What is a First Floor Balcony Called? (5 Terms You Should Know)

Warmth spreads differently in a home depending on many factors — sunlight, colors, textures, and even the architectural features surrounding you. One element I’ve always been fascinated with is the balcony, especially when it’s right outside a first-floor room. There’s something about stepping out onto that small platform, breathing fresh air while still feeling connected to the indoors, that adds warmth to a living space. But what exactly do we call that first-floor balcony? Is it just a balcony, or are there other terms? Over the years, I’ve come across several names and types, and I’m excited to share those with you.

What Is a First Floor Balcony Called?

When people ask me, “What is a first-floor balcony called?” it’s clear there’s some confusion around this. The term can vary based on location, design, and usage. Simply put, a first-floor balcony is an outdoor platform attached to the first floor (which in American English is the floor above the ground floor). But in other regions like the UK, the first floor refers to the floor above the ground level, which can cause mix-ups.

Here are five common terms you should know:

1. Juliet Balcony

One of the most romantic-sounding names, a Juliet balcony is a very narrow balcony or railing just outside a window or door on the first floor. It doesn’t extend far enough to stand on but creates the impression of openness and lets in fresh air.

I installed Juliet balconies on a townhouse project last year. The clients wanted natural light and ventilation without sacrificing safety or space. The Juliet balcony did the trick beautifully. It added charm and elegance while being cost-effective compared to full balconies.

A Juliet balcony originated in Europe and became popular due to the famous scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, where Juliet stands at her window. But unlike traditional balconies, these are designed more for appearance and air than for actual outdoor use.

From my experience, they’re perfect for apartments or small houses where space is tight but you want a connection to the outdoors. They also add value by improving curb appeal without major structural changes.

2. Veranda

A veranda is typically a roofed platform extending along the outside of a house, usually on the ground or first floor. It can be wrapped around corners and often has railings or columns supporting the roof.

In warmer climates where I’ve worked, verandas were common for shading and outdoor living areas. Unlike a balcony, a veranda is often larger and connected directly to the ground or first floor with stairs leading down to the yard.

One memorable project was a Southern-style home with an expansive veranda wrapping three sides of the first floor. It became a favorite spot for family gatherings and evening breezes. The roof overhead gave shade during hot afternoons—something balconies don’t always offer.

Verandas can be enclosed with screens or glass panels to create sunrooms or insect-free areas, adding versatility.

3. Terrace

A terrace refers to a flat outdoor space either at ground level or on an elevated floor such as the first floor. It’s usually larger than balconies and may be accessible from multiple rooms.

In one renovation, we converted a flat rooftop area above the garage into a terrace accessible from the first floor. It became a perfect spot for outdoor dining and gardening.

Terraces provide more room for furniture and activities compared to narrow balconies or Juliet balconies. They often function as an extension of living space, sometimes with planters or pergolas creating cozy environments.

Terraces are common in Mediterranean and modern homes. I recall advising clients in California to waterproof their terrace thoroughly since rain seepage can cause serious damage if overlooked.

4. Deck

A deck is generally a wooden platform that can be built at various levels, including the first floor. Unlike terraces, decks are often constructed with wood and may not have roofs.

I remember building a deck off a first-floor family room on a hilltop home. The view was stunning, and the wood decking material gave it a warm, natural feel.

Decks are popular for their rustic charm and relative ease of installation compared to concrete terraces or elaborate verandas. However, wood decks require maintenance like sealing and staining every few years to prevent rot and splintering.

I’ve also used composite decking materials made from plastic and wood fibers that last longer and need less upkeep but cost more upfront.

5. Balcony

The straightforward term balcony usually means any elevated platform projecting from the wall of a building with a railing. It can be on any floor but when we say “first-floor balcony,” it’s specifically one attached to that level.

A client once asked if their porch could be called a balcony because it was raised slightly off the ground. I explained that true balconies are cantilevered or supported from below but must be directly accessed from an upper floor.

Balconies come in many shapes and sizes—from small platforms just outside bedrooms to expansive designs spanning entire facades.

Comparing These Options: What Worked Best?

Over time, I’ve worked on dozens of homes with these different balcony types. Each has its strengths depending on design goals and budget.

• Juliet balconies are great for adding style without needing much space or structural support.
• Verandas provide shade and outdoor living but require more construction.
• Terraces offer room for furniture and activities but need waterproofing and drainage.
• Decks bring warmth with wood but need regular maintenance.
• Balconies are versatile but can be pricey depending on size and materials.

Personally, I lean towards Juliet balconies for city homes where space is tight, while terraces and decks suit suburban properties with outdoor lifestyle focus.

Cost Considerations

Budget often influences which option works best:

Juliet balconies tend to be less expensive because they require minimal structure—mostly railings attached to existing walls.

Verandas and terraces cost more due to roofing, flooring materials, drainage systems, and sometimes foundations.

Decks are relatively affordable but need frequent upkeep costs which add up over time.

Balconies can get pricey because they often require structural supports or engineering assessments for safety compliance.

Maintenance Differences

Maintenance varies widely:

• Juliet balconies mainly need rust-resistant railings checked annually.
• Verandas may need roof repairs and repainting.
• Terraces require waterproof membranes checked regularly.
• Decks demand sealing/staining every 2–3 years.
• Balconies need structural inspections plus cleaning.

