Features of installation of fencing for wooden balconies

Balconies and terraces are the decoration of any home. These outdoor architectural elements serve as a wonderful place for family members to relax and enjoy their time in close proximity to nature.

To ensure complete safety of vacationers, balconies and terraces are equipped with special fences. Fences not only perform a protective function, but also determine the appearance of the entire building as a whole.

Balcony fencing made of wood for a country house

Wooden fencing for balconies, open verandas and terraces has become very popular lately.

Modern technologies and materials make it possible to install wooden fences, with the help of which you can implement the most unusual and exclusive solutions in the architecture of the facade of a house.

Features of wooden balcony railings

Wood is an environmentally friendly material that can be processed well and looks elegant. If you have special tools and experience, you can create unusual fences from wood and realize any design ideas. The natural texture combines beautifully with posts and handrails in any configuration.

Log axes are used to decorate products. The main thing is that the dimensions, shapes and textures correspond to the concept of the architectural style. Supports, handrails and section elements can have any geometric shape. But the most common are rectangular, square and round models. Section parameters can be changed or saved along the entire perimeter.

In order to strengthen the racks, they are equipped with struts, corners or other fasteners. The supports are fixed to a wooden or concrete floor covering. Threaded anchors are used as fastening elements, and if there is access to the floor covering in the lower part, fixation is carried out using “wood groins” (special anchor screws).

The components of any fence are the following elements:

1. Pillars creating load-bearing structures.
2. Internal sections.
3. Handrails.

Racks have any shape and diameter. In this case, the cross-section can be the same along the entire length or vary.

Construction of houses

The balcony parapet is an integral part of the architectural structure of the house. The fencing determines not only the appearance of the loggia or balcony, but also complements the style of the entire façade of the building. Let's look at what materials are suitable for creating a strong and reliable parapet, and describe the basic requirements and technology for installing a balcony railing.

Requirements for balcony railings

Balcony fencing performs two main functions: protective and decorative. The railings should ensure the safety of people on the balcony, and at the same time, make the facade of the room more attractive.

Regardless of the material of manufacture and installation method, the design of the fence must meet the following parameters:

Features of balcony railings made of different materials

Wooden fencing: description and installation features

Wood is a very technological material that lends itself well to various treatments. An experienced craftsman is able to realize the most unusual idea and create a wooden balcony fence of an unusual shape. The natural beauty of wood texture, combined with ornate handrails and decorative posts, will decorate not only the balcony, but the house as a whole.

The originality of the design is achieved by a combination of vertical and horizontal axes of the logs. It is important that the shapes and sizes resonate with the overall architecture of the room. Posts, handrails and internal sections can be rectangular, round or square. The cross-sectional shape changes or remains the same along the entire length.

Wooden fences are often reinforced with metal brackets, struts and corners. The racks are mounted on a finished concrete or wooden floor. To fix the elements, anchors with a threaded rod are used, and if there is access to the floor from below, then the fastening can be done with wood grouse.

The disadvantages of wooden fences are their high cost and the susceptibility of the structure to atmospheric influences. Railings must be treated with special paints and varnishes that are resistant to sunlight, humidity, temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress. The optimal product for outdoor work is alkyd-urethane varnish. It has high weather resistance, elasticity and hardness.

To treat wooden fences, you must use primer, impregnation and varnish from the same manufacturer. This ensures their compatibility

Glass: choice of material and installation rules

Glass balcony railings look modern and creative. This parapet is made entirely of glass using metal elements.

Laminated laminated glass is used to equip balconies and loggias. The layers of glass are tempered using a special technology and glued together with a laminated film. When heated to 600°C, such material takes on almost any shape without losing its smoothness and strength. This property is skillfully used by designers and craftsmen to create unusual fences with smooth curves.

Glass fencing must meet the following parameters:

The fencing is attached to the base of the balcony using welding, bolts, anchors and adhesives. Fixing the glass sheet to metal risers is performed in one of the following ways:

Glass balcony railings are sold as ready-made kits, and their installation does not require special skill and professionalism from the contractor.

Parapet made of brick and aerated concrete

Fences made of brick, concrete and stone are durable and massive. Masonry made from these materials has a long service life, aesthetic appearance, and is highly resistant to environmental influences.

However, brick and aerated concrete also have disadvantages, in particular:

For the laying of fences, plastic-pressed ceramic bricks, which have low thermal conductivity, are often used. With the help of such bricks it is possible to reduce the thickness and weight of masonry by 25%

In some situations, using brick to decorate a balcony becomes necessary:

Metal balcony railings

Metal fencing is the most popular. They are made from a variety of metal profiles: ordinary steel reinforcement, pipes of different diameters, sheet and strip parts of unusual shapes.

