You can accomplish the ideal indoor and outdoor living by enclosing outer living rooms with screens. Do you often fantasize about enclosing your porch or patio with a screen? Would it be simpler to appreciate the beauty just beyond your front door if it had a veranda or lanai enclosure? 

When describing the space in their backyards, we’ve heard clients use phrases such as “porch,” “patio,” and “screened lanai enclosure.” Which of these constructions would you prefer to have in your backyard so that you can use it and enjoy it?  In this article, we’ll be discussing each key difference between these such as lanai vs. patio and many more. 

An outside expansion, whether attached to the main house or situated nearby, will provide more room for various activities and a setting that is unlike any other. Porches, verandas, patios, and lanais add an unquestionable amount of charm to a home and provide it with more usable space. These are all different sections that are a part of the building itself.

The fact that these exterior extensions come in various enclosures can be an additional benefit. Complete screens will keep the additional space warm and clean, allowing it to be used throughout the year. Partial enclosures will provide a greater sense of openness to the outdoors.

What is a Lanai?

Lanais are just a special kind of porch (or veranda). To be more exact, a lanai is a term most commonly used in Hawaii (which probably explains why you haven’t heard of it), and it is used to describe a particular kind of porch.

You are most likely thinking, given that they are also an enclosed porch, how they are distinguishable from a sunroom or a porch, given that they are both of these things. In contrast to sunrooms, Lanais typically have concrete floors and are situated on the ground next to the house.  Sunrooms, on the other hand, are typically elevated above the ground.

It is important to remember that, according to Angie’s List, constructing a lanai is more cost-effective than adding a huge sunroom to your existing house. Lanais also provide more protection than a conventional porch because they typically have screens or windows. They offer residents the desirable experience of living both indoors and outside, and they are frequently used during all three seasons.

What is a Patio?

Patios are typically located on the ground level. They are a level spaces paved with concrete to provide an outside living area that can be used for dining, working on projects, or simply relaxing.

However, in some cases, such as when building it atop another floor such as your basement, they can also be elevated! They don’t generally have anything covering them. Therefore they need some shade during the day.

The sun will likely shine brightly on a patio of this type if it is attached to the house, which is the most common option. These people have a knack for blending in with their surroundings and are frequently around by flowers and plants that offer an air of coziness and authenticity to the atmosphere.

The media usually focuses on porches, patios, and verandahs. If you tell a friend who lives in any part of the United States that you are about to step out onto the patio, that person will likely have a good notion of what you intend to do next. However, if you mention that you want to spend the afternoon lounging around the lanai, it could lead to misunderstandings. This is because the term “lanai,” which first appeared in Hawaii, is typically utilized in tropical regions.

What is a Porch?

A porch is constructed before the building’s entryway. It is an exterior extension that sits on the same floor as the interior of the building. Enclosing a porch is a common way to protect from the elements, insects, and other outside elements. 

Columns, railings, or short walls may sometimes be included as part of the enclosure to give it a more decorative appearance. In some circumstances, a porch may be completely separated from its surroundings by utilizing screens or full-height walls. In conclusion, porches are always covered, most commonly by a roof extension.

What is a Veranda?

A veranda is an outdoor space attached to a house’s side. It often has a roof and walls to protect it from the elements. It can be as tiny or as large as you wish, and either open air like a balcony or enclosed like a porch (with posts instead of solid walls).

Verandas are common in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the region formerly known as Rhodesia but now known as Zambia.

In most cases, they are annexed to larger homes, but in other circumstances, they can also be standalone structures constructed independently of the primary residence. Some verandas are completely enclosed, while others offer the option of closing the space with a door or screen for more privacy.

What’s the Difference Between a Lanai and a Patio?

The distinction between a lanai and a patio lies in the degree to which the former is enclosed, as opposed to the latter, which is open. In contrast to patios, Lanais have walls that completely enclose the space, whereas patios do not. Both a patio and a lanai can provide access to the outdoors. However, a lanai is often enclosed while a patio is open to the elements. Patios, on the other hand, are rarely covered.

Patios are preferable to lanais when it comes to both gardening and hosting barbecues. Lanais are preferable to patios to prevent insects from entering the space and shielding oneself from the sun’s heat. Both choices provide potential advantages, but some people prefer one over the other.

What’s The Difference Between Veranda And Lanai?

The words “veranda” and “lanai” are frequently used interchangeably. A veranda is typically an open gallery or covered porch located on the front of a house and is not related to any of the rooms inside the building. A lanai can have the same open-sided design if it doesn’t have its roofing structure or if that roofing structure doesn’t enclose the area and separate it from the rest of the house.

The Hawaiian language gives us the word “lanai,” which translates to “open shelter,” whereas the word “veranda” has its roots in the French language (meaning a tree-shaded place where you can sit outside).

What is the Most Expensive Option?

Compared to a porch or a patio, a lanai is the most expensive outdoor living space option. Lanais are more expensive to install than porches and patios since the construction of a lanai takes more materials than those of porches and patios. To construct a lanai, you will require a foundation, walls, and a roof connected to the rest of your home. Most people even finish their lanai space, which further drives up the price.

Lanais are enclosed and adjacent to the house also implies that more manual labor is required to maintain them compared to the other options presented in this guide. Lanais can be finished in various ways, allowing homeowners to expand the amount of usable space in their homes while also adding to the value of their properties. 

Read more: 7 Best Restaurants in Capitol Hill, Washington DC

Get in Touch with Paragon Remodeling to Learn More About Lanai vs. Patio

If you’re in the market for a new outdoor living space, it’s important to understand the difference between a lanai and a patio. It’s important to consult a reputable patio contractor. At Paragon Remodeling, we can help you choose the perfect design and materials for your home. Get in touch with us today to learn more about lanai vs. patio and how we can help you create the perfect outdoor oasis.