Unlock the Secrets of Outdoor Living: Porch, Patio, Deck, Lanai, and More! Discover the Distinctions

Often the words "patio, porch, deck, balcony, lanai, California or Florida room, and sunroom" are used interchangeably or out of context to describe the features of a home. Although they all share similarities, most people do not know the difference between them. Let's define each in order to bring clarity to the confusion.

Porches, Verandas, and Decks

A porch is basically a covered deck, constructed at the home's main entryway (front door) and is an extension of the entrance into the home. It is typically on the first level of the home, and is always attached to the house, often sharing the house's roof as it's covering. Porches are often open and may or may not have railing.

Verandas (commonly known in the South as "wrap-around porches") are porches that "wrap around" a home continuously and share more than one side of the house.

If a porch is uncovered, it is commonly known as a "deck."

However, decks can be attached or unattached, and are usually placed at the back or side of a house. Decks tend to be elevated, meaning they are not necessarily on the first level of the home, and quite often, are located on the second or third level of a home, and can be multi-level with stairs to access each level.

Patio

Patios are detached, uncovered slabs or areas that may be adjacent to a home or directly located outside a doorway. Often, they are larger than a deck or porch, paved in cement, pavers, tile, rock, or other substance to give it a hard surface, and are common for outdoor living spaces.

Balconies and Terraces

Balconies are small outdoor platforms attached to upper floors of an apartment building or house, that are accessible by one doorway. They are typically constructed to allow for fresh air and natural light, while serving as a small outdoor space for a few people to enjoy without leaving the home.

Terraces, on the other hand, are simply larger balconies with more than one access point. While balconies may only be big enough for one or two people at a time, terraces are large enough to accommodate many more people, and sometimes have built-in pools and are great for entertaining guests outdoors. Often terraces can be found attached to penthouses, upper levels of luxury homes, or larger high-rise apartment buildings.

Lanais and Sunrooms

To add to the confusion, most do not know the differences between a lanai, sunroom, or, what is commonly referred to geographically as a Florida or California room.

Honestly a Florida or California room is nothing more than a sunroom, but given a special designation as to the location. But they are all one-in-the-same. Sunrooms are also commonly called "solarium, conservatory, garden room, patio room, sun porch, or even a winter garden."

So what exactly is a sunroom?

A sunroom is an attached room with large windows and sometimes a glass roof that is designed to be a sunny sanctuary that allows for lots of natural light, while protecting from the outdoor elements (rain, wind, insects, animals, etc.). They are excellent for peace and tranquility or growing indoor plants to give a home an outdoor feel.

On the other hand, lanais are similar to sunrooms, but with one main exception. The term "lanai" is most commonly used for homes in Hawaii that feature screened-in porches or sunrooms with screens vs. windows that allow for natural airflow without invasive insects. A lanai can also be a large, covered patio that is attached to a home and shares open-air access with several access points - not to be confused with a veranda.

In warmer climates, such as Florida, lanai's or "Florida rooms" are very common, and are used for relaxation, additional living space, or entertainment.

There you have it. When looking at homes or trying to describe a home's features, you now know the similarities and differences of each. I hope this helped clear up the confusion.

Until next time...