What’s the Difference Between a Lanai, a Patio, a Porch, and a Veranda?

Are you trying to remodel or upgrade your patio but find yourself coming across unfamiliar terms? Patio Productions wants to make the search and process easier for you. Certain outdoor living spaces in our homes are very similar but are worth noting the differences. We want to make sure you can tell them apart and have knowledge of what you personally have!

So, do you know the difference between a veranda and a lanai? What about a patio and a porch? These can all be easily be confused with one another since they all (usually) contain either patio furniture or outdoor accessories of some sort. However, there are some ways to tell them apart. Let’s break it down!

What is a Patio?

You probably already know what a patio is, but for comparison purposes, let’s recap. A patio is a paved outdoor area adjoining a house. It may be built directly off the slab or merely added to the side of the home after the fact. One of the main differences you will typically find between patios, porches, lanais, and verandas is where they are located in your home – a patio categorically adjoins the house. 

Patios are almost always uncovered, meaning they typically don’t have roofs, and they may use pavers, brick, stone, or concrete for the surface floor. You may opt for a “covered patio” using awnings, pergolas, and shade sails instead of a roof. Or, you might choose to keep your patio uncovered in more temperate climates.

Patios are often used as a sort of outdoor living room, so adding some outdoor sectionals, sofas, or chairs will really help make it all that much more comfortable. Like a porch, lanai, or veranda, a patio perfectly suits outdoor dining and relaxing of all kinds.

Our top-selling patio set is the Avion collection by Harmonia Living

What is a Porch?

Most homes have patios that adjoin the home. Porches, on the other hand, tend to be an extension to the exterior of a house, almost always in the front. Unlike patios, porches typically include a built-in roof or covering of some kind that is an extension of the home and not a freestanding structure like a pergola. Porches generally have a wood or composite floor. Though less common, porches can be located on the back or side of the home, you can even have multiple porches!

The sides of porches may be open, meaning fenced on the side and with a roof but otherwise in plain air, or a porch may be screened in to keep out bugs. Their function is largely utilitarian, to protect you from the elements while waiting to enter your home.

Just like patios, porches are also used for relaxing or dining. You can add rocking chairs and enjoy the outside while reading a book or in the nice weather. A porch is, almost as a rule, smaller than a patio, so when you start shopping for outdoor furnishings for your porch, look at club chairs, swings and rockers as opposed to large dining sets or modular sofa sectionals.

Here is one of our favorite porch sets:

What is a Lanai?

A lanai is actually a specific type of porch (or veranda). More specifically, a lanai is a term most frequently used in Hawaii to describe a specific type of porch.

You are probably wondering how are they any different from a porch or sunroom if they are also just a type of enclosed porch?

Charlene Oldham discusses in her post that lanais are slightly different from sunrooms because they (usually) have concrete floors and are found on the ground adjacent to the home. Sort of a fusion of patio and porch, you see?

If these terms seem a little contradictory and vague so far, don’t worry, it’s not just you. 

A good thing to note, Angie’s list says that building a lanai is less costly than adding a large sunroom to your home. “Lanais also offer more protection than a traditional porch because they usually feature screens or windows. They give homeowners that coveted indoor/outdoor living feeling and are typically used for three seasons.” The best of both worlds, you might say.

Some Lanais feature double French doors for an elevated aesthetic, while others use simple glass or screen panels and sliding doors.

We love this lanai collection:

What is a Veranda?

A veranda is basically a large porch, usually used for entertainment or as a gallery room. Verandas are roofed and will often wrap around the front of a house – different from typical porches – and can even extend way around the sides. Verandas oftentimes include a railing, which makes tons of sense.

Now, you might think this sounds like a large balcony. And it’s totally understandable to think that. But unlike elevated balconies, verandas are strictly a ground-floor addition.

Similar to a “lanai,” a term used in Hawaii, a “veranda” is a regional term. It is mostly used in the American South, where the tradition of using it as a sort of outdoor gallery originated. If you are someone who admires art, this room is perfect for you. Or if you are an artist yourself, go ahead… display and show off your work!

We love this veranda furniture collection:

Summing it All Up

Here, in sum, are the differences (more or less) between a patio, porch, lanai, and veranda. 

A Patio:

• Adjoins a home
• Tends to be a mid to large-size space
• Is not enclosed and does not have a built-in roof…
• …but may be covered with awnings, shade sails, pergolas, umbrellas, or other less permanent structures
• Is used as primarily an outdoor living, dining, and entertaining space

A Porch:

• Is an extension of the home, usually the front
• Tends to be a smaller size
• Has some built-in roof or cover that is permanent or semi-permanent
• Is typically open on the sides and front, perhaps with a railing, though it can be contained with screen panels to keep out bugs
• Is used to welcome guests or relax in relative solitude

A Lanai:

• Is an extension of the home
• Tends to be mid-size
• Is fully covered and contained, like a sunroom, but with more airflow
• Can be used to entertain guests or relax at home
• Is a regional term, most commonly used in (and originating from) Hawaii

A Veranda:

• Is an extension of the home with a roof and railings
• Is basically a large porch or a mid-size balcony, but it is strictly a ground-level structure
• It tends to wrap around sides of houses
• Traditionally is used as a receiving area, commonly with art or gallery items of some kind
• Is a regional term, most commonly used in the American South

Hopefully, that clears some of this up.

Lucky for you, whether you have a patio, porch, lanai, or veranda, Patio Productions can furnish all your needs! Now that you know the differences, you can figure out which room extension makes sense for you (if you want to add on). We love outdoor living spaces as much as you and support all your upgrade decisions!