What's the Difference Between a Balcony and a Terrace?

A terrace and a balcony are great ways to expand living space and connect the inside with the outside. Both add visual interest to a property's exterior and maximize living space, allowing homeowners to enjoy the outdoors within easy reach of the comfort of their own home.

The two structures are often mistaken for each other, and while they have similar features, each has its own construction characteristics and purpose, and there are significant differences between the two regarding location, size, and construction. Read on to find out how balconies and terraces differ, what the origins of each are, and how to make the best use of these outdoor spaces in your own home.

Key Characteristics

Terrace vs. Balcony: How to Tell the Difference

Terraces are usable outdoor spaces designed for the side of a home or roof of a building, while balconies are elevated platforms that jut out from a room. Both are exterior structures, however, terraces are usually larger in size. You will find that most hotels have balconies as opposed to terraces as an additional way to take in the view. Although different areas, the furniture for both terraces and balconies can be used in either space, as long as they fit the dimensions of the space.

What Is a Terrace?

A terrace is a paved or tiled outdoor area next to or at the top of a building. It's open, flat, and (when not located on a rooftop), it's slightly raised. The word terrace originates in 16th-century Old French and Latin, in which the word "terra" means earth.

Location

A terrace is an outdoor area located next to or sometimes at the top of a building. Unlike a balcony, it is not necessarily attached to a building and can be completely free-standing. It's an open space that's usually only slightly raised, and because it's not physically connected to a building (unless it's a rooftop terrace), it doesn't need to be entered through a room inside the house.

Size

A terrace is much larger than a balcony. A terrace can span almost the entire surface of a rooftop when located at the top of a building, and it's often used as a garden or an entertaining space. In a busy city, it's an excellent opportunity to build a quiet oasis that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets.

Terraces located next to a house also tend to be large. They're slightly elevated and provide generous outdoor living space for homeowners, perfect for entertaining or relaxing outside while the weather is nice. They can also be valuable when selling a home, mainly when private outdoor space is tough to find.

Construction

Often an entirely free-standing construction, a terrace is built from the ground up and finished with a paved, tiled, or wood-planked surface. A balcony, on the other hand, is elevated from the ground and must be attached to a building or house using support structures (such as a pillar or column).

If using wood, it's essential to use a moisture-resistant type that's been treated for the outdoors so that the terrace remains in good shape and looks new for years.

Popular terrace design ideas include turning outdoor areas into usable seating areas for relaxation, including shaded areas. Terraces can consist of plant arrangements, outdoor decor, and lighting options, all wonderful for entertaining.

What Is a Balcony?

A balcony is a raised outdoor platform attached to the side of a building and enclosed by a low railing, accessible from an upper floor and designed to extend living space past the indoors. The word balcony comes from the Old Italian word "balcone" and dates back to the 17th century; one of the most famous balconies in the world is Juliet's balcony (of "Romeo and Juliet" fame) in Verona, Italy.

Location

A balcony is a raised outdoor platform attached to the side of a building and enclosed by a low railing or wall. It is usually accessible through an upper floor and generally only has one access point, such as a door.

Size

Balconies tend to be long and narrow and much smaller than a terrace. The balcony size also varies depending on whether it is attached to an apartment building or a house, the latter usually larger. Generally, a balcony is at least four feet deep, making it an ideal space for a small-sized outdoor bistro set to enjoy a morning cup of coffee,a place to grow and display herbs and tomatoes, or a spot for your exercise mat to get in a yoga session in the fresh air.

Construction

If you've ever wondered how balconies are built and how they manage to stay in the air, the hidden structural support comes from joists added to the existing building's beams. They are fastened together to secure the structure and support the balcony's weight.