Competent construction of extensions for various purposes can not only expand the living area of the house, but also improve its appearance and protect it from wear and tear. The construction of a veranda adjacent to the house, regardless of the type of structure, requires careful development of the project, with the determination of materials and construction technology.
Proper execution and approval project documentation in government agencies will not only insure you against problems with the law, but will also help you draw up a plan and estimate for the structure.
Design
A typical veranda is covered with a roof frame structure, built on a strip or columnar foundation, with glass or half-glass walls. The statement that the veranda should be built from the same materials as the main building, with the emergence of new styles and fashion trends in architecture, has lost its relevance.
In the photos below - ready-made solutions verandas attached to the house, with different principles compatibility. In some cases, the new extension is made of the same materials and is completely combined with the house; in others, the new addition is combined with the preservation of common elements - roof, beams, etc.
There are also projects in which original design The extension introduces a new architectural touch, updating the exterior.
When choosing materials and construction technologies, you should also take into account the parameters of proper ventilation, moisture resistance and thermal insulation. With full glazing, it is necessary to provide opening segments for ventilation.
In case it is being built open veranda, or as it is also called - summer terrace, you need to take care of frost-resistant cladding and tilt the floor towards the site.
Designs with removable frames are optimal for year-round use. Installation of large sliding doors will also allow the building to be used in a dual-mode version.
IN standard project The area of the veranda is rectangular and ranges from 10 to 15 sq.m. For smaller areas it will be too cramped; for larger ones, additional reinforcement for the roof will be required. Polygonal and semicircular foundations are also possible.
According to its location, the veranda can be corner, end or facade. An original solution can be considered the construction of a terrace along the entire perimeter of the house, which can have glazed, open and closed areas for various purposes: they can accommodate a hallway, a recreation area, and a large storage room.
Foundation
The foundation of terraces and verandas attached to the house must fit tightly to the main building, but at the same time have independent supports.
A strip foundation is suitable for large and heavy structures; in all other cases, a columnar foundation can be erected. When pouring concrete, you need to leave a gap of 3-4 cm with the main wall, which will subsequently be filled with waterproofing foam.
At the first stage of preparation for construction, the soil is cleaned and compacted. Then, for the pillars, corner holes are dug along the depth of the house foundation (about 1 m on average), a cushion is made of crushed stone, gravel and sand, onto which concrete is poured.
After setting, asbestos or asbestos supports are inserted metal pipes. Concrete pillars or brick can also be used. The same method is used to lay high piles for buildings adjacent to the second floor level.
Depending on the area and weight of the terrace, intermediate posts may be needed, installed every half meter.
For the foundation belt type a trench of 30-50 cm is broken, the formwork is placed 15-20 cm higher. Metal reinforcement bars or reinforcement mesh. Concrete is poured onto a layer of crushed stone and sand.
Wood frame
The frame is assembled from beams or logs with a width of at least 12 cm, which are covered with a waterproofing layer. For the strength of horizontal knitting, experts recommend using fastenings in the foot, the surface of the connection will be at an angle. Vertical racks secured with diagonal interceptions.
At the final stage wooden frame covered with rafters for the roof. For cladding you can use plywood panels, chipboards, etc.
Construction wooden veranda- the best budget solution in terms of prices for materials, but when choosing this type of construction you need a professional approach and knowledge of the nuances of construction from wooden beams.
Other materials for verandas
The foam block structure is erected on strip foundation. This type of masonry is easy to do yourself. The laying is carried out using a special glue, with the seams bandaged for strength.
When finishing, an internal and external waterproofing layer, plasterboard finishing, wooden shields, moisture-resistant wallpaper and paints. The outer surface can be lined with ventilated facades.
The construction of the structure is made of polycarbonate, a modern and attractive option. This material goes well in buildings with wooden and brick frames.
For a building that consists entirely of bicarbonate panels, you do not need a foundation. The earth can simply be compacted and covered with paving slabs.
The structure is created using aluminum profiles, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of ventilation and water drainage. Polycarbonate panels and frames various types can be tailored to specific needs for lighting and thermal insulation.
Before you attach a veranda to the house, you need to decide on the functions that it will perform. In addition to the necessary drainage and ventilation systems in any case, proper connection to the permanent structure and roof structure, the schedule for using this part of the house is important.
