Gone are the times when the deck, terrace, balcony, patio, and veranda were used interchangeably. With modernism in outdoor furniture for small patios and several cozy small balcony ideas, each term has a different architectural meaning. At first, these terms can confuse someone considering terrace or balcony as the two names for the same outdoor structure. Still, the truth is there are lots of similarities and differences when it comes to comparison between a terrace vs. balcony.
Knowing these differences helps you choose the right structure for your home while allowing you to work on the perfect outdoor setup for the backyard. In this article, we will cover all you need to know about the difference between a terrace and a balcony. So let’s read on and find out!
What is a Terrace?
A terrace can be located on a rooftop and a first or second floor. It is a slightly raised or lowered area from the rest of the house. It is open, flat, rectangular, or square and usually tiled like the rest of the house. The terrace area is open and allows the flow of fresh air and sunlight to flow. It may or may not be attached to the rest of the house, and it can be a freestanding structure too.
The terrace size is not a fixed number, and depending on the location and type of home structure, the terrace can be small or big too. When on the roof, a terrace can simply be as large as the entire square footage of the house. Though they are as good as an open backyard, a terrace hardly qualifies as a proper living space and is solely used for entertainment and relaxation. Terraces can be decorated as cozy little spaces with a DIY outdoor sofa or L-shape outdoor sofa to provide enough seating space for the family and guests.
What is a Balcony?
A balcony is an elevated outdoor platform linked to the side of a structure, accessible from an upper level, and surrounded by a low railing. Balconies are intended to expand living space outside of the home.
It often only has one entry point, such as a door or a sizable sliding window, and is typically only accessible through an upper floor. Terraces are often significantly wider and longer than balconies. The balcony size also differs depending on whether it is connected to a home or an apartment complex, with the latter often bigger. A balcony is usually covered with a shade or the same roof as the house, and you can decorate it with outdoor sofa cushions or an upholstered outdoor sofa, as the covered rooftop protects outdoor furniture from rain and harsh weather.
What is the Difference between Terrace and Balcony?
A terrace vs. a balcony serve comparable functions within a home or structure. Both options allow you to extend your useful living area outside of your home. A terrace or a balcony designates regions that link indoor and outdoor environments. Even though the terrace and balcony serve the same purpose and increase the house value by almost 10%, they are classified differently because of a few points. These differences are mainly because of size, location, and construction. Below are some points to help you differentiate between a terrace and a balcony.
Size
A balcony is relatively and easily identifiable, much smaller than a terrace. It is usually an extension to a room or a tiny outdoor space attached to a big window. The balcony is unsuitable for gatherings and large outdoor meetups. But in the case of a terrace, with the right setup and choice of décor, you can make the terrace perfect for summer dinners and outdoor movie nights.
Decoration
Decorating a terrace and a balcony are two entirely different tasks. Because of the obvious difference in size, a balcony can only be furnished with a chair or two and a tiny table with a little décor. You can hang string lights, keep a few plants, and even place a narrow rug to complete your balcony. Conversely, a terrace will have you consider proper furnishing decisions like a couch vs. sofa or the type of sofa materials perfect for an open/closed outdoor space. If your terrace is large enough, you can also place a dining table for outdoor dinners.
Location
A balcony is an elevated space usually located in a several floored building on a second floor and above. Whereas a terrace is located on the ground and could be raised slightly with a few steps or a slope. This is why a terrace does not need an end support or a railing. A terrace is just like an open backyard, but the difference is that it is properly floored and tiled instead of the natural ground.
But also, when it comes to a terrace, you can expect several variations in design. From ground floor terraces to rooftop terraces there is a lot you can do with a space that is defined as a terrace in a home. On the other hand, a balcony is a second-floor type of structure; hence, it will require a railing to keep the ends secure. This railing could be metal or glass.
Construction
Since a terrace may be joined to or separated from a building, it can stand alone. As the word terrace is derived from the Latin for earth, it has a construction that stems from the ground. It is sturdy and built with the same foundation as the rest of the house. This doesn’t mean balconies aren’t sturdy or will not offer a solid foundation.
But this is different with balconies that must be attached to buildings or homes. You will observe a balcony with a freestanding design; usually, the support is hidden and in the form of beams that don’t drop down vertically. This is why balconies are much smaller and shorter versions of a terrace.
Purpose
If you put up a balcony cover, you may still find your balcony to be a private and comfortable space despite being crowded. In addition, it will provide wind and sun protection so you can lie down on a chair and relax in the fresh air. As balconies are mainly for relaxing or taking in the outdoor view, terraces today can be used for several things.
For instance, they may be open gardens, which are becoming more and more common. Being surrounded by a lovely garden in the heart of a hectic city is incredibly reviving.
