Terrace and veranda: what's the difference and features



Terrace differs from the veranda, however, these concepts are often confused. The terrace is a platform raised to a height of 15-50 cm above the ground with a hard coating. In contrast, verandas, outdoor terrace can be opened completely, without using Windows. Usually, however, on it having a roof/canopy from rain or a small fence around the perimeter.
Porch or terrace must be executed in the same architectural style as the residential building, then together they create a harmonious ensemble.


The veranda is a closed unheated room, glazed on 2 or 3 sides. Its main difference from the terraces is that it is almost always attached to the house. Often it is even inserted into the building itself. Porch made of the same material as the entire house (wood, stone, brick or blocks).

Usually, terraces are built in areas with warm and dry climate where these buildings can be used during the long summer period as well as during a very warm winter. Terrace most often adjacent to the house, but in some cases, build it and standing apart, at some distance from him. However, even a separate building to better connect with the house gallery, which performs the function of transition. The terrace can also be stone, wood, brick, block.

Summer on the veranda you can live comfortably, and in winter use it instead of the pantry or refrigerator. Veranda usually built on the Sunny side of the building - South, East, or Southeast.

The stages of construction of terraces



First, you need to draft a terrace. It needs to be not only functional quality of the extension, but also its appearance, which needs to decorate the building. At this stage you should consider the reliability and durability of all construction elements. You can look for yourself the finished projects of terraces or develop your own version.

To the construction of terraces is the most consistent with the developed project, you need to choose high-quality material. In addition, you need to consider that the future terrace should have a beautiful and harmonious appearance, combined with the external design of the house. For the construction of terraces optimum use of such species as European larch and oak. Country outbuilding may consist of not only the flooring, but to have railings, which are better suited for soft woods for example pine.

The next step is to prepare the Foundation. This question can be solved in different ways. If you have opted for a massive monumental structure, in this case, the optimal solution will be a single Foundation for the house and terraces. This type of Foundation will help to avoid schism and skew terraces, which can occur due to uneven load distribution. So, then you will not have for this reason to do costly repairs. A common Foundation suitable for the terrace along the house.

In addition, the construction of an extension to the cottage it is possible to lay a separate Foundation. This is useful if you are building an outdoor terrace with the finished home. In this case, it is necessary to consider depth of groundwater and especially soil cover. Also the construction of terraces is possible without a Foundation. This method will be justified only in the case that you have designed easy terrace, which should be placed at ground level.

The following stage - installation of the terrace. At this stage it is necessary to Orient it in accordance with the directions. The terrace on the North side will provide in the summer heat cool and the South side will allow you in cool weather to enjoy the warmth. Special attention should be paid to the manufacturer of the canopy or shared with the house roof. To provide comfort and comfort will help the railing and the stairs. They definitely need to test. Specialists recommend to carry out the floor of the terrace under a small bias in the other direction from the apartment building that will facilitate the outflow of rainwater.

The construction of the porch



At the initial stage of construction of the verandah break the axis of the building. Porch should have a Foundation, separate from residential buildings. To determine axis, use a tape measure, string and pegs. Measure the distance from the porch to the house, then hammered the pegs. Between the stakes pulled the cord, which will serve as a reference for the planned Foundation.

Next, is the vertical layout, which is necessary for laying the Foundation. It should be located at ground level relative to the floor of the outhouse. From this zero level will need to complete all grades. To mark a specific value, using the measuring tape from the floor of the verandas should be postponed to the desired value.

Before you can begin building your porch, you need to determine the type of soil, because it depends on the reliability of the whole structure. For example, often found heaving soil (clay, loam, sand). The swelling of such soils can lead to deformation of the veranda. To avoid this, laying the Foundation below the frost lands or malobuchinski soils. In addition, may require the strengthening of expanded clay the surface of the earth.

The poles on the corners of the veranda need to be set with a certain step. Under the columns should dig holes, and its bottom is placed a layer of sand. After that, lay out the blocks and fill with cement the stitches. You can now start the construction of the structure itself. For the construction of a veranda are best suited frame construction. The editing is quite simple, and you will be able with this work to cope on their own. Frames should be assembled in a horizontal position and then installed vertically.

Design of terraces and porches



A terrace or veranda can be under the open sky or under a canopy. If the construction of glazing, you get a comfortable rest. This summer construction will be protected from rain and wind. A terrace or veranda can be decorated with decorative plants in ceramic pots. They should keep the types of your garden, their task - to create additional comfort. Will also fill a sense of calm and comfort, wicker rattan furniture and comfortable cushions on the chairs.
Interesting solution for decorating the terraces can be a small fountain, which is better positioned in the center of the room.


In General, the arrangement and the decor and arrangement of the veranda or terrace, fully depends on your preferences and financial resources, as well as the functional purpose of this space. To pick the suitable type of environment and style of decor you can see pictures of interesting solutions for verandas and terraces that can be found on websites dedicated to interior design.