How to build a wind shelter on apartment balcony?

[Bells]

The balcony has metal railings and is 1.8 cm across and 1.12 high. We would like something to attach to the railings to provide wind shelter for pot plants. The wind is predominantly north to south, ie, the short ends of the balcony, as above. 

[EricL]

Hello @Bells

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your apartment balcony.

Would it be possible for you to post a picture of your balcony? This will give our members a chance to assess the anchoring points on your balcony. We can then make recommendations on how to cover your balcony. Generally, I would recommend using Shade Cloth in combination with Cable Ties. This would often be enough to buffer the wind without causing turbulence on your balcony. But without enough anchoring points, it will not work.

We look forward to seeing the pictures.

Eric

[Jason]

Hi @Bells,

Let me also extend a very warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's great to have you join us.

Please let me know if you need a hand with uploading some photos so we can assist further with your screening project.

Thanks,

Jason

[Bells]

Hi @EricL,

Here are those requested photos. 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Bells,

It appears that @EricL's suggestion of cable-tieing shadecloth to the railing would work well in your situation. You might like to contact your body corporate to ensure any additions to the balcony will be allowed. It would be a shame to go to the effort of putting something up to be told it doesn't comply. Shadecloth is likely a good option as, unlike many screening panels, it shouldn't present a climbing hazard for small children. Please remember that anything you affix to your balustrade can't provide additional hand or foot holes and be climbable.

I notice in the background of your photo that the neighbouring property has used taller pots and screening plants. That could work. The same rules apply about climbing hazards; having pots next to a balcony railing that allows a small child to climb onto them and over the railing is typically not a great idea. You might not have children, but if someone stops around for a visit with one and you forget about the climbing hazard, that's when it's a concern.

Please let us know what you think about the shadecloth idea and if you have any questions.

Mitchell