How Much Does a Balcony Cost in 2025?

Average Cost to Build a Balcony

Balcony Cost Factors

The cost of building a balcony depends on several critical variables. From structural considerations to aesthetic choices, each decision directly impacts the overall price of creating your ideal outdoor living space. 

Materials

The price of materials accounts for approximately half of the total balcony cost. For planks, beams, railings, decking, and support pillars, expect to pay $10 and $45 per square foot.

Higher-end materials will cost you more initially, but they'll typically save you money in the long term due to their minimal maintenance and longer lifespan. Plus, the better the balcony, the more it may add to the resale value of your home.

Size

Balcony size greatly influences the cost of your project and the type of balcony you may be able to build. Support requirements for safety and structural integrity contribute to second-floor deck costs based on overall size and weight. 

Decking Material

The material you choose for your balcony deck directly impacts your effective cost per square foot, but don't automatically choose the cheapest option. Before you make a decision, consider lifespan, balcony repair costs, and ongoing maintenance costs and requirements. The most common decking materials are wood, composite, and PVC.

Wood 

Wood balconies cost between $30 and $60 per square foot for labor and materials. This cost assumes that you choose common, readily available wood. The price increases for hardwoods that are difficult to work with and find. Materials cost $20 to $25 per square foot, and labor runs an additional $10 to $45 per square foot.

Composite

Composite balconies are more expensive than wood but last longer and require minimal maintenance. For composite, expect to pay between $45 and $90 per square foot, all-in. Labor costs $15 to $45 per square foot, and materials, including structural materials and decking boards, cost $30 to $45 per square foot.

PVC 

PVC balconies are the most costly but have the longest lifespan and minimal maintenance. A PVC balcony costs $40 to $95 per square foot for labor and materials. Labor costs $15 to $45 per square foot, and materials, including all boards, structural components, and other supplies, cost $30 to $40 per square foot.

Other Balcony Cost Factors

Once you've figured out the basic balcony cost, consider potential factors that could further influence the total cost of your home improvement project. Also, consider any extras you might want to include if your budget allows.

Labor

Labor for installing a balcony costs $10 to $45 per square foot. The price varies between local deck companies and depends on the complexity of the job. You'll also pay more in labor if you need to hire a structural engineer or have a more complex balcony construction. They may need to assess the building load and wall strength to determine if any extra supports are needed. You may also hire an experienced contractor to install flashing and complete other aspects of the project.

Permits

In most cases, you'll likely need a permit to install a balcony to ensure you meet local building code requirements. Ask your contractor about building permit costs and which permits you need. They will probably handle all permitting issues for you as part of the job. Expect to pay $100 or more for building permits. 

Railings

Your choice of railings impacts the overall balcony price. Deck railings cost from $15 to $600 per linear foot. To choose the best deck railings for your balcony, consider overall aesthetics, weight, and budget. 

Staircase

If you want to access your balcony from the ground, you'll need to install an exterior staircase. The cost depends on the height, the number of steps, and the type of staircase, but expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 to install an exterior staircase with railings and balusters.

Balcony Types

Balcony type is an important factor when figuring out your overall budget. Small prefabricated balconies that don’t require additional construction or support cost less than large, bespoke balconies that need a considerable amount of construction for adequate support and on-site assembly.

In some cases, the cost to build a rooftop deck may be lower per square foot than an equivalent-sized balcony. Consult with your general contractor to explore all possible options for outdoor living space. 

Juliet Balcony

Juliet balconies are the least expensive type because they're not true balconies. While some fancier models may have a small amount of standing space, these little faux balconies are normally just railings that sit across a doorway or large window for safety.

Cantilever Balcony

Cantilever balconies are very common and moderately priced. These balconies don't require supports or braces but have a 24-inch depth limit. Cantilever balconies have support beams within the property's walls.

Stacked Balcony

A stacked balcony is supported by concrete, metal, or wood columns or pillars and concrete pads. This budget-friendly option is suitable if your wall isn’t strong enough for a cantilever or bolt-on balcony and you want to avoid additional home renovation costs. 

Although the stacked balcony is firmly attached to the building, its presence doesn't add significant weight to the building load. Its weight is supported by the pillars beneath and then transferred to the substantial concrete slabs at ground level. 

Bolt-On Self-Supporting Balconies

Bolt-on balconies are self-supporting. They adhere to a property's exterior with bolts, sag tension rods, and knife plates. As they are prefabricated and quick to install, bolt-on balconies cost less, saving labor time and cost. However, the weight is anchored to the house, so building load and wall strength are serious considerations. 

Post-Tension Slab Balconies

Post-tension slab balconies cost the most, but they offer more design possibilities than prefab models as they're cast in place. They're incredibly strong, and because they're strengthened with tensioned steel cables, post-tension slabs offer greater construction flexibility. 

Taking on the cost of hiring an architect can help your project run smoothly. They will create designs using thinner concrete slabs than other balcony types and cover greater spans without building additional supports. 

Does Building a Balcony Increase Home Value?

Adding a balcony can be a strategic home improvement investment that potentially boosts property value. A balcony may add as much as 20% to your home value, depending on local real estate market conditions, architectural style, and quality of construction. 

While not guaranteed to add value, a well-designed balcony that complements your home’s aesthetic and provides functional outdoor living space can make your house more attractive to prospective buyers. It can potentially increase its marketability and offer a competitive edge over other real estate listings. 

Budgeting for Building a Balcony

Strategic financial planning can help you create your dream balcony without overspending. Follow these budget-saving tips to maximize your investment while minimizing unnecessary expenses:

• Get multiple quotes from several contractors to compare pricing and services.

• Choose cost-effective materials, weighing factors like aesthetics and durability.

• Design a simple, straightforward balcony layout to reduce complex structural requirements.

• Opt for standard staircase and railing designs instead of custom options.

• Use prefabricated modular components whenever possible to reduce labor costs.

• Check for seasonal discounts or promotional offers from local home improvement stores.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.