A view of Italy

Today we wrap up our discussion on balconies with a little construction strategy.

First, your balcony will consist of a cantilever-style structure, which, like the nose on your face, will simply protrude from the exterior wall.

Supporting a balcony via pillars or fibreglass columns from below would certainly be an easier strategy to follow, construction wise, and would certainly suit a home where the balcony was placed over the front entrance, however, pillar support is not quite the style we're shooting for.

Will our balcony not need some type of support system? Of course, if you're in the blueprint stage of your future new home, your architect will be able to modify the floor system so that the engineered joists extend past the exterior wall the desired number of feet, or that the joists be designed to accept some form of steel framework.

When adding a balcony to an existing home, whereby the use of columns underneath is not possible, or just not desired, then the manner of installation will have to be examined by a contractor and further okayed by an engineer, in order for you to get a permit.

A cantilever-style balcony isn't like any other deck, since the outer perimeter will seemingly be defying gravity. Realizing that nothing defies gravity, at least not for long, a support structure (as unintrusive as possible) will need to be installed underneath the balcony platform. This support structure should, no doubt, be made of steel, to ensure a long lasting, maintenance free quality.

If the steel's angled support structure isn't in line with the style or decor of the home, the beams could be easily covered with foam mouldings. These mouldings would, in turn, be coated with a stucco-type product that would duplicate the texture of stone or concrete.

Or, you could conceal the supports in true Italian fashion with the always classic statue of Zeus or Atlas, whereby the statue's form, usually starting at the waistline, protrudes from the wall.

The stylish effect of your platform resting on Atlas' shoulder, with arms raised in support, would be impressive indeed.

Now, if the likes of Zeus, Atlas, or any of the Greek or Roman gods, don't hold any great historical or ancestral significance to you, but you still like the statue idea, perhaps the likes of Big Joe Mufferaw, or Canadian strongman Louis Cyr, or Cornwall's legendary football great Moe Racine, would provide that statuesque, yet closer to home, desired effect.

The challenge, of course, would lie in finding a sculptor, a profession that really lost its market about 500 years ago.

Balcony framework?

I like the steel frame, poured concrete floor best.

Steel is forever, and so is the concrete, especially if it's coated with a porcelain or slate tile.

Railing systems?

Again, consider the maintenance free, everlasting quality of steel, aluminum or cast iron spindles.

What about glass?

Glass looks great, but may not suit your traditional or formal stone type home, and would definitely clash with your Moe Racine, dueling statue support system. However, for a contemporary home, glass panels are perfect.

First step to balcony success?

Contact your contractor and explain your vision. If this initial visit is positive, meet with your engineer, since the project will require some structural expertise.

If all goes as planned, you're well on your way to a very special home feature indeed.