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Balcony railings ideas


10 Balcony Railing Design Ideas

A well-designed balcony can elevate curb appeal. Whether your balcony is big enough to turn into an outdoor living space or it’s just a small spot to step outside and enjoy the breeze, every detail matters — down to the balcony railing design. Depending on your personal style and that of your home, there are tons of balcony railing options to consider. Check out some of our favorites below.

At brick&batten, our expert exterior designers consider every exterior detail when visualizing new curb appeal: from key components like paint colors and roofs to smaller pieces like the balcony railing. We’re here to be your partners in selecting the right elements, big or small, for your home. Learn more about what we do.

#1 // Glass balcony with iron surroundings for a modern vibe

This modern home has some striking contemporary elements that make it stand out. From the garage door and lighting to the driveway and planters, all of the details feed off one another. The glass balcony with iron surroundings is the perfect way to tie together this industrial design.

#2 // Wood-paneled balcony

Instead of a traditional balcony railing, our designers used wood paneling to create a distinctive aesthetic for this home. Not only does the paneling look cool — especially because it complements the color of the roof — it also adds privacy to this outdoor living space.

#3 // Match exterior accents to the balcony

Against the light-colored exterior, the iron and wood balcony railing on the upper level of this home stands out. To accentuate it further, our designers used wood and black accents throughout the rest of the exterior. These intentional design choices make the façade fluid.

#4 // Two balconies + raised patio, same railing

The layout of this modern home lends itself to multiple balconies. Our designers kept the design cohesive by using the same wire balcony railing on both balconies, as well as on the patio.  

#5 // Decorative X-style railing

Balconies can be a great spot to create an outdoor lounge area, but they don’t have to be functional to add curb appeal. This home’s balcony isn’t easily accessible. However, the decorative X-style railing brings visual interest to this monochromatic design.

#6 // Wood columns for a rustic feel

An iron and wood balcony railing is ideal for a rustic home. Our designers also used wood columns and other wood accents to tie everything together in this design.

#7 // Keeping it airy

Between the pink siding and surrounding plants, this home exudes tropical paradise energy. The bohemian-style furniture on the balcony creates a spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Our designers went with a balcony railing that would allow for air to flow through the space to keep things comfortable in a warm climate.

#8 // Glass panels to allow for visibility 

This elaborate lake house has an incredible layout. Specifically, the multiple levels of balconies bring a lot to the design. Glass panels instead of a traditional balcony railing allows for clear visibility, so the best assets of the home design are on display. Plus, they allow for a view of the lake even when seated!

#9 // Glass panels with wood and iron accents

Our designers broke up the glass panels of this balcony railing design with wood and iron accents. Not only do those elements blend with the rest of the design, they also provide added safety for children and pets.

#10 // Traditional wrought iron railing 

For this elegant, castle-like home, our designers wanted to maintain the original ambiance. The traditional wrought iron balcony railing works so well for this particular design style. Against the home’s new off-white exterior, the railing offers a pop of contrast without taking away from the unique architecture.

Feeling inspired to give your balcony a makeover?

Balconies offer so much possibility, both in terms of function and style. Choosing the right balcony railing is crucial to the overall aesthetic of the space. Iron and wood railings are great for rustic homes while glass panels look incredible on more contemporary designs. Whatever your tastes may be, our team would love to work with you to help take your curb appeal to the next level.

Ready to take the next step and collaborate with our expert designers to achieve your exterior design dreams? Get started today!

30 Porch Railing Ideas for a Stylish Outdoor Area

By

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson

Farima Ferguson began her career at HGTV where she worked with designers to write about home design. Her work has appeared in HGTV, Insider Reviews, Travel Channel, and more.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Published on 06/03/22

Design by Kate Marker Interiors / Photography by Stoffer Photography

Even though a porch railing's main purpose is for safety, it is a great opportunity to enhance your home's curb appeal. With so many options to choose from, from sown wood balusters to nautical rope details, you have many options to choose from no matter what your home's style is.

If you're wanting to upgrade your porch's design, choosing the railing is a great first step since it usually spans the entirety of the porch. To help you choose the right railing for your home, we share 30 porch ideas to help inspire you.

