Our outdoor spaces have seen far more use than normal in recent months. Between nationwide lockdowns, tiered local restrictions, shielding for the most vulnerable and self-isolation for those displaying coronavirus symptoms, 2020 really has been the year of staying at home – and if you’ve felt the need to go outdoors and relax for a while, your own back garden has frequently been the only viable place to do so.

Perhaps this is why so many people have chosen to add verandas to their properties this year. The popularity of these garden canopies has skyrocketed recently; clearly, lockdown-weary homeowners all over the UK are eager to get as much use out of their outdoor spaces as physically possible.

Why add a veranda to your garden

If you haven’t yet jumped on the bandwagon, here are three reasons to consider constructing a lean-to veranda in your garden…

Shelter from rain

The most obvious advantage of having a veranda is the shelter it provides. This allows you to make use of your outdoor space even when it’s raining, so you can still play with your kids in the garden or curl up with a good book and enjoy the sound of the rain pattering onto the roof above you.

Use your garden as an extra room

Feeling short on living space? The area under a veranda can effectively serve as an extra room – maybe you’ll use it as an alfresco dining space, an all-weather flower arranging station, or your own outdoor yoga studio. Whether you’re eating, meditating, or just enjoying the company of your nearest and dearest, you’ll have the perfect spot for it (and that outdoor retreat may be particularly welcome if you’re working from home).

Add value and aesthetic appeal to your property

These structures aren’t just practical – they’re very aesthetically pleasing. A contemporary veranda can make a stylish addition to even a relatively pokey back garden, and if you’re thinking of selling your house at some point in the future, you’ll probably find that your garden veranda enables you to set a higher asking price.