What Is a Verandah? The Ultimate Guide to This Classic Aussie Outdoor Feature

There’s something undeniably charming about a verandah—it’s where memories are made, morning coffees are enjoyed, and warm evenings are spent with loved ones. 

This timeless architectural feature has long been a staple of Australian homes, offering both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current verandah, build something new, or simply look for ways to draw the full potential from your outdoor space, we’ve got you covered (pun intended).

Read on to learn everything you need to know.

This is more than just an outdoor addition—it’s a seamless extension of your home that enhances both lifestyle and property value.

Unlike standalone outdoor structures, it is directly connected to the house, creating a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Depending on the design, it can be fully open, partially enclosed with screens or glass, or feature railings for added safety.

Key Characteristics

• Attached to the Home: It is always connected to the main structure of the house, serving as an extension of the living space.
• Covered for Protection: The defining feature is its roof, which provides shelter from sun, rain, and wind, making it a practical year-round outdoor space.
• Open or Enclosed: While traditionally open, some builds can be enclosed with glass or screens to create a more controlled environment.
• Wraparound or Single-Sided: Some builds extend around multiple sides of a house, while others are built along a single facade.

Advantages

• Enhanced Outdoor Living: Provides a comfortable space to relax, entertain, or enjoy the fresh air without being fully exposed to the elements.
• Increased Property Value: Adds aesthetic appeal and functional space, making homes more attractive to buyers.
• Weather Protection: Shields against harsh sun, rain, and wind, allowing for year-round outdoor enjoyment.
• Energy Efficiency: Offers natural shade, helping to reduce indoor temperatures and cooling costs.

Potential Challenges

• Cost Considerations: Depending on materials and design complexity, this can be a significant investment.
• Space Requirements: Not all homes have sufficient room to accommodate a large verandah.
• Council Approvals: Some constructions may require permits, depending on local building regulations.

Traditional Verandah

For those who love timeless architecture, a traditional construction is a perfect choice. They are commonly found in heritage homes, particularly Victorian and Federation-style properties.

Key Features:

• Ornate posts, fretwork, and decorative lacework.
• Timber or cast-iron balustrades.
• Gabled or bullnose roofing with corrugated iron.
• Warm, earthy colour palettes that complement classic home designs.

Best For: Heritage homes, period-style houses, and those looking to add a touch of old-world charm.

Modern Minimalist Verandah

For a more up-to-date look, modern minimalist constructions embrace clean lines and simplicity. These designs focus on functionality and understated elegance, often blending seamlessly with contemporary homes.

Key Features:

• Open, uncluttered designs with smooth surfaces.
• Glass, steel, and aluminium construction.
• Neutral colours such as whites, greys, and black.
• Flat or skillion roofs for a streamlined effect.

Best For: New builds, modern homes, and homeowners who prefer a sleek, low-maintenance outdoor space.

Wraparound Verandah

It is a spacious option that extends around multiple sides of a house, providing all-day shade and a continuous outdoor living area. This style is especially popular in rural and coastal homes.

Key Features:

• Expansive layout, often covering two or more sides of a house.
• Multiple access points from different rooms.
• Increased shade, helping to keep the home cooler.
• Perfect for taking in panoramic views.

Best For: Large properties, traditional Queenslanders, and homes in hot climates.

Curved & Bullnose Verandah

If you want a construction with unique character, curved and bullnose designs add a touch of elegance while offering excellent weather protection. This style is commonly seen in Federation and Victorian-era homes.

Key Features:

• Gently curved or bullnose-shaped roofing.
• Decorative timberwork and intricate detailing.
• Often paired with wrought iron or timber railings.
• Traditional corrugated metal roofing for a heritage aesthetic.

Best For: Period homes and those wanting a vintage-inspired look.

Enclosed Verandah

It transforms outdoor living into a year-round experience by adding glass walls, screens, or shutters for extra protection.

Key Features:

• Glass, fly screens, or louvred windows to block wind and rain.
• Can be climate-controlled for added comfort.
• Enhanced privacy while maintaining outdoor views.
• Ideal for entertaining regardless of the weather.

