With more time than ever spent at home over the last year, many of us have started to consider home renovations and upgrades. One of the most valuable, cost-effective and functional ways to upgrade your home is with a brand-new outdoor living area under a verandah, patio or pergola.
Pergola vs Verandah vs Patio Which Should You Choose?
But what is the difference between a pergola, patio or verandah and what these three terms mean, and which option is the best for choosing in your home? Keeping reading to find out…
Verandah
A favourite for so many Australians, the verandah is arguably the most popular outdoor structure. Verandahs are installed over a ground level living area or raised deck, feature a roof and are often connected to the existing house – at the back, front or side of a property.
What defines a verandah is the roof, which is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors but want to remain protected from the elements. While traditionally verandahs were considered narrower and smaller than their patio and pergola counterparts, these days a myriad of shapes and sizes are available to suit any home.
The structure of a verandah means that you can also add a range of features including outdoor kitchens, cooling options (like ceiling fans), blinds and even remote-controlled louvres to the roof. A well-designed verandah will undoubtedly add value to your home and create an additional living space that can be used all year round.
Patio
A patio is the simplest structure of the three – in fact, it doesn’t even have to include a roof! A patio can refer to a simple paved space used for outdoor dining, entertaining and other recreational activities.
Unlike a verandah, a patio doesn’t have to be connected to the home and can be located on any part of your property. Generally built from concrete, stone or timber, patios can be one of the least expensive options for outdoor entertaining and are generally quite easy to maintain.
Pergola
A pergola is a kind of shelter often placed in the thick of the garden. This is largely what separates pergolas from patios and verandahs – they are designed to connect seamlessly with your garden. This is reflected in the structure – a combination of beams and lattice, which can be draped with foliage and vines to create an earthy look. A lattice-like structure can be used in lieu of a roof, with plants not only creating a stunning aesthetic effect but providing much-needed shade from the sun.
Pergolas can work on their own as spaces for leisure or serve as leafy pathways to bigger verandahs or patios. They’re also the perfect antidote if your garden is on the small side and you want to create a more inviting outdoor space, full of luscious greenery.
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Wondering whether a verandah, patio or pergola is the best option for your home? Get in touch with the expert team at Innovative Verandahs today and let’s chat about your unique project.
