Types of Verandas Explained

If you’ve been looking into adding an outdoor extension to your home, you’ve probably come across the term ‘veranda’ before.

So, what is a veranda and why are they becoming so popular with UK homeowners?

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from what a veranda is and the different types available, to how to choose the right option for your home. We’ll also explain why modern aluminium systems are often the smartest choice for homeowners.

What is a veranda? (and what can you actually use it for?)

In simple terms, a veranda is a permanent, roofed structure that creates a dry “buffer zone” between your house and your garden. Think of it as a middle ground. You get the fresh air of the outdoors, but with the solid protection of an indoor room.

Unlike a gazebo that you drag out of the shed each summer, a veranda is a fixed part of your home’s structure. And while the sides are usually left open, they can be enclosed later with glass panels if you want more protection.

More than just a place to sit, a veranda is a practical space that solves everyday problems.

How a veranda solves daily problems

The ultimate BBQ spot – Host friends without worrying about a sudden rain shower
An outdoor lounge – Sit with a coffee or book even when the weather turns
A protected play area – A dry space for children to play without bringing mess indoors
A garden workspace – Ideal for working outside without glare or sudden showers
A laundry lifesaver – Dry clothes outside when the weather is unpredictable
The muddy paws solution – A sheltered area for dogs after walks before coming indoors

Traditional vs modern: finding the right look

While the concept of a veranda hasn’t changed much, the materials certainly have.

Traditional timber verandas can suit period properties, but they require ongoing maintenance such as sanding, painting, and treatment to prevent rot and warping.

Modern aluminium verandas make sense for how we live now. They’re low-maintenance, keep their look over time, and don’t mind the unpredictable UK weather.

Wall-mounted vs freestanding: which fits your garden?

Once you’ve chosen a style, the next decision is placement. Most verandas fall into one of two categories.

Wall-mounted verandas

Wall-mounted verandas attach directly to your home and feel like a natural extension of the building.

Seamless flow from inside to outside
Uses the house for support, reducing ground posts
Makes kitchens or living spaces feel larger

Freestanding verandas

Freestanding verandas stand independently and create a separate destination within the garden.

Flexible placement anywhere in the garden
Ideal for hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, or seating areas
No need to attach to the house wall

Deciding between these two really depends on whether you want a seamless extension of your back door or a separate spot further out in the garden. Once you’ve figured out the best place for it, the next step is looking at the roof styles to see which one fits your space best.

Exploring the different types of veranda roofs

When choosing between different types of veranda, the roof is usually the most important decision. It affects how much light you get, how warm the space feels, and how flexible it is day to day.

Lean-to veranda roofs

A lean-to veranda is a wall-mounted design where the roof slopes away from the house. It’s one of the most popular choices for UK homes because it works well with heavy rainfall and suits almost any property style.

Integrated drainage built into the frame, so rainwater is channelled away neatly
Can be designed to cover anything from a small patio to a large outdoor dining area
Many aluminium systems follow this format, including Deponti’s ranges such as Bosco or Nebbiolo, which offer different size and budget options

Glass roof systems

Glass roof verandas are ideal if you want to keep as much natural light as possible flowing into your home while still having full weather protection.

Allows maximum daylight into the space below and the room behind
Quieter during rainfall compared to other roof materials
Often chosen for more premium installations, with systems like Pigato designed to support glass panels while keeping the frame slim and unobtrusive

Polycarbonate roof systems

Polycarbonate roofs offer a strong, lightweight alternative to glass and are a popular option for family homes and sunnier gardens.

Highly impact-resistant and suitable for everyday use
Opal finishes diffuse sunlight, helping to reduce glare and heat build-up
Commonly used across a range of aluminium veranda systems where comfort and value are key priorities

Louvered roof systems

Louvered verandas use adjustable aluminium slats instead of a fixed roof, giving you much more control over the environment beneath.

Slats can be opened for sunlight, tilted for shade, or fully closed for rain protection
Adjustable airflow helps hot air escape during warmer weather
More advanced systems, such as Pinela, are designed for homeowners who want flexibility throughout the year

At the end of the day, it’s all about how you plan to use the space. Once you know if you want the constant light of glass or the control of a roof you can open and shut, you’re pretty much there. Getting that right is what makes the difference between a garden you just look at and a space you actually live in all year round.

Technical details that make a difference

It’s often the hidden details that determine how well a veranda performs long term.

Integrated drainage:

Water is collected in a built-in front gutter
Channelled through internal support posts
Exits neatly at ground level into a drain or soakaway
No visible external downpipes

Strength and snow loads:

Aluminium frames are engineered to handle wind and snow
Structural-grade systems ensure long-term stability
Designed to perform in UK weather conditions

Lighting and heating for year-round use:

Built-in LED lighting for evenings
Infrared heaters warm people rather than the air
Allows comfortable use well into autumn and winter

Maintenance: how much work is involved?

Very little.

Wipe frames once or twice a year with warm soapy water
Check gutters annually for leaves
Glass roofs can be cleaned with a hose or window cleaner

No sanding, painting, or varnishing required.

Do you need planning permission?

In most cases, verandas fall under permitted development.

You generally won’t need permission if:

The veranda is at the rear of the property
It doesn’t cover more than 50% of the garden
It is no higher than 4 metres
It is not on the front elevation

If your home is listed or in a conservation area, rules may differ.

How to choose the right veranda for your lifestyle

The right veranda depends on how you plan to use the space.

Want to keep rooms bright? A glass roof is ideal
Need shade and cooler temperatures? Polycarbonate works well
Want flexible sun and shade control? A louvered roof offers versatility
Looking for a cost-effective solution? Aluminium lean-to systems are practical and durable
Have a large garden and family? Wider-spanning systems like the Deponti Giallo reduce the need for middle posts

Choosing a veranda really comes down to how you want to spend your time outdoors. Whether you need a bright spot for your morning coffee or a shaded area for family BBQ’s, picking a style that fits your daily routine ensures you’ll actually use the space all year round.

Ready to reclaim your garden?

A veranda allows you to enjoy your outdoor space without being limited by the weather. Rather than adding just a roof, you’re creating a usable extension of your home that adds comfort, value, and flexibility all year round.

Modern aluminium verandas are built to last, require minimal maintenance, and look great for decades. Rain or shine, they let you make the most of your garden whenever you want.

Explore aluminium veranda options

If you’re thinking about a modern aluminium veranda, we supply and install everything from simple lean-to systems to fully adjustable louvered roofs.
You can view our full aluminium veranda range here, or get in touch for a FREE, non- obligatory quote by calling us on 0333 456 5776 or filling out our quick and easy form

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