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Difference between Balcony and Patio
When we talk about outdoor living areas, both balcony and patio are great options, but often people get confused between both, and most of the time, balcony and patio are used synonymously as most people are unaware of the term patio. This article will help you to understand the difference between both the terms and what are their purposes.
What is a Balcony?
Balcony is the outer open space of a building generally located on the upper floors, which is generally supported by walls, grills, and balustrades. It is usually a smaller space mostly used for ventilation. The balcony has a vast history and can be seen since the medieval period. The basic purpose of a balcony is to provide fresh air and good access to sunshine. The balcony can either be enclosed, which gives privacy to the owners or it can be an open space.
What is a Patio?
The patio is derived from a Spanish word that means backyard. The patio refers to the living space outside the house. It can either be a proper garden or a simple relaxation area. The patio serves the purpose of outdoor recreation space or dining space, generally made up of bricks, stones, cobbles, or tiles. They often are decorated with outside furniture, plants, or a garden. People also use patios for parties, social gatherings, etc., Patio is larger in size compared to the balcony.
Though both patio and balcony are great options for outer space or outside living and look similar, they both have clear-cut differences which we will break down for you.
Difference between Balcony and Patio
The following table highlights the major differences between a Balcony and a Patio −
Characteristics | Balcony | Patio |
|---|---|---|
Determinant | Small extension for the purpose
of ventilation and light | Larger extension for the purpose of
entertainment |
Location | Placed on the upper floors | Placed on the ground floor |
Connection with
house | Balcony is directly connected to
the house. | A patio can be attached or detached
from the building |
Size | Balcony is generally smaller with
limited space | Patio is larger compared to the
balcony and can be extended as per the owner’s wish |
Materials | It is made up of cast iron and
solid concrete | It is made up from different materials
such as tiles, stones, cobbles, bricks,
etc. |
Purpose | Built for ventilation, sunlight,
and small sit-out | Built for entertainment purposes and
social gathering |
Maintenance | Does Not require much
maintenance | Requires a lot of maintenance |
Cost | Costs more | Costs less |
Space | Occupies less space | Occupies more space |
Pros | Can be installed on the ground or
upper levels with less
maintenance. | Less expensive and easy to decorate |
Cons | May not offer sufficient space for
larger events. | Requires more maintenance |
Conclusion
To summarize, both balcony and patio have their own advantages and disadvantages, it's important to consider finance, place, interest, etc., while choosing what type of outdoor living you want. If you have limited space, then a balcony can be a great option. It also provides good sunlight and fresh air. If you’re someone who loves to host gatherings and have sufficient space, then a patio can be a great option. Patio on the other hand also provides protection from bugs. Despite people synonymously using balcony and patio, both have different meanings and a lot of differences, from their uses, materials, and purpose to cost and maintenance.
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