Custom Patios & Pergolas Built for Sydney Homes
A patio is a roofed outdoor living area attached to or near the house, built for year-round shade and weather protection. A pergola is traditionally open or lattice-roofed, prioritising filtered light and airflow. In practice Australians use the two words interchangeably, what actually matters is the roof: solid and weatherproof, or open and adjustable.
Types of Patios & Pergolas
Flat / skillion roof
Single-slope roof. The most economical option and the cleanest match for a modern home.
Gable roof
Pitched roof with an open, vaulted feel underneath. Suits larger spans and traditional homes.
Dome / curved
Rounded profile, softer than a gable, often used to echo an existing bullnose verandah.
Insulated panel (Cooldek)
Polystyrene-core steel sandwich panel. Noticeably cooler underneath in summer and doubles as a finished ceiling, so there's nothing to line later.
Motorised louvre
Adjustable louvre blades, open for winter sun, closed for rain. The premium option, and the most flexible.
Freestanding
Not attached to the house. Useful where the existing roofline or eave height makes an attached structure awkward.
Why choose patios & pergolas
- Extends usable living space without a full extension
- Insulated roofs stay cooler and double as a finished ceiling
- Adds resale value and street appeal
- Protects existing paving from sun and rain
- Styles to suit Federation through contemporary homes
Council approval in NSW
Exempt development in NSW generally applies to structures up to 25m², up to 3m high, at least 900mm from the boundary, not forward of the main building line, and not extending above the existing roof gutter line if attached. Larger or non-compliant structures need a Complying Development Certificate via a private certifier, or a full DA through council. Heritage items and conservation areas are excluded from exempt development regardless of size. A BASIX certificate is required once CDC or DA applies. Licensed contractor over $5,000; HBCF insurance over $20,000. Council setback and site-coverage rules are often stricter than the state code.
General guidance only, requirements vary by council and by property. We confirm what applies to your address before quoting.
Our process
- 01
Consult
A free on-site visit to understand the brief, the block and what council will expect. - 02
Quote
A clear, itemised quote, no vague allowances, no surprise variations later. - 03
Council
We handle exempt development, CDC or DA paperwork so the build is fully compliant. - 04
Build
Our own dedicated crew builds the job, not a rotating cast of subcontractors. - 05
Inspect
A final walkthrough against the quote before we call the job done.
Patios & Pergolas FAQs
What's the difference between a patio and a pergola?
A patio has a solid, weatherproof roof, you can use it in the rain. A pergola is open or louvred, giving filtered light and airflow rather than full protection. The words get used loosely, so we always confirm which you actually want before quoting.
Do I need council approval for a patio in NSW?
Often not. Exempt development generally covers structures up to 25m², no more than 3m high, at least 900mm from the boundary, not forward of the building line, and not above the existing gutter line if attached. Beyond any of those, you'll need a CDC or a DA.
What's the largest patio I can build without a DA?
25m² is the usual exempt development ceiling, but the other criteria matter just as much as area, height, setback and position relative to the building line. And heritage items and conservation areas are excluded from exempt development regardless of size.
Is an insulated roof worth the extra cost?
If you'll use the space through summer, generally yes. The temperature difference underneath is significant, and because the panel is a finished ceiling you're not paying to line it separately later.
Flat, gable or skillion, which suits my home?
Flat and skillion suit contemporary homes and lower eave heights. Gable gives more headroom and a more open feel, and usually suits larger areas and traditional facades.
Can a pergola be enclosed later?
Yes, and it's a common second stage. Worth telling us up front though, we'd size the footings and frame for the future glazing load rather than retrofitting.
Related services
Ready to start your patios & pergolas project?
Tell us about your project and we’ll come back with a free, no-obligation quote.