Balcony decking in Ipe hardwood
In short: balcony decking from us is solid Ipe hardwood, 21 x 140 mm, laid on Ipe joists and fixed with black coated stainless steel hidden clips. The boards come in short lengths that click together at the ends, so they fit through a front door and a lift. A finished Ipe balcony deck weighs roughly 30 kg per m². Ipe lasts 25+ years, even without maintenance. Delivery to the UK takes 7 to 14 working days.
Can you put decking on a balcony?
Yes, on most private balconies and roof terraces you can, as long as the structure carries the weight and water can still drain away. Before you order anything, check three things.
- Your lease or building rules. In a block of flats the balcony floor and the waterproofing usually belong to the freeholder. Ask the managing agent before you lay anything on it.
- Fire rules on taller buildings. On residential buildings with a storey above 18 metres, the Building Regulations restrict combustible materials on balconies, so timber decking is generally not allowed there. On houses and lower blocks this restriction does not apply in the same way. When in doubt, ask building control.
- Load. Ipe is heavy, about 1,050 kg per m³. Boards and joists together come to roughly 30 kg per m², before furniture and people. Most balconies take that easily, but on an older or cantilevered balcony a structural engineer should have the final word.
Why Ipe works well on a balcony
A balcony gets the worst of the weather: full sun, rain driven against the wall and water that sits for days in a corner. Softwood greys, splinters and starts to rot within a few seasons in those conditions. Ipe is durability class 1, the highest class, and lasts 25+ years without treatment. It is also hard enough that chair legs and planters do not leave dents.
The downside is honest to mention: Ipe costs more per m² than softwood or most composite boards, and it is heavier to carry up the stairs. On a balcony of 6 to 10 m² the price difference is usually small in absolute terms, which is why most of our balcony customers choose Ipe anyway.
Why short boards are easier on a balcony
Our Ipe decking boards are 21 x 140 mm and come in lengths of 120, 150 and 180 cm. The short ends have a tongue and groove joint, so the boards click together in the length. For a balcony that has three advantages:
- You carry everything up through the stairwell or lift without hiring a crane or a second pair of hands.
- Short lengths are straight, so you do not need to clamp boards into line.
- Where two ends meet you get a neat double V joint instead of a butt joint with screws, which looks tidy on a small surface that you see close up every day.
The long sides have a groove for the hidden clips. The clips set an 8 mm gap between the boards, so rain runs straight through to the balcony floor.
How to lay balcony decking, step by step
This guide assumes a flat, waterproofed balcony floor with a slight fall towards the drain.
1. Clean and check the surface
Clear the balcony and sweep it clean. Grit and leaves under the joists stop them lying flat. Repair any cracks or damage to the waterproofing now, because once the deck is down you will not get to it easily.
2. Lay the joists on rubber pads
Lay the joists in the direction of the fall, so water can run along them to the drain. Space them 40 to 45 cm apart. Use Ipe joists rather than softwood, so two woods that shrink and swell differently are not working against each other. Put the joists on rubber pads or adjustable pedestals and never screw through the waterproofing.
3. Fix the boards with hidden clips
Lay the boards across the joists. Slide a clip into the groove at every joist and screw it down, then click the next board in at the end. Keep about 15 mm clear of every wall and upstand, so the wood has room to move and air can get underneath.
4. Cut and finish
Cut the last row and any corners to size with a circular saw and a fine blade for hardwood. Sweep away the sawdust and put the furniture back.
Not sure how many boards, joists and clips you need? The decking calculator works it out for your balcony size in a few steps, including the clips and screws.
Looking after balcony decking
Ipe needs no maintenance to last 25+ years. Left untreated it turns silver grey within a year. We still recommend an oil treatment once or twice a year, a bit like wax on a car or sun cream on your skin: dirt and water run off more easily, and the wood stays more stable, with less chance of hairline cracks in very hot or wet weather. On a balcony, give the gaps a quick sweep now and then so leaves do not block the drainage.
Balcony decks our customers have built
For a real example, read our review of Ipe balcony decking with the clip system, or see the Ipe roof terrace on an apartment with a river view. For all sizes and wood species, see our hardwood decking range.
Frequently asked questions about balcony decking
How heavy is Ipe balcony decking?
Roughly 30 kg per m² for 21 mm Ipe boards on Ipe joists 40 to 45 cm apart. Have an older or cantilevered balcony checked by a structural engineer.
Can I screw decking into my balcony floor?
No. Lay the joists loose on rubber pads or pedestals so the waterproofing stays intact. The weight of the deck and the clips hold everything in place.
Is timber decking allowed on a balcony in a block of flats?
On buildings with a storey above 18 metres, the Building Regulations generally do not allow combustible materials such as timber on balconies. On lower buildings it usually is allowed, but always check your lease and ask the managing agent first.
Which gap do I leave between balcony boards?
8 mm between the boards, set by the clips, and about 15 mm along walls and upstands.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery to the UK takes 7 to 14 working days.
Questions about your balcony? Call us on +49 2821 7483051 or email kontakt@hartholzdiscount.de, and send a photo of your balcony with the rough measurements.
You will find every size and wood species on our wooden decking page.
