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).

Because of the wide range of meanings related to veranda, it has come to mean many types of outdoor covered areas that extend from a house. So while many of us think of the ‘traditional’ veranda, there are many other types that fall into this category. Almost anything that extends from the roof to form a covered outdoor area could be considered a veranda.

Variations in Architecture

While a traditional Australian veranda is around a house there are slight variations depending on the area that they were built. The traditional ‘Queenslander’ is one of the best examples of early Australian outdoor areas with a veranda stretching around the entire house. This type of house is unique because of the tall stilts it is built upon and its open plan style, many with French style bi-fold doors.

The other main type of early verandas were simply extensions of either the front or back roof of a house (or both). This allows for easy entertaining or just for sitting and watching the world go by. This style of outdoor area was also very popular among homesteads and early (often large) country homes featured verandas around the entire house.

Predominance in Australian Houses

The predominance of the veranda around Australian homes can be put down to the climate in Australia. Like other countries (India for example) where hot and often humid temperatures prevail this style of housing is great for making a home cooler. European style housing (whilst popular) would suffer intense heat because of the exposed walls of the building getting hit by the strong Australian sun.

The Future of the Verandah

While verandas did go out of style for a number of years in Australia for more ‘fashionable’ housing styles, they are coming back! This has been put down to the number of inefficient houses built over the last few decades that made the same mistakes early settlers did. By covering the walls and windows of a home in a hot area they become more environmentally friendly by requiring less energy to cool down.

Even newer styles of outdoor coverings (such as pergolas) help by preventing direct light and heat from entering the home. It will also provide a much needed, cool and comfortable place to relax in the heat of the Australian summer.

If you have the room in your backyard and don’t have one already, why not build a veranda? Verandas add value to your home, provide a place for friends, family and other guests to congregate, and give you a nice outdoor living area for all kinds of uses. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most important things you’ll need to keep in mind once you’ve made the decision to build a veranda.

Size matters

First and foremost, you need to decide how big you want your veranda to be. If you’re looking for a place where you and your family can relax with a nice book to enjoy the outdoor weather, you might want something small and cosy. If you’re looking for a venue where you can host parties and BBQs with many guests, then you’ll need to get something quite large. Of course, the dimensions of your backyard will play a large role in what you can achieve.

Pick a type

It goes without saying that there are hundreds of veranda designs you can choose from. Here are some of the best:

• Curved Roof Veranda: Adds a sense of style to your home. The smooth lines of the roof create an elegant canopy that your guests will love.
• Gable Veranda: Creates an open and rich feel for a wonderful outdoor entertainment area. Great to combine with a flat roof or pergola.
• Gazebo Veranda: The ultimate in charm and character. Works especially well when there are bay windows and hexagonal shapes in the roof design.
• Heritage Veranda: For great lengths and spans, the Heritage Veranda offers the perfect combination of style and versatility.
• Pergola: Creates a great open-air feel with plenty of light and fresh air. Many can even be designed with pergolas that can be opened or closed to keep out the rain. Pergolas also have the benefit of allowing climbing plants to grow, adding greenery to your backyard.
• Sunroof: Electronically designed to have the beams open when it’s sunny and closed when it’s raining, a sunroof is the perfect choice no matter what the weather conditions.

Get the appropriate permissions

Before adding a new structure like a veranda to your home, you’ll need to ensure you get permission from your local Council to build. Contact your local Council to find out the exact process, as this will vary from Council to Council. Often the company helping you to install your veranda will help take care of these things for you, taking some of the hassle out of the whole process. Definitely look for a company that is happy to help out in this regard.

Stick to your budget

Know how much you’re wanting to spend on your veranda before you go out and begin building. You’ll need to consider things such as size, type, materials and labour, and all of these can blow out if you don’t have a carefully considered plan. Consult with the company you have hired to build your veranda to help come up with a budget-friendly veranda that gives you exactly what you’re looking for.

