Balcony Renovation Step by Step - Complete Guide

Why renovate your balcony?

A balcony is one of the most underappreciated spaces in a flat. It often serves as storage for old furniture, toolboxes, or simply sits empty - with a concrete floor that looks worse every year. Yet just a few days is all it takes to turn it into an extra outdoor living room.

Renovating your balcony is an investment that pays off in several ways:

• Extra living space - morning coffee, dinner outdoors, a spot for remote work on warm days
• Increased property value - an attractive balcony is one of the first things buyers notice
• Aesthetic pleasure - instead of grey concrete, you see warm composite wood every time you open the balcony door
• Protection of the balcony slab - composite flooring on joists shields the screed from direct sun, rain and frost

Sounds appealing, but where to start? Below you will find a complete guide - from checking the condition of your balcony, through the entire BalkonSetup process, to caring for the finished floor.

What to check before renovation

Before ordering any materials, it is worth assessing the technical condition of the balcony. You don't have to do it yourself - our specialist will check everything during a free measurement visit. But it is good to know what to look out for.

Condition of the balcony slab

The balcony slab is the concrete foundation everything rests on. Look for:

• Cracks and cavities - small hairline cracks are normal, but deep ones may indicate structural problems
• Concrete spalling - exposed reinforcement is an alarm signal
• Moisture and efflorescence - white stains on the underside of the slab mean waterproofing issues

Good news - the BalkonSetup joist system does not require a perfectly smooth screed. Joists are laid on butyl tape, which compensates for minor irregularities. But serious slab damage must be repaired before installing the floor.

Water drainage

The balcony should have a minimal slope towards the outer edge (approx. 1-2%) so rainwater can flow freely. The joist system does not block drainage - water passes through gaps between panels and runs along the screed beneath the floor. It is important that this flow is not obstructed.

Load capacity

Composite flooring on joists weighs approx. 15-20 kg/m2 - considerably less than ceramic tiles with adhesive (approx. 30-40 kg/m2). For a standard apartment balcony this is not a problem. However, if your balcony already has heavy finishing (e.g. natural stone), it is worth consulting the building administrator.

The BalkonSetup renovation process - 7 steps

We designed our process to be as simple and predictable as possible. No price surprises, no mess on the balcony. Here is how it works from start to finish.

Step 1: Book a free measurement online

Everything starts with booking a measurement online. You choose a date and time that suits you - the system shows available slots in your city. The whole booking takes 2 minutes.

The measurement is completely free and non-binding. Even if you decide not to proceed after the quote - you bear no costs.

We operate in Krakow and surrounding cities. If you are not sure whether we cover your address - simply try booking an appointment. The system will automatically show whether your city is within our range.

Step 2: LiDAR measurement on site

At the agreed time, our specialist arrives with a LiDAR scanner. This is the same technology Apple uses in iPhone Pro - except we use it to create a precise 3D model of your balcony.

Why LiDAR rather than a tape measure?

• Millimetre accuracy - no balcony is a perfect rectangle, and the scanner sees that
• Detects obstacles - thresholds, drainage pipes, unevenness, angles that are not exactly 90 degrees
• Handles any shape - L-shaped balconies, corner ones, those with curves

During the visit, together with the specialist you choose the panel pattern. We have a wide range of patterns - from light oak to dark walnut. The specialist will show you samples and help match the pattern to the building facade and your interior style.

The whole meeting takes 30-45 minutes. After the visit you know exactly how your new balcony will look.

Step 3: Quote on the spot

Based on the LiDAR scan, our simulator automatically calculates everything - the number of panels, joists, mounting clips, butyl tape. We don't estimate by eye or round up "just in case".

Already during the meeting you receive:

• A visualisation - how the floor will look on your balcony (panel layout, laying direction)
• A detailed material breakdown - how many panels, joists, clips, tape
• A binding final price - materials + installation, with no hidden costs
• A contract - clear terms of delivery and payment

If you want a rough idea of the cost before the measurement, use our quick online quote. Enter your balcony dimensions, choose a panel pattern - and get an approximate price in seconds.

Step 4: Accept the quote and pay the deposit

If the quote works for you, you accept it and pay the deposit online. This starts the production process - we order materials and reserve a slot in the production schedule.

The deposit is the only cost you bear before installation. You pay the rest only after installation and handover - when you see the finished result and are happy with it.

After paying the deposit you receive a link to the installation calendar. You pick the date that suits you - no calling, no negotiating. You see available days and times, click, confirm.

Step 5: Material preparation

This stage happens in our workshop - you don't need to do anything. But it is worth knowing what goes on behind the scenes, because it is one of the reasons installation on the balcony takes so little time.

• Ordering panels in your chosen pattern from the manufacturer
• CNC cutting - a digital router cuts each panel with millimetre precision, exactly to the dimensions of your balcony
• Preparing joists - cut from 3-metre stock to the right lengths
• Assembling clips and tape - exact quantities plus a safety reserve

CNC machining is our key advantage. A traditional installer cuts panels with a circular saw directly on the balcony - that means noise, dust and inaccuracies. We cut everything in the workshop and bring a ready-made "assembly kit" to the balcony.

This stage usually takes a few working days, depending on the availability of the chosen panel pattern.

Step 6: Express installation

This is the day you have been waiting for. Our installer arrives with the complete set of prepared materials and begins the installation. Here is what happens:

1. Substrate check - quick verification of screed condition and slope
2. Laying butyl tape - insulates joists from concrete, dampens vibrations, protects waterproofing
3. Installing joists - on tape, without drilling, with precise spacing
4. Fitting panels with clips - ready-made elements snap into place like a jigsaw puzzle
5. Quality control - checking stability, gap consistency, overall appearance
6. Clean-up - after installation the balcony is clean and ready to use

A standard balcony (up to 8-10 m2) typically takes about 1 hour of work. Yes - one hour. That is because all elements arrive pre-cut and ready to assemble. The installer does not need to cut, sand or adjust anything on site.

