Comparison: Porch vs. Deck vs. Other Outdoor Spaces

Afternoons at home are best spent outdoors – on the porch with friends, having a barbecue on the deck or just enjoying the relaxing atmosphere in your backyard patio. You might be wondering what’s the difference between all of these places.

In this article, Up and Above Contractors, LLC, your home improvements and roofing contractor, takes a quick look at each home outdoor space and talks about what differentiates one from the other. Are you ready? Here we go.

Porch

Porches are either open or closed structures protruding in front of the home. These can be made to look like outdoor extensions of the living room, but they are separate from the home. They can serve as entertainment areas, especially during the afternoons.

Some properties also have roofed structures leading to their entrances, similar to porches. These are called porticos.

Decks

Decks are elevated platforms made of wood, usually found in the backyard. These don’t have roofs above them, although canopies or pergolas can be used to cover them. These add tremendous warmth to the home and are perfect for barbecues or just having a good time.

Patio

Patios are paved outdoor dining or recreation areas adjoining the home. Patios usually have floors made of stone, concrete, cobblestone, tiles or bricks, and are usually roofless. These relaxing spaces often have outdoor furniture and are typically decorated using plants.

Veranda

A veranda is a roofed platform that extends from the front to the sides of the home, typically partly enclosed by railings. Like porches, they are at the same level as the ground floor.

Balcony

A balcony is an outdoor extension of a home’s upper floor. Usually found outside rooms, these spaces are enclosed by railings and balusters, and supported by columns or brackets.

Your experts at Up and Above Contractors, LLC, will be glad to assist you on your outdoor living goals. Call us at (973) 300-0636, or fill out our online form for your free estimate. We also offer quality replacement windows and doors, perfect for your porch, veranda or balcony.