The design and construction of summer verandas differs from the requirements for premises with year-round use. It is also important to note that any extension will require the same care and updating as permanent buildings.
Photo of the veranda attached to the house
A terrace is a covered, unheated structure raised above the ground, free-standing or attached to the main building. Such a building, decorated with light garden furniture and flowers, can not only decorate the yard, but also become a favorite vacation spot for all family members.
Terrace options
Terraces are:
- open;
- closed;
- partially covered.
An open terrace is an area attached to the house without walls or roof. Here, in good weather you can sit comfortably in a chair and flip through a magazine or do yoga. On outdoor terraces you can often see elegant hand-forged fencing, simple lighting and a sleeve mounted in the floor for attaching a sun umbrella.
Partially covered terraces have a light canopy over them, covering either the entire area or only part of it. It is possible to have decorative half-walls made of lightweight materials
A closed terrace is already a full-fledged, equipped room with many windows and furniture. It can be used all year round.
Terrace project
For wooden country house, used only in the warm season, best option terraces - construction of a light plank extension decorated in folk style rustic style. The location and shape of the structure depends on the personal preferences of the owners and the layout of the house. The main thing is that it is comfortable in all respects. The most common option is to build a terrace against the wall near the entrance. This creates a wonderful recreation room that serves as a hallway and porch. The circular construction of a terrace along the entire house is also interesting.
The structure can be erected near the living room or kitchen. This placement is quite convenient, as it allows you to freely carry dishes and treat guests through the nearest passage.
When making a terrace project, the main condition that it is advisable to observe when choosing a location is that there should be an exit from the house to the building itself.
Those who want to protect this structure from prying eyes can make it at the back of the house. You can plant it nearby beautiful plants and trees. This place will be a pleasure for all family members to relax.
Configuration and size
The dimensions of this structure are influenced by the purpose of its use and the space occupied. So, to comfortably accommodate two people, it is enough to allocate an area of 120 cm 2. You should calculate the number of family members and take into account the number of invited guests. It is also worth remembering the area required to install furniture: chairs, benches, sun loungers, sofas. And there should still be space for the free movement of people.
The configuration of such an extension can be absolutely any: square, round, rectangular, polygonal. The most common option is to build a rectangular terrace. The standard width of the extension is 2.5 m, and the length is equal to the size of the adjacent wall of the house.
Regardless of the configuration, any design consists of 3 main parts:
- foundation;
- flooring;
- auxiliary elements.
Selection of materials
Before building a terrace, you need to select building materials. The best way save money - use those left over after building the house. Stones and bricks can be used to build a foundation. If you buy material, it is important to choose only the highest quality, since the structure will have to withstand both scorching heat and winter cold.
For finishing partially covered and open areas the best option- usage natural stone or its imitation. The advantage of this material is the combination of resistance to climatic influences and external beauty. Also suitable plastic panels, cast iron and aluminum.
Enclosed terraces are most often lightweight buildings, so they are mainly built using a frame structure. The most environmentally friendly and comfortable option is to build a terrace made of wood, where the frame elements are made of timber, and the cladding is made of particle boards or lining. Wood is considered an affordable and easy-to-work material, but it rots over time, so it requires careful care. Often load-bearing elements the frame is replaced with a more durable one steel profile. The extension of the terrace can be made of lightweight building materials, for example, aerated concrete.
The terrace, like the patio, is an open structure on a country site. It is erected slightly elevated above ground level or at the floor level of the main building and may have side fences. Sometimes the building is built in the form of an extended porch.
The main task of designing an extension is to harmoniously arrange the terrace in the landscape design of a suburban area. It is preferable that the terrace plan be included in the overall design of the site. In this case, it is erected on a single foundation with the main building. During construction you can use general materials and constructive solutions. Thanks to overall design buildings, the terrace will organically fit into the architectural ensemble.
If it was planned after the construction of the main building, a separate project must be made for the extension.
When designing, one should take into account the climatic features of the area and the condition of the soil of the suburban area. Since the structure is planned to be attached to a wooden or brick house, the condition of its foundation and other structures that will be adjacent to the terrace are examined.
