How to Build Your Own Balcony: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Building your own balcony can seem like a daunting task but with the right materials, tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can have your own outdoor oasis in no time. As someone who just built their first balcony last summer, I want to share what I learned so you can avoid some of the mistakes I made along the way.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process from start to finish, including

• Choosing the right location
• Gathering supplies
• Securing permits
• Prepping the build site
• Constructing the frame
• Installing the decking
• Adding railings for safety
• Decorating your finished balcony

I found that having a solid plan and checklist before starting was crucial, so I’ll provide tips on how to do just that. With the right prep work, you can build a gorgeous, sturdy balcony that will provide years of relaxation and entertainment Let’s get started!

Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your Balcony

The first step is deciding where you want to build your balcony. Here are some things to consider:

• Sun exposure – Balconies with eastern or southern exposure will get the most sunlight. Northern exposure will be shadier. Decide if you want sun or shade.

• Accessibility – Make sure the spot is easy to access from inside your home. Having to haul lumber and tools through the house is a pain.

• Architectural features – Consider surrounding gables, rooflines, windows and doors. You want the balcony to enhance the home’s existing architecture.

• Privacy – Think about how much you want the balcony to be private or viewable from the street or neighbors.

• Size – Measure the area to ensure you can build a balcony of your desired dimensions. Standard sizes are 10 x 10 ft up to 20 x 20 ft.

I decided on a 10 x 12 ft balcony off my second floor bedroom. It got morning sun and allowed for privacy from the street.

Gathering Your Building Supplies

Once you pick the perfect spot, it’s time to buy supplies. You’ll need:

Lumber

• Posts – 4×4 or 6×6 posts to mount the ledger board and support the frame. Get pressure-treated wood rated for outdoor use.

• Ledger board – 2×8 or 2×10 board that mounts to your home’s rim joist. This secures the frame.

• Joists – 2×8 or 2×10 boards that will form the frame. Space 16″ on center.

• Decking – 5/4×6 deck boards for the surface. Treated pine or cedar are good options.

Hardware

• Flashing – Self-adhering membrane to weatherproof behind the ledger board.

• Joist hangers – Metal hangers to attach the joists to the ledger board.

• Deck screws – 3-4″ screws to construct the frame. Look for coated, exterior grade.

• Rail post anchors – To mount 4×4 rail posts to the frame.

Tools

• Circular or miter saw – For cutting lumber and decking

• Cordless drill – With bits for pre-drilling holes

• Level – To ensure the frame is even

• Tape measure – For laying out joist spacing

• Safety gear – Gloves, glasses, etc. Safety first!

Make sure you have all materials and tools before starting. Delays to get a missing item can add hours to the project.

Securing Permits

Most areas require permits for structural additions like balconies. The permit process ensures your balcony is built to code. I applied for my permit with my city’s building department. It required:

• Filling out the permit application

• Providing a diagram of the design

• Paying a permit fee (~$75)

It took about 2 weeks to get my permit approved. Some areas may require using a licensed contractor. Check with your local building department about requirements.

It’s always better to get the permit upfront instead of being fined later!

Preparing the Build Site

Now that your materials are ready and permit approved, you can prep the build site:

• Mark the outline with tape or chalk to visualize the size.

• Lay down drop cloths in the work area to protect from dirt and spills.

• Remove any existing materials like siding where the ledger board will mount.

• Have all tools and lumber nearby to avoid stepping away during work.

• Clear space to safely cut lumber. Work near an outlet if using power tools.

Take time to carefully prepare the space. It will lead to a smoother build process in the long run.

Constructing the Frame

The frame provides the foundation and support for your balcony. This is the toughest part of the build, but follow these steps to make it manageable:

Mount the Ledger Board

The ledger board gets secured to the band joist with 3/8″ x 6″ lag screws. Use the following process:

• Drill pilot holes through the ledger board first. This prevents splitting.

• Apply flashing above where the ledger will mount as an added weather barrier.

• Lift and temporarily brace the ledger board in place. Drill guide holes through the band joist.

• Fasten the ledger with lag screws. Re-check for level.

This provides a permanent base to mount the other frame components.

Install the Post Anchors

Post anchors allow you to mount 4×4 posts to the outside of the frame. This is where the railings will attach later. Follow the spacing in your plans.

• Mark locations based on required railing spacing (usually 6-8 feet).

• Temporarily screw brackets to the joists with one screw.

• Flash above the brackets for added weather protection.

• Drill guide holes and use two 3″ screws per bracket.

Build the Joist Frame

Joists are spaced 16″ on center and attach to the ledger and posts.

• Measure and cut all joists to the needed lengths.

• Use galvanized joist hangers to connect them to the ledger board.

• Toenail the opposite ends to the posts using 16d galvanized nails.

• Add blocking between joists at the halfway point for rigidity.

Check for square frequently to ensure proper alignment. The joists complete the structural portion of the frame.

Installing the Deck Boards

Now it’s time for the surface! For decking:

• Allow a 1/4″ gap between each board for drainage.

• Stagger end joints between rows. This adds stability.

• Use 2-3 deck screws per board, drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting.

• Work from one end of the frame to the other in neat rows.

• Use spacers to maintain even gaps as you work.

Take your time laying the decking and the results will look professional. The end is in sight!

Adding Railings for Safety

No balcony is complete without railings for security and code compliance. Here’s how to install them:

Mount the Rail Posts

• Slide the bottom of 4×4 posts into the post anchors on the outside of the frame.

• Plumb each post with a level and temporarily brace them.

• Shim any gaps before driving lag screws through the post anchor into the posts.

Install Top and Bottom Rails

• Measure between posts and cut 2x4s to length. These will sandwich the balusters.

• Screw the top and bottom rails to the 4×4 posts using exterior screws.

Add Balusters and Decorative Touches

• Space balusters evenly to fill the area between top and bottom rails. Use 2-3″ deck screws.

• Consider decorative post caps and skirts to add style.

With the final railing details complete, your balcony frame and structure is officially finished!

Decorating Your Balcony Oasis

Now the fun part – decorating and furnishing your balcony to enjoy for years to come. Think about:

• Comfy patio furniture like chairs, chaise lounges and side tables. Select weather resistant materials.

• Potted plants and flowers to add color and ambiance. Citronella plants also repel mosquitos!

• Accent lighting like lanterns or string lights for evening use.

• Rugs and pillows to soften the deck and add comfort.

• Privacy screens if desired to increase seclusion.

The decorating possibilities are endless. Add special touches to create your perfect outdoor oasis!

Enjoy Relaxing on Your New Custom Balcony

After putting in the hard work designing, building and decorating, it’s finally time to kick back and relax on your balcony. Savor that feeling of pride and accomplishment.

Hopefully this guide gave you the knowledge and confidence to take on this ambitious DIY project. With the right planning and skills, you can build the balcony of your dreams!

The sense of satisfaction from creating something beautiful and functional for your home makes the effort worthwhile. I already can’t wait for sunny days relaxing out on my new balcony. Here’s to many years of enjoyment your custom outdoor space will provide. Happy building!