subject to corrosion or destruction from moisture and temperature changes.

Metal balcony railings fit perfectly into the exterior and have many decorative variations, especially when manufactured according to an individual project. “A drop in the ointment” will be quite expensive, but still this option is undiminished in popularity.

Natural wood

Wooden fencing for a balcony is a classic option. The design of such fencing can also be made original, and it is also an easy way to do the work yourself.

Among the disadvantages: wood has a relatively short service life, because even with regular painting and antibacterial treatment, under conditions of high humidity and temperature changes, the structure of the wood quickly collapses. Typically, the service life of wooden balcony railings is 5-7 years (much depends on the types of wood used).

Wooden structures

Wooden fences of the loggia and balcony look very beautiful in combination with the vegetation that is located nearby.

Wood is very often used to fence loggias. A similar design looks harmonious if the house itself is built from wooden beams. This could be a country house. Such fences for loggias and balconies look very beautiful in combination with the vegetation that is located nearby. The curly wooden racks are also distinguished by their originality. In any case, even if the railings and fences are made of wood, the structure has metal frame beams. Their installation is necessary for strength and reliability. Wooden railings and fences look extremely interesting. They can turn a balcony into a real work of art.

In addition to wooden fencing for loggias and balconies, metal is widely used. Metal structures are well suited for installation in modern multi-storey buildings. The entire structure of the enclosing parts consists of metal. The metal posts are finished with a rebar finish. Railings and handrails are usually made of aluminum; sometimes other metals are added to the aluminum composition. One of the types of metal structures is stainless steel fencing. This material is popular today and is widely used in construction. He is extremely practical. Durable, has a durable smooth surface. A characteristic feature of stainless steel is that it does not deteriorate or rust when exposed to precipitation.

Another type of fencing is glass. To build it, a stainless steel frame and durable shockproof glass are installed. It is not difficult to make such a structure. All parts are sold unassembled. In order to equip the fencing of loggias or balconies, it is necessary to install glass parts into the frame. When purchasing a structure, you should pay attention to the thickness of the glass, the thickness of the guides, and also what composition all these materials have. The following will provide brief instructions on how to make a balcony fence with your own hands.

Installation methods

Welded balcony railings are usually attached to the sides and directly to the base of the balcony structure. The frequency of vertical supports is determined individually, depending on the material used, the total weight of the structure and its design. When calculating reliable fastening, the additional load on the railing is also taken into account (if several people are leaning on it at the same time), as well as the installation of clotheslines (with removal outside the balcony) and possible glazing in the future.

The height of the balcony railing is taken into account. Non-standard solutions are often proposed, for example, if people of above average height live in the apartment. The order of work during installation includes, first of all, securing the side mortgages, and only then - fastening the fences to the base.

During installation, welding work is used, as well as fastening with hardware and anchors. It is important to securely fasten the balcony railings, because a shaky structure is unsafe and poses a potential threat to residents.

When designing balconies, balcony railings are of paramount importance for safe use. Various materials are used for this: metal, wood, glass and even plastic. Any option should be considered from the standpoint of economy and reliability, and if you install it yourself, analyze possible installation difficulties. The height of the balcony railings is regulated by building regulations, which are also mandatory.

Source: balkonoved.ru

Price

Regardless of what material you choose for the loggia parapet, it will require investment.

A wooden one costs a lot: from 4,000 rubles. Brick and aerated concrete railings have a high cost. Glass fencing will cost an average of about 4,500 rubles.

Beautiful design option

The price is determined by the quality of the material, quantity, type, thickness, profile, etc. Significant savings are obtained by installing the structure yourself. To accurately calculate the cost of the selected material, consult the manager of any hardware store.

Manufacturing of balcony railings

The InTechProm company specializes in the production of metal balcony railings. We have a large selection of reliable products, qualified employees and reliable suppliers. Partnership with us provides comprehensive services, including all stages from accurate measurements to final installation of the structure. When working, specialists always comply with safety requirements; if necessary, they use high-altitude equipment.

Types of fencing for balconies and terraces

Balcony railings are an unshakable attribute of apartments and private houses. They are necessary for the safety of staying on the balcony and will form a harmonious ensemble with the facade of the building.

Types of materials used:

Wooden railings are often used when decorating private estates and country houses. To improve resistance to the external environment, special impregnations and paint coating of the material are used.
Metal balcony railings are known for their strength and durability. This is usually stainless steel, but we can produce other types of structures upon request.
Glass railings allow you to visually lighten the structure, while maintaining all the strength characteristics.
Forged products are highly expensive, but at the same time they guarantee a long service life and excellent appearance.
Combined designs allow you to preserve the architectural style. Usually these are metal-wood or metal-glass combinations. If desired, you can decorate a terrace or porch, creating a single architectural ensemble of a country house.

