The balcony is a unique invention of mankind. You can relax on it, dry clothes, store old things, preserved food, empty jars, etc. – all the things for which it is difficult to find a place in the apartment. But to prevent the balcony from looking like a dump for unnecessary things, it should be equipped with shelving - another successful invention that helps maintain order. It is better to make shelving yourself for three reasons: their construction will cost less, they will be ideally adapted to the dimensions and configuration of the balcony, and the design will meet the needs of the apartment owners.
Features of shelving for balconies
The main advantage of furniture with open shelves is its versatility. The surfaces serve as a place to store pickles, sports, fishing and other accessories, depending on the interests of the apartment owner.
- Sometimes seedlings, collections, toys, and books are placed on the shelves. Open shelves are suitable for displaying potted flowers.
- In shelving on the balcony, style and appearance fade into the background. The main thing is practicality and wear resistance.
Choice of material and design
We strictly follow the instructions: measure seven times and cut once.
We are thinking about what items will be stored outside the apartment. Two characteristics deserve attention: size and weight. They are directly related to the requirements for structural strength. The choice of materials used in its construction depends on this.
Materials
Metal is the king of strength and reliability. For manufacturing, profile iron is used. A frame made of rectangular pipe 30x25x2 (in mm) is guaranteed to hold shelves of any size.
To work with this type of material, you need the skills of a mechanic and an electric welder.
It is easier to assemble a frame from PPN (load-bearing ceiling profile) and PS (rack-mount profile).
To assemble the rack you will need metal scissors (hacksaw) and a screwdriver. Metal blanks are fastened together with self-tapping screws or single-level connectors (crabs). PPN and PP are made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Does not require anti-rust treatment.
Aluminum products are several times more expensive than their galvanized steel counterparts. For the rack frame you can use PP 60x27 mm, PPN 28x27 mm.
The frame is attached to the wall with “boots” - a profile in the shape of the letter “G”.
Depending on the load, the horizontal segments are connected to each other by additional elements that act as stiffeners.
Tree . The main advantage is the ease of processing the material. For the frame, dry timber 5x5 cm is used. The shelves are made from edged boards 2 cm thick.
The workpieces are sanded with an abrasive sponge (sandpaper).
To protect the wood from the effects of the external environment, the surface is impregnated with a protective compound.
For glazed loggias, water-based antiseptics such as Pinotex can be used. Oil-based impregnations create reliable protection against moisture penetration and give the wood a rich shade of the desired color. As a rule, they have a sharp, specific odor. Impregnation is carried out outdoors.
If desired, the structure is painted with oil paint in the desired color.
Plastic . Does not rust or rot. Has little weight. It has less strength compared to wooden and metal structures.
The base of the frame is made of PVC pipes. The elements are connected to each other by connectors with 4 outlets. Initially, the shelves of the rack are assembled. Holes are made in them that are slightly larger than the diameter of the pipes. The pipe joints are lubricated with glue.
After it hardens, the shelves are connected to each other by vertical posts. To install the upper frame joint, use a connector with 3 outlets.
You can create an entirely plastic structure. Use sheets for the shelves that are used in the manufacture of window sills.
Combination _ When making shelving for a balcony, a combination of materials is used. Wood, plywood, and plastic are used for shelves. Impact-resistant glass is an original material. Not widely used due to high cost.
When deciding what material to use when creating storage space on the balcony, you need to soberly assess your skills in working with a particular material.
Design
Having decided on the material, we prepare a sketch of the future design. The most common types of racks are:
- Built-in . Created in the presence of side niches. Does not require installation of supporting vertical structures. The shelves are laid on horizontal slats attached to the wall with spacer dowels.
- Angular _ The best option for arranging loggias and balconies of irregular shape (for more details, see the article “Insulation of a loggia boot n 44”). They have sufficient capacity and do not take up much space.
- Classic . Open shelves are fixed on a vertical frame or holders mounted on the wall. Mounted to the full height of the balcony. The exception is models for growing flowers. They are placed as close as possible to the glazing or along the parapet at the end parts of the loggias.
- Closed . The front part is closed with doors. The design can be based on old, unnecessary cabinets. There are 2 varieties: with one large door or segments that cover the shelves separately. Read more in the article “Wardrobe for the balcony”.
