Patio Hub | Patio Planning Guide | Costs, Designs & Approvals
Planning a new patio should be exciting — but there are plenty of decisions to make before construction begins.
How big should your patio be? Which roof style will work best with your home? Do you need council or building approval? Should you choose an insulated roof? How much should you budget? And what should you look for when choosing a patio builder?
The In Style Patios & Decks Patio Hub brings together practical advice, expert guidance and helpful resources to make planning your new outdoor area easier.
Whether you're just starting to collect patio ideas or you're getting ready to request quotes, you'll find information here to help you understand your options and make more confident decisions.
Our team designs and builds custom patios, pergolas, carports, pavilions and decks across the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW, so our advice is based on real outdoor projects and the conditions homeowners experience in our region.
Start planning below, or contact In Style Patios for a FREE onsite measure and quote - 📞 0436 007 776
How big should your patio be? Which roof style will work best with your home? Do you need council or building approval? Should you choose an insulated roof? How much should you budget? And what should you look for when choosing a patio builder?
The In Style Patios & Decks Patio Hub brings together practical advice, expert guidance and helpful resources to make planning your new outdoor area easier.
Whether you're just starting to collect patio ideas or you're getting ready to request quotes, you'll find information here to help you understand your options and make more confident decisions.
Our team designs and builds custom patios, pergolas, carports, pavilions and decks across the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW, so our advice is based on real outdoor projects and the conditions homeowners experience in our region.
Start planning below, or contact In Style Patios for a FREE onsite measure and quote - 📞 0436 007 776
Start Planning Your Patio Design & Installation
Every property is different, which is why there isn't one patio design that's right for everyone.
Your available space, home design, budget, orientation, lifestyle and what you want to achieve with the area can all influence the final result.
We've broken the planning process into the key areas worth considering before you build.
Your available space, home design, budget, orientation, lifestyle and what you want to achieve with the area can all influence the final result.
We've broken the planning process into the key areas worth considering before you build.
1. How to Plan a Patio
Not sure where to begin?
Start with how you want to use the space.
A patio designed mainly for weekend entertaining may need a different layout from a quiet outdoor retreat, poolside area or covered space for everyday family living.
Before choosing colours or roof styles, think about:
→ Read Our Complete Patio Planning Guide
Start with how you want to use the space.
A patio designed mainly for weekend entertaining may need a different layout from a quiet outdoor retreat, poolside area or covered space for everyday family living.
Before choosing colours or roof styles, think about:
- How you want to use the area
- How many people it needs to accommodate
- Where the patio will connect with your home
- Sun direction and afternoon heat
- Rain and weather protection
- Airflow and ventilation
- Privacy
- Existing doors, windows and rooflines
- Furniture, BBQs and outdoor kitchens
- Lighting and electrical requirements
- Your available budget
- Future plans for the property
→ Read Our Complete Patio Planning Guide
2. How Much Does a Patio Cost?
One of the first questions most homeowners ask is:
How much will my new patio cost?
There isn't one price that applies to every patio because the cost depends on the property and what you're building.
Some of the biggest factors include:
Understanding what affects the price is more useful than choosing a patio based purely on an advertised starting figure.
→ Read: How to Budget for a New Patio
How much will my new patio cost?
There isn't one price that applies to every patio because the cost depends on the property and what you're building.
Some of the biggest factors include:
- Patio dimensions
- Roof design
- Insulated or non-insulated roofing
- Materials
- Engineering requirements
- Site access
- Existing structures
- Height and complexity
- Council and certification requirements
- Electrical or lighting additions
- Decking or other associated work
- Custom finishes and design features
Understanding what affects the price is more useful than choosing a patio based purely on an advertised starting figure.
→ Read: How to Budget for a New Patio
3. Do I Need Council Approval for a Patio?
This is an important question to answer before construction starts.
Whether approval or certification is required can depend on factors such as the patio's size, height, location, design, attachment to the existing home, property boundaries and local requirements.
The rules can also differ depending on where the property is located.
Rather than assuming your patio is exempt, it is important to establish the requirements for your particular property and proposed design.
In Style Patios & Decks manages the required council approval, applications and compliance processes for our patio projects, helping take the confusion out of this stage of the build.
→ Read Our Patio Council Approval & Building Requirements Guide
Whether approval or certification is required can depend on factors such as the patio's size, height, location, design, attachment to the existing home, property boundaries and local requirements.
The rules can also differ depending on where the property is located.
Rather than assuming your patio is exempt, it is important to establish the requirements for your particular property and proposed design.
In Style Patios & Decks manages the required council approval, applications and compliance processes for our patio projects, helping take the confusion out of this stage of the build.
→ Read Our Patio Council Approval & Building Requirements Guide
4. Choosing the Right Patio Design
The best patio isn't necessarily the biggest or most expensive.
