What is a veranda, and how can it improve your outdoor experience? If you want to enjoy your garden year-round, a glass veranda might be the perfect choice. It effortlessly connects you indoor and outdoor spaces, while offering a sheltered spot where you can relax, entertain, and soak up the fresh air; all while being protected from the unpredictable British weather.
This blog explores the benefits of verandas, how they differ from glass canopies, and the factors you should consider when choosing the right one for your home. A bespoke aluminium veranda could be just what you need to achieve a garden that’s both practical and visually appealing.
It’s more than just an outdoor structure; it’s a bridge between your home and the outside world. A veranda is directly attached to your property, creating a covered outdoor area that invites the fresh air in while offering protection from rain and harsh sun.
But what is the definition of a veranda exactly? Traditionally, it’s a roofed, open-air gallery or porch, often partly enclosed by a railing, running along the outside of a building. In today’s homes, the veranda has evolved to suit modern lifestyles, offering not just beauty, but everyday usability.
Our bespoke verandas are designed to suit homes of all sizes, shapes, and architectural styles. Like all our products, each veranda is crafted from premium aluminium, built for longevity and minimal maintenance. So, if you’ve been dreaming of alfresco living, extend your living space with an aluminium veranda that’s ready for daily use, whatever the weather.
Glass verandas and glass canopies both offer shelter from the elements while allowing natural light to shine through. The main difference is size and coverage. A glass canopy is more compact, with a clean, floating appearance that makes it ideal for entrances and smaller areas.
Verandas, on the other hand, cover a larger area and are better suited to patios, and terraces, or even as a covered carport. They create a more substantial outdoor zone, offering year-round protection and flexibility. If you’re comparing options and asking what is a veranda in contrast to a canopy, it comes down to scale, purpose, and how you plan to use your outdoor area.
Glass verandas blur the inside-outside distinctions of your home, achieving a strong interior, exterior connection. Well-known architect and TV presenter, George Clark, champions this by stating that “A building’s connection to the outside is incredibly important, so of course you want to connect your interior space with the outside.”
Whether you’re wrapping up a party on those later summer evenings or pressing coffee on an early autumn sunrise, verandas let you enjoy your garden year-round. Pair with aluminium bifold and sliding doors, and you’ve got a stunning design feature that provides a dynamic and flexible boundary that can be smoothly adjusted to reach your outdoor space with ease.
Built for all seasons, aluminium verandas handle everything from slanting rain to unexpected heatwaves without faltering. The light weight metal provides incredible structural stability and a natural oxide layer that is corrosion-resistant. Whilst timber needs varnish to stop it from rotting, and steel requires a coating to prevent rust, aluminium has an inherent longevity that requires very little upkeep. With an occasional wipe to remove any dirt or debris, your aluminium veranda will retain its perfect appearance.
With slim frames and large glazed panels, a glass veranda lets daylight pour in from every angle. Our systems use strong yet slim aluminium frames to hold larger glass panels, maximising light without bulky profiles. The result? A bright, warm area that feels open all year round. And with less need for artificial lighting during the day, your energy bills and carbon footprint both take a welcome dip.
Extending your home with a well-designed and properly installed veranda adds more than visual appeal. It increases usable space, improves kerb appeal, and makes a lasting impression on future buyers. This kind of upgrade delivers daily enjoyment while offering long-term value, as your home is more attractive, liveable, and market-ready.
It’s always crucial to check your local council’s planning laws and permitted development guidelines before embarking on your veranda project. It could be a costly mistake if you don’t as without the relevant planning permission, authorities can demand it gets taken down.
Current guidelines state that planning permission is needed if your veranda:
Our expert consultative sales team are happy to talk through the vision and plans you have for your veranda so that all building regulations and permissions are met. Once you have peace of mind, our expert installation teams will ensure your veranda is manufactured and installed to the highest possible standards.
Design plays a key role in how verandas transform your garden or patio. Think about how the area will be used, perhaps for open-air dining, quiet mornings, or even as a covered carport. The structure should reflect both your lifestyle and the layout of your property.
Our aluminium verandas are made to measure, tailored to your home’s exact specifications for a perfect fit. With over 300 RAL colours to choose from, it’s easy to select a finish that complements the architecture and character of your property, creating a cohesive and considered addition that looks built-in from day one.
A commonly asked question is: How much does a glass veranda cost? Of course, this figure is changeable depending on specifications and design features. All things considered, verandas are a cost-efficient way of extending your living space into the outdoors. Chat with our consultative sales team to get a quote that aligns with your budget and get the ball rolling toward realising your vision.
At Exterior Spaces, we’re dedicated to delivering premium outdoor solutions that raise expectations. To learn more about our bespoke veranda collection, speak with our experienced team and browse our showroom displays in person. We take the time to understand your goals, helping you find the glass veranda that completes your home with precision.
View our full range, including the pergola, bioclimatic pergola, glass canopy, and carport, and take the next step toward creating an outdoor setting that works beautifully for everyday living.