Industry Insights

Patio, pergola, or verandah: What's best for your property? -

Written by Staff Writer | Nov 17, 2023 2:02:11 AM

It’s good to have a variety of options when it comes to home improvement. However, it can be quite a dilemma when your builder asks you what you really want for your property. A friend might say that your home would look nicer with a patio, your neighbour might suggest a pergola for your garden, or your wife or husband might prefer having a simple verandah. What’s the difference? What would be the best addition to your abode?

Patio

A patio is a gathering area typically found at the back of a house. It is also usually paved, and it may or may not have a roof or walls.

Today, a lot of Australian homes can be seen with a patio as it has been considered a necessity. It offers a perfect area for entertaining guests. Sometimes, it is built with kitchens and dining areas as well, so it can also be a great venue for a barbie.

Pergola

A pergola is an outdoor structure originally intended to support climbing plants. It had also been mainly ornamental and freestanding, but because of new design ideas springing over the years, it can now be attached to the house and built with a roof as well.

This is where you might start getting confused between a patio and a pergola: If both of them can have a roof and be attached to your home, how do you know if you’re going to need pergola or patio builders? Well, a patio is generally an extension of the home, while a pergola is often designed as part of the garden.

Verandah

A verandah is a roofed platform with its sides usually attached to the house. It is long and narrow and level with the ground floor, and it can be partly enclosed by a railing. Unlike a patio and a pergola, a verandah isn’t an ideal space for entertaining guests as it is typically designed with a single row of comfy seating.

If you prefer a relaxing area that’s a bit away from the house, you can opt for a detached pergola. However, if you want an easily accessible area where you can entertain guests, you can ask your builder to install a patio or an attached pergola.