Obviously, we love verandas . Probably more than most people, which is completely understandable, but as such, we have a unique insight into all the ways in which they can benefit your family, your home, and your life. We’ve taken the liberty of compiling our five favourite things about verandas for you here…oh, we could go on, but for now, five is enough! Enjoy…

Sustainability

A little-known benefit of a veranda but an increasingly important one is the way in which it can cool your home–without expensive air-conditioning bills! Adding an awning, pergola or veranda creates shelter from the hot sun, and placed in a strategic position, you can cut up to 40% off your cooling bills by preventing the sun’s heat from penetrating your house. A house that stays cool to begin with doesn’t need environmentally unfriendly methods to cool it down, making a veranda quite the sustainable option.

Aesthetics

There’s nothing quite like the charm and feeling of completion a veranda adds to a home. A wrap-a-round veranda just begs to be enjoyed with a cool drink as you watch the world go by, whereas other more modern styles add a touch of class and elegance that can’t be matched. Whatever style veranda you prefer, there’s no denying the beauty they add to a home’s exterior.

Entertainment

Australia’s sunny, warm climate lends itself perfectly to enjoying parties and barbecues with friends in the great outdoors. A veranda provides the perfect stopgap between the backyard and the house, a sheltered area in which you can enjoy nature without succumbing to its whims! Whether you’re hosting an elegant alfresco dinner party or a rollicking knees-up with forty of your nearest and dearest, it is a long held Australian tradition for the fun to take place on the family veranda.

Value

When prospective buyers look at the value of your home, verandas, pergolas and other additions can boost the value by up to $20,000. Not only does it give the house a more cosy, complete feel, but in many cases it functions as an additional room. Which brings us to our final point…

Space

Family living is great, but especially as the kids get older, you begin to need much more of your own space. Nothing relieves the trauma of living with surly teenagers than escaping with your beloved to the cool serenity of your veranda or balcony. The additional space that a veranda can provide is ideal for enjoying being at home without living on top of each other.

Like we said, we love verandas…can you tell?

The typical home of a young family will have at least three or four residents, all wanting their own space to do what they want. As the kids get older and start to want more independence, your average four-bedroom home can seem…well…a little cramped. Adding a veranda or pergola to your house creates, in essence, an extra room, which means that not only will the kids be able to spread out a little more, but the parents will be able to retreat outdoors to escape, which, when you have teenagers, is an essential aspect of family living! Here, we outline five great ways you could use a new veranda in your home.

Dining

Because we enjoy such a great climate here in Australia, dining ‘alfresco’ has become something we’ve adopted from the Italians. A veranda or pergola is essentially another dining room–all it needs is some basic outdoor furniture and voila–your family has an enjoyable alternative to eating dinner inside. 

Entertaining

Following on from utilising your new veranda as a dining room, it can prove an excellent entertaining space as well! Barbecues, parties, drinks and dinners can all be more enjoyable when they take place in the great outdoors, with a beautiful deck and stunning veranda to enhance the setting. If you enjoy entertaining, a veranda can change the game significantly, with more room, less worry about mess and a generally fun atmosphere your friends and neighbours will be drawn to.

Relaxation

Being ‘at one’ with nature isn’t always as relaxing as it seems. The ground is hard, there’s no electricity and fear of creepy crawlies usually wins out! With a veranda, you can enjoy nature and the outdoors while remaining perfectly comfortable–with furniture, lights and even music to aide in said relaxation. There’s little that compares to sitting out with a cool breeze and the sound of the birds while you watch the world go by with that special someone…

Kids

Kids need an area to play, and a veranda can provide just that, while ensuring they stay close to the house and in sight while they’re at it. You can even hang a swing from one of the beams and create their very own sheltered playground.

Aesthetics

Let’s be shallow for just a moment and think simply about the way a veranda or pergola  can transform the look of your home. Not only does it make an attractive enhancement, but when the time comes to sell, prospective buyers will be impressed by the ‘complete’ feel it lends to a home.

There are so many reasons to add a veranda to your home. We’ve just outlined five, but there is not limit to the ways a veranda can enhance your home and your family’s enjoyment.

Adding a veranda to your home not only adds value and improve the overall look of your home, it creates a space for entertaining, relaxing, for the kids to play or just to sit and watch the world go by. A veranda is a must-have for may Aussie homes, and if you’re are considering making the addition to your own house, there are a few things to take into consideration. Size, style and which materials you choose will all impact on the way your veranda looks and the way your family enjoys it, so we have put together a few tips on how to make those big decisions and get the most out of your new addition.