Important points during installation:

• No drilling - the joist system is "floating", fixed with butyl tape, not to the screed
• No dust or dirt - there is no cutting on site, so there is no waste
• No noise - no drill, no saw - the neighbours won't even notice
• No waterproofing damage - nothing is screwed into the balcony slab

Step 7: Handover and final payment

After installation is complete, we check the result together. We explain how to care for the new floor and answer any questions. Only when you are satisfied with the result do you settle the remaining amount.

Yes - you pay the rest after installation, when you can see the finished balcony. For us this is natural - we are confident in the quality of our work and want you to be equally confident before you pay.

Timeline - how long does it all take?

From measurement to finished floor - usually about 2 weeks. Your total time commitment? Roughly one hour.

How to prepare

Before the measurement and before installation you need to do just one thing: clear the balcony. Remove furniture, pots, boxes - everything standing on the floor. The easier the access to the entire surface, the quicker the work goes.

Apart from that:

• Access for the installer - make sure the installer can move freely with materials through the flat to the balcony
• Inform building management - in some buildings you need to notify them about balcony work. Our installation is quiet and clean, but it is worth giving them a heads-up
• No need to move furniture from the flat - we work only on the balcony and do not take up space indoors

DIY vs professional installation - which to choose?

We understand the temptation to renovate the balcony yourself. YouTube is full of videos, DIY kits are available in hardware stores. But before you decide, consider a few things.

Common DIY installation mistakes

• Inaccurate measurement - even 5 mm of error across the balcony length means the last panel won't fit. A tape measure doesn't catch non-parallel walls
• Wrong joist spacing - too wide = panels sag. Too narrow = unnecessary cost. Optimal spacing depends on load and dimensions
• Missing expansion gaps - composite panels expand and contract with temperature. Without proper edge gaps the floor may buckle
• Drilling into the balcony slab - every hole potentially breaches waterproofing and risks flooding the flat below
• Cutting with a saw on the balcony - dust, noise, uneven edges. The neighbours won't be pleased
• Buying excess materials - without precise calculation you buy by guesswork, usually too much, and returning boards is not always possible

What do you gain with professional installation?

• Guaranteed fit - LiDAR measurement + CNC = panels fit your balcony perfectly
• No waste - you buy exactly as much material as needed (plus a minimal safety reserve)
• No tools needed - you don't have to buy a saw, spirit level, tape measure or any other tools
• No stress - you don't wonder whether you measured correctly, whether the panels fit, whether the joist spacing is right
• Time - DIY installation is a weekend project. Professional installation is one hour

Price transparency

One of the most common concerns with a balcony renovation is uncertainty about costs. "How much will it really cost?" - that is the question we hear at every meeting.

That is why our model is simple:

1. Quick online quote - enter your balcony dimensions at balkonsetup.pl/szybka-wycena and get an approximate price in seconds
2. Binding quote after measurement - after the LiDAR measurement you get an exact, binding price
3. No hidden costs - the quoted price = the final price. No surcharges for "non-standard shape", "difficult access" or "additional materials"
4. Payment after installation - you pay the rest only when you see the finished result

You don't need to compare prices at five wholesalers, calculate how many joists to buy or wonder if they will fit in your car. You get one price for the complete service - materials, CNC machining and installation.

Post-installation care

Composite flooring is virtually maintenance-free. You don't need to oil, varnish, impregnate or paint it. But a few simple rules will help keep it in perfect condition for years.

• Regular sweeping - once a week remove leaves, dust and small debris. This prevents moisture building up in the gaps
• Washing with water and mild detergent - once a month or two. Ordinary washing-up liquid diluted in water is enough. Don't use a pressure washer on full power
• Removing stains promptly - grease, wine, coffee - the sooner you remove the stain, the easier it cleans. Composite panels don't absorb liquids like wood, but prolonged exposure can leave a mark
• Snow and ice - in winter remove excess snow with a plastic shovel. Don't use metal tools or road salt. Composite panels handle frost without any problem
• Garden furniture - put felt pads under chair and table legs to avoid scratches when moving them

Frequently asked questions

Can I install the floor on old tiles?

Yes - the joist system is laid directly on the existing surface. There is no need to remove old tiles, which saves time, money and hassle. The surface just needs to be stable with water drainage ensured.

Will the floor survive a Polish winter?

WPC composite panels are designed to work in temperatures from -40 to +60 degrees Celsius. They don't crack from frost or warp from heat. The joist system allows free thermal expansion.

Can the floor be removed later?

Yes - the system is "floating" (not drilled into the slab). If needed, you can disassemble the floor, repair the waterproofing and reinstall it. The joists are not permanently fixed to the screed.

How do I choose a panel pattern?

We have a wide range of patterns - from light to dark, from smooth to textured. Our specialist will show you physical samples during the measurement visit and help match a pattern to your facade colour and interior style. You don't need to decide before the visit.

Summary

A balcony renovation doesn't have to be complicated, time-consuming or stressful. With BalkonSetup the whole process looks like this:

1. You book a free measurement online - 2 minutes
2. Meeting at your place: the specialist measures the balcony with LiDAR and helps you choose a pattern - 30-45 minutes
3. You receive a binding quote on the spot during the meeting
4. You accept and pay the deposit - 5 minutes
5. We prepare materials in the workshop - a few working days
6. Express installation - about 1 hour, no drilling, no mess
7. Handover and final payment - when you see the finished result

You know the price before work begins. You pay the rest after installation. No surprises. This is a renovation that doesn't give you a headache - the only pain is that you didn't do it sooner.