Best For: Homes in colder or windier areas and those who want an outdoor space that functions like an indoor room.

Raised Verandah with Decking

It is ideal for homes built on slopes or for those who want to enjoy elevated views. By incorporating decking, this style combines the best of both worlds.

Key Features:

• Elevated platform, often with timber or composite decking.
• Sturdy railings for safety.
• Perfect for maximising views and air circulation.
• Works well with both classic and modern home designs.

Best For: Sloping blocks, coastal homes, and properties with scenic views.

Expands Usable Outdoor Space for Entertainment and Relaxation

One of the biggest advantages is the additional outdoor space it provides.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, or unwinding with a book in the afternoon breeze, this construction creates the perfect setting for both social gatherings and personal relaxation.

A well-designed outdoor space can be:

• An outdoor dining area for family meals.
• A cosy retreat with comfortable seating and greenery.
• A play area for kids to enjoy in a shaded, safe environment.

Provides Shade and Weather Protection

Australia’s climate can be extreme, with scorching summers, unexpected rain, and strong winds. This type of outdoor area acts as a natural shield, protecting your home and outdoor areas from harsh weather conditions.

• In summer, it blocks direct sunlight, keeping both the outdoor and indoor areas cooler.
• During rain, it offers a dry outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy fresh air without getting wet.
• On windy days, it provides a buffer against strong gusts, making outdoor relaxation more comfortable.

By reducing heat exposure, this construction can also help lower energy costs by keeping your home naturally cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Enhances Home Aesthetics & Curb Appeal

A beautifully designed backyard can elevate the overall look of your home, adding character and charm.

Whether you prefer a classic, decorative style or a sleek, modern look, this construction can be customised to complement your home’s architecture.

Popular ways it enhances aesthetics include:

• Classic timber designs with ornate fretwork for heritage homes.
• Minimalist metal and glass structures for contemporary properties.
• Lush greenery and stylish outdoor furniture to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Not only does it improve the first impression of your home, but it also makes it more inviting and visually appealing.

Improves Property Value

A well-built outdoor space isn’t just a lifestyle improvement—it’s also a financial asset. Homes with functional and attractive outdoor spaces tend to fetch higher prices in the real estate market, making this construction a smart investment for future resale value.

Why buyers love these outdoor areas:

• They offer additional living space without expensive home extensions.
• They enhance street appeal, making a property more attractive at first glance.
• They create energy-efficient homes, which is a key selling point.

With the rise of outdoor living trends, potential buyers are increasingly looking for homes that offer seamless indoor-outdoor flow—something this construction provides effortlessly.

Offers a Smooth Indoor-Outdoor Transition

It acts as a bridge between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to enjoy nature while staying connected to your home. This smooth transition enhances your lifestyle by:

• Encouraging alfresco living—perfect for Australia’s outdoor culture.
• Creating a flexible space that can be used for various activities year-round.
• Allowing fresh air and natural light to flow into your home, improving wellbeing.

Timber

Timber is a timeless choice, offering a warm, natural look that complements both traditional and contemporary homes.

It’s especially popular in heritage-style outdoor areas, where decorative timber posts and balustrades enhance the classic aesthetic.

Pros:
✔ Rich, natural beauty that blends well with gardens and outdoor spaces.
✔ Can be stained or painted to match any home style.
✔ Traditional, rustic, and inviting atmosphere.

Cons:
✖ Requires regular maintenance (sealing, staining, or painting).
✖ Can be susceptible to termites and weathering if not properly treated.
✖ Higher maintenance costs compared to metal or composite materials.

Best for: Homeowners who love a traditional, organic look and don’t mind occasional upkeep.

Metal & Steel

For those looking for longevity and minimal maintenance, metal and steel are a great choice. These structures are incredibly durable, resistant to termites, and can withstand Australia’s harsh climate.

Pros:
✔ Extremely durable and long-lasting.
✔ Requires little to no maintenance.
✔ Available in a variety of colours and finishes, such as Colorbond steel.
✔ Resistant to fire, termites, and extreme weather conditions.