Size

When it comes to the size of the veranda you’re installing, you have to consider a few elements. First and foremost, the limitations of the property itself need to come into play. How much room do you have in your backyard? How much ‘yard’ do you want left after the installation is complete? Obviously the size to which your veranda can grow is limited by the size of your home itself, so be realistic in your calculations about how it will look when finished. Secondly, budget will come into play in terms of how big you can build. There are, however, may ways that you can still build a large veranda on a shoestring budget, so make sure you discuss all your options with a professional.

Finally, when making the decision about how big your veranda should be, you need to think about the ways in which you and your family will use it. Will it be solely for entertaining or will it serve as a play-area for the kids as well? Do you just want a space where you can relax with your spouse at sunset or will you be taking most of your family meals outside? These considerations are important, and will ensure you get the perfect veranda for your needs.

Style

In terms of style, there are so many options to choose from, such as

Flat-roofed

Curved

Gable

Gazebo

Pergola

Heritage

Hip End

…and many more. When considering which style to go with, it is best to think about the way it will interact with your home stylistically. The design elements of your house will combine with the design elements of your veranda to give an overall look, and keeping that look as consistent as possible will improve your overall aesthetic.

Materials

The materials used for your veranda can vary. Depending on your needs, you could have a roof made of clear plastic, solid corrugated iron, tin or even a sun-roof style shade design which can be alternated to let more or less light in. Consider your budget, the environment and the purpose to which you’ll be putting your new veranda before deciding on materials, and speak with an installation expert before cementing (no pun intended) your choice.

Choosing the ground surface on for your pergola area, home patio or veranda will have a large impact on the appearance of your outdoor area. You may also want to think about the function or the design aspect. Normal choices are pavers, wood or concrete. Here are some unique and interesting ideas with different functions and design in mind.

• Poured rubber. Often used in children’s play areas this rubber is installed much in the same fashion as concrete except it is poured in two layers. If your area is regularly used or intended to be used by children this is a great permanent and safe solution. Colour co-ordinate as you wish.

• Faux grass. Do you want to have that outdoor and natural look. Soft under the feet, allows for drainage and low maintenance. Great if you are looking for something that is not hard and has a natural look. This is readily available in a variety of tones and thicknesses. This product comes in easy to place tiles and is a convenient and creative solution.

• Broken tiles. Broken tiles can be added to concrete to create and interesting ground surface. If you have the time and inclination, you can make your ground surface a work of art, create a mosaic and recreate some famous architectural masterpieces.

• Slate. If you have the money then you will only need more skills to lay it. Polished slate is one of the more immaculate and popular patio floorings. It is not recommended that you try this one yourself as it takes great skill to install slate, so that it is not damaged easily in the future.

• Tactile Ground Surface Indicator. We see these a lot in public places to highlight areas of danger and prevent someone slipping. They come in many shapes and forms. They are also used to make a public area friendly to the blind. Modification of them can be used for a great futuristic look in your home above and beyond the safety needs that you are looking for.

• Micro etching. is a chemical solution designed to increase traction by creating microscopic channels in most hard mineral surfaces, such as; ceramic tile, quarry tile, granite, porcelain, and as well, steel enamel bathtubs. After the product is applied the water will disperse into the newly created microscopic channels and this will create a non-slip surface. A great way to have a surface that was previously unsafe and create that unique look.

• Polyurethane anti slip coating. polyurethane anti-slip protective coating cures to form a tough, abrasion resistant, flexible coating in an attractive textured finish. It normally is very resistant to heat, water, salt-water, impact and chemical resistant. Can be used for both human and vehicle traffic in carports.

If your veranda looks out onto a beach, a rolling grassy field, a landscaped garden or simply a pleasant natural setting, then of course you want to make the most of your view.

A veranda or patio can provide the perfect setting to enjoy and even frame your view. With a few stylish additions, your patio area can become a sanctuary to enjoy and enhance your view.

Try these five stylish solutions to make the most of your view:

1) Awning

It can be difficult to enjoy the view from your patio in any weather extremes. An awning or shaded pergola will allow you to enjoy your view rain, hail or shine. With so many different varieties available, you will be able to find one that suits your taste and budget. If you have an ocean view, why not try shade sails for a nautical theme. If you have a country or garden setting you could go for a traditional pergola with protective weather roofing. If your landscape were tropical, then perhaps a natural wood structure would blend in nicely. A city view would be framed perfectly by a slick, metal structure with shaded glass or paneling.

