Balcony catio (concept)
Balconies are where many city cats would love to be — and where a mistake has the highest consequences. OpenCatio3D lets you explore balcony designs as concepts and is explicit about what needs a professional and your landlord.
Why concept only
- Falls from height: a gap or failure is far more serious than at ground level
- Guardrails must not be altered or weakened
- Fixings into building structure need the owner’s permission and often an engineer
- Leases, HOA rules and fire-escape routes apply
Using the concept
Design the layout, try shelves and shade, and print a concept sheet to discuss with your landlord, building manager or a builder. Freestanding mesh frames that do not fix to the building are often the starting point for that conversation.
In the planner: Balcony (concept)
Concept only Designs and checks run; no build package is issued.
| Starts at | 7 ft 10 in × 3 ft 11 in × 7 ft 3 in high |
|---|---|
| Depth | 2 ft – 8 ft 2 in |
| Height above ground | 6 ft 7 in – 98 ft 5 in |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in – 8 ft 10 in |
| Front height | 5 ft 11 in – 8 ft 10 in |
| Width | 3 ft 3 in – 19 ft 8 in |
Sizes outside these limits fall back to concept-only.
In the beta
- Balcony concept template
- Mandatory professional/landlord review flag
Questions
Can I use tension rods or netting on a balcony?
Some products are designed for this, and some landlords allow them. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your building’s rules; the planner cannot assess those products.
Related
Design your catio in your browser
Free to design and check. Fit a catio to your wall, window and yard, run the safety checks, and see the materials list before you buy a single board.