Balcony fix

[tecbrowidow]

The balconies in my flat have wooden decking with gaps in, so it's really easy for stuff to get dropped down to the balcony below. It's our only outdoor space and I'd like to use them more with my 3 year old. What can I do to stop stuff falling through the gaps? Some things I'd like to be able to do:

• let my daughter bring any toy she wants outside, not just toys which won't fall through the gaps
• let her splash in a paddling pool out there
• grow plants

We've tried AstroTurf, but it blows around in the wind and also gets really dirty.

An outdoor rug?
The foam jigsaw mats that slot together?

Outdoor rug weighted down with plant pots. It will get dirty but that’s life.

what is below if stuff does fall down?

I wondered about foam matting but you need to think about drainage. If you waterproof it against splashes from a paddling pool there is a risk it'll flood in the rain.

My initial thoughts was decking tiles so the gaps are small (while still allowing for drainage) and limit the tiniest toys. If anything does fall through, chances are it's be caught by the decking underneath so you can lift up the mat to get to it. As well, put a groundsheet or picnic mat down under the paddling pool. I have always done this anyway to protect the pool from any splinters etc.

decking tiles example https://www.diy.com/departments/nicoman-composite-interlocking-mosaic-decking-tiles-light-grey-30cm-x-30cm-pack-of-10-tiles/5061050492813_BQ.prd

There are also these which look less gappy, but think about drainage and also I would be very wary of adding height because in effect that makes the safety rail lower. https://www.diy.com/departments/klikstrom-angara-grey-composite-clippable-deck-tile-l-40cm-w-40cm-t-45mm/3663602613282_BQ.prd

Something like this? Holes would allow drainage, but might small enough, especially in top of the decking, to prevent stuff dropping through.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Interlocking-Floor-Camping-Boating-Caravan/dp/B001PKZB58/ref=ascdfB001PKZB58

ETA: or these, similar idea, less dark

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D16JF72X/ref=sspa_mw_detail_4

Thanks for all the ideas everyone

@parietalthe downstairs neighbour's balcony is below - so I really want to avoid having stuff drop down. We get our fair share of broken glass from upstairs balconies, so I know how annoying it is when people aren't careful to avoid things dropping through

It may be viewed negatively on Mumsnet but a rug may hold water against the wood but I've often noticed balconies with artificial grass as it does not soak up water and is permeable...