2) Plants

Plants are great way to bring your view closer. Choosing plants with large, flat shiny foliage look fantastic in a tropical setting and would enhance a city or urban view.

Plants with delicate and variegated leaves are suited to country settings while Australian natives would bring your bush view right on to your patio.

There are many ways to display your plants so they will enhance and frame your view. You could try hanging baskets on the side of the patio to add greenery but not obstruct the view. Ficus trees planted in classic terracotta pots will add a touch class to any country inspired view.

If you have vast ocean side view, then placing a selection of potted succulents such as aloe and agave will add a touch of greenery without being too distracting from your water views.

3) Lattice

A lattice installed on your patio can enhance your view and out door experience when you use plants to create a wall of colour. You could place a lattice on the sides or behind your view to add privacy from the next house or simply to look beautiful. A lattice can also be a clever way to increase shade and privacy without obstructing airflow and light.

Bougainvillea, jasmine and wisteria can provide vibrant colour and fragrance when in bloom, and dappled shade when they are in leaf. Keep the plants trimmed and take care not to let the plant overrun your lattice and you will enjoy its beauty all year round.

4) Furniture

What better way to enjoy the view from your patio than to sit in a comfortable chair? If your verandah looks out on to a scene of beauty or interest then it is well worth investing in some quality seating.
Good quality out door furniture will not only look great, but also they will last longer and be more comfortable.

Furnishing a patio, pergola or veranda is a license to have fun, and lots of it. If you’ve ever had an urge to get some truly beautiful furniture, and have been looking for a good excuse, you’ve found it. This is also an opportunity to pick up some real bargains, cheap. You can furnish a patio on spare change, if you know how. Your home patio, veranda or pergola can be a great excuse to indulge your tastes, too.

The big issue- What you want

With any sort of furniture, people have strong preferences, if not always definite ideas. With an outdoor area, however, people are also prepared to be more adventurous, and a range of pieces will find their way on to the veranda or patio simply because they like them, or for a particular aesthetic.

Outdoor furniture really is about what you want, and the things you like. For example, many people prefer cane furniture outdoors, because it’s easy to move, very comfortable, and long lasting. These are the trains of thought that can lead to some very enjoyable shopping expeditions. Take your time, look for bargains, and find what you want.

Where to get the best deals

The best outdoor furniture is easy to maintain and easy to move around when required. A quick run around the furniture stores online will tell you what’s available, and give you a good idea of prices. Comparing prices and quality is also easy, and you’ll find you’ve soon created a short list of preferred options.

Remember that these stores always have sales at some time, usually quarterly. You can pick up an entire outdoor suite for anything up to 40% off, if you keep an eye on the retailers. Some retailers are also much better businesspeople than others, and will give you discounts on packages.

The unexpected way to get furniture, cheap or even free

There’s another trick or two in terms of outdoor furniture. If you have a piece of furniture which is taking up space, all you need to do is put a weatherproof cover on it to turn it into outdoor furniture. This can also save you shopping time and money, and open up living space inside.

Local moving sales are also a great way to snap up good outdoor furniture. These local sales can provide you with almost anything you could possibly need, for the price of spare change.

Creating your space, your way

It’s good to experiment with placing your furniture, and finding the best settings. Start with where you want your tables, because everything else will be centered on them. Next, the chairs. Need some side tables or maybe a cane bookcase? The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover about what you really want.

The result will be a masterpiece of self-indulgence, everything you want, where you want it. Your veranda, patio or pergola will become an oasis of personal space, and it’s all yours.

There are a lot of veranda roof designs on the market, and people could be forgiven for thinking they’re buying a veranda roof like they’re at a supermarket. However, you don’t have to settle for just anything in a veranda roof these days. A bit of shopping around will get what you want, save time, and save money.