It's the one that works with your home.
Roof height, existing architecture, available space, natural light, airflow and the way you intend to use your outdoor area should all influence the design.
Popular options include:
Flyover Patios
A flyover roof sits above the existing roofline and can create additional height, openness and airflow. They're particularly popular for larger outdoor entertaining areas and homes where a spacious feel is important.
→ Explore Flyover Patios
Gable Patios
A gable roof creates a higher central roofline and can give an outdoor area a spacious, architectural appearance.
They're a popular option for homeowners wanting their patio to become a prominent feature of the home.
→ Explore Gable Patios
Skillion & Flat Roof Patios
Simple rooflines can create a clean, contemporary appearance and work particularly well where available height or space needs to be carefully considered.
→ Explore Skillion & Flat Roof Patios
Insulated Patios
Insulated roofing can improve comfort underneath a patio by helping reduce heat transfer through the roof while also creating a clean finished ceiling appearance.
For outdoor areas that will be used regularly throughout the year, it's an option well worth considering.
→ Explore Insulated Patios
Opening Roofs
An opening roof gives homeowners greater control over sunlight, shade and ventilation, allowing the outdoor area to adapt to changing conditions.
→ Explore Opening Roof Patios
It's the one that works with your home.
Roof height, existing architecture, available space, natural light, airflow and the way you intend to use your outdoor area should all influence the design.
Popular options include:
Flyover Patios
A flyover roof sits above the existing roofline and can create additional height, openness and airflow. They're particularly popular for larger outdoor entertaining areas and homes where a spacious feel is important.
→ Explore Flyover Patios
Gable Patios
A gable roof creates a higher central roofline and can give an outdoor area a spacious, architectural appearance.
They're a popular option for homeowners wanting their patio to become a prominent feature of the home.
→ Explore Gable Patios
Skillion & Flat Roof Patios
Simple rooflines can create a clean, contemporary appearance and work particularly well where available height or space needs to be carefully considered.
→ Explore Skillion & Flat Roof Patios
Insulated Patios
Insulated roofing can improve comfort underneath a patio by helping reduce heat transfer through the roof while also creating a clean finished ceiling appearance.
For outdoor areas that will be used regularly throughout the year, it's an option well worth considering.
→ Explore Insulated Patios
Opening Roofs
An opening roof gives homeowners greater control over sunlight, shade and ventilation, allowing the outdoor area to adapt to changing conditions.
→ Explore Opening Roof Patios
5. Insulated vs Non-Insulated Patio Roofing
Should you pay more for an insulated patio roof?
It depends on how you intend to use your outdoor space.
An insulated roof can be particularly worthwhile when the patio is used frequently, receives significant sun exposure or forms a major extension of the home's living area.
Non-insulated roofing can still be an excellent solution where shade and weather protection are the main priorities.
Consider:
Insulated roofing may suit you if:
Non-insulated roofing may suit you if:
→ Compare Insulated vs Non-Insulated Patio Roofs
It depends on how you intend to use your outdoor space.
An insulated roof can be particularly worthwhile when the patio is used frequently, receives significant sun exposure or forms a major extension of the home's living area.
Non-insulated roofing can still be an excellent solution where shade and weather protection are the main priorities.
Consider:
Insulated roofing may suit you if:
- The patio receives strong sun
- You plan to use it regularly
- Comfort is a priority
- You want a finished ceiling appearance
- The patio is effectively becoming another living area
Non-insulated roofing may suit you if:
- You're primarily looking for shade and weather protection
- Budget is an important consideration
- The area receives less direct heat
- You prefer a simple outdoor cover
→ Compare Insulated vs Non-Insulated Patio Roofs
6. What Size Patio Do I Need?
Bigger isn't always better.
A well-proportioned patio should provide enough usable space without overwhelming your backyard or unnecessarily reducing natural light entering your home.
Think about what needs to fit underneath it.
For example:
The right size should balance usable outdoor space, your home, your backyard and your budget.
→ Read: What Size Patio Do I Need?
A well-proportioned patio should provide enough usable space without overwhelming your backyard or unnecessarily reducing natural light entering your home.
Think about what needs to fit underneath it.
For example:
- Outdoor dining table and chairs
- Outdoor lounge
- BBQ
- Outdoor kitchen
- Bar
- Spa
- Poolside furniture
- Children's play area
- Entertaining space
The right size should balance usable outdoor space, your home, your backyard and your budget.
→ Read: What Size Patio Do I Need?
7. Designing for the Gold Coast & Queensland Climate
A patio on the Gold Coast needs to do more than look good.
Our climate can bring strong sunshine, heat, heavy rain, humidity and coastal conditions, making orientation, drainage, shade, airflow and material selection important parts of the design.