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80 photos of design and DIY creation

Balcony fencing - materials, railing designs and coating options (80 photos)

Owners of apartments with balconies or loggias should pay attention not only to the arrangement of the interior of this additional room. Before starting the repair, it is necessary to decide what the fence will be. This applies equally to glazed and open structures. At the same time, you have to take into account your own preferences and requirements for the appearance of the facade of the entire building. nine0005

Table of contents of the article:

Design selection parameters

Balcony barriers perform two main functions. Firstly, they play a protective role, making it safe for people to be on the site. And, secondly, it is a decorative function that provides aesthetic design of both the loggia itself and the facade of the house. This is clearly seen in the photos of the balcony railings we offer.

When choosing a particular railing solution, three important criteria must be taken into account: nine0005

Various types and methods of fastening, as well as a variety of materials, can be used. However, the following technical regulations must be observed:

The height of the railing should be chosen so that the upper level is not lower than the middle of the person's abdomen. But GOST and SNiP sets the height criterion more clearly - 1000-1200 mm. The size of the individual sections, i.e. gaps between rods and other elements - no more than 100-120 mm. nine0005

Railings, especially glass and plastic railings, are tested to withstand wind load and human weight. This parameter is taken at a level of at least 100 kg per 1 linear meter. It is advisable to use double fastening - to the wall and the base of the floor.

All elements must be smooth, do not use sharp forms that are dangerous to humans, especially children.

Use of timber structures

The wood is easy to work with and allows you to create original and attractive products. The wooden railing of the balcony is decorated with a variety of decorative elements, such as carvings, figured racks, etc.

Mounted log axles can be combined in horizontal and vertical planes. The form of racks, railings and sections is selected according to the style of the house. According to the type of section, they can be round, rectangular, square.

But along with the beauty of the wooden structure, its impracticality and insufficiently high level of security should be noted. The material rots, so its use for arranging railings in multi-storey buildings is not considered.

But for a private house, this is a very good option. But even then, antibacterial treatment is required. For this purpose, an elastic alkyd-urethane varnish is used, which protects the wood from moisture, ultraviolet radiation, temperature extremes and mechanical shock. nine0005

Wooden posts are fixed in a concrete base and use special anchors. A combined approach is often used - they additionally include metal rods in the design with the fixation of all elements with brackets, corners, and also struts.

Lightweight glass structures

All-glass railings with metal elements will make the interior of the balcony original, allowing the designer's imagination to come true. The material must be selected with a high degree of hardening. In this case, it can also be used for decoration in multi-storey buildings. nine0005

The glass base is characterized by the following parameters:

In order to fix the glass sheet on metal supports, fastening to the frame, with a profile, point or steel frame is used. The structure is attached to the base by welding. Bolts, anchors and even adhesives are also used. nine0005

Stone and brick systems

This option looks quite massive, is durable, but the process of installing balcony railings is laborious. The created fence will be reliable, will withstand the impact of various environmental factors. However, there are significant disadvantages:

Heavy weight of the structure, and therefore it is necessary to correctly calculate the load on the ceiling. For multi-storey buildings, this is especially true. Therefore, sometimes a brick is replaced with a lightweight material - a foam block. nine0005

The railing takes up a lot of space. For small balconies, such a loss of free space can be critical from the standpoint of interior design.

High mortar costs for brickwork and financial costs for construction work.

Natural or artificial stone can of course be used to decorate the façade. But from the standpoint of functionality, many experts recommend ceramic bricks, which are characterized by reduced thermal conductivity and smaller dimensions. nine0005

Brickwork is also used in such cases:

Metal structures

This material is popular due to its high strength and reliability. The applied metal profile is heterogeneous - it can be steel reinforcement, pipes, sheet or strip form elements. nine0005

Aluminum railings

Metal balcony railings are built on the basis of a galvanized aluminum profile. For example, chrome or nickel-plated elements are used.

Due to the impossibility of using welding, assembly is carried out by threading with nuts. Despite the straightness of the profile itself, the experience of the master and the decorativeness of the nuts will allow you to assemble the original design on the balcony. nine0005

Stainless Steel Blocks

Balcony steel railings are distinguished by increased strength and durability, as well as the ability to create both simple railing shapes and exquisite, original designs. Railings can be hollow, solid or inflated.

You can choose from a straight or curved shape. For connection, argon arc welding is used. Other benefits include:

Elegance of forging

If you want to emphasize the refined, aristocratic style of your home interior, it is recommended to install wrought iron balcony railings. nine0005

Designs obtained by hot or cold forging will look great on the facades of country houses and cottages. They are easy to install and save space.

