Your Complete Patio Planning Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before Building a New Patio
A well-designed patio can completely change the way you use your home.
It can create a comfortable outdoor entertaining area, provide shade and weather protection, connect indoor and outdoor spaces and give your family another area to enjoy throughout the year.
But there is more to planning a patio than simply choosing a roof and deciding how big you want it.
The best results come from considering your property, lifestyle, orientation, available space, roof design, materials, drainage, approvals and future plans before construction begins.
At In Style Patios, we design and build custom patios throughout the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW, including premium Stratco Outback patio systems.
This guide takes you through the major decisions involved in planning a new patio so you can approach your project with a much clearer idea of what you want — and what your property needs.
It can create a comfortable outdoor entertaining area, provide shade and weather protection, connect indoor and outdoor spaces and give your family another area to enjoy throughout the year.
But there is more to planning a patio than simply choosing a roof and deciding how big you want it.
The best results come from considering your property, lifestyle, orientation, available space, roof design, materials, drainage, approvals and future plans before construction begins.
At In Style Patios, we design and build custom patios throughout the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW, including premium Stratco Outback patio systems.
This guide takes you through the major decisions involved in planning a new patio so you can approach your project with a much clearer idea of what you want — and what your property needs.
1. Start With How You Want to Use Your Patio
Before choosing a patio style, start with its purpose.
Ask yourself:
What do I actually want this outdoor area to do?
You might want somewhere to:
Your answer will influence almost every other decision.
For example, a compact patio providing shade outside a kitchen may require a very different design from a large outdoor entertaining area containing dining furniture, a BBQ, ceiling fans and outdoor blinds.
Think Ahead... Don't just plan for how you'll use the patio today.
Consider how your needs could change over the coming years.
Would you eventually like outdoor blinds? A larger dining table? An outdoor kitchen? Ceiling fans? Lighting? A spa or pool nearby?
Planning for these possibilities at the design stage can help create a more adaptable outdoor area.
Ask yourself:
What do I actually want this outdoor area to do?
You might want somewhere to:
- entertain family and friends
- create an outdoor dining area
- relax beside the pool
- give children a protected outdoor play area
- create shade outside living areas
- protect doors and windows from the weather
- accommodate an outdoor kitchen or BBQ
- connect the house with the backyard
- provide additional covered living space
- enjoy your garden throughout more of the year
Your answer will influence almost every other decision.
For example, a compact patio providing shade outside a kitchen may require a very different design from a large outdoor entertaining area containing dining furniture, a BBQ, ceiling fans and outdoor blinds.
Think Ahead... Don't just plan for how you'll use the patio today.
Consider how your needs could change over the coming years.
Would you eventually like outdoor blinds? A larger dining table? An outdoor kitchen? Ceiling fans? Lighting? A spa or pool nearby?
Planning for these possibilities at the design stage can help create a more adaptable outdoor area.
2. Decide Where the Patio Should Go
For many homes, the obvious location is directly outside the main living, dining or kitchen area.
But the most obvious position isn't automatically the best one.
A patio designer should also consider:
The aim is to make the new structure feel like a natural extension of the property rather than something that has simply been added onto the back of the house.
But the most obvious position isn't automatically the best one.
A patio designer should also consider:
- available space
- orientation of the home
- direction of afternoon sun
- prevailing weather
- existing rooflines
- doors and windows
- boundary locations
- backyard access
- pools and landscaping
- existing concrete or decking
- drainage
- neighbouring properties
- views
- privacy
- connection with indoor living areas
The aim is to make the new structure feel like a natural extension of the property rather than something that has simply been added onto the back of the house.
3. Consider the Sun Before Choosing Your Design
Sun orientation can have a major impact on patio comfort.
An area receiving intense western afternoon sun, for example, may require a different approach from an area that remains relatively protected throughout the day.
Consider where the sun falls during different seasons — not just on the day you're planning the patio.
Roof coverage, patio height, orientation and optional outdoor blinds or screening can all help control exposure.
This is particularly important in South East Queensland and Northern NSW, where creating shade and airflow can make a substantial difference to how comfortable an outdoor area feels during warmer months.