To build an open terrace, permitting documents are not required. Such structures are considered temporary by law. If a terrace is being built closed type with foundation equipment and glazing, it is defined as a veranda. Its construction must be registered as a redevelopment. To obtain permission, the extension project is submitted to the chief architect of the district. Then changes are made to the general design of the suburban area.
Placement, shape and dimensions of the terrace
The choice of location for the extension will determine the convenience of its use, the suitability of the terrace and its protection from atmospheric influences. More often the terrace is attached to front side at home, simultaneously performing the functions of a porch, a canopy and a place for relaxation and feasting.
If the structure is not tied to the main entrance door, it is arranged on the side of the kitchen or living room, equipping a separate exit from these rooms. This will allow you to serve dishes and invite guests to a table set in the fresh air. In another embodiment, it is located around the perimeter of the house with one or several entrances.
It is better to choose a place for the terrace in the shade of trees growing on the site. If the area near the house is not shaded, preference is given to the eastern or northern side of the main building. But such an arrangement is planned if suburban area belongs to a region with hot summer weather.
The size of the terrace depends on the capabilities of the site and the nature of its use. For free movement along it, the width of the extension must be at least 120 cm. The area of the dining area is determined taking into account the number of residents and possible guests. Accommodating 6 people at a table on the terrace will require about 8 m2 of equipped area. For extra space for relaxation, the placement of sun loungers or a sofa is taken into account, ensuring free passage.
The shape of the terrace is chosen based on the personal preferences of the owners and the available space near the house. An open terrace can have different configurations - rectangular, round or with broken contours. For a closed building, you should take into account the convenience of erecting a roof over it. For a non-standard form of construction, you can use modern glass elements roofs.
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Materials for arranging a terrace
The main criterion for choosing a material for the construction of a structure is the harmonious appearance of the terrace in the landscape of the area and compliance with the basic architectural style. But there is no need to use the same types of materials as when building a house.
Attaching support columns the roof can be made of brick, and the balustrade and floor can be made of wood. If the house is wooden, the terrace elements are made of the same material. As an exception, roofing and fencing elements using glass look neutral. They are harmonious against the background of wood, brick or stone. Forged fences fit well into the appearance of only a stone or brick house.
Choice flooring site depends on the degree of its openness. If the terrace floor has special requirements - resistance to large temperature changes, high humidity and loads, porcelain stoneware or ceramic tile. In the traditional version, preference is given to wooden floor. For open types structures, the final covering can be terraced or deck board. Solid boards can only be used for covered areas. The tongue-and-groove connection of the boards prevents the normal flow of rainwater.
If you plan to build a terrace yourself, you will need a set of the most necessary tools:
- shovels, hole drills, containers for mortar - when pouring the foundation;
- circular saw, jigsaw and tape measure - for cutting and processing material;
- drill, hammer, screwdriver - to secure it;
- chisel, plane, ax - for fitting wooden elements;
- level, construction cord - for correct installation designs.
A deck is a popular home improvement that not only adds to the overall value of the property, but also acts as a focal point for outdoor recreation with family and friends. This is the place where barbecues, evening dinners and other social events take place. The uses for a veranda are as extensive as the types of verandas that can be built. With this in mind, you'll likely want to carefully consider the available design elements that go into your porch. Tools and materials: measuring tape, graph paper and pencil, ruler, wooden stakes, level, hammer.
Location
The size and orientation of the lot and the house itself may limit you to just one or two verandas in various locations, however, within these limits, you can have much more choice than meets the eye. You can add retaining walls, doors, walkways, screened-in porches to create a private, personal environment, and you can choose from a variety of options to find the one that is most convenient for your use. The climate of the area and the view you will have from your future deck are key factors to consider when deciding where to place your deck. The north side of your home will likely be the coolest location. The south and west side of the house is likely to be very hot in mid-summer unless an additional awning is included in the building design, or shade from growing trees is used in the location. You can avoid exposure to winds, if any, by placing your deck on the opposite side, so that the house becomes a shelter. Additionally, careful placement will allow you to minimize traffic noise, eliminate unwanted views, and provide additional privacy. If you're planning to add a hot tub or pool to your deck, privacy considerations for you and your guests can be very important.