Cons:
✖ Can have a more industrial or modern look, which may not suit all home styles.
✖ Metal surfaces can become hot under direct sunlight.

Best for: Modern homes, low-maintenance properties, and homeowners looking for a long-lasting structure.

Glass

Glass is becoming increasingly popular for those who want a sleek, sophisticated outdoor space with an enclosed option for year-round comfort.

It typically features frameless or semi-frameless glass walls combined with metal or timber framing.

Pros:
✔ Allows plenty of natural light, creating an open and airy feel.
✔ Provides protection from wind and rain while maintaining outdoor views.
✔ Perfect for contemporary home designs.

Cons:
✖ More expensive than traditional timber or metal.
✖ Requires frequent cleaning to maintain a clear, polished look.
✖ Not always ideal for extreme heat, unless designed with proper ventilation.

Best for: Modern homes, luxury properties, and those who want an enclosed, weather-protected outdoor space.

Roofing Options for Verandahs

Polycarbonate Roofing – Lightweight and Light-Filtrating

Polycarbonate is a popular roofing option, offering flexibility in design while allowing natural light to filter through.

✔ Affordable and lightweight.
✔ Available in clear, tinted, or opaque options to control sunlight.
✔ Provides UV protection while maintaining brightness.

✖ Can degrade over time with prolonged sun exposure.
✖ Less insulating compared to metal or tiled roofs.

Colorbond Steel Roofing – Durable and Stylish

Colorbond steel is a favourite in Australian homes due to its toughness, variety of colours, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

✔ Strong, durable, and long-lasting.
✔ Reflects heat to keep spaces cooler.
✔ Available in various colours to match home exteriors.

✖ Can create noise during heavy rain unless insulated.
✖ Higher upfront cost compared to polycarbonate.

Tiled Roofs – Classic and Insulating

If you want your outdoor area to seamlessly match your home’s roof, tiled roofing is an excellent choice.

✔ Provides superior insulation.
✔ Matches traditional homes and tiled-roof houses perfectly.
✔ Reduces noise from rain and wind.

✖ Heavier than other materials, requiring a strong support structure.
✖ More expensive to install.

When Are Permits Required for Verandah Construction?

The necessity for a building permit varies depending on factors such as size, height, and location. Generally, a building permit is required to build, renovate, or demolish a verandah.

However, some minor structures may be classified as exempt development, meaning they do not require approval if they meet specific criteria. It’s important to note that these exemptions can vary significantly between different local councils.

Local Council Regulations in Australia

Local councils have specific regulations governing verandah construction. These regulations often address:

• Size Restrictions: Limitations on the height, length, and overall area of the verandah. For example, in Victoria, a pergola (an unroofed structure) does not require a building permit if it is not more than 3.6 meters in height, not more than 20 square meters in floor area, and satisfies the siting requirements set out in the Building Regulations 2018.
• Boundary Rules: Requirements regarding the distance between the verandah and property boundaries to ensure adequate space between structures and neighboring properties.
• Design and Appearance: Guidelines to ensure that the verandah’s design is in harmony with the existing building and surrounding area.

Ensuring Compliance with Building Codes

Compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), which includes the Building Code of Australia (BCA), is mandatory for all building work.

The NCC sets out the minimum standards for health, safety, accessibility, and sustainability in building design and construction across Australia.

Key considerations include:

• Structural Integrity: Ensuring the outdoor space is designed and constructed to withstand environmental loads such as wind and rain.
• Safety Features: Incorporation of necessary safety elements like barriers and handrails, especially if the construction is elevated. The NCC specifies requirements for the location, height, and extent of handrails to ensure safe movement and access.
• Material Compliance: Using materials that meet the standards outlined in the NCC to ensure durability and safety.

At Custom Outdoor Living, we understand that your outdoor area is more than just a structure—it’s an investment in your home and lifestyle.

With years of experience and a reputation for excellence, we specialise in designing and building high-quality outdoor spaces that perfectly suit your needs, style, and budget.

Whether you’re after a classic, contemporary, or custom-designed outdoor space, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Custom Outdoor Living today at 1300 724 118 or claim your fast and FREE quote online now.