There are lots of different types of patios and pergolas to suit your needs but one of the best types you can find these days is the sunroof style ones. These allow you to open up your outdoor area to a bit of light or closing it off if it is too hot or if it starts raining during that important party. With this style of outdoor covering your plants and parties will benefit from having an adjustable roof.

Benefits of a Sunroof

the benefits of a standard pergola are clear: protection against the sun, protection against the rain and an attractive addition to any home. A sunroof pergola will give you ultimate control over your outdoor environment. Instead of not having enough light in winter months you can open up your roof and let the sun shine in.

This also means that in the summer time you can let the sun warm up the paving in the morning and then close off the roof to keep it cool in the middle of the day. It also means much brighter and fun parties and BBQ in your backyard. You can have the rood open for some lovely sun, and if the inevitable storm comes through you can simply grab the remote and close it off to protect your guests from the rain.

Incorporating Plants

Having a sunroof pergola will allow you to have healthier and happier plants in your outdoor area. Often, plants in undercover areas suffer from a lack of water if you forget to look after them. With a sunroof pergola you can open up your outdoor areas to let your plants get a good natural watering when it rains.

This can save you having to run around and water all your undercover outdoor plants by hand. The only other option is to install a complicated automatic watering system which is very difficult unless you know what you’re doing. It also means you will have greater choice when it comes to what kind of plants will survive in your outdoor area.

Cost Comparisons

While adding a sunroof to your pergola may cost you a little bit more the price difference is not huge considering the added features. Considering the basic frame and structure will be the same costs you are only paying extra for an adjustable roof. The hardiness of the sunroof features will also make it worth the extra cost.

Added House Value

One of the best reasons to have a sunroof pergola installed is the improvement it will bring to your house value. The basic costs of having it installed will be easily recouped by adding to the resale value of your home. It will also make your home more easy to sell especially if you have a nice backyard to accompany it.

A sunroof pergola is easily adjustable and usually comes with a remote control. This means very little hassles when you have to adjust your roof. It will also impress friends and family that are over for a get together as you seamlessly open or close the roof to the desired setting.

As summer rolls round many of us come out the back to finally clean up the much neglected outdoor area. However, maintaining your patios and pergolas year round can mean you have more opportunity to use them and less to do outside in the summer heat. A few simple routines and maintenance can mean your outdoor area is clean, usable and a relaxing place to hang out.

Cleaning Your Flooring

With a build up of leaves and other plant materials (as well as dirt) in your outdoor area it is important to have a thorough clean of your outdoor concrete and paving. While you can give it a quick clean with a hose, it is better to use proper surface cleaners. However, many of these cleaners contain a few chemicals to remove stains so be careful when handling it.

It is also a great idea to invest in a pressure cleaner as this will really help remove any stains, dirt and mould from outside. While this may seem like a bit much for just your outdoor paving, it also saves a lot of water compared to an ordinary house. Also, it can be used to clean your car much quicker as well when you are not using to clean outside.

Keeping Your Patio Maintained

Keeping your patio, pergola or other covered outdoor area maintained throughout the year is very important both for looks as well as structural integrity. Depending on what kind of patio you have, you will want to make sure that exposure is not damaging it. Wooden structures will often fade and will need to be treated with decking oil or painted at regular intervals.

If you have a steel pergola installed than maintenance will be minimal. You should, however, keep an eye on things to make sure there is no rust or other problems. A new steel pergola will be protected by any rust problems. They will also be very sturdy against any adverse weather conditions that would affect less sturdy structures.

Making Your Garden Green

Keeping your outdoor area looking great will require at least a little bit of a green thumb. If you are not the gardening type then you should think about planting a low maintenance garden. Using plants that do not require much water a much easier to keep looking healthy (and alive!) and will also save you money on your water bill.

Preparing for Parties

You will also want to keep your barbecue and outdoor furniture clean and ready to use, particularly in summer time. Barbecues can get quite a lot of build up with constant use and you will want to use a proper cleaning solution with a wire brush to maintain it. You will also want to waterproof your outdoor furniture as it can wear and break due to constant exposure to the elements.

Then, once all of your outdoor areas are clean and looking good you can enjoy them with friends and family. Then you might also look at updating those undercover areas with a new patio or some different coloured pavers.

Verandas (or verandahs) have become a part of the Australian national psyche. Although, verandas and other covered outdoor areas have been an important part of world architecture for hundreds of years. While a traditional veranda usually encompasses a large portion of the outside of a house there are other alternatives such as patios and pergolas.

The Origins of the Word

The word ‘verandah’ is purported to have originated from India with a meaning that covered a number of outdoor extensions of a home. There were also similar sounding words originating in Spain and Portugal: baranda as well as a barandilla. It was only later in Australian early architecture that the term ‘veranda’ became synonymous with the covered area, held up by balustrades, around a single structure (usually a house).

