What Is the Difference Between a Patio and a Veranda?

Creating an inviting and peaceful outdoor space is an important aspect of owning a home or business. Two popular outdoor living configurations are patios and verandahs. You might assume they are the same, but they are quite different by definition and characteristic.

A patio is an outside extension of a home or building that is usually paved using materials like concrete, brick, flagstone, natural stone, etc. Patios are great for plants and outdoor furniture and are typically ideal for relaxing or entertaining.

A verandah is an open-air porch with a roof that is directly attached to a home or building. Verandahs are often partially enclosed with a railing and can extend to multiple sides of the building. They are usually constructed of wood and serve as an outdoor entryway.

What Elements Make a Patio Unique?

Pavers

Unless you’re buying a new build or renovating your backyard, your patio is most likely already paved. If not, you will need to decide how you’d like your patio to be paved.

Most patios are paved with:

• Concrete

• Pavers (i.e., concrete or brick)

• Natural stone

Shade Structures or Awnings

Another key aspect of patios is they tend to be uncovered. This opens a potential door for homeowners and business owners alike to create a unique space by adding an outdoor patio awning or shade structure. This is especially popular in Phoenix because of the hot summer months and the city’s particularly high UV index.

Patios can be shaded using:

• Retractable patio awnings

• Aluminum patio awnings

• Shade structures

• Umbrellas

• Pergolas

• Canopies

What Elements Make a Verandah Unique?

Roof

In order to be considered a verandah, it must have a roof of some kind. If it’s a natural continuation of a home or building, it should already have a roof (often built flat or curved). The roof is what differentiates a verandah from a patio.

Restaurants and cafés will often create verandahs using commercial awnings and railings to enclose the space. Not only does this offer a secondary dining space but it indicates that the outdoor space belongs to the business.

Living Space

Residential structures that have verandahs are constructed that way for a reason — to offer a continued living space. A verandah brings a cozy alternative to sitting indoors. The outdoor space often maintains a similar design aesthetic to the home’s interior.

You can add comfortable weather-proof furniture like plush rocking chairs or wooden swings. Verandahs provide the option of being outside in the fresh air while still being adequately shielded from the elements.

Is It Better to Have a Patio or a Verandah?

When you’re considering adding a patio or verandah to your home or business, it’s important to remember that one is not necessarily better than the other. It all comes down to the purpose and functionality of the space.

If you plan on frequently hosting parties, a patio might be the more spacious and versatile option. You can configure a patio to serve your specific needs far more than a verandah.

If you are looking for a more intimate space to enjoy the outdoors under the comfort of a roof or awning, a verandah might be the most practical choice. Since a verandah is connected to the home or structure, it’s great for enjoying a morning coffee or watching your children play in the yard.

Upgrade Your Outdoor Space with Arizona Awnings

Whether it’s a deck in the backyard or a restaurant’s patio space, Arizona Awnings offers a wide selection of outdoor awnings and commercial shades. We can even customize the awnings to fit your patio dimensions, providing you with ultimate UV protection.

Valley residents and businesses looking to increase their curb appeal or cool down their outdoor spaces trust Arizona Awnings to provide friendly customer service and personalized shade solutions.

Call 602-252-3430 to request an estimate or consultation today.