An area receiving intense western afternoon sun, for example, may require a different approach from an area that remains relatively protected throughout the day.
Consider where the sun falls during different seasons — not just on the day you're planning the patio.
Roof coverage, patio height, orientation and optional outdoor blinds or screening can all help control exposure.
This is particularly important in South East Queensland and Northern NSW, where creating shade and airflow can make a substantial difference to how comfortable an outdoor area feels during warmer months.
4. How Big Should Your Patio Be?
There isn't a perfect patio size.
Instead, think about what needs to comfortably fit underneath it.
Marking out the proposed area before finalising the design can be extremely useful.
Imagine where you would place:
Dining area
Table + chairs + enough room to comfortably move around them.
Lounge area
Outdoor sofa, occasional chairs and coffee table.
Outdoor cooking area
BBQ, preparation area and potentially an outdoor kitchen.
Walkways
Enough room for people to move between the house, patio and backyard.
A patio can look large on a plan but feel surprisingly small once furniture is introduced.
Conversely, bigger isn't always better. Good proportions and smart design are often more important than simply covering the largest possible area.
Instead, think about what needs to comfortably fit underneath it.
Marking out the proposed area before finalising the design can be extremely useful.
Imagine where you would place:
Dining area
Table + chairs + enough room to comfortably move around them.
Lounge area
Outdoor sofa, occasional chairs and coffee table.
Outdoor cooking area
BBQ, preparation area and potentially an outdoor kitchen.
Walkways
Enough room for people to move between the house, patio and backyard.
A patio can look large on a plan but feel surprisingly small once furniture is introduced.
Conversely, bigger isn't always better. Good proportions and smart design are often more important than simply covering the largest possible area.
5. Choose the Right Patio Roof Design
The roof is one of the biggest decisions you'll make.
Different roof styles affect the appearance, height, shade, airflow and overall feeling of your outdoor space.
Flat or Skillion Patio Roof
A flat or skillion-style roof provides a streamlined, contemporary appearance and can work particularly well where simplicity and clean architectural lines are important.
It can be suitable for both compact areas and larger outdoor spaces.
Flyover Patio
A flyover patio roof extends above the existing house gutter or roofline rather than sitting directly underneath it.
The additional height can create a more open feeling and may assist with airflow and the sense of space underneath the patio.
Flyover patios are particularly popular for homeowners wanting a light, spacious outdoor entertaining area.
Gable Patio
A gable roof rises towards a central peak.
The additional ceiling height can create an impressive sense of space and makes gable patios particularly suitable for larger outdoor entertaining areas.
They can also complement homes where a more substantial architectural feature is desired.
Insulated Patio Roof
For homeowners particularly concerned about heat, an insulated roofing system is worth considering.
Stratco Cooldek® uses an insulated core between its upper roof sheet and finished underside.
This insulation helps reduce heat transfer from the roof above and can also reduce noise from heavy rain.
It provides a clean ceiling-like underside, making it particularly attractive for outdoor entertaining spaces.
Opening Roof Patio
An opening roof gives you greater control over sunlight and weather protection.
The Stratco Outback® Sunroof uses opening louvres, allowing the outdoor area to be adjusted according to the conditions.
Open the louvres when you want additional sunlight or ventilation and close them when greater protection is required.
For homeowners wanting a highly adaptable outdoor living space, this can be an excellent option.
Freestanding Patio
Not every patio needs to attach directly to the house.
A freestanding structure can work well over pool areas, detached entertaining spaces, gardens or other parts of a property where an independent covered area is preferred.
Different roof styles affect the appearance, height, shade, airflow and overall feeling of your outdoor space.
Flat or Skillion Patio Roof
A flat or skillion-style roof provides a streamlined, contemporary appearance and can work particularly well where simplicity and clean architectural lines are important.
It can be suitable for both compact areas and larger outdoor spaces.
Flyover Patio
A flyover patio roof extends above the existing house gutter or roofline rather than sitting directly underneath it.
