Transforming a balcony might seem straightforward, but it involves a series of choices that determine whether it becomes a genuinely pleasant outdoor space or an untidy corner you never use. The budget for a basic makeover ranges from €200 for a mini-balcony to €1,500+ for a larger city balcony with a complete set-up. This article covers all the elements: flooring, privacy screening, lighting, plants and furniture — with concrete costs per element and a step-by-step guide to the project.
What Does a Balcony Makeover Cost? Overview Per Element
Cost Overview
| Element | Budget version | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring (tiles or decking) | €50–100 | €100–250 | €250–600 |
| Privacy screen | €30–80 | €80–200 | €200–500 |
| Furniture (table + chairs) | €80–150 | €150–400 | €400–1,200 |
| Plants + pots | €40–80 | €80–200 | €200–500 |
| Lighting | €20–50 | €50–150 | €150–400 |
| **Total (small balcony, 6 m²)** | **€220–460** | **€460–1,200** | **€1,200–3,200** |
When to DIY vs. Buy?
Most balcony elements are products you purchase and install yourself. “DIY” here means: laying decking yourself, fitting privacy screens yourself, building your own planters. Hiring a tradesperson for a balcony is unusual — unless you are undertaking structural work (replacing the balcony floor, waterproofing) or fitting a canopy.
Balcony Flooring: Which Option Suits You?
| Floor type | Price per m² | DIY | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite decking | €25–60 | Easy (click-fit) | Low maintenance, warm underfoot | Higher purchase price |
| Hardwood decking | €30–70 | Easy | Beautiful appearance | Annual oiling required |
| Ceramic tiles | €20–50 | Moderate | Smart, durable | Heavier weight |
| Plastic click tiles | €15–35 | Easy | Lightweight, no tools needed | Less premium appearance |
| Outdoor carpet | €8–20 | Easy | Soft, warm | Shorter lifespan |
Weight note: In flats, always check the maximum floor load. Tiles weigh 20–30 kg/m², composite decking only 5–10 kg/m². Click-fit composite or plastic tiles are ideal for balconies due to their light weight and easy installation.
Step-by-step: laying decking:
- Clean the existing floor
- Apply a levelling layer or use adjustable pedestal feet (fixed-height or adjustable)
- Lay the decking in the desired direction
- Click into place or screw down
- Cut edge pieces to size
Privacy on the Balcony
| Option | Price | DIY | Wind and rain protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bamboo screen | €20–50 | Easy (tie on) | Moderate |
| Windbreak (PVC mesh) | €30–80 | Easy | Good |
| Artificial hedge panel | €25–60 | Easy | Moderate |
| Timber slat panel | €60–150 | Moderate (drilling) | Moderate |
| Privacy screen with frame | €100–250 | Moderate | Good |
| Living hedge in planters | €80–200 | Easy | Good (over time) |
Tip for renters: Use systems that can be fixed without drilling, such as tension or clamp fixings. Always check your tenancy agreement before making permanent alterations.
Balcony Furniture
| Furniture type | Material | Price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bistro set (table + 2 chairs) | Metal / rattan | €60–200 | Small balcony, dining area |
| Lounge sofa + table | Aluminium / rattan | €200–600 | Relaxation balcony |
| Hanging chair | Rope / fabric | €60–200 | Reading balcony, romantic feel |
| Folding chair + folding table | Teak / aluminium | €80–200 | Compact spaces |
| Garden bench | Wood / composite | €100–300 | Long balcony |
Winter storage: Choose stackable or foldable furniture if you have limited storage space. Aluminium and composite are the best materials for outdoor furniture that stays outside year-round — they don’t rust and fade less quickly.
Plants on the Balcony
| Plant type | Location | Difficulty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geraniums | Full sun | Easy | €3–6 per plant |
| Lavender | Full sun, drought-tolerant | Easy | €3–8 |
| Ivy / climbing plants | Shade, privacy | Easy | €5–12 |
| Tomatoes / herbs | Full sun, edible | Moderate | €2–8 |
| Ornamental grasses (Carex, Festuca) | Partial shade | Easy | €4–10 |
| Bamboo (in pot) | Partial shade, privacy | Easy | €20–50 |
Planters and hanging systems: Use balcony boxes with a built-in water reservoir — these provide a better buffer in warm weather and require less frequent watering. Hang boxes on the inside of the railing (not on the outside, for safety reasons and building regulations).
Lighting on the Balcony
| Type | Price | Atmosphere | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar fairy lights (string) | €10–30 | High | No installation |
| LED string lights (mains) | €20–50 | High | Socket required |
| Table lamp (rechargeable) | €30–80 | High | No installation |
| Wall light (fixed mounting) | €40–120 | Medium | Electrical work needed |
| Candles / lanterns | €10–30 | High | No installation |
Step-by-Step Guide: Balcony Makeover
Step 1 — Clean and take stock
Clean the balcony thoroughly: sweep, scrub and rinse the floor. Check the condition of the drain (often blocked) and the balcony edge (repair any rust spots or cracks). Determine the available dimensions and sketch a simple floor plan.
Step 2 — Tackle the flooring
Choose and lay the floor covering first — this sets the tone for everything around it. Composite click boards and plastic tiles are the quick-and-easy options. Make sure the drain remains clear and is not covered over.
Step 3 — Set up privacy screening
Fix your privacy screen or windbreak. Use existing fixing points on the balcony, cable ties or clamps. If using a living hedge: position the planters in the right place before you bring in the furniture.
Step 4 — Place the furniture
Decide on the layout based on your floor plan. On a small balcony: one bistro set or a hanging chair with a side table. On a larger balcony: consider separating a dining area from a lounge zone. Don’t push furniture directly against the wall — a small space works better when there is room to breathe around it.
Step 5 — Add plants
Start with the balcony boxes on the railing and larger pots on the floor. Then add climbing plants (if you want privacy) and fill in with colourful seasonal plants. Use container compost, not garden soil (too heavy).
Step 6 — Lighting and atmosphere
Hang the string lights, set out a table lamp or light some lanterns. Lighting transforms the balcony into an inviting space in the evening too. Add an outdoor cushion to the chair — the small touch that makes the biggest difference.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Covering the drain | Water pools on the balcony | Always keep the drain clear |
| Flooring too heavy | Overloading the balcony | Check load capacity, choose lightweight materials |
| Furniture too large for the space | Balcony feels cramped and uncomfortable | Measure before you buy |
| Plants outside the railing | Dangerous (falling hazard) | Always hang on the inside |
| No winter storage planned | Furniture gets damaged | Plan storage space when purchasing |
Conclusion
A balcony makeover doesn’t have to be expensive. With €300–600 you can transform the most basic balcony into a pleasant outdoor space. Start with the flooring (it sets the tone), then sort the privacy screening, and finally add furniture, plants and lighting. Even on a balcony of 4 m², a comfortable seating area is well within reach with the right choices.
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