The profession of a blacksmith evokes associations with the Middle Ages, the ringing of swords, axes and chain mail, but artistic forging is still incredibly popular today. For example, wrought-iron balconies are now gaining popularity. They are present in high-rise buildings, private homes, shopping centers and restaurants. Are you eager to order one for yourself? Let's discuss in more detail.
Pros and cons of wrought iron balconies
An undeniable advantage of forged balcony railings is their appearance. Regardless of style, design and other characteristics, they look solid and elegant. There are other positive aspects:
- High degree of strength. You can safely lean your entire weight on the railing of such a balcony.
- Durability. Despite the fact that the metal will have to constantly be in the open air under the influence of all the vagaries of the elements, a high-quality anti-corrosion coating will allow the forged balcony to serve the owner faithfully for many years. It is only important to process the product well, especially at the joints. Then the balcony will not be afraid of rust.
- Resistance to mechanical damage, chemical treatment, exposure to sunlight, water, sudden temperature changes, etc.
- Completely safe for health. Unlike plastic, which can be toxic, steel is a safe material that does not have any negative effects on health.
- Versatility. A wrought-iron balcony can be installed literally anywhere, even in a house with many intricate projections (this point is especially relevant for old houses).
But there are also disadvantages. Let's list them briefly:
- Relatively high cost. Artistic forging costs significantly more than sandwich panels, wood and other similar materials. The specific cost depends on many factors: the complexity of the work, the size of the balcony and its type, the presence or absence of decorative painting, etc.
- Production time. This product is completely made by hand, so you will have to be patient. Especially if you want something interesting, original, with an abundance of small details. The production period is agreed upon with the craftsman in advance.
- Heaviness. Forged railings on balconies weigh a lot, and this must be taken into account based on the specific building. It is strictly forbidden to install it on a flimsy slab.
- Difficulty in installation. Only experienced craftsmen should install forged products for balconies.
Balcony fencing: do it yourself
The fence for the balcony should be attractive, since it is what first catches the eye of passers-by, and by this “picture” people judge the entire house. Its correct design determines the appearance of the building and serves as an addition to the overall façade style. In addition, the balcony is considered an excellent place to relax, so a lot of effort is put into creating a unique design solution.
Balcony fencing options
Today there are many materials available for proper installation of fencing. The main factor when choosing them is usually considered to be the selection of basic components that allow you to take into account the architectural features of the house. Some craftsmen prefer to install a balcony as a decorative element (it will become a bright part of the house), while others try to ensure that the construction fully complies with the characteristics of the building and becomes an inseparable part of it. However, in any case, you should pay attention to the decoration of the building. Landscaping this room with the help of ornamental plants will highlight it and make it the highlight of the entire building.
The most aesthetically beautiful are forged balcony railings
But what are the names and characteristics of the most common types of fencing?
There are several varieties of them:
- Forged . They are considered the most decorative buildings. Often, their own drawings are used for their production. Experienced craftsmen create real masterpieces using artistic performance.
- Metal . This option can be presented in the form of simple forms or it will contain decorative elements.
- Made of plastic . They can be characterized as safe and reliable buildings with a presentable appearance.
- Wooden . This type of fencing is often used for houses made of timber or wooden terraces.
- Glass . They are used to completely glaze a building, while respecting the individual preferences of the owner.
- Made from polycarbonate . They are popular due to their light weight, affordable price and ease of manufacture.
- Made from stainless steel . This option has earned many positive reviews due to its good wear resistance.
- Made of brick . It will be an excellent solution for houses built from similar material. The fence is considered durable and reliable.
- Welded . Thanks to special welding, it will be possible to make any designed product.
Please note: Is it worth installing panoramic glazing on the balcony?
Wooden fencing is often used in the design of private houses
However, whatever type of railing is chosen, it must meet the basic operating requirements.
Stainless steel balcony railing with glass (video)
Main requirements for balcony railings
Balcony railings, in addition to their decorative features that help create a unique image, must be safe. Therefore, regardless of the material chosen, they must meet this main requirement.
