Having a well-designed outdoor is a fortunate circumstance for all homes and all seasons. Some of us have balconies, others decks, porches, patios, or verandas. While most of us have an inclination to swap these terms (and to believe they all have the same meaning), each of them has its own character and specifications.
Porches: They are generally low and covered structures, located in the entryway of the building. Porches can be both: open structures without windows; or covered interior extensions which protect the house from irksome weather conditions. Their roofs provide shadow; which is exactly why porches are the perfect area for relaxation during summer; still, porches differ in different parts of the world, both in term of function and look.
Balcony: It is an outdoor extension of a building’s upper floor; with an averagely one meter-enclosure (railings, balusters etc). Balconies can be made of any solid and good looking material; there is no strict construction rule. Balconies provide outdoor areas for various activities; especially for apartment owners who lack the satisfaction of having a personal yard.
Verandas (known also as verandahs) stand for all sorts of enclosed platforms around the house. In fact, they play the role of a ground floor balcony, such that surrounds the house and gives access both to the doorway and the back door of the house. While verandas are mostly an opened area and can be used for all sorts of outdoor activities.
Patios: They represent the living space outside your house, either a proper garden or a basic relaxing area. Depending on their size, patios can be both enclosed and uncovered. They are usually made of bricks, concrete, stones, gravel or flagstones. Generally, patios are attached to the house but again it all depends on your requirements, wishes, and possibilities.
Deck: A deck is generally roofless platform connecting a house. Decks are typically made of lumber and are elevated from the ground. It can include spaces for seating, dining as well as BBQing. Decks are usually covered by a railing. In some cases, decks can also be covered by a pergola or canopy.
Such places can be found both in residential and commercial buildings; and are favoured because of the remarkable urban landscapes they provide. The trend is becoming so popular that the construction companies have started to specialize in the design of these modern outdoor havens.
