Common Veranda Designs

Over the years, verandas have taken on various shapes and sizes. From curved dome shaped structures to rectangular versions, a veranda can add value and dimension to your home. But choosing the right shape depends on many factors including:

• Size of your home
• How large you want the space to be
• How you plan on using the space

Once you decide on these details, you can choose the space the best suits your needs. All verandas are constructed of colorbond steel, which means the structure is durable and can be custom painted to match your home or painted in a color that contrasts your house color to add even more visual interest.

CURVED DESIGN

A curved design can give your home elegance and create an entertaining place to have dinner parties with friends and family. These verandas can be attached to your home or are available as free standing structures.

With the curved veranda style, you can add a flat roof to the structure to make it larger and add even more dimension. You can also add a curved piece to your existing veranda for added elegance.

FLAT DESIGN

For a more traditional look with clean, polished lines, a flat roofed veranda will add beauty to your home all year long. You can choose from four different styles that allow you to change the direction of the roof sheets for added dimension, or you can choose an extended version that gives you added space.

If you have a smaller home, a flat design can make your home appear larger. A flat design is also perfect for square or rectangular shaped homes.

SUNROOF DESIGN

If you want to allow more sunlight into your outdoor space, a sunroof design with adjustable roof is the perfect choice. Allow light breezes and cool night air into the space as well. Electronic louvres are controlled by a remote so you can easily open and close them whenever you want.

OTHER DESIGNS

In addition to the designs mentioned above, you can also choose from the gazebo style, pergola style, or hip end style to match your home.

Painting Your Veranda

When choosing the color scheme for your veranda, you should keep in mind the overall theme you are trying to create. Are you trying to create a:

• fun place for family gatherings?
• romantic or relaxing place?
• functional space with neutral colors?

The color palate you select is important, so choose colors carefully in to create the perfect outdoor retreat.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PAINT COLOR

If you are having a difficult time choosing the right paint color for your veranda, talking with a design consultant can help. The consultant will ask you questions about your home, the look you want to achieve, and the colors you like the most. With a design consultant, you can narrow down your choices and choose the color that best suits your home.

If you are planning on painting your veranda yourself, the following information will tell you more about the painting process.

WHAT TYPES OF PAINT WILL BE USED?

Because most verandas are made of steel, an oil-based paint will be needed. This type of paint can withstand different types of weather and can adhere easily to materials made of metal and steel. Since untreated steel can corrode over time, painting it is the best way to prevent this from happening. The paint acts as a sealant, which keeps water from becoming absorbed.

Oil-based paint is also easy to clean. All you have to do is wipe it down whenever the paint begins to look dirty.

HOW WILL THE PAINT BE APPLIED?

Paint is usually applied using a roller, brush, or it can be sprayed on. Having a power coat applied before painting is one of the most important steps in this process. Without a powder coating, the paint will not adhere well to the steel surface. A powder coat can also help make applying the paint easier in that the paint will not run as much and will be able to be used for fill in cracks easily for a polished finish.

Most people hire a powder coating expert to ensure that the entire surface is coated before applying paint.

Depending on the color you are trying to achieve, you may need to apply several coats of paint. When painting, make sure the area is well ventilated and wait for the coat to dry before applying a new one.

DECORATIVE ITEMS

After your veranda is built, filling it with furniture and other decorative items is the next step. Decide on a color scheme that is comprised of at least two other colors in addition to the color you painted the veranda. This will give you plenty of leeway when choosing furniture, plants, and other items. Have fun choosing your colors and use various shades to complete the look.

Uses For Your Veranda

If enjoy the outdoors, spending time with friends and family, or are looking for an outdoor retreat, a veranda is just you need. With a veranda, you will be able to go outside whenever you want to relax. It is a quiet place where you can listen to nature or enjoy a great view. Many people who live in different regions use their veranda for entertaining or as a way to escape the pressures of life without having to travel too far from home.

The most common uses for a veranda include:

• Entertaining
• Relaxing
• Additional storage

While a veranda is not considered an extra room in your home because it’s an open space, it does serve as an extra place to entertain, relax, and store outdoor items.

ENTERTAINING

Because verandas are larger than other types of decks and because they have a roof to protect from rain, snow, and other elements, you can entertain outdoors for most of the year. Cooking, eating, and lounging can all be done on your veranda. Since there is enough space for a grill, picnic table and benches, and outdoor furniture, you can throw small and large gatherings without having to worry about overcrowding the space.

RELAXING

When not entertaining, you will be able to relax with a good book, listen to music, or work from home if you choose on your veranda. Comfortable lounge chairs create a comfortable place for you to put your feet up and forget about your responsibilities for awhile.

ADDITIONAL STORAGE

On the practical side, if you don’t have room for outdoor storage for lawn care equipment, toys, and other items that need to be protected from rain, sun, and snow, you can also create a small storage space on your veranda. You can purchase a small shed, or tarps that help protect outdoor items.

Adding a veranda to your home will increase its value because many people are looking for outdoor space where they can invite others for the day. Even though most verandas are only used for certain times during the year, you will appreciate having options when it comes to entertaining, relaxing, and storing extra items.

Ways To Keep Your Veranda Inviting All Year Long

Your veranda should be an inviting place where you can entertain friends and family. How you decorate this space will depend on your personal taste and the resources you have.

Whichever style you choose, you will need to maintain this space with periodic cleanings, protecting the furniture, and keeping plants trimmed and healthy. If you live in an area that experiences seasonal weather, storing chair and lounge cushions, covering wood or metal furniture, and keeping the space clear of snow and other debris is very important if you want to enjoy your veranda year after year.

Below you will find tips and advice on taking care of furniture, choosing the correct color scheme, which plants to use, and how to hide your grill.

THE BEAUTY OF TEAK

The furniture you choose for the veranda should be comfortable and sturdy. Woods such as teak are beautiful to look at, durable in most weather conditions, and are very comfortable for sitting. Chairs, picnic tables, and lounge sets are available in teak.

The reasons why teak is a great choice for a veranda is unlike other woods, you have a choice between applying a clear sealant that helps protect its buttery color or you can leave the wood untreated and watch it change to a silver blue color over time. Either way, your furniture will always look warm and inviting.

Teak is also a strong wood that will survive nicks, scratches, or dents if you have to move it to another location or a guest accidently damages it. Because of its fine finish, Teak is also easy to clean.

COMFORTABLE SEATING

Big cushions stuffed with goose down or heavy cotton are best when trying to create a cozy space. Buy cushions that have a waterproof treatment or sealant to help prevent damage and make sure cushions have a removable shell for easy cleaning. Always store the cushions in a dry area when winter comes to prevent mold.

USING COLOR TO CREATE CHARM AND ELEGANCE

While you can choose any color scheme you want when decorating your veranda, in order to create a comfortable, warm place to have a conversation or relax with a good book, the color scheme should be consistent throughout. You can mix colors, but make sure that you use splashes of color to tie the space together.

ADDING PLANTS TO YOUR VERANDA

Hearty plants like vines, large palms, and flowered plants can help make the veranda look even more beautiful. Plants that can survive through the changing seasons are best, but if you want use more delicate plants, you will have to bring them indoors once the temperature drops. Place plants strategically around the veranda and don’t overcrowd the space.

HIDING YOUR GRILL

Your grill should not be the focal point of your veranda. Hide it by moving into a corner when not using it and always use a cover to protect it from water and sun damage.