Porch, Patio, Lanai, Veranda: What’s The Difference in Outdoor Spaces?
Living
No matter the season, it’s always great to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your own home. Can’t you just picture yourself relaxing on your lanai with a cool drink and sitting on your cushiony patio furniture? Or are you relaxing on your porch surrounded by deck décor? Wait, maybe it was your veranda. Really… what’s the difference between all these outdoor spaces?
They certainly sound similar to each other and they’re often used interchangeably, only making them more confusing. Like so many terms in real estate however, they have different meanings in different parts of the country depending on who’s doing the describing. They do have some clear differences; so, let’s take a look around.
Porch
The porch is an extension to the exterior of a house (front, back or side), generally at the same level as the floor inside. It usually has a wood floor with a roof but the sides may be open, screened, glassed or have lattice. A porch can be the size and style of a full room, with furniture for relaxing or dining with materials that are generally compatible with the home’s decor.
Veranda
The veranda (or verandah) is a large porch that’s a room for entertaining usually running along one or more sides of the home. Think of a Victorian style home with the wrap-around. You’ll typically see a veranda with a roof; enclosed with a railing.
Patio
The patio is typically a paved outdoor space adjacent to a home. It may use pavers, brick, stone, pebbles or concrete (if it’s made of wood, it would be called a deck). The term comes from Spanish where its meaning is different (inner courtyard). Often decorated with plants and outdoor furniture; it’s used for relaxing, recreation or dining.
Deck
The deck is a flat wood platform adjoining a house, redwood and cedar are the most common material used. Decks are a common DIY project and can include spaces for BBQing, lounging and dining. They are usually roofless but can be covered by a canopy or pergola and often built to take advantage of a beautiful view.
Lanai
The lanai can be mistaken as a roofed porch or veranda; considering it’s actually the Hawaiian word for patio or balcony – it’s quite confusing. A lanai is a typical term in a tropical climate and generally is furnished like a room. It may have removable panels of glass, screen or plastic and usually has a hard-surface floor, similar to a patio.
Starting an Outdoor Project?
So, there you go. Now we’re going to go back outside and sweep our patio as we daydream about what style of furniture will go best as we’re building our new wooden deck.
Before starting a project, check with local zoning laws. Some counties require blueprints and an official approval from the city, along with period inspections during the building process. This approval process might determine whether your project becomes a deck, patio, porch, etc.
