Block Work Planter on Balcony?

[xverbx]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post here, but thanks for all the info I have gleaned over the years.

I am planing to install some planters and seating on my little balcony / terrace and then lay new decking. I want to build the planters and the front / base of the benches out of block (aggregate I guess) and the render them.

The balcony is just covered in sanded roofing felt with the current deck siting on that, with drainage in the front.

Can I just build the planters straight on the roof? and if so how do I allow room for drainage? I was thinking I could leave a space between the first row of blocks (kind of castled on the bottom) so water can drain through. Is that just stupid?

Any advice would help here! Thanks.

Untitled

• xverbx
• 19 Mar 2012
• 1

Untitled

• xverbx
• 19 Mar 2012
• 1

 

[r896neo]

How is your balcony constructed? have you any idea how heavy block built rendered planters filled with wet compost will be?

 

[xverbx]

Thanks for replying.

The balcony is part of the 2nd floor of the house, timber joists spaced at 450mm I think, in short sections between a steel beams and the party wall with the house next door. So the joists supporting the balcony are about 2120mm long, the balcony its self measures 2120mm x 2080mm. I am pretty sure it's all topped off with 22mm chipboard, a layer of ply, dpm, a couple layers of roofing felt, and then the current deck is sitting on 45mm x 45mm beams which in turn, are just sitting on the felt.

What I am thinking is a planter roughly 450mm x 550mm on either end of an L-shaped bench. We were wanting the face of the bench and planters to be rendered block, with the bench its self hollow for storage. We plan to make the top / seating part of the bench out of the 90mm x 22mm balau decking.

I wasn't really worried about weight, as my better half has some very heavy planters out there right now, I think it might actually weigh less with the block!

Thanks again, any help is appreciated.
cheers

 

[r896neo]

I'll take your word for it weight wise but be warned!

Your other major problem is that timber decking or even the structural roof deck is a terrible base for masonary. Block work might crack as it moves destroying your hard work. A better bet might by loose laid systems which are stuck with adhesive such as these

http://www.bmfencing.co.uk/store/product_details.vc?productId=408&categoryId=80