Most often used to create fences:

Aluminum profiles for railings are subjected to galvanic treatment: nickel plating, chrome plating, etc. When assembling an aluminum fence, welding cannot be used, otherwise the high temperature will destroy the galvanic coating. You can use a threaded connection - nuts of decorative shape obtained as a result of milling and turning. The artist's skill and aluminum manufacturability will allow you to design traditional and unusual forms of fencing from straight profiles.

Steel fencing for balconies looks very modern and has the following advantages:

Important! Metal grilles of balcony railings do not protect against wind, dust, and do not provide insulation from prying eyes. In addition, fences with a large number of horizontal elements are dangerous - children can climb on them

The current option is forged balcony railings, which add sophistication and aristocracy to the façade of the building. Most often, such gratings are used for country houses and cottages. Bent metal elements are produced by cold and hot forging using various devices.

When designing a balcony structure, you must follow safety requirements - it is important to use fences that are assembled by welding.

DIY installation of forged fences

For the manufacture of forged fences, steel rods of square, round and rectangular sections are used. The fencing production technology itself can be divided into several stages:

Regardless of whether the product is made independently or to order, it is necessary to prepare in advance the landing places for fixing the structure. The landings are located at the base of the balcony and on both sides of the wall. To do this, during the construction of a house, reinforcement or rolled steel is embedded in the masonry. The number of fixation points depends on the bulkiness and length of the forged lattice.

Important! Before installing a balcony railing in an apartment building, it is imperative to check the condition of the mortgages. If the plantings are rotten, they will need to be reinstalled

During installation, you must adhere to the following rules and safety standards:

Installing a wrought iron fence on a balcony: video

How to make a wooden balcony fencing: video instructions

Wooden fencing for balconies, verandas and open terraces allows you to implement exclusive solutions in the architecture of the building facade and give the house a stylistic charm. It is better to entrust the production and installation of wooden fences to professionals. The master will be able to accurately calculate the maximum load on the parapet and build a safe fence.

Manufacturing and installation of wooden balcony railings in the half-timbered style: video

Different stylistic solutions for balcony railings: photos

The solution for a miniature balcony is artistic forging. The contrast of colors – white wall decoration and black metal – gives the façade a special charm.

Wooden balcony railing in Scandinavian style.

Balcony fencing in a minimalist style: a combination of metal sheet and profiles.

Glass fencing for French balcony.

Wood fences painted gray highlight the elegance and chic of the home's exterior.

Source

Main advantages and disadvantages

Wooden balcony railings are widely used in private houses and cottages, due to their distinctive properties and advantages. The natural material has a large margin of safety and is processed using advanced technologies and equipment. This allows you to implement unusual design projects and beautifully decorate the balconies of houses. Other advantages of the structures include the following properties:

1. Reliability and wear resistance.
2. Long service life subject to basic care rules.
3. Environmental Safety.
4. Beautiful texture.
5. Possibility of decoration with various paints and varnishes.
6. Preserving the integrity of the façade of the house.
7. Focusing on the most beautiful elements of the exterior.

In addition, wooden balusters for a balcony allow you to:

1. Transform the appearance of a simple and unremarkable home into a work of design art.
2. Harmoniously connect the exterior of the room with the interior.
3. Give the loggia a finished look.

The design of railings for the balcony is carried out by combining natural wood with additional elements, such as metal inserts.

However, in addition to the advantages, wood has a number of disadvantages. Among them:

1. Moisture absorption. If the material is exposed to precipitation for a long time, it undergoes swelling and deformation. Over time, the structure begins to rot and loses its aesthetic appearance. To avoid such troubles, it is necessary to properly treat it with special protective impregnations or finish it with moisture-resistant paint. After this procedure, the wood will be able to resist moisture accumulation for 1-2 years. In the future, staining will have to be repeated.
2. Vulnerability to fire. When a fire occurs, the tree quickly catches fire.

Design

Stylistic solutions for metal fencing for balconies of private and country houses can be very diverse. Laconic options have a traditional rectangular or linear shape. In this case, the details of the fences may have different decorative elements (for example, ornate lace, curls, floral patterns, geometric shapes).

The shape of the fences is varied. It can be simple, rounded, faceted - it depends on the shape of the balcony itself. The walls of the fences can be linear, concave, convex. The shape of the parapet can be standard or radius.

Straight parapets are distinguished by clear lines and lack of pretentiousness. Thanks to this, they are suitable for different facades. Even after many years, their design will not lose its relevance and will look stylish.

French design is distinguished by its special sophistication. Such fences usually frame small areas. Based on the shape of the balconies, they can be wavy and even angular.