A well-planned patio can help provide:
A patio that feels beautifully shaded in the morning may experience very different conditions during a hot summer afternoon.
→ Read: Designing a Patio for the Queensland Climate
Our climate can bring strong sunshine, heat, heavy rain, humidity and coastal conditions, making orientation, drainage, shade, airflow and material selection important parts of the design.
A well-planned patio can help provide:
- Protection from harsh sun
- Better shade throughout the day
- Improved airflow
- Protection during wet weather
- A more comfortable outdoor environment
- Greater year-round use of your backyard
A patio that feels beautifully shaded in the morning may experience very different conditions during a hot summer afternoon.
→ Read: Designing a Patio for the Queensland Climate
8. Common Patio Planning Mistakes
Some patio problems begin long before construction.
A few mistakes worth avoiding include:
Choosing on price alone
The cheapest quote isn't necessarily the best long-term value. Compare the design, materials, engineering, inclusions, approvals, warranties and experience behind each quote.
Making the patio too small
Homeowners often underestimate how much room outdoor furniture and circulation space require.
Ignoring the sun
Orientation can have a major impact on how comfortable the finished outdoor area is.
Forgetting about water
Roof drainage, gutters and where rainwater will go need to be considered as part of the overall design.
Blocking natural light
A poorly planned roof can reduce natural light entering adjoining rooms.
Designing the patio separately from the house
The best outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of the home rather than something added afterwards.
Not checking approvals early
Understanding building and approval requirements before finalising a design can prevent unnecessary changes later.
→ Read: Patio Mistakes to Avoid Before You Build
A few mistakes worth avoiding include:
Choosing on price alone
The cheapest quote isn't necessarily the best long-term value. Compare the design, materials, engineering, inclusions, approvals, warranties and experience behind each quote.
Making the patio too small
Homeowners often underestimate how much room outdoor furniture and circulation space require.
Ignoring the sun
Orientation can have a major impact on how comfortable the finished outdoor area is.
Forgetting about water
Roof drainage, gutters and where rainwater will go need to be considered as part of the overall design.
Blocking natural light
A poorly planned roof can reduce natural light entering adjoining rooms.
Designing the patio separately from the house
The best outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of the home rather than something added afterwards.
Not checking approvals early
Understanding building and approval requirements before finalising a design can prevent unnecessary changes later.
→ Read: Patio Mistakes to Avoid Before You Build
9. Choosing a Patio Builder
Your patio will become a permanent part of your home, so choosing the right company matters.
Before committing to a builder, consider:
We provide custom design, premium Australian outdoor living products, professional installation and assistance with the approval process from start to finish.
→ Read: How to Choose a Patio Builder
Before committing to a builder, consider:
- Are they appropriately licensed?
- How much relevant experience do they have?
- Can you see examples of completed work?
- What products and materials do they use?
- Is the design customised to your property?
- Who manages approvals?
- What warranties apply?
- Is the quote clear about what's included?
- Who will actually install the patio?
- Do they understand local building conditions?
We provide custom design, premium Australian outdoor living products, professional installation and assistance with the approval process from start to finish.
→ Read: How to Choose a Patio Builder
10. See Real Patio Projects
Sometimes the easiest way to decide what you like is to see what other homeowners have built.
Explore real In Style Patios & Decks projects from across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, including:
→ View Our Recent Patio Projects
Explore real In Style Patios & Decks projects from across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas, including:
- Flyover patios
- Insulated patios
- Gable patios
- Skillion patios
- Deck and patio combinations
- Carports
- Pavilions
- Custom outdoor entertaining areas
→ View Our Recent Patio Projects
Patio Planning FAQs
Start by deciding how you want to use the area, approximately how much space you need and what you'd like the patio to achieve. From there, a professional onsite consultation can help determine suitable designs, materials and positioning.
Patio costs vary considerably depending on size, roof type, materials, design complexity, site conditions, approvals and additional features. A custom measure and quote is the best way to establish an accurate price for your property. Generally, $8,000 – $25,000 for standard patio builds. Then $15,000 – $50,000+ for large custom outdoor living areas or patios with decks.
Some patios may require building approval or certification depending on the structure and property. Requirements can vary according to location, size, height, boundaries and other factors. In Style Patios & Decks can assess the project requirements and manage applicable approvals.
There isn't one roof style that's best for every Gold Coast home. Flyover, gable, skillion, insulated and opening roof designs each offer different advantages. Your home's design, orientation, available space, budget and how you intend to use the area should determine the best option.
For many homeowners, yes — particularly when the outdoor area receives significant sun or will be used regularly. Insulated roofing can help reduce heat transfer through the roof and create a more finished ceiling appearance.
