The exterior elements of a home are just as important as the interior design. Exterior structures expand your property’s usable space and can give you greater joy in your outdoor areas. Let’s explore the differences between outdoor structures, so you know how to guide your front porch deck builders.
Outdoor additions are the Phoenix Home Services team’s bread and butter. We are the premier remodeling contractor in Oakton, VA, offering everything from patios to fireplaces. With a Class A General Contractor license and over 30 years in the industry, our designers, masons, and carpenters have the knowledge and experience to bring your renovation vision to life. Learn more about our home remodeling services by calling (703) 543-6929 today.
Below are some of the most popular outdoor structures:
Porches
Welcome additions to any house, porches offer a covered or uncovered outdoor platform. Most often attached to the front of a home, porches provide a bridge between indoor comfort and fresh air. Some homeowners outfit them with comfy seating for quiet solitude; others incorporate space for gatherings and shared meals. Screened-in porches also provide shelter from the elements, permitting usability in most weather conditions.
Porticos
Porticos are small, exterior structures with columns supporting a roof, often with a gable or arch style. Unlike porches (which sometimes extend along the sides of a house), porticos are almost always confined to the entryway. Homeowners install them for aesthetic effects rather than setting aside outdoor space. These features add a dramatic aspect to a facade and offer some practicality – a small sheltered spot to welcome guests, drop off deliveries, and dodge the rain.
Verandas
Compared to porches and porticos, verandas are expansive outdoor rooms. Supported by columns and topped with a roof, verandas provide a substantial amount of outdoor living space protected from the elements. You can think of them as porches that extend around more than one side of a house. With their size and open-air design, verandas can even operate as an extension of homes’ interior living space, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
Pergolas
The humble pergola adds a touch of charm and definition to an outdoor space. Pergolas have a lattice roof rather than fully enclosed structures, offering a balance of dappled sunlight and shade. They can work as freestanding structures in a garden or patio or attached to a house as a deck or living area addition. Homeowners often allow climbing vines and flowering plants to grow on the open framework, which creates a natural canopy and enhances the pergola’s visual appeal.
Decks
Perhaps the most common exterior structure of all, decks are elevated outdoor platforms typically constructed from wood, composite materials, or vinyl. Depending on whether your home is brick faced or vinyl, a deck can be freestanding or attached. These structures extend outward, creating a “transition zone” into a backyard. Decks deliver versatility as entertainment hubs, sunbathing spaces, or outdoor grilling mounts.
Find the Right Outdoor Addition with Front Porch Deck Builders in Oakton, VA
Oakton, VA, homeowners interested in upgrading their outdoor space can rely on the front porch and deck builders at Phoenix Home Services. As masters of our craft, we prioritize thoughtful design, high-quality craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction in everything we do. Learn more about front porch and deck construction by calling (703) 543-6929 today.