To correctly determine the height of the parapet, human proportions should be taken into account. For example, the upper edge of the fence is usually located at the level of the middle of the person’s abdomen. Moreover, the most optimal height is considered to be 1-1.2 m.
In addition, the distance between the fencing elements should be taken into account. Between them it should be no more than 10-12 cm.
The most important requirement for fencing a balcony is safety.
When choosing materials, you should pay attention to its ability to withstand heavy loads. Balcony railings must be durable and reliable.
Absolutely all balcony railings must be attached to the floor or wall of the building. Otherwise, the structure will not meet the main requirement - safety.
Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the fences. They should not have cracks or any damage to their integrity, or be exposed to corrosion.
When choosing a decoration option, it is better to avoid using parts that can cause injury. So, when using forged products, it is worth choosing smooth decorations.
Balcony railings in a country house
In country houses, balconies and terraces are considered mandatory attributes of the overall design. Moreover, to create the right image, the entire composition is taken into account. Due to the fact that a country house is considered a vacation spot, the owner should feel cozy and comfortable in it. Therefore, when choosing materials for fencing, you should take care of all the nuances and create the best option for yourself.
The safest option for a private home is a steel fence
There are several options for balconies with railings:
- Functional . It is a wide building in which you can organize holidays. It is often combined with a terrace. Externally, the building is reliably and harmoniously combined with the facade.
- Balcony above the porch . When choosing this option, lattice fencing is often used; they will look impressive and fit well with the architectural features of the building.
- From logs . Triangular balconies are often used here. The composition is usually placed under a common roof with the building. A loggia in such a place will allow you to have a good rest without worrying about rain or hot rays of the sun.
- Balconies with glass railings . This type of structure will be the most secure. This place will be an excellent solution for lovers of greenhouses.
- Forged balconies . Especially the radius balcony fencing will fit well into any home decoration. Such buildings are perfectly combined with other materials, because forging favorably emphasizes the facade, making it respectable and aesthetic. Many owners prefer not to install roofs over such structures.
- Wooden balconies . Lattice wood fences or dark structures with various carved elements add grace and character to the appearance of the building.
Please note: Is it worth installing cold glazing on the balcony?
Do not forget that a country house is, first of all, a place of relaxation that serves as a beautiful decorative element. Therefore, when choosing a balcony, each owner must take into account his own preferences, taking into account the overall design of the building.
Attaching balcony railings with your own hands using the example of wrought iron railings
To properly make forged railings for loggias, you need special steel rods (they have a variety of cross-sections).
If you have the opportunity and materials, then it is better to make the fence yourself, since ordering it from a specialist is an expensive pleasure
Before you begin creating a structure, you need to prepare a drawing of the product. It should indicate with utmost accuracy the dimensions of all parts. This procedure can be done manually or using specially designed computer programs.
After this, it’s time to manufacture all the structural parts. They should be laid out in a strictly defined order so that there are no problems with the connection. Then it is necessary, using special equipment (using electric gas welding or others), to connect all the elements of the fence.
After meeting the above conditions, all that remains is to paint the product and prepare it for installation.
Decorative fencing can be made independently or to order, but you must not forget about preparing the place for its fixation. The seats intended for this purpose are most often located near the base of the balcony and on different sides of the wall. To do this, reinforcement or rolled steel must be embedded in the masonry of the house. Moreover, before installing a fence in a high-rise building, it is necessary to check the condition of the boarding fences.
Don’t forget to follow safety rules when installing the fence.:
- The space located under the balcony must be cleared of objects that may be dangerous.
- Warning signs should be installed under the structure.
- If installation work is carried out in the summer, you need to take care to get rid of dry grass under the building, and make sure that flammable things or materials are removed from neighboring balconies.
How to make a fence for a balcony (video)
So, a balcony fence can be typical, standard, or, on the contrary, differ in its different stylistic solutions. For lovers of miniature buildings, forging made in an artistic style is best suited. And for those who prefer wooden railings, the Scandinavian style would be an excellent option. But in any case, no matter what design is chosen, it serves as a decoration for the house, making it interesting and special.