The additional height can create a more open feeling and may assist with airflow and the sense of space underneath the patio.
Flyover patios are particularly popular for homeowners wanting a light, spacious outdoor entertaining area.
Gable Patio
A gable roof rises towards a central peak.
The additional ceiling height can create an impressive sense of space and makes gable patios particularly suitable for larger outdoor entertaining areas.
They can also complement homes where a more substantial architectural feature is desired.
Insulated Patio Roof
For homeowners particularly concerned about heat, an insulated roofing system is worth considering.
Stratco Cooldek® uses an insulated core between its upper roof sheet and finished underside.
This insulation helps reduce heat transfer from the roof above and can also reduce noise from heavy rain.
It provides a clean ceiling-like underside, making it particularly attractive for outdoor entertaining spaces.
Opening Roof Patio
An opening roof gives you greater control over sunlight and weather protection.
The Stratco Outback® Sunroof uses opening louvres, allowing the outdoor area to be adjusted according to the conditions.
Open the louvres when you want additional sunlight or ventilation and close them when greater protection is required.
For homeowners wanting a highly adaptable outdoor living space, this can be an excellent option.
Freestanding Patio
Not every patio needs to attach directly to the house.
A freestanding structure can work well over pool areas, detached entertaining spaces, gardens or other parts of a property where an independent covered area is preferred.
6. Choosing Between Insulated and Non-Insulated Roofing
This is one of the questions we're regularly asked.
Neither option is automatically right for every property.
Standard roofing may suit you if:
Stratco's Cooldek® insulated roofing is one option we can incorporate into a custom patio design.
The best choice should be based on the property rather than automatically choosing one system over another.
Neither option is automatically right for every property.
Standard roofing may suit you if:
- you're working with a tighter budget
- the patio already receives good natural shade
- heat reduction isn't the main priority
- you want a simple and practical covered area
- the area receives significant sun
- you'll use the patio frequently
- outdoor comfort is particularly important
- you're creating a substantial outdoor living area
- you prefer a finished ceiling-style appearance
- reducing rain noise is desirable
Stratco's Cooldek® insulated roofing is one option we can incorporate into a custom patio design.
The best choice should be based on the property rather than automatically choosing one system over another.
7. Explore the Stratco Outback Patio Range
In Style Patios & Decks is a Stratco Authorised Outback Dealer, giving our clients access to the extensive Stratco outdoor living range.
The current Outback range includes options such as:
Different designs can also be combined to suit the architecture and requirements of a particular home.
This gives us considerably more design flexibility than simply offering one standard patio configuration.
The current Outback range includes options such as:
- Flat Roof
- Gable Roof
- Cooldek®
- Sunroof
- Curved Roof
- Skillion Roof
- Pergola
- Carport
Different designs can also be combined to suit the architecture and requirements of a particular home.
This gives us considerably more design flexibility than simply offering one standard patio configuration.
8. Think About Patio Height
Height can dramatically change the way a patio feels.
A higher roof can help create an open, spacious outdoor area, while the right lower-profile design can integrate neatly with certain homes.
The ideal height depends on factors including:
This is one reason onsite assessment is important.
What looks ideal in a photograph may not be the most suitable configuration for your particular home.
A higher roof can help create an open, spacious outdoor area, while the right lower-profile design can integrate neatly with certain homes.
The ideal height depends on factors including:
- existing house roof
- attachment points
- patio style
- neighbouring properties
- weather exposure
- required shade
- overall dimensions
- engineering requirements
This is one reason onsite assessment is important.
What looks ideal in a photograph may not be the most suitable configuration for your particular home.
9. Don't Forget Drainage
Drainage isn't the most exciting part of designing a patio — but it's one of the most important.
A patio adds another roof catchment area to your property.
Rainwater therefore needs to be properly collected and directed.
The design may need to consider gutters, downpipes, stormwater connections, roof fall and the existing drainage arrangement around your home.
This is particularly important during the heavy rainfall and storms that can occur throughout South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
Good patio design isn't only about what you can see. It also needs to work properly when the weather turns.
A patio adds another roof catchment area to your property.