Legal standards
Local zoning ordinances - may limit the overall size of your deck, the height of the walls, and the minimum distance of the deck from your home to the property lines. The regulations are structural - they can limit the appearance of the structure. Local building department - may require a building permit and request design plans. Local utility authorities - will help you locate installed pipelines, power lines and similar utility lines.
Size
You can build a veranda of any size you wish, within the limits of the law, of course. However, a huge deck next to a small house will look the same as a tiny deck next to a large house - wrong. If you think your proposed deck is too large for your home, break up the deck area by creating smaller sections on multiple levels. To test your ideas, take size measurements on your lawn. Install wooden stakes at the nearest corners of the proposed area of the future veranda and install a longitudinal beam approximately at the height of the future railings. You can place furniture on the lawn in the intended construction area to visualize how the space will work. The most common mistake people make when building porches is making them too small. Tip: If possible, measure your porch in different sizes, larger and smaller. You'll have to purchase standard lumber one way or another, and there's no point in wasting that material when you could have a larger deck for the same amount of money.
Shape and flooring
A deck can be any shape you want; in fact, simple changes like a mitered corner of the deck, or a 45-degree angle, can add some flair to a building project. You can also add visual interest to your porch by installing it around the corner of your home, you can install benches, add a picket fence, or cover the porch. As a rule, the flooring should go within five centimeters under front door to the house. On a sloping site, you can build your deck with multiple levels of support to follow the slope. As a rule, where the height of the veranda exceeds 50 centimeters from the ground, the posts must have additional support to prevent vibrations. A spa or hot tub can be installed on a veranda when the structure is reinforced enough to support the weight of the water, for this purpose, the veranda can be installed directly on concrete slab, on the ground. In this case, the veranda is built around and on the slab. Existing trees or rocks, as well as other landscaping elements, can be integrated into the deck by designing and coordinating the deck around the elements. If you are building a veranda around a tree, leave at least 10 cm around the tree trunk, taking into account the growth of the tree. Around stationary landscape elements, such as boulders, it is necessary to leave 20 cm, as the decking can expand and contract under conditions different temperatures and humidity.
Railing
Railings are the most noticeable visual element of the veranda, moreover, they offer great possibilities for the realization of imagination and creative ideas. They can be attached to posts that go into the ground, on the sides, from the edge of the supporting beam, or attached directly to the flooring. They can be made in wood, metal, or even rope - almost all materials are suitable as long as they meet the construction requirements and appearance. First of all, the design of your railings will be limited building regulations, which are designed to ensure safety. As a rule, the posts that support the railings, in accordance with the regulations of the building code, must be no further than 40 cm from each other. Railings should not have voids larger than 4x4. The durability of the railing will also depend on the design chosen. For example, the ends of your railings should be painted or coated with specialized compounds to minimize cracking and splitting.
Steps and ladders
Steps and stair structures are carefully regulated in accordance with building regulations. As a rule, steps and stairs must be at least 36 cm wide. If you want the staircase to allow two people to pass each other, the required width is 48 cm. This solution is necessary to create comfortable conditions. The rise should be no more than 7.5 cm, and the step width should be no less than 15 centimeters. Building codes must also be carefully followed in staircase design, veranda steps, support posts, and the need for handrails.
Structural Components: There are five main components of a traditional veranda:
Vertical racks. The racks are recessed into concrete or on stilts, usually located at a distance of 50 to 80 cm.
Horizontal beams. Installed on posts parallel to the decking, they must bear the weight of the veranda.
Beam. It is located between horizontal beams, usually at a distance of 16 or 24 cm from each other. They distribute the weight of the deck, allowing the deck boards to be used correctly.
Flooring. Boards laid on beams, veranda floor.
Railing. Typically 36-42 cm. Materials used, size and spacing of components are determined by local building codes.
Selection of materials
Materials for constructing a veranda must not only be resistant to destruction and damage by insects, but also withstand the effects of water and sun. Standard wooden structures include the use of pine or spruce, which resist rot, but this is not sufficient in extreme weather conditions or the ultraviolet rays of the sun. You get similar durability from pressed pine, cedar, or redwood, and they can be stained almost any color you want. When using redwood or cedar, remember that only the heartwood of these trees is resistant to splitting. Colored sapwood loses its qualities as quickly as pine and spruce. If you have a general idea of the future veranda, draw one or two sketches, choosing the best ideas from a variety of ideas. Use the porch as part of your yard landscaping and as a design element for your home. Use graph paper to maintain dimensionality and ensure that all elements are at a suitable scale. Take the sketch to your local home improvement market, store, or lumber supplier and ask for an estimate of the cost of the lumber.