Balcony height - how to choose the best option
The height of the balcony is another important point to consider. If the fences are too low, then it will be uncomfortable (and even unsafe) to sit on it, and if they are too high, it will be uncomfortable to lean on them, and much more material will be wasted.
On average, the optimal height is 1 m: for a person of average height, such a fence will be approximately waist-high. But if the product is located on the ground floor, then the forged railings for the balcony can be made a little lower: for example, 80 cm. If you want to feel as protected as possible, then a height of 1.1-1.15 m is what you need.
Hand hot or cold forging
There are two metal processing technologies: hot and cold.
1. The metal is heated to a plastic state. The blacksmith manually shapes the material into the required shape. Advantages: exclusivity; quality; aesthetic appeal; high strength; excellent anti-corrosion characteristics. Disadvantages: high cost of the project; long production; The blacksmith must be highly qualified and have extensive experience.
2. Special equipment is used to produce fencing using the cold method. The machines produce balcony components, which are subsequently assembled by welding. Advantages: efficiency of project implementation; affordable price. Disadvantages: lack of uniqueness; there may be defects.
Balcony shape
Many people are accustomed to the fact that a balcony is a “box” with smooth rectangular sides. But artistic forging has always strived to go beyond standard solutions. Therefore, among forged balconies you can observe a variety of shapes: the sides can be straight, curved (inflated form), arched, radial, with unexpected bends and angles.
Semicircular options look very elegant and romantic, especially in small areas. You would expect to see the kind of radial balconies in ancient small towns, covered with ivy or wild grapes.
Where they look good
Forged products are highly functional and look great in combination with many materials and structures. External balconies are perfectly combined with buildings of various purposes and number of floors. To add some zest to the interior, some customers place structures indoors.
On private houses
In a beautifully furnished country house, exclusive wrought iron balconies look great.
French wrought iron balcony. All forging
On wooden houses
Natural wood combines organically with cold metal.
Forged balcony on a wooden house. Vakula Master
At the cottages
Richly decorated facades of cottages and mansions should be complemented with wrought-iron balconies.
Forged balcony. Reiri Photos
On city houses
small city buildings with metal balconies: commercial, municipal, state. Most of the houses located within the city are made of brick or concrete panels. Forged metal works well with both materials.
Forged balcony. Reiri Photos
On multi-storey buildings
The standard design of multi-storey buildings can be complemented by original balconies made of forged metal. This solution will highlight your window and give it chic and uniqueness.
Wrought iron balcony on a multi-storey building. Photo Artistic forging (Moscow)
On the bay window
A bay window is a part of a room protruding beyond the boundaries of the facade, which allows you to increase the area of the home and improve its illumination. Such sites are often equipped with forged structures.
Wrought iron balcony on the bay window. Photo Artistic forging (Vologda)
Styles
The design of a forged balcony is limited only by the imagination of the customer and the talent of the craftsman, but there are still several of the most common styles of forged balconies, which are followed in one variation or another. Let us briefly describe the features of each of them.
Baroque
The most lush and ornate style. Nowhere will you find such an abundance of details, curls, heavy massive decorations, monograms and bulky elements as in Baroque. Some may find it too pompous. But if you want your home to look bright, luxurious, catchy, then Baroque is the ideal option.
Types of forged balcony railings
Depending on the shape of the balcony, there are several types of fences: straight, corner, semicircular, curved. Each of them has its own characteristics and strengths.
Straight fencing
Straight balcony railings are a classic option that is easily reflected in various styles. For example, for a design in a minimalist style, you can develop a design with smooth and straight decorative elements. Classic buildings will be completely transformed thanks to a balcony decorated with smooth railings with rods curved forward. To add a touch of romance to the look, it is recommended to provide mounts for flower pots. The decorative pattern can be varied - from the most primitive curls to intricate and original images.
