Pergola, Patio, Veranda; Which offers the most shade?

March 28th, 2017 · Published to Shade Solutions by Steve Lewis

Shade structures are incredibly popular in Australia and this is all because of the harsh sun rays that we experience. Overexposure to the sun’s rays can cause various skin problems, including melanoma based cancer. As such, many people look to build permanent shade structures on their home.

If you’re considering investing in a shade structure, then you have a few options on hand. Pergolas, patios and verandas are some options for you to consider. However, you’re probably wondering which of these three solutions offer the most shade.

As a shade structure provider, I will help you understand the difference amongst these three. Continue reading this post as I compare pergolas, patios and verandas to determine which offers the most shade. Hopefully, after reading through, you’ll be able to take a more informed decision about which shade structure to go with.

Pergolas

Originally, the word pergola was used to refer to any outdoor structure designed to offer support to climbing plants. Since then, pergolas have seen many shapes and forms – most commonly as rafters and roof beams.

Modern day pergolas are outdoor shade structures which typically consist of a metal frame and a shade fabric. Pergolas can be made into any shape and they can either be attached or detached to a home.

Our customers at Global Shade often ask me what the difference between a pergola and a patio is. The difference between the two essentially lies in purpose and aesthetics. Typically, patios are a shaded outdoor extension of home. On the other hand, pergolas are designed to offer shade to a garden area.

Patios

Initially, the word patio was used to refer to roofless inner courtyards in a home. In modern day usage, patios refer to outdoor gathering areas which are located outside the back door of a home. Also, modern day patios are not roofless and they are typically covered with the help of a shade fabric.

While patios can be seen all over the world, they are incredibly common in Australia. In fact, many Aussies believe that a patio is as much of a necessity as a kitchen or a bedroom! It’s safe to assume that patios are one of the most common shade structures in our country.

Patios come in many styles and designs, including open, enclosed and semi-enclosed. The roof is supported with the help of columns and make use of shade fabrics to provide shade.

Verandas

A veranda is used to refer to any space that connects a home to the outdoors. Usually, verandas are designed as long corridors and they are much narrower than a patio. Another difference between a veranda and a patio is that verandas can be built anywhere, not just behind a house. Sometimes, verandas are walled off, making them more part of a home than an extension.

Modern day verandas make use of roof beams or columns and make use of a shade fabric. Verandas may be made from metal frames or timber and they come in a variety of styles and designs. While not as popular as patios, verandas are still quite commonly used as shade structures in Australia.

Now that you know more about pergolas, patios and verandas, you can choose any one depending on your budget and the style you’re looking to achieve. What really determines the amount of shade they offer lies in the built-up area and in the covering or UVR protection offered by the chosen shade fabric.

Remember – regardless of what shade structures you choose, it is important to consider the shade fabric. After all, it is the shade fabric that will provide shade. Always choose high quality shade fabrics, such as those we offer at Global Shade. Our shade fabrics are superior grade products that offer excellent UVR protection and are designed to last a lifetime.

Conclusion:

When it comes to outdoor shade structures, pergolas, patios and verandas are the most common. Pergolas are used to create shaded garden areas, while patios and verandas create a shaded extension to a home. What determines the amount of shade they offer is the built-up area and the shade fabric used. Whatever outdoor structures you go with, always choose high quality shade fabrics such as Global Shade fabrics.

Get in touch with us to find out more about our range of superior grade shade fabrics today!