What could it be better than rest in the fresh air? Only an organized, civilized holiday with comfort. Most homeowners do not miss the opportunity to create such a place to relax in their private yard or on personal plot and add a terrace to the house (or plan during the construction of the building). It is not surprising that the word “terrace” contains the combination “terra”, which means earth. After all, a terrace is nothing more than a platform located on the ground or slightly raised above its level and equipped specifically for relaxation. Terraces can be free-standing or attached to the house. In this publication we will analyze the second version of this universal, practical and beautiful place for organizing outdoor recreation.
Depending on the degree of openness, terraces can be completely open, semi-closed or closed. But do not confuse a terrace with a veranda (usually a glazed area attached to a house) - a closed terrace is a structure with a roof, sometimes enclosed by one or two walls of the house, but not glazed.
On open terrace(on a deck without a roof) you can also place recreation segments, places for meals and even children's play areas. But in such cases, it is important to take care of sun protection (especially for terraces located on the south and south-east sides of the building) and to provide for the possibility of stretching an awning or using garden umbrellas. Such umbrellas can be portable devices and can be mounted anywhere or be part of a table.
Among the terraces adjacent to the house, there are not many options in shape - rectangular (the most common type), square, asymmetrical and wrapping around the perimeter of the building. The latter become effective way for organizing outdoor recreation, if the area adjacent to the house is small, and the terrace cannot be made wide enough, and several functional segments must be placed on it (for example, not only a recreation area, but also a sector for dining).
Terraces can also be single-level or multi-level, located at the main entrance or overlooking the backyard. But, as a rule, they try to build a terrace (or plan to build it initially) on the south side of the building. This location allows you to enjoy the warmth sun rays the maximum possible number of days in a year.
Terrace styles
Today, the most popular styles of terrace design can be considered the following:
- modern;
- traditional;
- colonial;
- coastal (beach);
- country (rustic).
Modern style involves comfortable minimalism. The slogan “less is more” suits this style of terrace design perfectly. Strict lines, laconic forms, simplicity and functionality in everything. But at the same time, the style is not devoid of comfort and coziness. The furniture on such a terrace is simple but practical, often designer and original. Decorative elements on the terrace, decorated in a modern style, are completely absent or presented very modestly. Most often, quite functional items are used as decor - lighting fixtures, additional furniture (coffee tables, coasters). To create a modern terrace, durable, but unpretentious materials to use and maintain are used - metal and stone, various composites, PVC (it is possible to use high-quality imitation wood).
In turn, traditional style is not complete without decor. In the construction of the terrace itself, it can be present in the design of the railings (the use of balusters or forged patterns), and the use of skirting boards of various configurations. Instead of supports, you can use columns - hexagonal or round. In order to smooth out the corners and, as a result, soften the entire image of the terrace, octagons and tongue and groove corners are used. Most often when building a traditional terrace, they are used natural materials- wood and stone. Wood species with a beautiful natural pattern are selected - cedar or mahogany gives pleasant, cozy shades and lasts a long time.
Whether your traditional-style deck will have railings depends on the height of the deck relative to ground level, the presence of small children and pets, and your personal preferences. If you decide to use railings to increase the level of security of the terrace, then do not forget about the beauty of this architectural element. Carved balusters in wooden version or wrought iron decor for metal railings - a luxurious decor option for a traditional terrace design style.
Colonial style is based on the use of classical architecture motifs, but with the use of colorful elements. Colonial style is always practicality coupled with beauty, symmetry and convenience, decorating with flowers and borrowing architectural elements from former colony countries. For example, an accent detail of such a terrace can be a pergola, original bench or snow-white railings with decorative balusters.
If your home is located by the sea or lake, then a beach or coastal style will be the ideal choice for decorating your terrace. In such a place, more than in any other, you want all the buildings to be in harmony with the surrounding landscape, to fit as organically as possible into the overall picture. When making a coastal terrace Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to the choice of construction and finishing materials. A good decision may be the use of gray composite decking or the use of cedar in combination with painting gray tone. Of course, a terrace in the coastal part must be built with a view of the water - the sea, a forest lake or a river.
