What is a Veranda on a House, and What Makes it Different?

If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space, or just looking to upgrade the space you currently have, the research stage can be overwhelming. You might find yourself tripping up over the plethora of terms that describe outdoor structures. Veranda, patio, lanai, what’s the difference between all of these terms? You can’t make any plans until you know what you’re working with.

We spoke to two experts, Jackie Mosher, the COO and co-founder of Dzinly, and Ariana Lovato, the owner and principal designer at Honeycomb Home Design, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about verandas.

What Is a Veranda?

Mosher describes a veranda as “a luxurious open-air sanctuary that wraps around multiple sides of your home, seamlessly blending your indoor and outdoor living spaces.” Lovato adds that it “is a roofed, open-air porch. It can have walls to help shield it from the elements.” It’s a beautiful structure that you can host parties in or simply use to enjoy your yard.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Veranda?

The price to build a veranda can vary greatly depending on what you want. “Due to its integration with the home and the inclusion of detailed roof and trim elements, a basic veranda starts around $25,000,” Mosher explains. “Depending on the complexity and design details, the cost can increase significantly, making it a tailored addition that reflects your unique style.”

“[The cost] depends on where you are located, but costs in California to build something like this can be $100/square foot,” Lovato says.

Veranda vs. Porch: What’s the Difference?

“Think of a veranda as an extension of your indoor living area, designed to merge seamlessly with the outdoors,” Mosher says. “In contrast, a porch primarily serves as a charming entryway to your home, adding architectural flair to the front entrance.”

Lovato summarizes the difference between the two, saying, “A veranda typically covers multiple sides of a home; think of it as a wrap-around porch. Porches are usually subject to just one elevation.”

Veranda vs. Patio: What’s the Difference?

Mosher describes a veranda as “always covered and typically wraps around more than one side of the home, providing a cozy, sheltered retreat.” In comparison, a patio is “usually an uncovered outdoor space extending from one side of the house, perfect for basking in the sun.”

Lovato explains that another difference is that patios may be detached or attached, but verandas are always attached.

Veranda vs. Balcony: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference between verandas and balconies is elevation. “Balconies are located on second stories or higher; verandas are on ground floors,” says Lovato.

Mosher expands on this, describing a veranda as “a sprawling first-floor haven, wrapping around multiple sides of the house, offering easy access and expansive views.” She explains that a balcony “is often uncovered, extending from a single side of the home, [and] ideal for enjoying elevated views.”

Veranda vs. Lanai: What’s the Difference?

Size is one factor separating a lanai from a veranda. Mosher describes a lanai as “a covered patio space off one side of the home, typically at the rear.” Meanwhile, a veranda, she says, “is a more expansive living area that wraps around multiple sides, providing a more extensive outdoor living experience.”

Lovato says that a “lanai is a Hawaiian term for an open-air room,” adding that “there is more connectivity to the inside of a home with a lanai.” In contrast, a veranda “doesn’t have as much interior connectivity.”

Where Does the Word Veranda Come From?

According to Merriam-Webster, “veranda” has etymological roots in Portuguese, Hindi, and Sanskrit, among other languages. Most of these root words describe railings, barriers, or parapets.

About the Experts

• Jackie Mosher is the COO and co-founder of Dzinly.
• Ariana Lovato is the owner and principal designer of California–based Honeycomb Home Design. She is an associate kitchen and bath designer with the NKBA, an Allied ASID member, and was named a 2021 ASID One to Watch. She is also a Realtor, and founded Honeycomb Gives Back, a nonprofit that does room makeovers for children with special needs.

Sources

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “Veranda”