Practicalities first - and having checked the height of the surrounding wall and railing, and the door sills opening out onto the area, we were able to install wooden decking (think boats!) laid so that the boards pointed out towards the view, which gave the short and wide space more depth.

The decking sections were simply laid on top of extra ones underneath, running the other way to act as joists, with small gaps in between to allow surface water to drain away.

This low-level surface allowed the wall and railing to remain at a safe height, and was lightweight enough to be practical for use on a balcony. Suddenly the floor area became warm and inviting.

Lighting >