What Is The Difference Between A Porch, Balcony, Veranda, Patio And Deck?

A porch, balcony, verandah, patio, and deck sound similar. The truth is all five have different meanings because even if they sometimes serve the same purpose, their construction style varies. Moreover, not all of them are made for apartments. For example, every house can have balconies, but not every apartment has a veranda or Adelaide verandah. So, if you are into building any of the above outdoor structures, you can start by knowing the difference between the four. 

What Is A Porch And What Are Its Functions?

So many of you may think a porch is an extended portion of the house, similar to a verandah. But in reality, a porch is a lot different from that. It is undoubtedly an extension of the house. But unlike the verandah, you can only build a porch at the front portion of the house, making it work like a front door. In short, a porch is the extended portion of the entryway. 

A porch does not have to be covered. However, since people use the same as an extended portion of the front gate, they use a nice roof as a shelter. A porch can only get expanded to the side of the house. If you build a door, it may look like an extended part of one of the rooms. Most people use the porch to protect themselves from bad weather or enjoy a nice coffee.

What Is A Balcony And Why Is It Useful?

A Balcony is very different from a porch, verandah or deck. If you have installed an Adelaide Verandah or a normal verandah at your house, you must have seen it to be on the ground level. But that is not the case with a balcony. It is a small extended portion of a home, flat or apartment. Most people living on an apartment’s upper floors prefer a small balcony to enjoy the fresh air occasionally. Since verandahs are hanging, they are usually covered with a grill to make them more secure. 

What Is A Verandah, And How Can You Use It?

A verandah, like a porch, is an expanded portion of a house. But do not get confused. It is not like a porch at all. Unlike the porch, you can build a verandah anywhere in the house. It can be attached or detached from the house, and it does not work as the entryway of a house. 

You can use a verandah to hold a small tea or birthday party. You can also organise a nice barbeque, or if you are into spending quiet time, you can also do that in your free time. 

What Is Patio And What Is Its Use?

A patio is also an outdoor space of a house. It does not exist in apartments. Only people owning a house can have this. Most people like to have a roofless patio. While some people like it attached to the main house, others do not. You can use a shelter to protect yourself from the sun, heat or extreme rainfall. This small space is suitable for enjoying an evening coffee or reading a book. Traditional Verandahs & Carports can provide a nice-looking patio for your home. 

What Is Deck, And How Can It Help Your Home?

Decks are the open space of a house, sometimes detached, sometimes attached to the main front or back of the house. Most of the time, decks are made of composite wood materials or processed lumber. Since a deck is outside, it has to go through tough weather conditions. That is why most people avoid natural wood while building a deck. Also, the decks are covered with grills or railings made of the same material to provide safety.  

Its usage is the same as the other one. You can hold a barbeque party here. Or you can enjoy a nice Sunday evening sitting here and enjoying nature. 

Conclusion

Porches, balconies, verandahs, patios and decks are not only the outdoor spaces of a house or apartment, but they are also a place made for people to enjoy. So, if you want to build any of these five at your house, understand the difference and then go for what seems suitable.