Veranda roofs- The types and styles issue

Any architect will tell you that a veranda roof is a major design element. The veranda roof is a big shape, often covering a large part of a house, and there are a few things to consider when picking styles:

• Shape: The basic veranda roof types are curved, flat, gabled and covered. Modern veranda roofs are elegant things, and you can really produce a beautiful building design feature for your house.
• Construction: Wood, steel, and other types of cover are ideal for some homes, but not necessarily right for others. This is very much a matter of taste, but practical concerns in terms of matching house construction needs must be considered.
• Interior and exterior lines: The new veranda roofs are big beautiful things, and you’ll find you can tailor your veranda roof to match other design features.
• Coverage needs: The space to be covered is a primary concern, and it also gives you some options in terms of size and cost. You may actually find that a bigger veranda roof is a more cost effective option.
• Light and heat issues: The Australian veranda’s main mission since European settlement has been to help protect the house from glare and heat. This is an important positive factor in veranda roof designs, and you can achieve a lot with a good solid light and heat shield roof.
• Colours: The good news is you have a great choice available. Consider colour matches and contrasts on their merits, but you’ll definitely find what you want.

Types of veranda roofs- What’s available, and what’s possible

If you’re getting a bit of “information overload” from looking at designs, and still not sure if you can get what you want, the simple answer is to just ask. Veranda manufacturers and suppliers are also builders and designers, and if what you want is doable, they’ll know how to do it.

Design issues and veranda roofs

The veranda adds large covered spaces to houses which include a range of functions like entertainment areas, recreational areas, and a hybrid patio/outdoor living space. In effect the veranda extends the living area. When looking at a veranda roof, consider the space function as a multi-value effect on your home.

The modern veranda roof- big, tough, stylish and versatile

Modern veranda roofs are much bigger than their predecessors, structurally solid, and their range of uses has changed even the basic concept of a veranda. If you want a look at a full range of design options, check out a major Australian brand, Stratco, to see the benchmarks in modern style.

Australians are happiest in their own backyard. Enjoying a meal and drinks with friends and making the most of being outdoors. Here are six ways to help your outdoor patio come to life.

1. Lighting

No doubt a substantial amount of the time spent on your outdoor living space will be at night. Careful positioning of lights will improve the overall experience for your guests. This does not have to be restricted to electrical lighting but can include:

Solar lights – to light a path leading to the outdoor pergola are also cheap to run;

Candles – from tea lights to big chunky candles in glass bowls, the glow from a candle is soft, warm and romantic;

Garden torches – fill these with citronella and you have an insect free area as well as instant light.

2. Furniture

Grab a magazine or brochure from your local furniture store and take it home to compare the look within your own area. Manufacturers know that people want furniture more suited for use under their pergolas or verandas. Designs nowadays use robust fabrics, such as canvas that are less likely to fade or be affected by rain.

Cane or wicker chairs and tables are a stylish look without the expense of timber furniture.

3. Cooking area

Don’t spend all your time in the kitchen or down the backyard at the bar-b-cue while your friends are enjoying themselves on your decking. Better yet why not get the guests to participate in the cooking?

By adding an electric wok or frypan to your dining table you can produce meals on the spot. Mongolian hotpots or Japanese sukiyaki make a delightful change from the chop on a barby.

Mexican chimineas not only warm an area but can be converted for use as a wood fired BBQ or pizza oven.

4. Plants and landscape

Nothing says life more than plants. Carefully landscaped verandas with flower beds on the edge of the deck bring the sense of nature from the garden into your living area. Potted plants scattered around or clumped in groups are a nice addition.

5. Floors and coverings

Concrete verandas can be given a new lease of life with a coat of hardwearing paint. Make sure you acid wash first especially newly concreted floors. This will help the paint to adhere to the surface. Timber decks can be spruced up with a light sanding and coat of oil.

Finish the look with some scatter rugs or rush matting.

6. Heating

There’s nothing worse than going to a party and spending the night freezing. Braziers and chimineas while not the most efficient form of heating because of the amount of fuel they use, create atmosphere and a focal point for your guests to stand around and keep warm.

Gas patio heaters come in a variety of styles and sizes from table top versions, stand alone or smaller units mounted to the eaves. They look good too with stainless steel or black finishes.

Stratco verandas offer a great range with their outback style and have been servicing Australians for generations. They can lay the foundations for a fantastic outdoor area and all you need is the imagination to bring the area to life.