A well organized and pleasant outdoor is what every homeowner wishes for. We all want to make our outdoors an excellent place for all seasons. This is where you spend your autumn, spring, winter, or summer with your friends and family.
Most people go for either patios or balconies out of the many choices available. This often depends on their preferences, tastes, and budgets. But how do patios and balconies compare to each other? This article draws a comparison between them by discussing every essential detail you should know about them.
What is a Balcony?
A balcony refers to an outdo extension or platform stretched outside a building. This structure is mostly on the upper floors and is surrounded by an enclosure that averages at least a meter. The enclosure is made of walls or balustrades supported by columns or console brackets.
Balconies are typically small, and in most cases, they are not used for social gatherings or entertainment activities. However, you can make it bigger to hold such activities. Balconies have been in existence since the renaissance and medieval architecture when people used oversized wooden brackets or stone corbels.
In the 19th century, making these structures changed as cast iron and solid concrete was used instead. Today, there are no restrictions on the materials that can make balconies as any solid and good looking material can do.
Pros of a Balcony
Extra space: The most important benefit of a balcony is that it creates extra space. It creates more room to store items and an area you can use for leisure purposes. You can choose to store items in this space using storage boxes. Besides, you can keep gardening equipment, tools and bikes without taking up space inside your house.
Creates an outdoor space: If your house doesn’t have a garden, getting a balcony will be an excellent alternative! It exposes you to the fresh air as you relax with privacy. This is better compared to visiting a park or public outdoor space. In addition, you can enjoy private time outside when nobody else is around. You can install balustrades to block the view from outside for enhanced privacy.
You can host your guess here: Large balconies are ideal for having some furniture and host guests. It can be just a random catch up, dinner, or casual drinks. When you have outdoor furniture on your balcony, you can be encouraged to spend more time outside. For example, instead of reading your favourite novel indoors, you can opt to do it out and enjoy the fresh air. Unlike patios, balconies give you 100% privacy.
You can grow plants: The fact that you can grow decorative plants on your balcony makes them ideal. It will improve your home’s appearance and create an excellent environment.
Cons of a Balcony
- Fewer uses: Given that balconies are attached to the building, the property owner or landlord regulates its uses. You may be prohibited from using items like grills due to the danger they pose to other tenants.
- Safety: Families with small children may have second thoughts about balconies — it could be very dangerous for babies.
What is a Patio?
The term patio is derived from a Spanish synonym for backyard gardens or backyards. It refers to the living space outside your house. Besides, a patio could be a simple relaxation area or a proper garden. You can also define a patio as a paved outdoor space that adjoins a house.
Patios are mostly used for outdoor dining and recreation. They are made from materials such as tiles, cobbles, concrete, stone, and bricks. These structures are often decorated with plants and outdoor furniture.
A neatly done patio.Pros of a Patio
They provide a space to unwind: A patio provides an excellent location to spend quality time with your family and friends. These spaces are ideal for relation purposes no matter the season, be it winter, autumn, summer, or spring.
They are easy to maintain: Compared to other outdoor structures, patios are easy to maintain. They are made from either concrete or stone — durable and strong materials. During installation, these materials can also be treated with additional compounds to withstand severe weather conditions.
They are durable: Like mentioned earlier, patios are made of concrete or stone. These materials are strong and can last for so many years. No matter the conditions, patios will always be there for your enjoyment!
These structures work excellently around the pool area. So, if you plan to incorporate your outdoor space with a pool area, getting a patio will be an excellent idea.
Cons of Patios
- Patios are built directly on the ground surface, meaning that your surface must be level. This can cause challenges when you intend to build it in uneven or hilly yards. Consequently, it may cost you a lot of money to build them in such areas.
- In extreme weather conditions, the surface of a patio can become slippery, causing accidents.
Conclusion
Balconies and patios are common features in homes. They both have unique features that can improve your home. This article has pointed out the essential factors about balconies and patios, making it easy for you to choose your favourite!
