Balcony

[Wood spoiler]

Hi All
This is my first foray onto this forum as a refugee from the Woodturning one.
I am looking to build a 4m x 4m first floor balcony onto my home. Underneath the balcony will be our hot tub so I can't take any pillars down the centre. Would this jeopardise the integrity of the structure or could it be accomodated? Is this too big to make with only external supports?
I am happy to cut and erect the large balcony but don't know how to design or calculate timbers required.
I was thinking I would like to make it from green oak to minimise the numbers of pillars and bearers by using more substantial timbers.
I would love to hear from members with suggestions in the design for specifications to take to a sawmill.
If anyone has sample plans or ideas, that would be a great help
Thanks in advance for any help, suggestions, recommendations or advice that can be offered

 

[Mcluma]

You need planning permission and building reg

And probably steel beams

 

[Rob Platt]

4m is not a huge span but you still require some professional assistance with regard to loadings ground conditions etc. I`d be more worried if you were putting your hot tub on it otherwise it seems a straight forward job. However I assume that as its 4mx4m there`s more than just a balcony planned.
All the best
Rob

 

[Wood spoiler]

4m is not a huge span but you still require some professional assistance with regard to loadings ground conditions etc. I`d be more worried if you were putting your hot tub on it otherwise it seems a straight forward job. However I assume that as its 4mx4m there`s more than just a balcony planned.
All the best
Rob

Hi

It is intended to be dual purpose. Access from our bedroom to survey surroundings but by the time the wife gets involved probably to carry more planters! and secondly to act as a screen/ cover to the hot tub to shield from weather. We live in rural setting so view over field and woods can be enjoyed. The size is determined by area to cover hot tub with appropriate margin. although likely to be 4m across the final dimension from the rear face of the house is likely to be a bit less than the quoted 4m.

 

[joiner_sim]

Planning permission will be required. I think timbers may not be good enough on their own. What I'd consider doing if you want a timber frame work is... Get it erected professionally with steel frame work/ beams. Then clad with your chosen timber, 18-25mm thick.

 

[Rob Platt]

As has been said planning and building regs approval will be required. Find a structural engineer explain in detail what you want and see what they come up with. Ideally you want one who has some sympathy with what you want rather than having something that looks like the ground floor of a multi storey car park. But you will need one to design the build to take into consideration all of the extra loads etc put onto the existing building.
All the best
Rob

 

[Wood spoiler]

Thanks for suggestions.

Off to find a structural engineer to discuss.