Balcony vs. Terrace: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 28, 2024
A balcony is a small, elevated platform protruding from a building's wall, while a terrace is a large, flat, open space on a building's roof or ground level.
Key Differences
A balcony is typically a small platform extending from the wall of a building, enclosed by a railing or balustrade, often found in apartments. A terrace, on the other hand, is a larger, open area that can be at ground level or on a building's roof, offering more space for activities.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Balconies are usually accessed from a room and are designed for small-scale leisure, such as enjoying a view or a cup of coffee. Terraces provide more expansive outdoor spaces, suitable for larger gatherings, gardening, or extensive lounging areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
In terms of construction, balconies are often seen as an extension of the indoor living space, protruding outside the building's external wall. Terraces are designed as part of the building's architecture, either as a roof-top open space or an extended outdoor area on the ground.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
The privacy level varies; balconies offer a more private space due to their limited size and height. Terraces, especially those at ground level, can be more public and accessible, often used for social events or as communal spaces in residential complexes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
From a design perspective, balconies are often a standard feature in apartments and condos, providing outdoor access in limited spaces. Terraces, particularly rooftop ones, are a feature of luxury and spaciousness, offering a panoramic view and versatility in usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Location
Protrudes from a building's wall
On building's roof or ground level
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Jan 28, 2024
Use
For small-scale leisure, like enjoying views
Suitable for gatherings, gardening, etc.
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Jan 28, 2024
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Balcony and Terrace Definitions
Balcony
A balcony is a small platform attached to a building's exterior wall, enclosed by a railing.
She stepped out onto the balcony to admire the city skyline.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
Terraces provide ample space for outdoor activities and social events.
They hosted a barbecue party on the spacious terrace.
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
A balcony provides outdoor access in urban living spaces.
He enjoyed his morning coffee on the balcony overlooking the park.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
Terraces are common in luxury buildings and spacious homes.
The luxury apartment boasted a large terrace with a private pool.
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
Balconies are designed for limited occupancy and leisure.
The couple decorated their balcony with plants and outdoor lighting.
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Jan 04, 2024
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Balcony
Balconies are often extensions of indoor living spaces in apartments.
Their apartment features a balcony with space for a small table and chairs.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A platform extending outdoors from a floor of a house or apartment building.
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
Balconies are typically elevated from the ground.
The balcony on the second floor offers a great view of the garden.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
An open, often paved area adjacent to a house serving as an outdoor living space; a patio.
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
A platform that projects from the wall of a building and is surrounded by a railing, balustrade, or parapet.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A raised bank of earth having vertical or sloping sides and a flat top
Turning a hillside into a series of ascending terraces for farming.
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
A gallery that projects over the main floor in a theater or auditorium.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A flat, narrow stretch of ground, often having a steep slope facing a river, lake, or sea.
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
(architectural element) An accessible structure extending from a building, especially outside a window.
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
A platform projecting from the wall of a building, usually resting on brackets or consoles, and inclosed by a parapet; as, a balcony in front of a window. Also, a projecting gallery in places of amusement; as, the balcony in a theater.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
Abbr. Ter. or Terr. A residential street, especially along the top or slope of a hill.
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
An upper floor projecting from the rear over the main floor in an auditorium
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Jan 04, 2024
Balcony
A platform projecting from the wall of a building and surrounded by a balustrade or railing or parapet
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
(agriculture) A raised, flat-topped bank of earth with sloping sides, especially one of a series for farming or leisure; a similar natural area of ground, often next to a river.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
(geology) A step-like landform; (sometimes) remnants of floodplains.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A row of residential houses with no gaps between them; a group of row houses.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
The roof of a building, especially if accessible to the residents. Often used for drying laundry, sun-drying foodstuffs, exercise, or sleeping outdoors in hot weather.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A raised level space, shelf, or platform of earth, supported on one or more sides by a wall, a bank of tuft, or the like, whether designed for use or pleasure.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A flat roof to a house; as, the buildings of the Oriental nations are covered with terraces.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A street, or a row of houses, on a bank or the side of a hill; hence, any street, or row of houses.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A level plain, usually with a steep front, bordering a river, a lake, or sometimes the sea.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
To form into a terrace or terraces; to furnish with a terrace or terraces, as, to terrace a garden, or a building.
Clermont's terraced height, and Esher's groves.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A level shelf of land interrupting a declivity (with steep slopes above and below)
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Terrace
A row of houses built in a similar style and having common dividing walls (or the street on which they face);
Grosvenor Terrace
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Terrace
Make into terraces as for cultivation;
The Incas terraced their mountainous land
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A terrace is a large, open, flat area, often on a building's rooftop.
The restaurant's rooftop terrace had an amazing panoramic view.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
A terrace can be a landscaped area at ground level.
The ground-level terrace was surrounded by a beautiful garden.
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Jan 04, 2024
Terrace
Terraces offer versatility in use, from gardening to entertainment.
They converted their terrace into a small vegetable garden.
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Jan 04, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do balconies always have railings?
Yes, for safety reasons, balconies typically have railings or balustrades.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Can terraces be found at ground level?
Yes, terraces can be either at ground level or on a building's roof.
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Jan 28, 2024
What activities are suitable for a terrace?
Terraces are suitable for social events, gardening, dining, and relaxation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Is a terrace considered a luxury feature?
Often yes, especially rooftop terraces, which are considered a luxury due to the space and view they offer.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
What is the typical size of a balcony?
Balconies are generally small, accommodating 1-2 people comfortably.
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Jan 28, 2024
Are balconies common in urban apartments?
Yes, balconies are a common feature in urban apartments for outdoor access.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Are terraces private spaces?
Terraces can vary in privacy; rooftop terraces are more private, while ground-level terraces may be more public.
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Jan 28, 2024
What materials are used for balcony construction?
Balconies are usually made of concrete, steel, or wood, with safety railings.
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Jan 28, 2024
Do terraces add value to a property?
Yes, terraces can significantly add value to a property due to the extra outdoor space.
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Jan 28, 2024
What is the maintenance required for a terrace?
Terraces require regular cleaning, and if landscaped, gardening maintenance.
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Jan 28, 2024
Do all terraces have a view?
While many terraces offer views, especially rooftop ones, not all terraces have scenic views.
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Jan 28, 2024
Can a balcony be enclosed?
Yes, balconies can be enclosed with glass or screens for added comfort.
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Jan 28, 2024
Can terraces be covered or shaded?
Yes, terraces can have coverings or shading installations for protection against the elements.
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Jan 28, 2024
Is it expensive to add a balcony to a house?
Adding a balcony can be costly, as it requires structural work and safety considerations.
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Jan 28, 2024
Is it common to have a balcony in every apartment?
While common, not every apartment has a balcony; it depends on the building's design.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Are terraces common in commercial buildings?
Yes, many commercial buildings have terraces for restaurants, events, or as communal spaces.
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Jan 28, 2024
Can terraces be used for gardening?
Yes, terraces provide ample space and are often used for gardening or landscaping.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Are balconies safe for children?
Balconies can be safe if they have proper railings and are supervised by adults.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 28, 2024
Can a balcony be extended?
Extending a balcony often requires structural modifications and permission from the building management.
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Jan 28, 2024
Can barbecues be done on balconies?
It depends on the building's regulations; some allow it, while others do not due to safety concerns.
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Jan 28, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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