Rainwater therefore needs to be properly collected and directed.
The design may need to consider gutters, downpipes, stormwater connections, roof fall and the existing drainage arrangement around your home.
This is particularly important during the heavy rainfall and storms that can occur throughout South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
Good patio design isn't only about what you can see. It also needs to work properly when the weather turns.
10. Do You Need Council or Building Approval for a Patio?
Possibly! Council approval requirements depend on factors including the property's location, size and design of the structure, setbacks, boundaries and relevant planning and building requirements. Requirements also differ between Queensland and New South Wales.
Rather than assuming your patio does or doesn't require approval, establish the requirements for your individual property before construction.
In NSW, certain patios may potentially qualify as exempt development when they meet all applicable development standards. Other projects can require a complying development certificate or another approval pathway.
Queensland projects are also subject to applicable state and local building and planning requirements.
In Style Patios and Decks can assess the project and help manage applicable approvals as part of the planning process.
Rather than assuming your patio does or doesn't require approval, establish the requirements for your individual property before construction.
In NSW, certain patios may potentially qualify as exempt development when they meet all applicable development standards. Other projects can require a complying development certificate or another approval pathway.
Queensland projects are also subject to applicable state and local building and planning requirements.
In Style Patios and Decks can assess the project and help manage applicable approvals as part of the planning process.
11. Check What's Under the Ground Too
Patio planning shouldn't stop at what you can see.
Depending on the project, consideration may need to be given to:
These factors can sometimes influence post locations or the overall design.
Identifying potential issues early is much easier than discovering them once construction has begun.
Depending on the project, consideration may need to be given to:
- underground services
- stormwater
- sewer infrastructure
- easements
- existing footings
- pool infrastructure
- property boundaries
- soil and site conditions
These factors can sometimes influence post locations or the overall design.
Identifying potential issues early is much easier than discovering them once construction has begun.
12. Should the Patio Be Attached or Freestanding?
Both approaches have advantages.
Attached patioAn attached patio can create a seamless transition from the house into the outdoor area.
It's particularly effective outside kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms where indoor-outdoor connection is important.
Freestanding patioA freestanding patio provides greater flexibility in where the structure can be positioned.
It may be preferable for:
Your home's construction and the proposed patio location will help determine the most appropriate option.
Attached patioAn attached patio can create a seamless transition from the house into the outdoor area.
It's particularly effective outside kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms where indoor-outdoor connection is important.
Freestanding patioA freestanding patio provides greater flexibility in where the structure can be positioned.
It may be preferable for:
- poolside entertaining
- garden areas
- detached outdoor kitchens
- large properties
- areas where attachment to the house isn't practical
Your home's construction and the proposed patio location will help determine the most appropriate option.
13. Match the Patio Roof to Your Home
A new patio shouldn't look like an afterthought.
Consider the home's:
Frame, roofing and gutter colours can then be selected to either complement or deliberately contrast with the existing house.
The Stratco Outback range provides multiple colour and design combinations, allowing the structure to be customised rather than taking a one-design-fits-all approach.
Consider the home's:
- roof shape
- architectural style
- existing colours
- gutters
- fascia
- windows and doors
- exterior materials
- landscaping
Frame, roofing and gutter colours can then be selected to either complement or deliberately contrast with the existing house.
The Stratco Outback range provides multiple colour and design combinations, allowing the structure to be customised rather than taking a one-design-fits-all approach.
14. Plan Your Flooring
What's going underneath the patio?
Popular options include:
Consider flooring early because levels, drainage, stairs, doors and patio post locations may all affect the finished result.
If you're planning both a patio and deck, designing the two together can create a much more cohesive outdoor space.
Popular options include:
- concrete
- tiled surfaces
- pavers
- timber decking
- composite decking
Consider flooring early because levels, drainage, stairs, doors and patio post locations may all affect the finished result.
If you're planning both a patio and deck, designing the two together can create a much more cohesive outdoor space.
15. Think About Lighting, Fans and Electrical Requirements
Imagine using the finished patio at night.