Models for panoramic glazing are distinguished by the severity of their forms and a minimum of decoration. Fences of this type require installation in sectors. They are protective frames without decor in the shape of pipes, made of stainless steel.

Models of the minimalist style are laconic. They are often combined with glass. Metal elements go well with laminated glass. Depending on the design, glass sheets may have different sizes.

Balcony railings made of several types of metal, subjected to various treatments, look original on the facades of buildings.

Balcony fencing safety requirements

Fences perform a decorative function and are responsible for the safety of people on the balcony. Therefore, they are subject to increased requirements specified in GOST and other regulations. Regardless of style features and installation method, the fence must meet the following parameters:

1. The height of the parapet is chosen taking into account the proportions of the body - the upper edge cannot be lower than the middle of the abdomen. According to GOST and SNiP, the height of the fence varies from 1 to 1.2 m.
2. The distance between each element is 10-12 cm.
3. The railings must cope with a load of up to 100 kg per 1 linear line. m. An optimal margin of safety should be provided, since, in addition to human weight, the structure is affected by wind.
4. The supports are fixed to the walls or flooring.
5. You cannot decorate a balcony with large-sized elements, sacrificing strength and safety. It is better not to use sharp parts in decoration.

Coloring rules

Alkyd and water-dispersion paints are most often used. The first ones give a rich color. They are resistant to adverse weather conditions

When using them, you need to be careful because this dye is toxic.

The downside is also the drying time. It must take at least 2 days for the alkyd paint to dry completely.

The water-dispersed variety has excellent adhesion to the metal surface, is quickly applied and is non-toxic. Due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, it may fade in the sun. Therefore, re-treatment will be required after a year.

It is necessary to carry out primary painting when there is no wind and strong humidity. The paint temperature should be from 15 degrees, and the air temperature from 19 to 35. Humidity should be at 50%. It is recommended to protect the slightly dried coating from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Particular care must be taken when painting edges, ornaments, corners, lines and patterns.

Designing a wooden fence for a balcony

In order for a wooden balcony fencing to be stylish and practical, it is necessary to take the design procedure responsibly. On thematic portals you can find a large number of ready-made diagrams and drawings that simplify the assembly of the structure. If the project is created manually, you will need to take into account the dimensions of the balcony, the climatic conditions of the area, as well as individual design preferences.

Choosing the right style

There are several styles that are used in the manufacture of wooden balcony railings. Among them:

1. Country style. The products are distinguished by elegant shapes and the presence of relief carvings.
2. Mediterranean. The fence is decorated with curved lines.
3. Scandinavian. In such cases, the railings are decorated with exotic inserts and perform only decorative functions.
4. Russian. Railings, balusters, handrails and other elements in the old style are installed on the balcony.
5. Medieval. Reminiscent of the previous style, but differs in the presence of rough shapes.
6. Northern European. It is characterized by a rough shape and a voluminous base.

Balcony railings in a country house, private, residential buildings

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.

How to make a wooden balcony fencing with your own hands

The process of making a balcony fence involves choosing high-quality material and following all instructions.

We choose quality material

The appearance, reliability and durability of a wooden balcony depend on the choice of building materials. Therefore, the main criteria are strength and resistance to negative influences. The following types of wood are suitable for assembling fencing:

1. Ash. It has maximum density, but cannot counteract the negative influences of the environment. Therefore, it is not advisable to use it for exterior decoration.
2. Oak. Characterized by high density and suitable for outdoor use. In addition, wood resists aggressive compounds and remains serviceable for a long time. But processing oak is quite difficult, because it is dense and strong.
3. Linden, pine, birch. The listed breeds are not recommended for the manufacture of fences. Despite their high decorative value, they are subject to destruction under the influence of various factors. Wood can only be used if there is a special impregnation that neutralizes the effects of the environment.

Manufacturing and installation technology

To make wooden railings for a balcony, you must follow the following sequence of actions:

1. Carry out a series of calculations in order to determine the height, width and length of the future structure. The quality of the final result depends on this stage.
2. Proceed with assembly. It is important to pay attention to the parameters of the terrace or balcony. If the structure is large, it is necessary to provide additional racks to increase the rigidity and safety of the structure. If there are shaped elements, they are processed using turning equipment.
3. Having completed the assembly of component elements, such as supports and handrails, you should proceed to fixing them. First of all, you need to apply markings and determine the mounting locations of the racks. Next, you should begin installation using screws. You can also use a modular design with a slight extension of the support. This option fits tightly into the grooves on the floor. It is better to use oak elements.
4. Having secured the supports, it is necessary to estimate their height. If there are no deviations from the required parameters, you can proceed to assembling the handrails. They are fixed with screws or grooves (depending on preference). Checking the height is done using a building level.
5. Next, it is necessary to provide additional stiffeners. They use small posts, fixed at an angle and providing rigidity. Installation locations are determined by those sectors that bear the maximum load. In most cases, these are rectangular parts of the fence.

