Veranda vs. Balcony — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
A veranda is a roofed platform along the outside of a house, often wrapping around, while a balcony is a platform projecting from the wall of a building, typically enclosed by a railing.
Difference Between Veranda and Balcony
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Verandas are typically ground-level, extensive platforms that wrap around at least part of a home's exterior, providing a covered outdoor space that's accessible from the ground floor. On the other hand, balconies are elevated platforms attached to the upper floors of a building, offering outdoor exposure from a specific room.
A veranda serves as an extended living space, often furnished with outdoor seating and used for leisure activities like dining and relaxing in a sheltered environment. Whereas, balconies are generally smaller and used for additional outdoor access, enjoying views, or growing plants.
The structural aspect of verandas integrates them into the building’s architecture, usually covered by a roof that is an extension of the house itself. Conversely, balconies can be recessed, protruding, or stacked, supported by columns or cantilevered, with a separate floor and railing.
In terms of usage, verandas can often accommodate larger gatherings and can be enclosed with screens or windows to extend their use throughout the seasons. On the other hand, balconies are typically limited by size and are more private, suited for personal relaxation or small-scale entertaining.
Verandas are prominent in colonial architecture, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates, as they provide necessary shade and cooling. Meanwhile, balconies have been iconic features in urban architecture, providing an outdoor extension in densely populated areas.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A roofed, open-air gallery or porch, usually at ground level.
A platform projecting from the wall of a building above the ground level, often enclosed by a railing.
Typical Location
Ground level, wrapping around the house.
Attached to higher floors of a building.
Structure
Covered by the building’s roof, often wraps around the house.
Supported by brackets or columns, enclosed by railings.
Primary Use
Leisure, dining, social activities in a covered outdoor space.
Personal relaxation, enjoying views, small gatherings.
Climate Association
Common in tropical and subtropical regions for shade and air circulation.
Used globally, often in urban settings for additional outdoor space.
Compare with Definitions
Veranda
Sometimes furnished with swings, rocking chairs, or dining sets.
Their veranda featured a swing where she liked to read.
Balcony
A small platform protruding from the wall of an upper floor of a building.
He stepped out onto the balcony to admire the city skyline.
Veranda
A roofed platform along the outside of a house, often wrapping around.
The large veranda was the perfect spot for the summer barbecues.
Balcony
Used for growing plants or having a small table and chairs.
She decorated her balcony with potted plants and fairy lights.
Veranda
Can be screened-in to provide protection from insects.
The screened veranda was a bug-free zone during the evenings.
Balcony
Can be a romantic feature in residential architecture.
The couple enjoyed sunset dinners on their cozy balcony.
Veranda
Used for leisure and social activities, it may be partly enclosed.
They spent the evening playing cards on the veranda.
Balcony
Often enclosed by railings for safety, and accessible from a room.
Their bedroom had a private balcony with a panoramic ocean view.
Veranda
Often extends the living space of a home outward.
The veranda added a relaxing outdoor living area to their home.
Balcony
Provides an elevated view and a breath of fresh air in urban settings.
The balcony was his favorite spot to enjoy the fresh morning air.
Veranda
A veranda or verandah is a roofed, open-air gallery or porch, attached to the outside of a building. A veranda is often partly enclosed by a railing and frequently extends across the front and sides of the structure.Although the form verandah is correct and very common, some authorities prefer the version without an "h" (the Concise Oxford English Dictionary gives the "h" version as a variant and The Guardian Style Guide says "veranda not verandah").
Balcony
A balcony (from Italian: balcone, "scaffold") is a platform projecting from the wall of a building, supported by columns or console brackets, and enclosed with a balustrade, usually above the ground floor.
Veranda
A porch or balcony, usually roofed and often partly enclosed, extending along the outside of a building. Also called regionally gallery.
Balcony
A platform that projects from the wall of a building and is surrounded by a railing, balustrade, or parapet.
Veranda
A gallery, platform, or balcony, usually roofed and often partly enclosed, extending along the outside of a building.
Balcony
A gallery that projects over the main floor in a theater or auditorium.
Veranda
An open, roofed gallery or portico, adjoining a dwelling house, forming an out-of-door sitting room. See Loggia.
The house was of adobe, low, with a wide veranda on the three sides of the inner court.
Balcony
(architectural element) An accessible structure extending from a building, especially outside a window.
Veranda
A porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
Balcony
An accessible structure overlooking a stage or the like.
Balcony
A platform projecting from the wall of a building, usually resting on brackets or consoles, and inclosed by a parapet; as, a balcony in front of a window. Also, a projecting gallery in places of amusement; as, the balcony in a theater.
Balcony
A projecting gallery once common at the stern of large ships.
Balcony
An upper floor projecting from the rear over the main floor in an auditorium
Balcony
A platform projecting from the wall of a building and surrounded by a balustrade or railing or parapet
Common Curiosities
What is the primary purpose of a veranda?
A veranda primarily serves as an extended living space for leisure and social activities, often in a covered outdoor setting.
Can a balcony be at ground level?
Typically, balconies are elevated features and not found at ground level; ground-level outdoor spaces are more likely to be patios or verandas.
What materials are commonly used to build a veranda?
Verandas are often built with wood, concrete, or brick, and are covered by a roof made from the same materials as the house.
Is it possible to convert a balcony into a room?
Yes, some balconies can be enclosed and converted into a sunroom or a small extension of the adjacent indoor space, depending on building regulations.
What is the difference in privacy between a veranda and a balcony?
Balconies tend to offer more privacy since they are elevated and typically accessible from a specific room, unlike verandas, which are more open and accessible from the ground level.
How do verandas and balconies impact home value?
Both can increase home value, particularly if they are well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing, adding usable outdoor space.
Are there specific safety regulations for balconies?
Yes, balconies must comply with safety regulations concerning height, railings, and structural integrity to prevent accidents.
Can both verandas and balconies be found in commercial buildings?
Yes, though balconies are more common in residential settings, both can be incorporated into commercial architecture for aesthetic and functional purposes.
What cultural significance do balconies hold?
Balconies have a rich cultural significance in many regions, often seen as symbols of status and romantic elements in architecture and literature.
What type of furniture is best suited for a veranda?
Outdoor furniture that can withstand weather conditions, such as wicker, metal, or treated wood, is ideal for verandas.
What climatic benefits do verandas offer?
Verandas provide shade and can help in cooling homes naturally in hot climates by blocking direct sunlight.
Can verandas be glassed-in?
Yes, verandas can be enclosed with glass to create a conservatory or a sunroom, enhancing their usability across different seasons.
How does the construction cost of a veranda compare to a balcony?
Generally, verandas might be less expensive to construct as they are part of the ground floor structure, unlike balconies which require additional supports and safety features.
How do balconies contribute to fire safety?
In some cases, balconies can provide an emergency exit route in the event of a fire, especially if they are accessible from multiple rooms.
Do balconies need regular maintenance?
Yes, balconies require regular maintenance to ensure safety and durability, including checks for rust, decay, and structural stability.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
