What is the difference between a canopy and a veranda?

Are you looking for a cosy spot in your garden? Do you want to be able to sit outside for longer, even when the weather doesn't cooperate? If so, you may have heard of verandas and canopies. Both options offer shelter and extend your time outside. However, there are also differences that are important to know before making a choice.

What is a veranda?

A veranda is an extension attached directly to your house. This means you can easily step outside from your living room or kitchen and find yourself immediately under the veranda. A veranda is an extension of your home and creates a seamless transition between inside and outside. With a roof structure that rests on posts attached to the outer wall, you are always sheltered, no matter what the weather.

A great advantage of a veranda is that you can still enjoy your garden in less favourable weather. By adding a heater or cosy wood-burning stove, you make it extra comfortable, even in the winter months. Want to extend it even further? With glass walls all around, you can turn your veranda into a garden room, allowing you to sit outside even in wind and rain.

Although you can build a veranda yourself, it is advisable to have it done by a professional. A porch is an investment in your home and you naturally want it to last for many years. Shift to Solar offers custom-made verandas of the highest quality. We take into account your needs and what best suits the home. For professionals, we also offer building kits to.

What is a canopy?

A canopy is a free-standing roof that rests on posts and can be placed anywhere in your garden. This makes it a very flexible option for those who like to decide where they want their shelter. Depending on its use, a canopy is often given a different name. If you use the canopy to put your car under, then you call it a carport. If you use the canopy as a lounge area in the garden, you usually speak of a patio canopy.

An important difference from a veranda is that a canopy has no direct connection to your house. This can be an advantage if you want to create a separate area in the garden, for example, a place to read quietly or relax with friends. You can design a canopy entirely as you wish, making it a versatile addition to your garden.

Making a choice

Choosing between a veranda or a canopy depends on your personal preferences and the layout of your garden. If you want a place directly connected to your home where you can get outside quickly and comfortably, a veranda is the best choice. If, on the other hand, you want more freedom in where you want to sit sheltered and enjoy creating a separate space in your garden, then a canopy offers more options.

Because a veranda is attached to your home and is often considered a permanent extension, you may need planning permission for it. This depends on factors such as the size of the veranda, its height, and its distance from the plot boundary. In many cases, stricter rules apply to an extension to a house, especially if it is visible from the public road or if you live in a protected area.

More lenient rules often apply to a detached canopy, especially if the canopy is small and at a sufficient distance from the plot boundaries. However, even here there may be rules that require you to have a licence needed, for example if the canopy exceeds a certain area or has a specific height.

Are you considering buying a veranda or canopy?

Now that you know the difference between a veranda and a canopy, you can better decide which option best suits your needs. Whether you choose the direct connection of a veranda or the flexibility of a canopy, it is important that you choose quality. At Shift to Solar, we specialise in bespoke solutions that perfectly suit your needs. Whether you want a carport, veranda or patio cover, we will be happy to help.

Customisation for shift to solar means that we like to think along with the customer's wishes. The veranda can be made at the house, but it can also stand alone. For example, the carport can also be extended to the house, if that is a wish. And did you know that we also install solar panels on your roof or veranda? That way you kill two birds with one stone: a nice outdoor space and sustainable energy solutions. Contact us today for tailor-made advice!