Would you like:
Even if these aren't being installed immediately, discussing future requirements during the planning stage can help avoid unnecessary complications later.
Electrical work must, of course, be carried out by appropriately licensed tradespeople.
Would you like:
- ceiling fans
- downlights
- feature lighting
- power points
- television
- outdoor kitchen appliances
- heating
- speakers
Even if these aren't being installed immediately, discussing future requirements during the planning stage can help avoid unnecessary complications later.
Electrical work must, of course, be carried out by appropriately licensed tradespeople.
16. Plan for Outdoor Blinds
If you think you may eventually add outdoor blinds, tell your patio designer from the beginning.
Outdoor blinds can provide additional protection against:
Planning ahead allows the patio structure, openings and future blind requirements to be considered together rather than trying to adapt the area later.
Outdoor blinds can provide additional protection against:
- sun
- glare
- wind
- light rain
- insects, depending on the system and configuration
Planning ahead allows the patio structure, openings and future blind requirements to be considered together rather than trying to adapt the area later.
17. What Does a New Patio Cost?
There isn't one useful answer to this question because two patios of the same approximate size can have very different specifications.
The final cost can be influenced by:
For this reason, online "per square metre" figures should generally only be treated as rough research figures.
A professional onsite measure and quote provides a much more realistic indication of what your particular patio will cost.
The final cost can be influenced by:
- patio dimensions
- roof style
- standard or insulated roofing
- engineering
- attachment method
- number and positioning of posts
- site access
- existing structures
- groundwork
- approvals
- electrical requirements
- decking or concrete
- drainage requirements
- custom design features
- opening roof systems
- project complexity
For this reason, online "per square metre" figures should generally only be treated as rough research figures.
A professional onsite measure and quote provides a much more realistic indication of what your particular patio will cost.
18. Set a Realistic Patio Budget
Rather than simply asking, "What's the cheapest patio I can build?", a better question is: "What's the best patio I can create within my available budget?"
Decide which features matter most.
For one homeowner that might be a larger covered area.
For another it could be Cooldek insulated roofing.
Someone else might prefer to reduce the overall size and invest in an opening Sunroof system.
Knowing your priorities makes it much easier to develop a design that balances appearance, functionality and cost.
Decide which features matter most.
For one homeowner that might be a larger covered area.
For another it could be Cooldek insulated roofing.
Someone else might prefer to reduce the overall size and invest in an opening Sunroof system.
Knowing your priorities makes it much easier to develop a design that balances appearance, functionality and cost.
19. Choose a Patio for the Local Climate
Building an outdoor area on the Gold Coast or around South East Queensland and Northern NSW means designing for local conditions.
We experience:
The design, engineering, roofing and drainage all need to be considered accordingly.
Stratco states that its Outback® range is engineered and tested to comply with relevant Australian Standards.
The system uses high-tensile steel major components with galvanised fixings and brackets, providing a purpose-designed outdoor structure rather than a collection of unrelated components.
We experience:
- intense summer sun
- high temperatures
- humidity
- heavy rainfall
- thunderstorms
- strong winds
- coastal conditions in many areas
The design, engineering, roofing and drainage all need to be considered accordingly.
Stratco states that its Outback® range is engineered and tested to comply with relevant Australian Standards.
The system uses high-tensile steel major components with galvanised fixings and brackets, providing a purpose-designed outdoor structure rather than a collection of unrelated components.
20. Consider Coastal Conditions
Living close to the ocean is one of the great advantages of the Gold Coast, Tweed Coast and Northern NSW — but coastal environments also need special consideration when choosing and maintaining building products.
Salt, moisture and airborne contaminants can affect materials over time.
If your property is in a coastal location, discuss this during the initial consultation so suitable materials, finishes, fixings and maintenance requirements can be considered.
It's also important to check the applicable manufacturer's warranty conditions for coastal or aggressive environments.
Salt, moisture and airborne contaminants can affect materials over time.
If your property is in a coastal location, discuss this during the initial consultation so suitable materials, finishes, fixings and maintenance requirements can be considered.
It's also important to check the applicable manufacturer's warranty conditions for coastal or aggressive environments.
