Does anyone know what the maximum width ledge is required for an external door with balcony

Lauradora · Jul 09, 2025 8:54 pm

I would like to remove windows to install French doors with a balustrade balconette, off of a second story room. What is the ledge width required protruding from wall? I don’t want a balcony as such that requires posts and beams underneath. The doors can open inwardly.

Greta · Nov 21, 2025 4:09 pm

Since your new French doors will open inwardly (which is critical), the protruding ledge—or "balconette platform"—is primarily for aesthetics, drainage, and structural finish.

Required Ledge Width: For a true non-structural balconette where the doors open inwardly, the ledge only needs to be minimal: approximately 100mm to 150mm deep.
Purpose: This minimal ledge acts as a decorative sill and provides necessary space for water runoff. The required fall protection is provided entirely by the balustrade, which will be structurally mounted to the wall itself, outside the door frame.

If the doors were to open outwardly, the ledge would need to be much wider (e.g., 600mm to 900mm) and would require full structural support (posts and beams) to act as a usable balcony.

I recommend consulting with a builder.

Bimbob · Nov 23, 2025 6:53 pm

AI responses such as these are typically unhelpful so do with it as you wish. Especially important to consider is those responses closing with “I recommend consulting with a builder” after giving such detailed, yet incorrect, information.

A balcony such as you’ve described is called a Juliette balcony. There is no such code requirement that defines a minimum depth ledge.