Roof covers are indispensable if you want to enjoy nature from the comfort of your home, so verandas, pergolas and patio covers are definitely working the indoor/outdoor trend. But what’s the difference between those three?
Pergola: pros and cons
A traditional pergola is a wooden structure or an archway that shades a path or patio. The framework is often covered with climbing plants. Pergola’s have both pros and cons:
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The foliage adds shade to your patio
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A touch of romance: a pergola sprinkles your garden with rustic charm.
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A pergola is not attached to your home, which makes extra heating difficult.
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The plants that line your pergola need regular grooming.
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Pergolas offer no shelter from the rain, and are difficult to attach an awning to.

Veranda: pros and cons
A veranda is a kind of lean-to conservatory. Verandas become comfortably warm once the sun hits the glass, making them the perfect place to relax and recharge. Their biggest advantages:
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Additional living space: a veranda is the perfect lounge area. You can have a seat to read a book or enjoy a cup of coffee anytime you like.
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Plenty of natural light: treat yourself and your plants to a sunshine fix.
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Available in all price ranges.
However, a veranda’s biggest plus can also become a bit of a bother. The glass structure can make the room become as hot as a furnace on summer days, heating up adjacent rooms as well (nothing that can’t be fixed with a sun awning, though). In the winter months, it’s the other way around: without heating, verandas become too chilly to use.
Patio cover
While a veranda creates extra space indoors, a patio cover creates an additional, comfy outdoor area.
Benefits
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Your patio is sheltered while you retain complete control over your sun shading system.
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There are patio covers to match any style – from pastoral to sleek and modern.
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You can pimp your patio cover with heating elements, an audio system, LED-lighting and even sliding panels for extra protection against the sun, rain and wind.
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An aluminum terrace covering that isn’t overgrown with plants requires less maintenance than a traditional pergola.
Tips and trick
Make sure to keep these questions in mind when you’re buying a patio cover:
Also interesting: the difference between a pergola and gazebo and the difference between a pergola and veranda.