Elevate your space - How To Measure For A Balcony

Simplified Balcony Sizing – Order with Confidence

The world of architectural terminology can be complex—openings, reveals, centres, and sills—but purchasing your balcony should be straightforward.

At Iron Octopus Ltd, we’ve streamlined the process. The only measurement required for our Juliet balconies is the aperture—the horizontal width of the structural opening you wish to cover. Simply order based on this measurement (choose from our six standard sizes), and we will automatically manufacture the balcony slightly wider—typically by 300mm (approximately 1ft) overall—to ensure a secure, safe, and precise fit.

Important Considerations:

In certain cases, such as dormer windows or timber-framed structures, a significantly wider balcony may not be suitable. In these cases it is preferable to measure the centres of the timber stud work either side of your door opening.

This will allow us to create a bespoke balcony for you, or you can match it up with our hole centres tables in our product listings.

Determining the Appropriate Balcony Width for Standard Walls

When calculating the correct width for balconies to be installed onto standard wall structures—such as brickwork, rendered blockwork, and similar materials—it is essential to follow a precise measurement method to ensure proper fit and aesthetic balance.

To determine the appropriate balcony width, first, measure the total width of the door reveal (the structural opening in which the door is set). Once this measurement has been obtained, add an additional 300mm (30cm) to the width to allow for an appropriate overhang and structural integration.

For example, if the measured door reveal width is 1500mm (150cm), the recommended balcony width would be 1800mm (180cm). This additional width provides both functional and visual benefits, ensuring adequate coverage and a well-proportioned installation.

By following this guideline, installers can achieve a consistent and professional finish when fitting balconies onto standard wall types.

Determining the Appropriate Balcony Width for Timber Dormers

When installing balconies onto standard timber dormer structures, it is crucial to follow a precise measurement method to ensure a proper fit, structural integrity, and aesthetic balance.

To determine the appropriate balcony width, begin by measuring the width centre-to-centre of the timber studwork into which the door is fitted. This measurement is essential for selecting the correct fixing points.

Once you have obtained this measurement, refer to the charts provided on our product listings to identify the appropriate horizontal hole centres for your balcony installation. These charts offer a range of standard fixing options to facilitate a secure and stable attachment to the dormer structure.

If you are unable to find an exact match within our standard charts, there is no need to worry. As we manufacture our balconies in-house, we can accommodate bespoke fixing centres upon request to meet your specific requirements.

For optimal results, we strongly recommend installing the balcony before applying the final exterior finish to the face of the dormer (e.g., hung tiling, cladding, or other finishing materials). This approach ensures a cleaner installation process and prevents potential alignment or fitting issues.

By following these guidelines, installers can achieve a safe, secure, and visually appealing balcony installation that complements the dormer structure.

Guidelines for Accurate Measurements

To ensure precision when measuring for your installation, Please follow these best practices:

Use a Metal Tape Measure
Fabric or flexible tape measures can stretch over time, leading to inaccurate readings. Always use a sturdy metal tape measure for the most reliable results.
Measure in Two Locations
Take measurements at both the bottom of your door frame and approximately mid-height of the opening. This helps account for any slight variations in dimensions.
Select the Larger Measurement
If the two measurements differ slightly, this is normal. However, if there is a significant discrepancy, It may worth contacting us to discuss further
Double-Check Before Ordering
Accuracy is key to a seamless installation. Always verify your measurements by measuring twice.
Millimetre Precision Is Not Required
Most UK window and door openings follow standard sizing. Our balcony designs are engineered to accommodate a range of aperture dimensions, ensuring flexibility during installation.
Need Assistance?
If you are uncertain about any aspect of measuring or ordering, the Iron Octopus team is happy to assist. Get in touch with us on 01274 593258 for expert advice.

Is there anything else to consider?

Inspect the walls / surfaces to a distance of 1ft (30 cm) around your window aperture. The balcony won’t extend this far, but any obstacles in this area may be important.

Look out for any protruding features such as over-sized window sills, drain pipes, electrical cables or stonework that might clash with the balcony frame.

Door handles are also a consideration. Make sure you have enough clearance to avoid the balcony clashing with the door handle when in the closed position.

Be aware too if you have less than 1ft (30 cm) of space around the balcony area which might cause problems for fixing.

If you see any such issue as we can help! We have produced balconies that have been installed around all sorts of unusual obstacles in the past. Just get in touch or even send us a photograph if you would like any advice.