Would you like to expand your living space or make the most of your terrace in all seasons? Both verandas and bioclimatic pergolas are excellent solutions to enhance and optimize your home.

But how do you choose between these two options? What key factors should you consider for a successful project. Whether you're looking to create a bright new living room, a relaxation space, or extend your terrace near your pool, this article guides you through the essential elements to consider before installing a veranda or a pergola.

Defining the Purpose of Your Outdoor Space

Before making a decision, it’s crucial to determine how you intend to use this space :

• A fully functional extra room: If you want a fully habitable area usable all year round, a veranda is the ideal choice. With its enhanced thermal and sound insulation, it can serve as a living room, kitchen, or even a home office.
• A semi-open space to enjoy the outdoors: If your goal is to make the most of your terrace while being protected from weather and sun, a bioclimatic pergola is the best option. Its adjustable slats let you control temperature and brightness as you wish.

Good to know: If you have a swimming pool, a pergola is a great way to create a stylish shaded area around your pool. You can also add a spa for an even more relaxing experience.

Veranda or Pergola: What Are the Differences?

A veranda is a fully enclosed, permanent living space that extends your home. Key features :

• Robust and aesthetic aluminum or steel structure
• Insulated glazing for optimal comfort all year round
• Glass, mixed, or opaque roofing for tailored light and insulation
• Fully enclosed space, protecting against wind, cold, and noise

Ideal for creating an extra room: a bright kitchen, living room, office, or winter garden

A bioclimatic pergola is a lightweight and open structure that optimizes shade and ventilation on a terrace. Key features:

• Adjustable aluminum slats, allowing you to adapt to the weather
• Natural ventilation, preventing the greenhouse effect in summer
• Modern design, adaptable to any type of home
• Customizable options: LED lighting, rain and wind sensors, side closures, integrated blinds

Ideal for covering a terrace, creating a shaded pool area, or protecting an outdoor dining space.

Insulation & Protection: Key Factors to Consider

For a Veranda, prioritize:

• Double glazing with reinforced thermal insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Self-cleaning and solar control glazing for enhanced comfort.
• Glass roofing with sun protection to prevent overheating in summer.

For a Pergola, prioritize:

• Motorized adjustable slats: Control light and airflow.
• Integrated weather sensors: Adjust slat position based on wind, sun, or rain.
• Side blinds or sunshades: Extra protection from UV rays and wind.

Regulations & Administrative Steps for Installing a Veranda or Pergola

Before installing a veranda or pergola, check local urban planning regulations.

Veranda Installation :

• Work declaration required if the surface is between 5 and 20 m² (up to 40 m² in urban areas).
• Building permit required for surfaces exceeding 20 or 40 m², depending on location.

Pergola Installation:

• No permit needed if the structure is removable and under 5 m².
• Work declaration required for surfaces over 20 m².