URBAN OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Determining if your balcony can support the weight of heavier furniture, such as a solid wood table, is crucial for safety. You cannot simply guess. First, check your building's original plans or homeowner's association rules, as they often specify the maximum load capacity, typically measured in pounds per square foot (PSF). This information is your primary guide. If documents are unavailable, a general safe estimate for a residential balcony is 40-60 PSF, but this varies greatly with the building's age and construction. Visually inspect your balcony for warning signs like large cracks in the concrete, significant rust on steel frames, or rotting and sagging of wooden structures. These indicate potential weakness. Next, calculate the approximate weight of your furniture. A solid wood table can easily weigh 150-300 pounds. Distribute this weight over its footprint to get a rough PSF value and compare it to your balcony's estimated capacity. Remember to include the weight of people who will use the space. The only way to be absolutely certain is to hire a structural engineer for a professional assessment. They can perform a precise evaluation and recommend reinforcements if needed. Never risk overloading your balcony, as the consequences can be severe. When in doubt, always choose lighter-weight furniture alternatives or seek expert advice.