21. Understand the Patio Warranty
Warranty is another reason to compare more than just the initial price of different patio options.
Current Stratco Outback warranty information includes a 25-year structural warranty and 8-year paint finish warranty, subject to the applicable terms, conditions and exclusions.
Warranty conditions matter, so homeowners should always review the current documentation rather than relying only on headline warranty periods.
Using an authorised dealer also helps ensure your patio is designed and installed in accordance with the relevant Stratco system requirements.
Current Stratco Outback warranty information includes a 25-year structural warranty and 8-year paint finish warranty, subject to the applicable terms, conditions and exclusions.
Warranty conditions matter, so homeowners should always review the current documentation rather than relying only on headline warranty periods.
Using an authorised dealer also helps ensure your patio is designed and installed in accordance with the relevant Stratco system requirements.
22. Why Use a Stratco Authorised Outback Dealer?
A patio is a substantial addition to your home.
Choosing an experienced builder and authorised dealer means you're not simply purchasing roofing materials — you're getting advice on the complete outdoor area.
With In Style Patios, your project can include:
Choosing an experienced builder and authorised dealer means you're not simply purchasing roofing materials — you're getting advice on the complete outdoor area.
With In Style Patios, your project can include:
- onsite consultation
- custom patio design
- suitable Stratco product selection
- site-specific planning
- applicable approvals
- engineering requirements
- professional installation
- drainage considerations
- finishing details
23. Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Patio Quote
Don't compare quotes on price alone... Ask:
Is the builder appropriately licensed and insured?
What exactly is included in the quote?
Which roofing system is being supplied?
Is the design engineered for my property?
Are approvals included or separate?
What drainage work is included?
Are electrical works included?
What warranties apply?
Who is actually installing the patio?
Are there exclusions I should know about?
What happens if something unexpected is discovered onsite?
Two quotes that initially appear similar can cover very different scopes of work.
Is the builder appropriately licensed and insured?
What exactly is included in the quote?
Which roofing system is being supplied?
Is the design engineered for my property?
Are approvals included or separate?
What drainage work is included?
Are electrical works included?
What warranties apply?
Who is actually installing the patio?
Are there exclusions I should know about?
What happens if something unexpected is discovered onsite?
Two quotes that initially appear similar can cover very different scopes of work.
24. Common Patio Planning Mistakes
A little planning can prevent expensive regrets later.
Choosing purely on price
The cheapest option isn't necessarily the best long-term value.
Making the patio too small
Think about furniture and circulation space, not just roof dimensions.
Ignoring afternoon sun
The direction of the sun can have a major effect on comfort.
Forgetting drainage
More roof means more rainwater needs to be managed.
Choosing a roof before considering the house
Your home's architecture should influence the patio design.
Not planning future additions
Blinds, fans, lighting and outdoor kitchens are much easier to accommodate when considered early.
Assuming approval isn't required
Always check the requirements applying to your property.
Copying someone else's patio
A design that works beautifully on one property isn't necessarily right for another.
Choosing purely on price
The cheapest option isn't necessarily the best long-term value.
Making the patio too small
Think about furniture and circulation space, not just roof dimensions.
Ignoring afternoon sun
The direction of the sun can have a major effect on comfort.
Forgetting drainage
More roof means more rainwater needs to be managed.
Choosing a roof before considering the house
Your home's architecture should influence the patio design.
Not planning future additions
Blinds, fans, lighting and outdoor kitchens are much easier to accommodate when considered early.
Assuming approval isn't required
Always check the requirements applying to your property.
Copying someone else's patio
A design that works beautifully on one property isn't necessarily right for another.
25. Your Patio Planning Checklist
Before requesting your final design and quote, consider:
✓ What will we use the patio for?
✓ How many people should it comfortably accommodate?
✓ Where should it be positioned?
✓ Which direction does the afternoon sun come from?
✓ How much roof coverage do we need?
✓ Flat, flyover, gable, insulated or opening roof?
✓ Standard or insulated roofing?
✓ Attached or freestanding?
✓ What flooring will we use?
