Patio, verandah, deck, alfresco, pergola... Australians use these words for all sorts of outdoor spaces, and they often get mixed up. If you're planning a new outdoor area, it helps to know what each one means so you can search for the right thing and ask for exactly what you want.
Here's a plain-English guide.
Patio
Traditionally, a patio is a paved or concrete outdoor area at ground level, usually next to the house. In Australia, though, "patio" is also widely used for the roof built over that area. When people talk about "getting a patio", they usually mean a roofed outdoor space attached to the house or standing on its own.
That's what our patio kits are: a complete roof structure, with posts, beams and roofing, that you can attach to your house as a fascia, wall or flyover patio, or build freestanding.
Verandah
A verandah is a roofed area attached to the outside of a house, often running along the front or side. It's the classic Australian look, especially on Queenslanders and older homes. Verandahs are often open on the sides, sometimes with a hand rail.
In practice, a verandah roof and a patio roof are built the same way, so a patio kit attached to your house works perfectly as a verandah. Insulated roofing is a popular choice for verandahs because it keeps the space and the rooms beside it cooler.
Deck
A deck is a floor, not a roof. It's a raised platform made from timber or composite boards, often used where the ground is sloping or where you want an outdoor area level with the inside floor of the house.
A deck on its own is open to the weather, which is why so many people add a roof over it. If you're putting a patio roof over a deck, the posts usually need their own footings in the ground rather than sitting on the deck boards. Your engineering will show what's needed, so let us know about the deck when you order.
Alfresco
"Alfresco" comes from an Italian phrase meaning "in the open air". In Australian homes, an alfresco area is usually an outdoor living space built in under the main roof of the house, often next to the kitchen or family room. It's typically part of the original house design.
If your alfresco feels too small, a patio roof attached to the house can extend it, giving you more covered space for dining and entertaining.
Pergola
A pergola is an outdoor frame of posts and beams that's traditionally open on top, or only partly covered with battens, shade cloth or climbing plants. It gives dappled shade but won't keep the rain off. Our patio roof vs pergola guide explains the difference in detail.
Carport
A carport is a roofed shelter for your vehicles. It's usually open on the sides, and it can be freestanding or attached to the house. Many of our patio kits work just as well as a carport. See our carport size guide for help choosing the right size.
Quick comparison
| What it is | Covered? | |
|---|---|---|
| Patio | Ground-level outdoor area, or the roof over it | Yes, with a patio roof |
| Verandah | Roofed area along the outside of the house | Yes |
| Deck | Raised timber or composite floor | Only if you add a roof |
| Alfresco | Outdoor living area under the main house roof | Yes |
| Pergola | Open frame of posts and beams | Partly, or not at all |
| Carport | Roofed shelter for vehicles | Yes |
Which roof suits your outdoor space?
Whatever you call it, most outdoor spaces can be covered with one of our kits:
- Attached to the house (fascia or wall) for a patio, verandah or alfresco extension.
- Flyover for extra height and airflow above your existing gutter.
- Freestanding for a deck, pool area or carport away from the house.
Then choose single skin V-Line roofing for value, or insulated roofing for a cooler, quieter space with a smooth finished ceiling. Every kit is bespoke, so you choose the exact size you need.