Corner designs
For balconies of non-standard shape, a corner design can be an excellent fencing option. It consists of several sections connected to each other at an angle. Particular attention in the design is paid to the design of the rods. They can be made straight or curved. Correctly selected stylistic transitions will make the composition original and beautiful.
Semicircular fences
If the facade of the building does not have pronounced features, it can be supplemented with original arched railings in combination with a semicircular balcony shape. In this case, custom forging designs are most often introduced.
Curved figured products
Curved fences are found mainly in rooms with non-standard layouts. They complement the unusual architectural ensemble, making it more harmonious and beautiful.
Types of forging
In order to create even the simplest forged structure, you need to know the technology of its manufacture, as well as have the necessary materials and tools. You can embody this or that work of art in metal using cold or hot forging.
Cold forging (stamping) is the fastest and most inexpensive method. It requires special equipment that helps form elements of the desired shape. They are all created separately. Only at the final stage is a complete design drawn up. The entire cold forging process can be divided into several stages.
- Development and creation of a sketch.
- Calculation of the required amount of material and its purchase.
- Creation of blanks.
- Stamping the required number of elements.
- Installation of the finished structure.
Hot forging is considered more complex and difficult to perform among craftsmen. However, they all agree that forged products made using this method are more aesthetically attractive and of higher quality. During operation, the metal acquires excellent anti-corrosion characteristics and becomes more durable. The main disadvantage of this method is that the work requires a blacksmith with extensive experience, since all operations are more traumatic. Other disadvantages of hot forging include the high cost of the finished structure and the long production time (in some cases it can reach several months).
Color solutions
Unpainted wrought iron fences are black in color. In the simplest case, they are left as is, covered with anti-corrosion primer. But if you want to get something more interesting, give the steel the look of gold, copper, silver, new or aged bronze, paint it in bright colors, then this is doable thanks to special coatings and paints for metal. There is a wide range of similar coatings on the market, which allows you to complete a project of any degree of complexity and originality.
Most often they prefer stylization with natural metals, but you can come up with something more original. It is only important to properly process all the joints, since they are the weak point of forged products. It is on them that rust soon appears if handled carelessly. Therefore, maximum attention is paid to this moment.
What is forging
This is the processing of metal blanks heated to a certain temperature. It is made manually, using mechanisms or by stamping. The resulting products and blanks are called forgings. The forging is joined into a given shape using a hot or cold method.
If you have chosen a wrought-iron balcony, then it will be useful for you to read French glazing of balconies
A good blacksmith can forge anything. But manual work is very expensive: the project is carried out in a single copy, taking a lot of effort and time. The Russian proverb “The husband is a blacksmith, the wife is a lady” did not appear without reason. The mass version is the production of an original item from stamped forged fragments by welding.
Additional decor
In addition to the main elements, balcony railings can be decorated with additional decorative elements that are not related to artistic forging. For example, you can insert metal elements, stained glass or full-fledged paintings into the railings on the balcony, hang bright indoor flowers in hanging pots on the railing, or even cover it with ivy. A staircase can also lead to the balcony.
An experienced designer will help you choose the optimal solution - he will evaluate the general style of the building, select the necessary decorative elements, and indicate the desired color scheme. Or you can start decorating yourself, embodying your original ideas and creative ideas.
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-by-step instruction:
- 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
Photo ideas
In conclusion, we can say that wrought iron balcony fencing is very elegant, functional and durable. Yes, such a product still has shortcomings, but it can be safely called a true work of art.
What is the secret of the popularity of forged products today?
A forged balcony is created by hand, and therefore it is possible to create an unreal work of art in a single version.
The customer can also, based on the sketch provided to him or a picture on the Internet, choose what resonates most with him.
The balcony is complemented by unique furniture, also created by forging. We are talking about a table and a couple of chairs. Often there is a place for flower girls on the balcony.
Balconies can be of various shapes - strict, due to straight lines, incredibly fancy, with fabulous patterns. An experienced blacksmith easily carries out all orders, and its complexity does not matter.
It is enough to choose the shape of the balcony according to your liking and mood, and then the pattern is thought out and embodied by the master.
