Essentials of Verandah Design
Verandahs evoke images of enjoying a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day under the soothing shade of the verandah roof. Most verandahs installed by a deck contractor blend in with the adjoining house, incorporating many of the same colors, materials, and design elements. Having a verandah that perfectly complements your home requires some serious planning; there are many elements of verandah design that must be considered.
Verandah Design: Posts
The posts located along the outer edges of verandahs serve a very functional purpose: they support the roof of the verandah. However, they are also an important element of verandah design. Posts can be very simple, square supports. Others are turned posts featuring elaborate designs and variations in shape and texture. Verandah posts are often constructed of wood, which can be painted or stained. Choose colors that either match or complement those of the house for an attractive verandah design.
Verandah Design: Railings and Gates
Verandahs ar e often enclosed with railings. This not only enhances the visual appeal of verandahs, but is also an important safety feature if the verandah is any substantial distance from the ground. As with choosing posts, the color of railings should match or complement the home. A white railing consisting of thin posts gives the same classic look as a picket fence, and will work well with most homes. Or, the railing can actually be a solid barrier that completely encloses the verandah. To provide continuity, try constructing this type of railing from the same material that was used to construct the home, whether it’s brick, vinyl siding, or wood. Gates can also be installed to completely separate the verandah from the rest of the yard. This element of verandah design is attractive, and it’s also a great safety feature if you have small children or pets.
Verandah Design: Roof Enhancements
While the roofs of verandahs often match the style and material of the house’s roof, many verandahs contain roof enhancements. For example, corner brackets are quite popular on verandahs. Corner brackets are often made of wood and, like posts, they are available in a wide range of designs, from simple curved pieces of wood designed to fit into a corner to exquisitely crafted works of art. Painting brackets the same color as the posts is a great way to create balance in your verandah design. Friezes are another enhancement that frequently appear along verandah roofs. Frieze designs are often simple, incorporating evenly-spaced vertical lines or circles. They provide a classic and pleasantly old-fashioned look to verandahs.
Verandah Design Ideas
Traditional verandahs are reminiscent of a bygone era. While many homeowners decide to mimic this traditional style during the deck design and installation process, there is no reason why you can’t have a verandah that is fun and modern.
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