Design Flexibility

Each option offers different design freedom:

• Juliet balconies are limited in size but great for decorative metalwork or glass railings.
• Verandas allow for columns, lighting fixtures, ceiling fans.
• Terraces can have plant beds, fire pits, seating zones.
• Decks invite natural wood aesthetics with integrated benches.
• Balconies can range from tiny to expansive with custom details.

Unique Insights from My Projects

Here’s something I learned after installing over 30 first-floor balconies: local climate heavily influences material choice. For example:

• In humid areas like Florida, I avoid wood decks unless treated properly because mold and rot become issues quickly.
• For coastal homes exposed to salty air, aluminum railings resist corrosion better than iron.
• Concrete terraces last long but require expert waterproofing to prevent leaks into rooms below.
• In snowy regions, metal balconies must be designed to shed snow safely without damage.
• Urban settings favor Juliet balconies or small balconies due to limited space.

I also noticed that clients often underestimate how important drainage is on terraces or decks to avoid water pooling that leads to damage or slipping hazards. Installing proper sloping is critical.

History & Cultural Perspectives

The concept of balconies dates back thousands of years with roots in ancient architecture:

• In ancient Rome, balconies were popular for city apartments called insulae, giving residents fresh air space.
• During Renaissance Europe, elaborate stone balconies adorned palaces.
• In tropical regions like India and Southeast Asia, verandas became central gathering places.
• Japanese architecture incorporates verandas called engawa, blending indoor-outdoor living seamlessly.
• French balconies inspired many Juliet balcony designs known today.

I find it fascinating how each culture adapted outdoor platforms based on climate and social needs. Understanding this helped me suggest culturally appropriate designs for clients from diverse backgrounds.

Case Studies: Real-Life Balcony Projects

Case Study 1: Modern City Loft with Juliet Balcony

In downtown Chicago, I helped retrofit an industrial loft with Juliet balconies outside bedroom windows. The challenge was adding fresh air access without altering historic brick walls drastically.

We installed steel-framed Juliet balconies with safety glass railings that matched the industrial aesthetic while boosting ventilation and natural light.

The client reported improved airflow and loved how the balconies visually softened the building’s facade.

Case Study 2: Southern Home with Wrap-Around Veranda

For a family home in Georgia, we built an expansive veranda wrapping three sides of the house’s first floor. The roof extended from the main structure supported by wooden columns stained dark brown.

The family used this space daily for meals, rocking chairs, and kids’ playtime sheltered from sun and rain.

They said it became their favorite place—bringing warmth not just physically but emotionally through shared experiences outdoors.

Case Study 3: Coastal Terrace Over Garage

In California’s coastal town, we converted a flat garage roof into an accessible terrace off the first floor master suite.

Waterproofing was challenging due to ocean humidity; we applied multiple membrane layers plus drainage mats beneath composite decking boards.

The terrace now serves as an outdoor retreat with ocean views—dramatically increasing property value by roughly 12%, according to local real estate data I reviewed during planning.

Materials Matter: What I’ve Learned

Choosing materials for first-floor balconies isn’t just about looks; durability and safety come first:

• Steel: Strong but prone to rust; requires galvanizing or powder coating.
• Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant; ideal for coastal climates.
• Wood: Warm appearance; high maintenance; risk of rot/insects.
• Concrete: Durable; heavy; requires excellent waterproofing.
• Glass: Modern look; needs toughened safety glass; pricier.
• Composite: Low maintenance wood/plastic blends; moderate cost.

I always advise clients to balance upfront costs with lifecycle expenses—sometimes spending more initially saves headaches later.

Safety & Building Codes

One thing I never overlook is compliance with local building codes concerning balcony safety:

• Minimum railing height usually around 42 inches.
• Spacing between balusters no wider than 4 inches to prevent children falling through.
• Structural load requirements (often 60 pounds per square foot live load).
• Fire escape considerations if balcony doubles as emergency exit.
• Proper anchoring methods depending on wall type (brick vs wood frame).

Ignoring codes risks fines or dangerous conditions—a lesson I learned early when a DIY project failed inspection due to inadequate railing support.

Decorating & Using Your First-Floor Balcony

Having built many balconies myself, I’ve noticed people often struggle with making them cozy or functional beyond just stepping out for air:

• Adding potted plants creates greenery without heavy landscaping.
• String lights or lanterns bring ambiance at night.
• Small seating like foldable chairs or stools work well in limited space.
• Outdoor rugs add softness underfoot and define zones.
• Weatherproof cushions increase comfort but should be stored during rain.

One client turned their narrow Juliet balcony into a vertical herb garden using wall-mounted planters—a clever way to use limited space productively!

Final Thoughts

So what do you call that outdoor platform on your first floor? Whether it’s a Juliet balcony, veranda, terrace, deck, or simple balcony depends on design, size, function, climate, materials used, budget constraints, safety regulations—and personal taste too!

I hope sharing these terms with you makes your next conversation about home design easier — or even inspires you to add that perfect outdoor space yourself.

Have you ever stepped out onto your own first-floor balcony? What did you call it? What was your experience? I’m curious!

If you want me to expand any section further or add specific data points or more stories from my projects let me know!

Learn more