Types Of Verandahs
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There are lots of reasons for wanting to build a veranda onto your home, and there are also plenty of different types to choose from. But the one thing that you are sure to get as a result of your efforts – regardless of what type, size or style you choose – is the satisfaction of having a brand new area of your home to enjoy.
Once you have worked out the amount of space you can devote to this new addition, you will need to decide what style you want to opt for. The one you eventually choose may depend on what kind of property you have and how you want to make use of the space.
Here are a few examples of the verandahs you can have:
Types Of Patios
If you are looking to build a patio in your back garden you will need to decide what kind of patio you want to go for. The type you choose will make a big difference to how the finished patio will look, so it pays to think about the kind of environment you are putting it into and how it will weather over time.
Patios can be made from several different types of material. Brick is a good choice if you want your patio to have an elaborate design, because you can make many different kinds of patterns with them. Herringbone designs in particular can look very effective.
Flagstones also look extremely good and you can get these ready made in specific designs as well if you wish. They also have a classic feel to them that can look good in any garden.
Types Of Hanging Outdoor Plants
One of the best parts of having a garden is that you can build up a wonderful array of foliage and flowers to brighten it up all the year round. From a lush green lawn, to wonderful vibrant flowerbeds and planters, there is a lot you can do to transform an otherwise lifeless garden into a stunning swathe of scenery to look at and enjoy all year round.
If you have an outdoor pergola or other structure that you want to liven up a bit, you might think that you are restricted to having a variety of pots scattered here and there, but don’t forget the power of hanging plants to soften up the whole thing as well.
Hanging baskets make a great addition to any home, and you can use them in a number of ways to create different effects. The types of plants you use make a lot of difference to the final result, so choose carefully and plan the contents of each one before you begin.
Patios And Hot Tubs
If you are lucky enough to live in an area that enjoys good weather for much of the year, then you should consider decking out your garden with a patio and a hot tub.
Hot tubs are a wonderful excuse for getting out in the garden more often, and with care they can be designed to blend into their surroundings so they don’t stick out as an eyesore.
If you already have a patio then you will need to have a hot tub built to sit on top of it. Look for a suitable area to place it in; somewhere that is partially shaded by trees can be a good option, but be wary of overhanging trees since these can lead to unwanted accidents with birds!
If you don’t already have a patio then you have a superb opportunity to create something that is truly unique and built to complement the best that your garden has to offer. A patio that is designed to be enjoyed on more than one level allows for the construction of a hot tub that fits in perfectly with the design, and instead of climbing into it you will be able to step down into it instead.
Patio Fire Pits
The long summer evenings mean we have even more time to enjoy our outdoor spaces, and if you have your own veranda to relax on then you will find it easy to spend more and more time outside in the fresh air.
Of course this kind of area is just the beginning of how to enjoy your garden. It takes a few finishing touches to really make it desirable and more stunning to the eye. One great example of how to make the most of your patio area or veranda is by adding a fire pit to your overall design.
Fire pits are exactly what they sound like – a manmade pit in which you can build a roaring fire to keep you warm during the late summer evenings. But instead of being built on the ground they are now designed in a modern way, using materials such as stainless steel and cast iron to create a free standing structure that can be placed wherever you wish.
Styles vary considerably, ranging from ultra modern designs to more basic fire pits are more traditional in appearance. Some of them also have built in grills which allow you to use them as a simple kind of barbecue – and there is nothing quite like tasting a burger cooked over a flaming fire pit!
Differences Between Patios And Verandahs
Everyone likes to make the best of their back gardens, but there are a number of ways to do it and some of these involve having a permanent structure added to your home.
Some people get confused when faced with whether to go for a patio or a veranda, since the difference isn’t always that well known. An outdoor patio is made of a hard material such as brick or tiles, and can range in size from being quite a small area to a very large one depending on the amount of space available and the needs of the owners.
Outdoor verandahs differ from patios in that they are always covered areas which are attached to the building. By contrast a patio can often be uncovered, but a veranda will always have some kind of roof – possibly fixed or sometimes with retractable sections so that you can still enjoy the sun if you want to.
If you are in a position of trying to decide which one you would prefer, you need to think about what your individual needs are to be able to make the right decision. For example a veranda will be attached to the rear of your property and can extend round the side as well if you have the room. It is also ideal if you like to stay outside but don’t like the sun too much, as you can sit in the shaded areas all day. You will need to determine when and where the sun falls on the rear of your property before you decide how far out from your house the veranda should extend.
Cleaning Patio Awnings
Awnings are a great addition to any patio, whatever size or style you may have. You will notice the benefits particularly if the area is in direct sunlight for much of the day, since the awning will help to keep it shaded and more usable for longer.
But just as with any other external fixture to your home, an awning will need cleaning from time to time and if you want to keep it looking at its best you will need to do this on a regular basis.
The first step should be to check the instructions given on the packaging that came with the awning itself. Different products may have different requirements so if the instructions give you specific steps to follow then you should certainly go along with these.
However most awnings have fairly similar needs and they are not complicated either. The frames should be wiped down with a soft clean cloth which is slightly damp, to remove any dirt that the wind kicks up during the day. If you do this regularly there shouldn’t be any need for any hard scrubbing.
Adding Onto An Existing Patio
Not everyone starts from scratch when it comes to adding a home patio onto their property. If you have moved into a property which already has a patio in place, it can sometimes be easier to add another section onto it, rather than ripping up what is already there.
But before you do anything you should take some time to work out what you would like to do. Make a start by sketching out a rough plan of your entire garden to scale, and mark in any features that you would like to keep in place, or that are permanent anyway.
Lightly sketch out your existing patio and then work out what you would do if you added a section onto it. Would you need to extend it in a certain direction? Would that affect any features you already have, such as flowerbeds and perhaps part of the lawn?
Plants To Attract Birds And Wildlife
There’s arguably nothing more relaxing than sitting back in a lounger, protected by the shade of your veranda, and looking out onto your garden. If you take the time to landscape your garden thoughtfully and artistically you will be able to enjoy many a day looking at the fruits of your labours.
But if you plant the right things you can enjoy even more than that. Every garden can be a haven for birds and wildlife, and if you take the time to find out the best items to plant to attract their attention, they will soon come and explore your garden and give you even more joys to watch as you sit back and relax.
No matter where you live, you will have a unique habitat just waiting to come into your garden. Just as we humans prefer certain habitats to others, so birds and wildlife are exactly the same. That’s why it’s worth finding out what you might expect to see in your particular area. From birds to butterflies, and bees to pond life, your garden can welcome them all if you know what to plant to attract them.
Veranda Repair
Just like any other part of your home, your veranda will probably need some repairs from time to time. This is especially true given the fact that it is open to the elements, and sometimes a good rain storm or high winds can be all it takes to warrant having to get outside to repair any damage which may have occurred.
While it’s good to do any repairs as soon as they are needed in order to prevent any problems from getting worse, it’s also important to make sure that you are able to do what’s required. If you are unsure of anything then it is always best to get the experts in. Making a shoddy repair yourself can actually make the damage worse.
It’s obvious that repairs will be necessary now and again even if you are lucky enough to escape a lot of bad weather. Wooden fixtures may need re-staining to prevent them from rotting, and the simple process of aging will require regular upkeep to ensure your veranda always looks as good as the day it was first installed. Even when wood isn’t involved you will need to keep an eye on your roof and the supporting structure to make sure it remains in good condition.