A professionally designed patio can improve the functionality and appeal of a property by creating additional usable outdoor living space. The impact on property value will depend on factors including the design, quality, location and individual property.
Construction time varies depending on the size and complexity of the patio, site conditions, materials and approval requirements. Your builder should be able to provide a more accurate timeframe once the design and project requirements are established.
Comparing quotes can be useful, but compare more than the final price. Look closely at the design, materials, inclusions, approvals, warranties, licensing and installation quality being offered.
Your Patio Planning Checklist
Before requesting your quote, consider:
✓ What will we primarily use the patio for?
✓ How many people should comfortably fit underneath it?
✓ What furniture or appliances will go there?
✓ How much of the backyard should it cover?
✓ Which areas receive the strongest sun?
✓ Do we want an insulated roof?
✓ Which roof styles do we like?
✓ How important are height and airflow?
✓ Will we need lighting or electrical work?
✓ Do we want a patio only or a patio and deck?
✓ What is our approximate budget?
✓ Are there future additions we should allow for?
You don't need to know every answer before speaking with us.
That's what the design and consultation process is for.
→ View Our Full Patio Checklist
✓ What will we primarily use the patio for?
✓ How many people should comfortably fit underneath it?
✓ What furniture or appliances will go there?
✓ How much of the backyard should it cover?
✓ Which areas receive the strongest sun?
✓ Do we want an insulated roof?
✓ Which roof styles do we like?
✓ How important are height and airflow?
✓ Will we need lighting or electrical work?
✓ Do we want a patio only or a patio and deck?
✓ What is our approximate budget?
✓ Are there future additions we should allow for?
You don't need to know every answer before speaking with us.
That's what the design and consultation process is for.
→ View Our Full Patio Checklist
From Patio Idea to Finished Outdoor Space
A successful patio project generally moves through several stages:
1. Ideas & Planning
Think about how you want to use your outdoor area and collect examples of designs you like.
2. Onsite Consultation
We assess your property, available space and what you're hoping to achieve.
3. Patio Design
A patio solution is developed around your home, requirements and budget.
4. Quote
You'll receive a clear quote based on the agreed design and project requirements.
5. Approvals & Documentation
Where required, the appropriate plans, documentation, certification and approvals are organised.
6. Installation
Your new patio is professionally installed.
7. Enjoy It
Bring out the furniture, fire up the BBQ and start making the most of your new outdoor space.
1. Ideas & Planning
Think about how you want to use your outdoor area and collect examples of designs you like.
2. Onsite Consultation
We assess your property, available space and what you're hoping to achieve.
3. Patio Design
A patio solution is developed around your home, requirements and budget.
4. Quote
You'll receive a clear quote based on the agreed design and project requirements.
5. Approvals & Documentation
Where required, the appropriate plans, documentation, certification and approvals are organised.
6. Installation
Your new patio is professionally installed.
7. Enjoy It
Bring out the furniture, fire up the BBQ and start making the most of your new outdoor space.
Ready to Start Planning Your Patio?
You can research patio designs for weeks — but eventually the most useful step is having someone look at your property.
In Style Patios designs and builds custom outdoor living spaces for homeowners across the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW.
With more than 45 years of combined industry experience, our team can help you understand what's possible, compare your options and design an outdoor area that works with your home, lifestyle and budget.
Build an outdoor space you'll actually use.
Book your FREE onsite measure and quote with In Style Patios & Decks today.
In Style Patios designs and builds custom outdoor living spaces for homeowners across the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW.
With more than 45 years of combined industry experience, our team can help you understand what's possible, compare your options and design an outdoor area that works with your home, lifestyle and budget.
Build an outdoor space you'll actually use.
Book your FREE onsite measure and quote with In Style Patios & Decks today.
Keep Exploring the Patio Hub
Patio Costs
Understand what influences the cost of building a patio.
Council & Approvals
Learn about patio approvals, certification and building requirements.
Patio Designs
Compare flyover, gable, skillion, insulated and opening roof designs.
Patio Planning Checklist
Work through the important decisions before you build.
Patio Ideas & Inspiration
Explore outdoor living ideas for Australian homes.
Choosing a Patio Builder
Know what to check before choosing a company.
Patio FAQs
Find straightforward answers to common patio questions.
Recent Projects
See real patios we've designed and built across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.
Understand what influences the cost of building a patio.
Council & Approvals
Learn about patio approvals, certification and building requirements.
Patio Designs
Compare flyover, gable, skillion, insulated and opening roof designs.
Patio Planning Checklist
Work through the important decisions before you build.
Patio Ideas & Inspiration
Explore outdoor living ideas for Australian homes.
Choosing a Patio Builder
Know what to check before choosing a company.
Patio FAQs
Find straightforward answers to common patio questions.
Recent Projects
See real patios we've designed and built across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.
