What is a Veranda? Here are the facts
It is easy to confuse “veranda” with other outdoor structures such as porches and pergolas. The Veranda is an American-rooted structure. Let’s take a look at the history of the Veranda, how it was built, and what it might cost to build one.
What is a Veranda?
First, a veranda, also known as an open-air, roofed porch, is often equipped with a railing that runs along its length. It is usually attached to larger residential buildings and runs along multiple walls.
Verandas are a covered, open-air porch with a railing extending its length. It is usually attached to larger residential buildings and wraps around multiple walls.
Veranda’s history
Veranda, also spelled verandah, was most likely introduced to our vocabulary via the Spanish baranda word that means guardrails or railing. Verandas were first found in the exterior Spanish colonial homes of the American Southwest and early colonial homes of Africa before they became mainstream.
In the 19th century, the Veranda was popularized by landscape design trends and architectural movements in America and Britain. This focus, also known as the picturesque movements, eventually led to the creation of some of the most beloved public parks in the country, such as Central Park and the National Mall.
On a residential scale, however, the picturesque movement was focused on creating beautiful, natural-looking landscapes and spaces to enjoy them. These were quickly built in many homes of the upper class in America in the 19th century, particularly in the South, where it was warm enough to enjoy the outdoors all year.
Andrew Downing Jackson, landscape designer, was one of the most passionate supporters of verandas and spoke about them in detail in his 1850 book The Architecture of Country Houses: “But over almost all of the United States. Since in midsummer, it is the resting spot, lounging area, and place of social retreat, of the entire family at certain hours of day.
Key Characteristics Of A Veranda
Verandas are more common in warmer climates and coastal areas like Florida or SoCal, where outdoor activities can be enjoyed year round. There will also be fewer verandas found in places such as Minnesota or New York. Verandas in older homes are often accompanied by Gothic Revival or Victorian architecture. Verandas were a popular choice in 19th-century America when all these styles were available. These styles are known for their elaborate details and the Veranda is a perfect complement to the beautifully crafted facade.
The roof covers the Veranda and it is open-air. This means that there are no screens covering the outside. It is usually sat at ground level and is rarely elevated. Verandas often have railings that wrap around one or more walls. If they are attached to larger homes, their railings or posts can be decorated with intricate designs and details.
What is the Difference Between a Pergola or Porch and a Veranda?
Many words can be used to describe outdoor spaces, including porches, patios, decks, pergolas, gazebos, and lanais. The Veranda is unique in that it can be attached to the house and covered. You can attach pergolas, gazebos and patios to any larger structure.
A veranda may be covered, but a porch or deck may not. A Lanai looks very similar to a veranda except it is located in Hawaii and not the U.K or continental U.S.
What is the cost to add a veranda?
Do you want to add this historic front porch to your home? Here are the costs. There are many factors that will affect the price of adding a veranda to your home. These include the location, size and materials used, as well as the detail you choose. You can save money by having a smaller, less detailed veranda.
You can get a simple veranda on one side of your home for around $5,000 to $20,000,000. A larger veranda, which wraps around multiple walls and has detailed materials, will cost you between $5,000-$12,000.