How to arrange a terrace attached to a house?
Summer living room
One of the most common options for arranging spacious terraces is to design this outdoor space in the form of a summer living room. In fact, a second living room is being set up on the terrace, with upholstered furniture, coffee tables and even a fireplace in some cases. The only difference is that for summer zone recreation is mainly used garden furniture made of wood, metal or wicker models made of wicker, rattan. In order to create a truly comfortable relaxation area, garden furniture is accompanied by an abundance of soft pillows, special seats with removable covers that can be easily washed in a washing machine.
Outdoor dining area
Any dish tastes better if you taste it in the fresh air. Therefore, it is not surprising that most owners of private houses of urban or suburban type try to provide themselves with the opportunity to eat in the yard. So that you can have a family dinner or reception without fear rainy weather, it is best to arrange dining area on the covered terrace. On the one hand, there is a meal on the street, everyone enjoys the fresh air, on the other hand, no one is afraid of bad weather. To arrange the dining area on the terrace, mainly garden furniture is used, because the presence of a roof over the table and chairs does not protect the surface of the furniture from the usual effects of dust brought by the wind and dirt from our soles, which can smear the legs of the dining set.
Some terraces, in addition to designing an area for eating, are equipped with equipment for cooking. A barbecue area under the roof of the terrace is the best option for providing the owners and their guests with dishes cooked over a fire in any weather. It is obvious that the cooking area is designed in a similar manner to the arrangement of the entire terrace.
Relaxation area with swings
Not only hanging beds These days they are incredibly popular among many owners of private houses and apartments around the world. Hanging sofas(and it’s difficult to call such comfortable seats with soft upholstery and decorative pillows), located on the terrace, allow you to relax in the fresh air with incredible high level comfort. For those who decide to fully relax on the terrace, there is also the opportunity to lie down on the sofa with a gentle rocking motion. Next to such a comfortable and at the same time original swing, as a rule, a small table-stand is installed to allow you to enjoy delicious evening tea or put books and magazines for reading in the fresh air.
How to decorate the terrace? It all depends on its size and the style of arrangement you choose. But there are also universal options, which are suitable for terraces of all shapes and sizes, stylistic and design versions. Lighting fixtures can become practical decor. Lighting of the facade of a building is classified as utilitarian or functional types, designed primarily to ensure the safe stay of a person near the house at night. But the lighting system is quite capable of serving as a decorative element. Beautiful forged elements of wall lanterns or original, designer designs pendant lamps with lampshades – find your own version of a non-trivial design lighting fixture Every owner can do it, with any size of wallet. Lighting on the terrace should be soft, diffused - not to hit the eyes with streams of light, but to create a comfortable, pleasant atmosphere, but at the same time provide the opportunity to move along the deck with a high level of safety.
One more practical option decorating the terrace is installing a fireplace. Obviously, the functional background of this structure is beyond doubt. And at the same time, watching the flames play is an incredibly relaxing pastime. If you are located in comfortable chair or on a soft sofa, then relaxing in the fresh air can be considered highly comfortable.
An ideal option for decorating a terrace is to use plants – flowering and not only. Floor flowerpots, garden pots and mini tubs, hanging planters and entire compositions in the form of “living” walls - there can’t be too many flowers on the terrace. Unless you choose a minimalist modern design style for your roof deck.
Depending on the location of the terrace in relation to the cardinal directions, you may need to be able to protect its space from the sun's rays. You can decorate the terrace in the form of an oriental tent, using light translucent fabrics, or opt for a more standard option and choose regular curtains with eyelets. The main thing that needs to be taken into account is that the fabric should be easily removed from the curtain rod and cleaned by machine washing, because textiles on the street will quickly get dirty.
Some terraces have such a small area that it is simply not possible to install a fireplace, a barbecue area or a place to relax with luxurious sofas. But on any, even the tiniest terrace (more like a wide porch with a canopy), there is room for a couple of small garden chairs or at least chairs with backs. A terrace of any size can be decorated with flower pots or small floor vase. Beautiful Street lamp will not only provide the necessary level of illumination at night, but will also become decorative element. Accent items can be garden chairs or a bright rug in front of the front door.