✓ Do we want lighting?
✓ Do we need ceiling fans?
✓ Will we eventually install outdoor blinds?
✓ Do we want an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area?
✓ How will rainwater be managed?
✓ Are there easements or underground services?
✓ What approvals are required?
✓ What is our realistic budget?
✓ Which features are essential and which are optional?
Once you've thought through these questions, you're already well on your way to creating a better patio.
You can check out our full patio checklist here!
✓ What will we use the patio for?
✓ How many people should it comfortably accommodate?
✓ Where should it be positioned?
✓ Which direction does the afternoon sun come from?
✓ How much roof coverage do we need?
✓ Flat, flyover, gable, insulated or opening roof?
✓ Standard or insulated roofing?
✓ Attached or freestanding?
✓ What flooring will we use?
✓ Do we want lighting?
✓ Do we need ceiling fans?
✓ Will we eventually install outdoor blinds?
✓ Do we want an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area?
✓ How will rainwater be managed?
✓ Are there easements or underground services?
✓ What approvals are required?
✓ What is our realistic budget?
✓ Which features are essential and which are optional?
Once you've thought through these questions, you're already well on your way to creating a better patio.
You can check out our full patio checklist here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Patio
Start by deciding how you want to use the area and approximately how much covered space you need. An onsite consultation can then assess your property, existing house, orientation and available space before recommending suitable designs.
There isn't one roof that's best for every Gold Coast property. Flat, flyover, gable, insulated and opening roof designs have different advantages. The right option depends on your home, orientation, budget, available space and how you intend to use the area.
It can be, particularly where heat reduction and year-round outdoor comfort are priorities. Stratco Cooldek® insulated roofing reduces heat transfer through the roof and can also reduce noise from heavy rain.
Depending on the property and engineering requirements, a flyover design can position the patio roof above the existing roofline. This can create additional height and a more open feeling.
It depends on your location, property and proposed structure. Requirements differ between Queensland and NSW and can also depend on dimensions, boundaries, planning controls and other site-specific factors.
Often, yes. However, if you already know you'd like outdoor blinds, discuss them during the patio design stage. Planning the patio and blinds together can produce a much better finished result.
The physical installation is only one part of the overall timeframe. Design, engineering, approvals, product ordering, site conditions and project complexity can all affect how long the complete process takes. We can provide a more relevant indication once we've assessed your proposed project.
Yes. In Style Patios & Decks creates custom patio solutions based on the home, available space, lifestyle requirements and budget rather than simply installing the same design at every property.
Yes. In Style Patios & Decks is a Stratco Authorised Outback Dealer and can design and install Stratco patio systems suited to your property.
We design and build patios throughout the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW.
Ready to Start Planning Your Patio?
A great patio begins long before the first post goes into the ground.
Getting the size, location, roof style, materials, engineering and finishing details right from the beginning can help create an outdoor area that feels like it has always belonged to your home.
In Style Patios combines extensive building experience with the Stratco Outback® range to create custom patios for homeowners throughout the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW.
Whether you're considering a simple covered outdoor area, a spacious flyover patio, a Cooldek® insulated roof, gable patio or opening roof design, we can help you work through the options.
Start with a FREE onsite patio consultation and quote.
Call 0436 007 776
Or request your FREE patio quote online.
Already researching your options? Return to our Patio Hub for more guides on patio designs, approvals, budgeting, roofing and outdoor living.
Getting the size, location, roof style, materials, engineering and finishing details right from the beginning can help create an outdoor area that feels like it has always belonged to your home.
In Style Patios combines extensive building experience with the Stratco Outback® range to create custom patios for homeowners throughout the Gold Coast, South Brisbane, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW.
Whether you're considering a simple covered outdoor area, a spacious flyover patio, a Cooldek® insulated roof, gable patio or opening roof design, we can help you work through the options.
Start with a FREE onsite patio consultation and quote.
Call 0436 007 776
Or request your FREE patio quote online.
Already researching your options? Return to our Patio Hub for more guides on patio designs, approvals, budgeting, roofing and outdoor living.
