Find Your Perfect Patio: A Homeowner’s Guide to Outdoor Living
When it comes to outdoor living in Australia, a home improvement – whether it’s a patio, carport, or enclosure – isn’t just an add-on; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
Whether you’re dreaming of lazy summer afternoons, entertaining friends under cover, or simply creating a seamless flow in and outdoors, the right structure can completely transform how you enjoy your home. But with so many styles, materials, design options, and even builders available, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
At Apollo, we’ve helped thousands of Australians transform their outdoor areas into spaces that truly enhance their homes. Our goal is to create places our customers feel proud of – spaces that bring people together and make everyday moments with friends and family even more enjoyable. It’s all part of our vision: to inspire people to love the way they live.
While this guide isn’t a replacement for a personalised design consultation, it’s designed to give you a clearer understanding of your options, help you identify where to start, and feel more prepared when it’s time to take the next step.
Start With Your Space
The first step in choosing the right structure is understanding the space you have to work with. Consider things like:
- The size and shape of your backyard, driveway or outdoor area
- Where the sun hits during different parts of the day
- Consider if weather impacts your space from a particular direction
- How your indoor areas connect to the outdoors
- Existing structures or landscaping you’d like to keep or work around
Match the Style to Your Home
Generally the best structures are those that feel like a natural extension, not an afterthought. Choosing a design that complements your architecture helps create a cohesive look.
Consider your roofline, colours and materials – they’ll guide you toward a patio or carport that fits seamlessly. Our observations:
- Modern homes: Skillion or flyover patios complement clean lines, open spaces and a minimalist design aesthetic.
- Traditional homes: Gable or heritage style designs, often with decorative slats, suit the character and charm of older properties.
- Coastal or contemporary styles: Flat roof patios offer open, breezy designs that invite natural airflow – perfect for making the most of sea breezes while keeping things cool and comfortable.
Explore Patio Styles
Every home is different, and that’s why Apollo Patios offers flexible design solutions. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular, but feel free to explore all of the options here.
Skillion: A simple, cost-effective, style that usually features one single-sloped roof.
Free-standing: Unlike attached patios, these structures have flexibility in where they are placed, allowing freedom in size, shape and style.
Enclosed: An effective use of patio space, an enclosed patio offers additional weather protection and living space as well as privacy.
Gable: A pitched roof design that creates an airy, spacious feel due to the increase ceiling height.
Flyover: Elevated to sit higher than your home’s gutter line, adding increased ventilation and natural air flow under the roof.
Think Function First
Before you lock in style or roof design, think about how you’ll use the space. For patios this may be;
Entertaining? You may want more covered space, downlights, or even incorporate space for a BBQ, smoker or outdoor kitchen.
Relaxing retreat? Consider adding privacy accessories such as slats, louvres, or even a timer-look ceiling for extra comfort.
Kids and family zone? You’ll want clear visibility, and reliable weather protection. Consider enclosing the space to make it usable all year round or suitable for your furry friend to enjoy.
Choose the Right Materials
Material choice matters – not just for looks, but for comfort, budget, and maintenance too. Key considerations are:
- Is finding the most budget-friendly solution a priority?
- Do you prefer a quieter roof during rain, or is that not a concern to you?
- Would you like the space to stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter?
- Is your home near the coast or in close proximity to a pool?
Each roofing option, whether single skin or insulated – offers its own set of benefits. By thinking through these questions, you’ll get a clearer idea of which solution best suits your space, lifestyle, and budget.
Our Design Consultants are here to guide you through the options, show you samples of roofing types and the profiles and colours available. This will help you weigh up the pros and cons to make a confident, informed decision.
Budgeting and Planning
Enhancing your outdoor space is an investment – when done thoughtfully, it can add lasting value to both your home and lifestyle.
Our team can provide guidance on:
- Pricing and ranges for different patio types and materials
- Solutions to reduce overall project cost
- Planning for future upgrades (like screening or enclosing the space later)
- Optional extras like lighting, louvres, or ceiling fans
Following your Design Consultation, our local Design Consultant will provide you with an Outdoor Solution, along with a quote – either at your meeting or a few days later, depending on the requirements of the project. This is an obligation-free quote, designed to make sure you are equipped with everything you need to make an informed decision on your project.
Don’t Stress the Paperwork
One of the biggest hurdles that can be off-putting for homeowners is council and building approvals. The good news? We do all the heavy lifting.
Our local teams are familiar with your local rules and regulations, and we handle the entire approval process. We’ll also ensure our internal paperwork is kept to the essentials – allowing for a streamlined planning and building experience.
Need Inspiration? Real Homes, Real Results
Not sure what kind of patio or carport would suit your space? Curious to see how others have transformed their outdoor areas?
Take a look at our Gallery or visit the Blog for design inspiration, real-life projects and smart solutions to spark your imagination.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing space (note: while we don’t repair existing patios), chances are we’ve worked on a similar project. Explore what others have done – you might just find the perfect idea for your own outdoor transformation.
Ready to Start Designing Your Patio?
Choosing the right patio doesn’t have to be hard. With expert advice, a design that is customised around your home and preferences, and a team that manages the build from concept to completion, Apollo Patios makes the process seamless.
Let’s turn your outdoor vision into a reality.
Complete our enquiry form today and we’ll be in touch to book your free design consultation.
