4 ways to Expand the Enjoyment of Your Home to the Outdoors

With warmer temps and long summer days in the near future, we start to think about spending more and more time outside — especially at home. If you want to increase the value and appearance of your home, add more room, or just enjoy the pleasures of nature in any weather — you might want to consider a high quality outdoor structure. There are several ways to add outdoor living space to your home and which one you choose depends on your style, needs, budget and available space. Here is a short guide to help you make a decision.

Patios and Verandas

Patios and verandahs are covered structures that are usually attached to your home. They offer a sheltered area for carports, outdoor grilling and sitting in solitude or enjoying the company of friends and family. 

The durability of the overhead structure allows for construction over large areas with minimal visual intrusion from support posts. The base area can be an extension of your existing entryways and it can be constructed from wood, stone or concrete.

Decks

Decks versatile wooden structures that can be covered or uncovered, placed at ground level or elevated and left free-standing or attached to an existing structure, such as your home or pool. They’re a great option if you live in a hilly area or on a slope. The natural beauty of a wood deck enhances any outdoor setting and provides a great place to soak in the sun.

Spring rose garden gazebo - photo courtesy of ©perlphoto - Fotolia.com

photo courtesy of ©perlphoto – Fotolia.com

Pergolas and Gazebos

Gazebos are free-standing, decorative structures that offer a space for outdoor dining and entertaining. They’re often slightly raised and have railing or fencing around the perimeter. They’re available in a range of styles, sizes, roof designs. 


Pergolas are something of a combination between a gazebo and a patio. They can be attached to the exterior of a home or left free-standing. Often the roof area is an open design, and it’s available in a range of shapes. 

Both structures are great for use as trellises and they can be painted or stained to match your home.

Outdoor Rooms

Outdoor rooms offer the best of all possible worlds. They’re an extension of the home and can be decorated the same as any interior room. They offer the advantage of being open-air spaces during warm seasons and they can be completely enclosed in cooler seasons or during inclement weather.

If you’re not sure what you want or which type of backyard structure is best for your needs and purposes, there are many places to find help. You can get ideas from friends and relatives, ask a neighbour who has a sense of style you admire or, if you want a professional, check out patio living for their awesome range of outdoor room solutions and expert advice.

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About the Author

Henrietta Newman is a self-loving empty-nester into smudging, nature, yoga, fitness, healthy living, hunting, camping, hiking, tech, video games, gadgets, recipes, reviews and more.
With a love for the outdoors and visiting local attractions in and around NW PA and Lake Erie, you never know what you'll find in my nest! Subscribe to A Hen's Nest so you don't miss the fun!

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Comments

  1. 1

    I love this post.. When we moved to this house we now live in. I made my Hubs redo the roof on the back porch, it was so ugly. But, I didn’t think to have him redo the cement. I just did it myself over the weekend and am so pleased with the results that I am going to do our garage next.

  2. 2

    We have a deck and spend A LOT of time out there when the weather is nice.

  3. 3

    I would love to have a pergola. We have a deck on 2 sides of our house and we want to extend the roof to cove it. Here’s to dreaming :).

  4. 4

    We have a slab of concrete out back. I’d love to spruce that up to enjoy the warm weather better.

  5. 5

    Henrietta,
    We have a deck as well and live on it at least 6 months out of the year! Even when it’s no so warm! Nice post, thanks a lot!

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