The Balcony Area Calculator is essential for urban homeowners looking to upgrade their outdoor space. Whether you are laying down interlocking deck tiles, installing artificial grass, or replacing an old railing, this tool calculates both the Floor Surface Area and the Railing Perimeter.
It accommodates standard rectangles, wrap-around L-shaped balconies, and modern rounded designs frequently found in high-rise architecture.
Calculator Features
1. Wall Attachment Logic
A balcony isn’t just a floating platform; it connects to the building. You can specify if your balcony is:
Inset (3 sides attached): Railing only on the front.
Corner (2 sides attached): Railing on the front and one side.
Catwalk (1 side attached): Railing on three sides.
2. Curved Geometry
Don’t struggle with Pi. Select “Rounded” mode to handle semi-circle or quarter-circle balconies instantly.
3. Flooring & Cost Estimation
Input the size of your potential tiles (e.g., 1 sq ft interlocking wood tiles) to see exactly how many pieces you need to buy, including a waste buffer.
The Math
Rectangular Area
$Area = Length \times Width$
Railing Perimeter
The perimeter depends on how many sides are open to the air (not walls). For a standard “1 Side Attached” balcony:
$Perimeter_{railing} = Length + (2 \times Width)$
Semi-Circle Area
$Area = \frac{1}{2} \times \pi \times Radius^2$
Real-World Applications
Interlocking Deck Tiles
These popular IKEA-style tiles usually come in packs of 9 (roughly 9 sq ft). Use the calculator to determine exactly how many boxes to grab.
Pet Safety Netting
If you have a cat, you need to “cat-proof” the balcony. The “Railing Perimeter” result tells you exactly how many feet of netting or chicken wire you need to wrap the open sides.
Waterproofing
Contractors charge for waterproofing membranes by the square foot. Knowing your exact area prevents overcharging.
Tips
Drainage Slope
Balconies are pitched away from the building (usually 1/4 inch per foot) to shed water. When measuring for rigid flooring, remember that this slope exists, though it rarely affects the total area calculation significantly.
Railing Height
This tool calculates the linear length (perimeter) of the railing. To calculate the surface area of glass panels or balusters, multiply the Perimeter result by the railing height (standard is 42 inches).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does this include the threshold?
No. Measure from the exterior face of the door/wall. Do not include the interior door sill area.
2. How do I measure an irregular shape?
Treat it as a combination of shapes. Calculate the main rectangle first, then use the “L-Shape” or “Rounded” modes to approximate the extensions.
3. What waste factor should I use?
For simple rectangles, 5% is often enough. For curved balconies requiring custom cuts of wood or turf, use at least 15%.
Final Words
The Balcony Area Calculator helps you reclaim your outdoor square footage. Transform that concrete slab into a green oasis or a cozy lounge with confidence in your material budget.