Characteristics of suitable material

Pine meets all the requirements for building a house

Wood has long been used to make railings for balconies and terraces. It is widely used due to the following qualities:

• Plastic.
• Easy to process.
• Low specific gravity.

Among the numerous types of trees growing in Russia, not all are used to make handrails. Among coniferous species, only pine can be distinguished. It meets almost all requirements, and is also widely used as a material for railings.

Compared to cedar, it has a soft core and is easy to process.

Of the hardwoods, two pairs can be distinguished: beech and oak, as well as aspen and ash. The first are representatives that have a hard texture. They are not subject to rotting and do not crack. The disadvantage is the cost of fencing made from this material, it is very high. The latter are much easier to process and more affordable in terms of price. The downside is that, without mandatory impregnation with an antiseptic, the rocks are susceptible to rotting, which leads to the destruction of the material.

Stairs to the veranda

It is very important to take into account the features of the veranda when choosing a staircase for it. First of all, the veranda is usually not heated. It is attached to the house and is glazed on all sides

It is attached to the house and is glazed on all sides.

Glazed veranda Usually verandas are made of wood. The veranda should be made of the same material from which the house itself is built, this is an ideal option.

A house with a wooden veranda So, let's look at how to make a wooden staircase for a veranda.

Veranda with a wooden staircase First, we find the place for the top step of our future staircase. DIY brickwork template? We calculate the total number of steps.

Calculation of steps Now we prepare the base.

Porch base

Steps and railings are arranged if necessary. The position of the top step must be determined using a level and marked. You also need to measure the length of the stairs.

If we have decided on the size of our steps, we can easily count their number.

Calculation of step steps Dependence of the angle of inclination of the stairs on the comfort of walking So, we have calculated all the necessary parameters. Laying the foundation for the steps.

Classic base for steps We dig a hole of about ten centimeters. We fill it with sand, lay crushed stone on top, and then pour in a cement solution.

Arranging the foundations for the veranda We are waiting for it to dry in the form of one slab. Now we attach the side boards to the floor of the veranda. All other elements will be attached to them.

Veranda floor installation diagram Now we attach the steps.

Fastening wooden steps

You can easily pour the details of the steps yourself. Or you can buy already made steps. This will save you time.

After installing the steps, you can make fences.

Installation of step fencing Wooden blocks will help. We prime the wood before work. When everything is finished, you can think about the design issue.

Wood primer

What are railings for?

No one doubts the purpose of balcony railings: this element is primarily designed to ensure the safety of people on the balcony. The metal frame of the fence is capable of supporting the weight of an adult and is created according to certain standards. But in addition to the upper border with the handrail, the balcony fencing also has a front part, as well as sidewalls.

Railings also play a huge role in the design of the facade of a building. It is enough to take the most famous architectural monuments as a basis and compare them with the varied design of modern multi-storey buildings. In country house construction, great importance is attached to the design of balcony groups. After all, even the style of the parapet can emphasize the grace of lines or become an expressive detail decorating a classic facade. In urban housing, it is better to focus on the architecture of the building when decorating a balcony, then it will not look alien.

Purpose

The most common purpose of railings on balconies in residential buildings is to ensure safety in the area protruding beyond the apartment. In urban high-rise buildings, loggias can be located at great heights, and only a sufficiently high and strong fence can protect a person from falling.

In a private house, the lattice around the balcony is often part of the facade design. The owner has more opportunities to shape the contour and size of the slab, and the balcony serves as a covered veranda, a winter garden, and another room with a panoramic view. Such structures are equipped with fences that retain heat inside. These can be massive parapets made of brick or timber.

Loggias in multi-storey urban buildings are also insulated using lightweight materials (sandwich panels, EPS, etc.). Sometimes, instead of an insulated balcony, simple glazing is made, in which the space inside is protected from drafts and dust, but is not heated.

Design features

Due to the difference in purpose, the appearance and materials used of the railings change. Thus, a fence for the safety of people can be made in a forged or simple metal design, and include additional elements that enhance the safety of a child (for example, sheathing made of transparent and durable plastic).

A simple fence consists of:

• support pillars;
• handrails;
• filling the span (decorative balusters, rods, etc.).

Thermal insulating walls-fences contain window openings or are blind (end parts of the loggia). For their manufacture, materials are used that meet only the requirements of thermal insulation. Strength is ensured by the metal structures of standard railings, to which cladding is often attached.