Please pay attention to important details:
- For a narrow balcony or loggia, open hanging shelves are better than others.
- For an open small balcony, preference should be given to shelving, the upper border of which does not extend beyond the lower level of the window.
- Corner shelving will look harmonious in small glazed areas. One of the sides is attached to the load-bearing wall. The second is to the window frame.
- On open loggias with a large area, it is advisable to place a closed shelf.
Having made the final decision, we calculate the necessary materials.
Important! It is necessary to take into account that stores sell blanks of a certain size (bar, profile, board). For example, from a pair of two-meter bars (total length 4 m) it is impossible to cut 5 70-centimeter elements. Although their total length will be only 3.5 m. In order not to make a mistake, it is necessary to “cut” the materials into their original elements on paper.
Types of shelving for the balcony
The variety of shelving for loggias and balconies is classified according to the installation method, appearance, presence/absence of facades, and materials used.
Stationary, built-in and hanging shelving
A stationary or free-standing model can be easily moved from one place to another. You can move the product to the opposite wall or bring it into the room.
Important! A rack with a shelf depth of less than 300mm must be secured to the wall with metal corners for stability.
A wardrobe built into a niche takes up little space, merging with the interior. The shelves can have either open or closed doors. A feature of built-in furniture is that its dimensions fully correspond to the dimensions of the niche. Therefore, unlike a stationary wardrobe, built-in furniture is ordered according to individual sizes.
A rack or console, which is hung on the wall, gives the design elegance and unusualness. This model is designed for storing light and small-sized items.
Open, closed with facades and combined shelving
Open shelves do not visually reduce the size of the room. This rack is suitable for storing aesthetically attractive household items: books, toys, flowers, as well as various boxes.
- The closed version is divided into a wardrobe with hinged facades onto a balcony and a wardrobe with sliding doors.
- When opened, sliding doors do not interfere or block the space.
- But the width of the opening when opening is too narrow.
- On hinged facades, the opening when opening two doors is wider.
- Swing doors are gaining popularity again.
A modern cabinet with shelves can be combined: the lower part has doors, and the top has open surfaces. Or vice versa. Sometimes the cabinet at the bottom has drawers and resembles a chest of drawers.
Door arrangement
You can buy ready-made louvered doors.
Things stored on shelves do not decorate the balcony, so it is better to close them with doors. They can be made swinging or folding. Hinged doors usually consist of two leaves, which are attached to furniture hinges to vertical bars. Doors are made from plywood and wooden planks. First, light frames are cut to size, after which blanks cut from plywood are attached to them. If the door for the cabinet exceeds 1.5 m in height, additional crossbars are mounted on the frame, which will hold the shape of the frame and prevent it from deforming. The hinges are screwed to the doors and then hung on the rack. To prevent the doors from opening spontaneously, a furniture latch or magnet is installed.
Folding doors are a little more difficult to make. They consist of several slats connected to each other by furniture hinges. The slats are made from thin boards or furniture panels, their edges are well sanded with sandpaper or covered with a melamine strip.
Advice. If the rack is completely closed, you can make two pairs of doors. The upper ones cover the shelves located under the ceiling (the mezzanine part of the shelves), and the lower high doors cover the rest of the shelves.
For racks intended for flowers, doors, of course, are not needed. They are hung only on the upper shelves where things will be stored, while the lower ones remain open.
Materials for shelving on the balcony
According to the materials used, furniture for the balcony can be metal, chipboard, MDF, wood or combined. A rack for an open balcony is made of materials that can withstand humidity and temperature changes, as well as direct sunlight and other aggressive natural factors.
These can be metal structures, painted MDF boards. On a glazed loggia, all types of materials will last a long time.
Important! Laminated chipboard shelving for balconies is used if moisture, wind and other natural phenomena do not affect the material or damage it.
Metal racks are reliable. There are ready-made metal systems with removable shelves, hooks, and hangers. There are racks with supports made of steel pipes.
Plastic manufacturing technology: measurements and cutting of materials
Loggias are often used to place books, plants, and canned vegetables. Plastic structures are suitable for such implementation.
