If you’re planning to enhance your outdoor space, you’ve likely come across the term patio roof. But you might also hear terms like pergola, verandah, awning, or gazebo. So what exactly is a patio roof called, and are all these names interchangeable?
In this guide, we’ll demystify the terminology, explain the different types of patio roofs available in Australia, and help you decide which one best suits your home and lifestyle.
A patio roof is a covering installed over an outdoor area, typically attached to the back or side of a house, to provide shade, shelter, and comfort. It transforms an exposed yard into a usable living or entertaining space — offering protection from sun, rain, and other elements.
But here’s where it gets confusing: patio roofs go by many different names, depending on their structure, design, and function.
This is the most generic term used to describe any roof structure built over a patio. It can include:
Fixed roof patios
Pergolas with a solid roof
Insulated roof panels
Skillion or flat roof styles
A patio cover can be freestanding or attached to the home, and can be made from Colorbond®, aluminium, timber, or polycarbonate.
A pergola is a popular type of patio roof that often includes:
A flat or gabled roof design
Open, slatted, or covered roof options
Vertical posts supporting beams
In Australia, pergolas are commonly attached to homes to extend living spaces. While traditional pergolas were open-roofed, modern pergolas now feature louvered, insulated, or polycarbonate roofs for full weather protection.
A verandah is a roofed outdoor area, often running along the front or side of a home. It’s typically:
Attached directly to the house
Covered with a fixed roof
Sometimes partially enclosed with screens
In Australian homes, verandahs are part of the classic architectural style, but they also serve as functional patio roofs — especially when facing a garden or yard.
An awning is a lightweight, usually retractable roof cover, mounted over windows, doors, or patios. Awnings can be:
Manual or motorised
Fabric or metal
Ideal for small areas or balconies
Though not as robust as other patio covers, awnings offer flexible shading for compact outdoor spaces.
A gazebo is a freestanding, roofed structure, often placed in a garden or pool area. While not technically a patio roof, it’s a popular alternative to attached patio covers when shade is needed away from the house.
Gazebos are typically:
Octagonal or circular
Fully covered and sometimes enclosed
Made from timber, steel, or powder-coated aluminium
An alfresco roof is a covered extension of an indoor space, often designed as part of the house’s original layout. It creates a seamless indoor-outdoor flow and is commonly seen in new Australian home builds.
Alfresco areas may feature:
Solid roof structures with ceiling lining
Integrated downlights and ceiling fans
Tiling or deck flooring
When homeowners ask, “What is a patio roof called?”, they’re often also trying to identify the type of roof that best fits their backyard and lifestyle. Below are the most common patio roof designs you’ll encounter:
A flat roof patio has a horizontal or gently sloped design, making it simple and cost-effective. It works well for:
Smaller backyards
Homes with modern or minimal design
Budget-conscious projects
Best materials: Colorbond®, polycarbonate, insulated panels
A skillion roof slopes in one direction, creating a sleek, modern look. It offers:
Good drainage
Strong architectural lines
Height variation for airflow and style
Ideal for newer homes and contemporary landscapes.
A gable patio roof features a peaked design, with two sloping sides meeting at a central ridge. This style is perfect for:
Maximising ventilation and natural light
Matching existing house roofs
Larger outdoor entertainment spaces
It adds elegance and openness to any backyard.
Louvered patio roofs consist of adjustable slats that can be tilted open or closed to control light, airflow, and rain protection. These are:
Motorised or manual
Sleek and functional
Perfect for year-round use
Great for tech-savvy or premium outdoor setups.
An insulated roof uses multi-layered panels with a thermal core to regulate temperature. Benefits include:
Year-round comfort
Noise reduction (especially from rain)
Modern, ceiling-like finish
Ideal for homeowners looking for comfort and low maintenance.
Choosing the right material is just as important as choosing the design. Common patio roof materials include:
Durable and weather-resistant
Available in a range of colours
Low maintenance
Suits most patio types
Translucent for light transmission
UV-resistant
Affordable and lightweight
Ideal for pergolas and verandahs
Combine steel and thermal foam
Offer heat, sound, and moisture resistance
Sleek finish for alfresco areas
Lightweight and rust-resistant
Great for modern, minimalist designs
Whether you call it a pergola, roofed alfresco, or patio cover, adding a roof to your outdoor space brings countless benefits:
Enjoy your outdoor space during rain, heat, or wind.
Create a comfortable zone for BBQs, family meals, and celebrations.
Well-designed patios can increase your home’s resale appeal.
Modern materials like Colorbond® and insulated panels require little upkeep.
Keep outdoor furniture and appliances protected from sun and rain damage.
Yes — most Australian councils require approval for patio roofs depending on:
Size and height
Proximity to property boundaries
Whether it’s attached or freestanding
Patio Factory handles all council applications for you, so your build remains hassle-free and fully compliant.
The cost of a patio roof depends on several factors:
Type of roof (flat, gable, insulated, louvered)
Size of the area
Materials used
Site accessibility and design complexity
Typical Price Range:
💲 From $6,000 to $25,000+
At Patio Factory, we offer free quotes and tailor every design to suit your needs and budget.
At Patio Factory, we specialise in designing, building, and installing custom patio roofs across NSW. Here’s why locals trust us:
✅ Over 20 years of experience
✅ 100% Australian-made materials
✅ Customisable styles and colours
✅ Full-service project management (including approvals)
✅ Servicing Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and the Central Coast
We help you choose the right style of patio roof based on your space, aesthetic, and budget — whether you call it a pergola, verandah, or anything in between.
Ultimately, whether you call it a pergola, verandah, patio cover, or gazebo, the goal remains the same — to create a comfortable, beautiful, and functional outdoor space that enhances your lifestyle.
Let the team at Patio Factory guide you through the best options, so your backyard becomes your favourite room in the house.
👉 Contact Patio Factory for a free, no-obligation quote and expert advice on choosing the perfect patio roof for your home.
Check out out social Media