During production, all materials are subjected to anti-corrosion treatment. This ensures a long service life and increases the strength characteristics of the product.

Wrought iron balconies

The most common options for wrought iron balconies are:

Designs with projections. This part is quite narrow, so it will not be possible to arrange a flower garden or put storage equipment on such a fence.
False balconies without a projection. The design has a flat shape and does not extend beyond the building.
False balconies with glazing. It can be closed from all sides or only from the roof. The designs are used in the high-tech and modern directions. False balconies with glazing are suitable for city apartments. Glass should not be heavy.
Cantilever type fencing. Such barriers still exist in old housing stock in many cities. They are a structure standing on cantilever metal or reinforced concrete beams.
Balcony standing on the bay window of the floor below it. This design solution is more difficult to implement. The advantages of this option will be to withstand a lot of weight. Most often, the structure on the bay window is decorated with heavy glass inserts. This design is used in large country houses.

The architectural features of the fence and the type of house on which the balcony will be installed affect its height. If the building is no more than 25 meters, the size of the fencing structure is chosen to be 0.8-1 meter. If the house is higher than this value, a balcony with wrought iron railings is made approximately 1.2-1.3 m.

Main characteristics

Metal balcony railings are manufactured according to certain standards. For the necessary safety, they must be at least 90 cm high, and the distance between the bars must be up to 12 cm. This will fully ensure safety, which is especially important for families with small children. Upon request, we produce any types of railings for balconies, terraces, verandas, based on building regulations, but without forgetting about the quality and aesthetics of the structures.

Fencing for a terrace in a private house price from 2,900 rub./rm.

Balcony fencing with crossbars made of horizontally arranged plates price from 4,100 rub./l.m.

Welded balcony railing with forged insert price from RUB 3,600/rm.

Balcony fencing made of strip and rod price from RUB 8,900/piece.

Balcony fencing with forged elements price from 6,100 rub./rm.

Welded stair railing made of profile pipes price from 4,700 rub./rm.

Simple welded balcony fencing price from RUB 3,600/running meter.

Balcony railings for townhouses price from RUB 3,400/rm.

Balcony fencing made of profile pipe and strip price from RUB 4,800/running meter.

Fencing for a house terrace price from RUB 3,500/running meter.

A simple balcony fence made of a square pipe, price from 2,500 rub./running meter.

Balcony fencing with vertical filling made of strips price from 6,400 rub./running meter.

Fencing with an L-shaped fastening to the end of the roof, price from 3,700 rub./running meter.

Small fencing for a country house price from 2,900 rub./running meter.

Balcony fencing with forged decorative element price from 3,900 rub./rm.

Forged fencing sections price from RUB 5,100/rm.

Modern fencing made of square and round pipes price from RUB 2,800/running meter.

Lattice fencing price from RUB 3,200/running meter.

Balcony fencing with purchased forged inserts price from 4,600 rub./rm.

Porch fencing, cut from sheet metal on plasma, price from RUB 6,300/piece.

DIY installation of forged fences

The installation of forged fencing in a private home is especially relevant. It is made from steel rods of different sections (rectangle, circle, square).

Forged version

The technology is carried out in stages:

Before installation, check the condition of the landing gear. If they are already rotten, they are reinstalled.
A sketch of the future structure is being prepared.
All details are indicated (dimensions of parts, quantity of materials).
Elements are produced.
The parts are laid out according to the drawing plan.
The connection of parts to each other begins (using gas equipment or electric welding).
After assembling the entire puzzle, the parts are painted.
Then the places (landings) where the structure will be fixed are prepared.
They are placed on the balcony base, as well as on both sides of the wall (the wall masonry must contain rolled steel or reinforcement).
The heavier, bulkier and longer the forged railings, the more fixing points need to be created.

Installation drawing

Safety rules to follow when installing metal railings:

clear the space under the balcony of all objects, eliminate dry branches and grass;
place a warning sign under the loggia (if it is an apartment building and there is a sidewalk under the windows);
inform your neighbors about the upcoming work and ask them to remove (flammable) items.

Near the forest

Production stages

When ordering railings for balconies and terraces from us, you receive an individual approach, adherence to production technology, and quality of products. Prices for balcony structures are compiled according to our price list and depend on the size of the fenced area, material, and difficulties during installation. Usually our clients prefer an individual approach. If you wish, you can choose the desired option among our works in the gallery.

Main manufacturing stages:

According to the completed application, a master arrives at the site.
Measurements are taken and order details are agreed upon with the client.
A contract is drawn up with a fixed price for manufacturing and installation.
Production of the structure according to the sketch.
Installation of railings on site.
Checking the strength and quality of fastening, acceptance by the customer.

Source: itpmet.ru