To complete the appearance of the balcony and the facade of the house, you can use the original design of the fence, made of metal, wood or glass. Well, no one doubts the strength of brickwork. At the same time, it is necessary to remember not only the aesthetic appeal, but also the safety of all residents. nine0005

Photo of balcony railing

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5 railing materials, their advantages and disadvantages

In this article I will talk about the main functions of balcony railings. I will also show all types of partitions: stainless steel, metal, stone, glass, forged products. I will explain how to choose the right balcony fence, what to rely on when choosing. I will give examples of beautiful ideas and tell you how to build a balcony railing with your own hands.

Basic functions of balcony railings

Balcony structures have two important functions: aesthetic and protective. The features of such structures are reliability, strength, attractiveness of not only residential, but also country houses. nine0005

Railings provide security. They are beautiful to look at. They are selected according to the personal preferences of the owner of the apartment.

According to building codes, balcony railings are made of wood, glass or metal, and there are other materials that can be used to make railings.

The French balcony is no exception.

More often products are ordered from steel (stainless steel), metal, plastic or glass (necessarily tempered). They are resistant to temperature fluctuations. The stone does not deteriorate, the service life is unlimited. nine0005 For originality, some materials are combined using different methods

Types of balcony railings

Railings are made of stainless steel, plastic, glass, stone and forged steel.

Stainless steel, metal

These railings are practical. Outwardly attractive.

Original, refined models are created from stainless steel.

Variations: hollow, solid, inflated (the presence of a round section), also curved, or with clear lines, from a profile pipe. nine0005

Pros:

If all installation requirements are met, the fence will last for decades.

Steel is combined with glass, metal sheets. By combining two materials, you can create an original fence that does not require maintenance. nine0005 Metal balcony railings

Plastic and glass

This combination produces original and sophisticated railings. This is done not only for the sake of beauty, but also for strength.

Advantages of plastic:

Glass with plastic is in demand both for apartments and for private houses with a balcony

Glass fences are also resistant to sudden climate change, rain, wind, snow, sunlight. You don't need to care, just wipe it occasionally. Plastic handrails are popular and practical. nine0005

Stone

Before installing a stone fence, it is important to measure its weight in advance and find out if the balcony can withstand such a load.

Such fences look durable. Pros: massive and aristocratic appearance, stability, strength, aesthetics, durability. Cons: heavy weight, price, manufacturing complexity.

Stone railings are suitable for large balconies or open terraces. For the manufacture of craftsmen use natural, as well as artificial stones. According to the sketch, an original partition is created. nine0005 Balcony railing made of stone or brick will be quite massive and stable

Forged steel

Initially coated with a special agent to prevent rust. Otherwise, steel railings will deteriorate in the future. Their installation is easy. The selection of the size of the balcony is not difficult. Also, this fence is a great space saver. It becomes possible to create a French-type loggia from forged steel.

If you decide to decorate a balcony or loggia with a fence with artistic forging, then it is better to refuse options with sharp details

Wood

Wooden fencing is the least chosen because of impracticality and safety. Over time, the tree begins to rot, falling under the influence of bad weather and high humidity. Building codes and regulations say that such a fence is not suitable for high-rise apartments. Wood is used only to decorate stainless steel and other metal.

More often this material is used for framing railings in private houses. It is important to properly cover the surface, increasing the service life. nine0005

Advantages of wooden fences:

  1. Aesthetics and naturalness.
  2. Large selection of different designs.
  3. Easy to assemble and install.
More often, wood is combined with metal, thus increasing the strength of the product

How to choose the right one

Balcony railings are chosen according to personal preferences, also according to the size of the balcony.

Many refer to fence requirements:

In the presence of small children, the distance between the jumpers is reduced to a minimum to prevent accidents.

Before choosing, the height of all residents of the apartment is taken into account.

In the old days, such railings were installed in front of the doors from the outside

Beautiful ideas

Wooden railings are more common on the balconies of private houses or cottages. They have an aesthetic appearance, but the service life is limited. With proper care, treatment with moisture protection products, wooden coatings will last a long time. Also, these railings are combined with forged steel.

Installation of such structures is difficult, but the end result is worth it

The combination of stainless steel, glass and plastic is often found on balconies. But even more often they choose ordinary plastic fences - the material is cheap, not inferior in practicality and durability to others. nine0005

If you have a house in Art Nouveau style, it is better to decorate it with a fence made of glass railings.

There are many options for balcony railings. More often designs made of durable material are chosen. They prefer reliable fences of artistic forging.

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