This is a reliable material that is resistant to moisture. The rack can be made without rear and side walls.
Self-production technology provides reliable fastenings. Plastic pipes are suitable for the frame, which can be easily cut by heating the tool. During construction, measurements are taken and the material is cut into elements. The process and technique are similar to the metal version.
Plastic rack
DIY shelving
Convenient shelving for the balcony, made by hand, taking into account the needs and taste of the owner, can please with its originality and unexpected design solutions.
Pay attention to how to make a wooden shelf on the balcony with your own hands. It’s not difficult even for a non-specialist
- Take measurements;
- Purchase timber and boards in the required quantity;
- Treat the workpieces with an antiseptic;
- Sand all visible surfaces;
- Apply varnish or paint to the parts;
- Cut out the required parts according to size
- Using fasteners: nails, screws or metal corners, assemble the frame;
- Install shelves.
Don't forget to secure the rack to the wall.
A metal frame, assembled at corners or welded and fixed to the wall, can withstand heavy weight loads. It is advisable to paint the frame with anti-corrosion paint.
Shelves can be made from wood or you can also cut a sheet of metal. Installing glass shelves will give the product lightness and visual appeal.
Manufacturing materials
Loggia racks can be made of wood, metal, plastic or even glass. Popular material combinations include steel frame and plywood shelves.
The easiest way to create one yourself is to use wood, timber, or plywood. There are blanks on sale that just need to be connected to each other.
The most commonly used materials are:
- metal is suitable for high-tech, loft styles, provided there is protection from precipitation;
- wood is traditional, suitable for various design options;
- plastic is a simple and economical solution that can withstand any weather conditions.
The metal version is suitable for heavy loads and is very suitable for the conditions of a balcony. But the iron frame for shelves has a drawback - it is susceptible to corrosion. It must be protected from dampness.
Floor shelving for balconies
Other types of racks
In addition to do-it-yourself shelving and purchased options, there are models that can be made to order.
The choice of material, type and method of installation of such a model can be discussed with the designer.
- Balcony racks can also be straight or angular. The corner option is relevant for a wide loggia or terrace.
- You can divide the structure into two modules: hang the shelves on the wall, and move the lower part under the window.
Straight shelves are the most popular. Their strength and reliability depend on the selected material and product design.
Preparing wood for installation
Dimensions 2000*800*400
To make a wooden rack, well-dried bars are used, since wet wood will warp after drying. As a result, the structure may become askew, the fastening points will become loose, and the shelves will have to be reinforced again.
The bars are inspected, and if necessary, they are sanded: irregularities, burrs, and peelings are smoothed out. Sandpaper is attached to the sanding block, and the wood is sanded manually. Instead of a manual sanding block, you can use a grinding machine (preferably a belt or vibrating one). It is not necessary to sand all the wooden elements; it is enough to sand only the shelf boards and bars that will be on the front of the rack.
Important. Sanding is carried out only along the grain of the wood. First, the treatment is carried out with the coarsest sandpaper, then medium-grain, and finally the finest.
The tree has a significant drawback - it is attacked by wood-boring insects. It is also susceptible to rotting if kept in a humid environment. Since it is not always possible to create favorable conditions for wood on the balcony, it should be hidden with preventive antiseptics. The wood is treated with an antiseptic twice, but a second layer is applied only after the first has dried.
Advantages of balcony furniture
Racks are used to store a wide variety of things: jars of pickles, gardening and sports equipment, old toys. Boxes, cardboard boxes, and wicker baskets with small items are placed on the shelves.
Advantages of shelving for the balcony:
- Variety of model shapes;
- Small sizes that do not overload the space;
- Huge selection of materials;
- Possibility of making it yourself;
- Aesthetic appeal;
- Spaciousness that helps maintain order.
A photo of a shelf on a balcony with open shelves shows how harmoniously the objects are arranged on it.
Furniture centers and online stores where you can buy a shelf for a balcony offer various models starting from 800 rubles. up to 25 thousand rubles. and more.
Shelving has become a fashionable element of furniture. They are presented in stores in huge quantities. You can order the rack in an individual size. Then the structure will ideally occupy a niche in width and height, and the dimensions of the room will be used as practically as possible.
