A Short History of the Veranda
Verandas (or verandahs) have become a part of the Australian national psyche. Although, verandas and other covered outdoor areas have been an important part of world architecture for hundreds of years. While a traditional veranda usually encompasses a large portion of the outside of a house there are other alternatives such as patios and pergolas.
The Origins of the Word
The word ‘verandah’ is purported to have originated from India with a meaning that covered a number of outdoor extensions of a home. There were also similar sounding words originating in Spain and Portugal: baranda as well as a barandilla. It was only later in Australian early architecture that the term ‘veranda’ became synonymous with the covered area, held up by balustrades, around a single structure (usually a house).
How to Make an Undercover Children’s Play Area
If you have your own children or kids that visit your home regularly you are probably concerned about sun exposure especially during the summer months. Without pergolas or other cover children and adults alike are exposed to harmful ultra-violet rays when they are outside. While kids will need a little time in the sun for their vitamin D if they spend a lot of time outside you might want to consider installing an undercover children’s play area.
Upgrading Your Outdoor Area
The simplest way to upgrade your outdoor area to make a sun safe play spot is to install patios or something similar. While sun sails are a bit cheaper they are much more prone to weathering can often be torn down by strong winds if not installed properly. The first step in creating your children’s new play area is deciding on the right form of covering.
This is because there will be minimal construction work involved and if you start with the play equipment and installation of lawn or other surfaces they might be damaged. Plan everything and you will have a lot less headaches as you complete your project. So not only choose your covering you will use but decide on everything else you need before you begin construction. You should also seek quotes first so that you have a good idea what the entire project will cost including DIY solutions.
Should You Pave Beyond Your Patio?
Upgrading your outdoor area will usually start with installing some sort of cover for your entertainment area. You can choose from patios and other forms of cover and you will usually have this paved underneath. This allows you to easily keep the area cleaning with sweeping, or with a pressure cleaner. It is also important to note that because an area is covered there may not be enough light to keep grass growing strongly.
While patios, pergolas and other outdoor covering are suited for paving do you need to extend this beyond your covered area? The answer will be quite personal and usually depend on the look, style and usage you get from your outdoor area. Some people simple love lawns and so the thought of paving over all of it is simply not possible.
Paving a Covered Area
Paving under a covered area such as a patio, pergola or awning will make for a more even surface which is ideal for entertaining. It is best to have your outdoor covering installed first so that you do not have your paving damaged during construction. This is particularly important if you plan to use better paving such as slate, which can be marked, or sandstone that can be broken more easily.
What’s the Difference Between a Patio and a Pergola?
Patios and pergolas are easy to mix up and the main difference between them is the materials used in their construction. While patios are solid structures with supports (like pergolas) they are constructed with steel which is more durable and lasts longer. Pergolas on the other hand, are made of treated timber and can require more regular maintenance because of exposure.
What is a Patio?
A patio is built with timber and is held up with at least four supports and can come with a variety of roofing. The timber can be stained or painted in different colours to match your house as well. Due to weathering, the timber construction does mean you will have to give it some TLC every now and again with a fresh coat of paint or sealing it with oil.
Patios work great if you ave some budget constraints that won’t allow you to buy a steel pergola. It can also suit some older style houses a little better because of its wood construction. If they are maintained properly they will last a very long time.
What is a Pergola ?
Different Outdoor Coverings for Your Unique Situation
When it comes time to upgrade your outdoor area the first thing you probably think of is patios or other coverings. An outdoor area is best utilised in good weather but if you have covering then you can use it all year round without worry. While you will still want an uncovered area outside to enjoy the sunshine it is also important to be able to relax outdoors if it is extremely hot or raining.
So what kind of outdoor covering can you use in your backyard or courtyard?
- Pergolas – Wooden structure providing good, basic cover.
- Patios – Like a pergola except built with a steel frame providing a longer life.
- Sunroof – These are becoming an increasingly popular way to let the sun shine in or protect against the rain.
- Verandas – Traditional verandas are quite simple and an Australian way of life especially in summer.
- Retractable Awnings – A cheaper alternative to a sunroof, an awning will allow you to retract it when you are not using it.
Heating and Cooling Your Outdoor Area
An outdoor area tends not to be used as much in the cooler months so this ends up being a completely wasted part of your house. If you have installed new pergolas then you want to enjoy them for as much of the year as possible. So how can patios be kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer?
There are two options for really improving the heating or cooling of your outdoor area:
- Opening up the area to cool it down;
- Closing it off to keep it warm;
- Installing a heater;
- Installing fans or other cooling systems.
Simpler Ways to Add Value to Your Home
Your home is not just a place to live but an investment lined with the equity you might need to upgrade or even retire. So it pays to do some renovations but if you are on a budget the consider some more budget ways of improving your home. One way is adding pergolas or perhaps just updating patios to give your home extra space to enjoy.
These types of investment add property value to your home as well as personal value as you and your family can enjoy them. Remember, if it ever comes time to sell, adding things you enjoy means that potential buyers will see the value there as well. It is also not just about adding to your home but maintaining what you already have.
Improving Your Outdoor Area
Best Outdoor Entertaining Ideas
We all love a good party and if you have installed a new pergola then you probably want to show it off! But to truly take advantage of that new outdoor living space you will want to have everything set up first and figure out what type of party you want to have. It also pays to take a look at the weather so you can plan for any eventuality.
If you have a big back yard then you can accommodate a lot more people than if you only have a small outdoor area and a patio. Either way you will need the right equipment which will usually mean a barbecue as well as table and chairs for everyone to mingle. Also, don’t forget something to keep the drinks cold!
Best BBQs Money Can Buy
Bringing Your Garden on to the Patio
You might have a garden in the backyard as well as some indoor plants, but what about the space in between? If you have a veranda or a patio then you will want to introduce some greenery to add colour as well as life to your outdoor entertaining area. It also offers you the chance to use slightly different plants in an undercover area and even experiment with more exotic indoor plants.
What Type of Outdoor Area
If you don’t have patios or pergolas yet then this should be the first thing you need to consider. Not only does this provide for a great outdoor entertaining area, it can help you create your very own garden of Eden. Your outdoor area should flow on from your home and there are lots of colours and styles you can choose from.
What Makes a Great Aussie Home?
The great Australian dream has always been considered owning your own home and personalising it. It seems that we may have the idea of a quarter acre block with a three bedroom house in the back of our minds but those days are past. Now, a great Aussie home is what you make it but there are still some common factors affecting what we purchase and how we upgrade our accommodation.
The Australian home is getting smaller in the city areas but the family home has continued to be popular in other areas. The key to a great Aussie home is in how liveable it is and how good it is for entertaining. As a very sociable nation having patios and pergolas to entertain under is extremely important.
Your Outdoor Area
