Verandas and Covered Outdoor Spaces

Traditional energy-efficient home with a veranda
(Image credit: Richard Parsons)

Covered outdoor living spaces actually come in many different guises and have many different terms applied to them — including verandas, but also decks, covered patios, loggias, porte cochére and living porches being among the most popular.

Whatever you choose to call them, these are semi-indoor/outdoor spaces which have been designed as part of the main building, as opposed to a separate structure in the garden. They range from those that are supported on pillars to those which are enclosed on all but one side — offering a far more permanent look than a pergola. However, what they all have in common is that they offer not only shelter, but warmth, light and a space to enjoy your garden in total comfort whatever the weather — somewhere in between a living room and a patio.

Natasha Brinsmead

Natasha is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and has been a member of the team for over two decades. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she has written for a number of homes titles. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project. She is now looking for her next project — something which is proving far harder than she thought it would be.