Manufacturers of balconies and railings say that balconies generally conform to 3 main types:
1. True balconies: Composed of a deck floor and a rail, these true balconies can be walked upon and should be able to hold a reasonable amount of balcony furniture, plants and people. The true balconies tend to be wider than the false and faux styles of balcony. But true weight-bearing balconies can also be designed in narrow styles, including intimate “Juliet” balconies.
2. False balconies: These false balconies have a narrow deck floor (up to 6″ usually) and a rail mostly intended to block an open door. But they are usually designed to support the weight of plants and planters and manufacturers usually suggest this use. False balconies also should support the partial weights of those standing inside the dwelling that lean upon the rail as they take in some fresh air. False balconies intend to lighten the dwelling interior and extend it into the outdoors.
3. Faux balconies: These faux balconies usually have just a rail and no deck floor. The rail covers a window or doors. With the lack of a deck floor, faux balconies generally could not be mistaken for true balconies, as false balconies could be.
While many manufacturers place “Juliet” balconies in the category of false or faux balconies, others manufacture Juliet balconies in all 3 categories. Some define Juliet balconies by the shape and style. Others by the intended function or ambiance it adds to a structure. For the most part, Juliet balconies consist of intimate structures of narrow proportions designed to invite the outdoors into the dwelling and the dweller out to enjoy the outside.
Some of these Juliet balconies are completely functional and can support both people and gardens. Others remain primarily decorative. But even manufacturers of the ones not intended to support the weight of people usually recommend adding planters and plants (which have a considerable weight of their own).
Our examination of dozens of pictures of different types of balconies designated as Juliet balconies indicated that many of the Juliet true balconies are not obviously different to the casual observer from those that are intended as non-weight bearing false balconies. (In other words, unless someone tells you otherwise, you’ll likely believe that one type is just as capable of supporting your weight as the other type.)
You shouldn’t always have to make inquiries about the intended weight load of a balcony before stepping out onto it (or merely leaning upon the rail). But a recent balcony collapse accident in Denton, TX indicates that maybe it’s a good idea to inquire. News reports indicate that the 3 men who fell 3 stories to the concrete actually fell out of the apartment when the balcony collapsed. They had been leaning upon the railing, while apparently still standing inside the apartment, when the railing and then the whole balcony gave way under them.