Balcony refurbishment: costs, process and what you can do yourself

Balcony renovation is usually due when tiles sound hollow, joints break out, or damp patches and spalling appear on the underside. Acting early saves money: once the concrete slab is soaked through, it becomes considerably more expensive.

Typical process

1. Survey: Check the floor covering, slope, waterproofing and condition of the edge.
2. Strip-out: remove the old covering and damaged edge finishes.
3. Substrate: form the slope (approx. 1.5–2%) and close cracks.
4. Fit the edge profile – with corners, connectors and wall end pieces.
5. Waterproofing apply it and run it over the profile leg.
6. New covering: tiles bonded in thin-bed adhesive, slabs on pedestals, resin or stone carpet.

What do the costs depend on?

• Area and edge length – the length of the open edges determines the number of profiles, corners and connectors.
• Floor build-up – slabs on pedestals are quick to lay and can be removed without adhesive; tiles in thin-bed adhesive are lower.
• Drainage – a balcony gutter with downpipe costs more than a drip edge but protects the surfaces below.
• Condition of the substrate – concrete repair is often the largest and hardest item to plan.
• DIY work – strip-out and preparatory work can often be done yourself.

Labour costs vary greatly depending on region and the condition of the balcony – get several quotes for this. The material costs for the edge finish can, on the other hand, be calculated precisely:

Calculate material costs

Example with current prices: Balcony 4 m × 1.5 m with tiles · Terrace 5 m × 3 m on pedestals.

Tip for tradespeople

With a trade account you receive volume pricing, net prices and purchase on invoice. You can pass on material lists from the calculator to your customers as a PDF with a QR code.