Measuring for a Juliet balcony: A step-by-step guide
Taking accurate measurements before ordering your Juliet balcony can make the difference between a successful installation and a renovation nightmare.
What you'll need to take accurate measurements
Before you begin measuring, make sure you’ve got all the right tools to hand.
It’s useful to have:
- A metal tape measure
- A notepad or phone for recording measurements
- A spirit level
While it’s possible to measure on your own, it’s much easier if you have someone else there to help.
Your measurements will be more accurate if someone else can hold the other end of the tape measure and double-check your results for you.
How to measure for a Juliet balcony
The main measurement that you need is the width of the opening where the balcony is being installed (sometimes called the aperture).
- Measure the aperture: To find the aperture, you must measure between the outer edges of the door or window frame.
- Measure a second time: Sometimes, the width varies at different sections of the door or window frame. Measure the aperture again, but in a different place, for example measure once at the base and again halfway up. If there’s any difference in the measurements, go with the larger one.
- Add 300mm to the width: Once you know what the width is, add 300mm (150mm on each side)*. This extra bit allows for bracket clearance and drilling space without damaging the surrounding brickwork.
Now you have your final Juliet balcony dimensions.
*400mm may be required for certain balcony designs and larger sizes
Want to know more? Then our handy measuring guide is a good place to start
Measuring for different styles of Juliet balconies
While the measuring instructions above are suitable for most types of Juliet balconies, some styles require a little extra clearance to account for larger brackets or glass panels, so it’s always best to check before ordering!
For example, if you’re ordering our Windrush Steel Balcony, Franklyn Glass Balcony, or your opening is wider than three metres, we recommend adding 400mm to the total width (200mm on each side) instead of the standard 300mm to allow for the larger bracket size.
All our balconies are priced per millimetre, so there’s no extra charge for custom sizes.
Just let us know your exact requirements, and we’ll manufacture a Juliet balcony to fit.
Why getting the measurements right matters
So, how big is a Juliet balcony?
The size of balcony you should order depends on the type of balcony you want and also the size of the opening it will be fixed to.
Take your time with measuring and don’t rush the process, as precise measurements are essential for a successful installation!
Inaccurate measurements can result in a balcony that’s too small, or too large, which can cause installation delays, additional costs for replacements, or damage to your property while fitting.
When measuring, it’s also important to bear the relevant Juliet balcony height regulations in mind.
The top of a balcony railing must be at least 1,100mm above finished floor level inside the room
Common mistakes to avoid when measuring for your new balcony
With decades of experience manufacturing metal and glass Juliet balconies, we’ve become familiar with the most common mistakes people make when measuring for a new balcony.
Here are some to avoid:
- Relying on rough estimates or guesswork: Leaving it down to guesswork is just asking for trouble. Always make time to take precise measurements to avoid running into problems later down the line
- Using a stretchy tape measure: Fabric or soft plastic tape measures can stretch and bend, causing inaccurate results
- Not checking for obstacles: Always check around the opening for potential obstacles like pipes, lights, and drainage that could get in the way when fitting a Juliet balcony
- Forgetting to add the extra clearance: Always add the appropriate amount of clearance to your total width measurement (usually 300mm or 400mm)
- Measure twice, order once: Measure twice to be sure you’ve got it right, or, even better, ask a friend to measure and then check that your measurements match up
Need advice or guidance with measuring for a Juliet balcony?
At C&R Direct, we’ve helped countless customers to design and order the perfect Juliet balcony for their property.
Whether you’re looking for an ornate metal Juliet balcony for a period property or a chic and modern glass Juliet balcony for a contemporary apartment, we can design and fabricate the perfect solution for your property.
Place your order online, or give our team of experts a call on 0161 241 9872 for further help and advice.