Key considerations matter more than many homeowners realise, because the best patios are designed around how you live, not just how the space looks. Start with how the sun moves across your block, think through airflow, then layer in comfort, ambience and all the practicalities that make entertaining easy. When you plan with intent, those key considerations shape a patio that feels natural to use every day.
Perth’s sunshine is a blessing, yet it can be harsh in summer and gentle in winter. One of the most important key considerations is how your patio faces the sun and prevailing winds. A northern aspect can capture warm winter light for breakfast spots, while a western aspect may demand deeper shade and heat-mitigating materials for late-arvo barbecues. Rick highlights that placement, sun exposure and wind direction all factor into an optimal design that clients do not always think about upfront.
Balancing shade with natural light keeps your patio welcoming rather than cave-like. That is why another of the key considerations is a lighting plan that works day and night. Skylights or polycarbonate infills brighten cooking and prep zones without the glare. After sunset, recessed downlights, task lighting over the grill and soft perimeter lighting create mood and visibility without harsh hotspots. Patio Factory offers solutions like skylights, polycarbonate panels and recessed downlights to keep the space bright and inviting. Rick also calls out lighting as part of the core design brief alongside orientation and feature integration.
Think about how people will move between the kitchen, dining table and lounge seating. Traffic flow is one of those key considerations that prevents bottlenecks when guests gather. Give cooking zones the elbow room they deserve, keep the beverage fridge on the path to seating, and leave a clean line to the back garden for kids and pets. If you plan a pool in future, allow space now for compliant pathways and visual sightlines from the house to the water.
Form should follow function, then style completes the picture. Skillion or flat roofs deliver a streamlined contemporary look, while gable roofs can add head height and airy volume for bigger gatherings. Patio Factory builds in steel with Colorbond or insulated roof panels for durability that stands up to Perth conditions, which is one of the practical key considerations for long-term value. Timber is no longer used, since steel delivers the strength and longevity homeowners want.
If thermal comfort is a priority, insulated roofing helps moderate summer heat and dampen rain noise. Consider integrated ceiling fans and, if you entertain through winter, radiant heaters positioned to warm seating zones without waste.
The fun starts once the fundamentals are set. Rick’s design advice puts outdoor kitchens, fire pits and similar features among the headline key considerations because they dictate space, services and safety clearances.
Smart paperwork keeps projects stress-free. Council approval typically involves submitting detailed plans, drawings and supporting documentation, and the usual timeline is about four to six weeks although this varies by council. It may not be the most glamorous of the key considerations, but getting approvals right the first time prevents delays that can derail your ideal install date.
Be upfront about must-have features and nice-to-haves, then stage add-ons over time if needed. Think of appliances, composite screening, blinds or landscaping as modular upgrades. For many Perth homeowners, accessible finance smooths the path from sketch to celebration night. Patio Factory offers interest-free options on patios and pergolas, letting you enjoy the space now and pay over time, which can be one of the smartest key considerations for aligning lifestyle and cash flow.
Design choices today influence upkeep tomorrow. Powder-coated steel performs well with routine care, and attention to cuts and welds helps extend service life. Rick notes patios typically last 10 to 15 years, although coastal locations can reduce longevity due to salt exposure, which makes protective finishes and regular rinsing especially valuable along the coast. Consider gutter access for easy cleaning, concealed services that remain serviceable, and finishes that will look fresh after years in the sun.
The company you choose is as crucial as the drawings. Experience, integrity, quality and customer service should sit high on your list of key considerations when comparing quotes. Patio Factory is a family-owned West Australian company with an emphasis on old-fashioned customer care, expert advice and in-house designers who use the latest CAD tools for structural integrity and creative flexibility. This combination supports strong outcomes from first consult to final installation.
Even with thorough planning, unknowns can pop up. Rock below the surface or stray pipes may require adjustments, so build a contingency into your budget and timeline. Clear communication early is one of those key considerations that prevents cost disputes and project hiccups later, a point Rick stresses for smooth delivery.
Fast is fantastic, but the best patios are also meticulously measured. Patio Factory conducts a detailed site check measure before manufacturing, then manages the full installation with contracted installers, which helps everything fit properly and keeps accountability clear. This process is one more of the key considerations behind a patio that looks seamless against your home and performs flawlessly through the seasons.
When you step back, the picture is simple. The right patio is the one that fits your family, your block and your climate. Treat orientation, airflow and daylight as foundational key considerations. Add structure and materials that suit Perth’s weather, then layer in features that match how you host, cook and relax. Tie it all together with approvals, an honest budget, and a builder who values communication and customer care, and you will create an outdoor space that feels effortless every time you step outside.
Ready to design yours
Chat to Patio Factory for friendly guidance, 3D design support and a seamless end-to-end experience, and let us turn your patio wish list into weekend reality. Our team brings expertise, integrity and attentive service to every project, which is why Western Australia’s builders and homeowners trust us for quality and timely delivery. With these key considerations locked in, entertaining season can start the moment we roll away the tools.