Because of the wide range of meanings related to veranda, it has come to mean many types of outdoor covered areas that extend from a house. So while many of us think of the ‘traditional’ veranda, there are many other types that fall into this category. Almost anything that extends from the roof to form a covered outdoor area could be considered a veranda.

Variations in Architecture

While a traditional Australian veranda is around a house there are slight variations depending on the area that they were built. The traditional ‘Queenslander’ is one of the best examples of early Australian outdoor areas with a veranda stretching around the entire house. This type of house is unique because of the tall stilts it is built upon and its open plan style, many with French style bi-fold doors.

The other main type of early verandas were simply extensions of either the front or back roof of a house (or both). This allows for easy entertaining or just for sitting and watching the world go by. This style of outdoor area was also very popular among homesteads and early (often large) country homes featured verandas around the entire house.

Predominance in Australian Houses

The predominance of the veranda around Australian homes can be put down to the climate in Australia. Like other countries (India for example) where hot and often humid temperatures prevail this style of housing is great for making a home cooler. European style housing (whilst popular) would suffer intense heat because of the exposed walls of the building getting hit by the strong Australian sun.

The Future of the Verandah

While verandas did go out of style for a number of years in Australia for more ‘fashionable’ housing styles, they are coming back! This has been put down to the number of inefficient houses built over the last few decades that made the same mistakes early settlers did. By covering the walls and windows of a home in a hot area they become more environmentally friendly by requiring less energy to cool down.

Even newer styles of outdoor coverings (such as pergolas) help by preventing direct light and heat from entering the home. It will also provide a much needed, cool and comfortable place to relax in the heat of the Australian summer.

If you have your own children or kids that visit your home regularly you are probably concerned about sun exposure especially during the summer months. Without pergolas or other cover children and adults alike are exposed to harmful ultra-violet rays when they are outside. While kids will need a little time in the sun for their vitamin D if they spend a lot of time outside you might want to consider installing an undercover children’s play area.

Upgrading Your Outdoor Area

The simplest way to upgrade your outdoor area to make a sun safe play spot is to install patios or something similar. While sun sails are a bit cheaper they are much more prone to weathering can often be torn down by strong winds if not installed properly. The first step in creating your children’s new play area is deciding on the right form of covering.

This is because there will be minimal construction work involved and if you start with the play equipment and installation of lawn or other surfaces they might be damaged. Plan everything and you will have a lot less headaches as you complete your project. So not only choose your covering you will use but decide on everything else you need before you begin construction. You should also seek quotes first so that you have a good idea what the entire project will cost including DIY solutions.

Choosing What Play Equipment

Play equipment can be hard to choose but as a rule of thumb you want it to be used for some time to come. Installing a cubby or play house of a good size means the kids can use it for some time. Also, larger play equipment that can be used by small children through to bigger kids (not Dad of course!) is ideal. The other option is to opt for non permanent play equipment to be used so that you can get rid of it as the children grow out of it.

A popular outdoor undercover play area solution these days is to have a play garden with tough plants as well as smaller benching and paths. This allows your children to use their imagination and their own toys to play outside rather than purpose built play equipment. Ask a nursery for advice on the most hardy plants to use that have soft leaves such as cordylines.

Hard or Soft Surfaces?

Having a hard surface can be useful for a children’s play area as it will be much easier to clean if there are spills. However, there is an increased chance that the little ones can hurt themselves on the concrete or pavers. Using rubber surface coverings can take away a lot of these concerns as the kids may graze themselves but not have any impact injuries because of hard surfaces. These are, however, a bit harder to maintain and won’t last as long as pavers.

Safety Concerns

As a parent you will have safety concerns about your outdoor play area. Remember, no matter how much you try to make it ‘child proof’ slip ups will occur. The trick is to avoid any serious injuries by avoiding sharp edged materials as well as spiky or serrated plant leaves. The best way to have a safe children’s play area is always supervision and education so make sure the kids play safe in their new sun safe undercover play area!

Upgrading your outdoor area will usually start with installing some sort of cover for your entertainment area. You can choose from patios and other forms of cover and you will usually have this paved underneath. This allows you to easily keep the area cleaning with sweeping, or with a pressure cleaner. It is also important to note that because an area is covered there may not be enough light to keep grass growing strongly.

While patios, pergolas and other outdoor covering are suited for paving do you need to extend this beyond your covered area? The answer will be quite personal and usually depend on the look, style and usage you get from your outdoor area. Some people simple love lawns and so the thought of paving over all of it is simply not possible.

Paving a Covered Area

Paving under a covered area such as a patio, pergola or awning will make for a more even surface which is ideal for entertaining. It is best to have your outdoor covering installed first so that you do not have your paving damaged during construction. This is particularly important if you plan to use better paving such as slate, which can be marked, or sandstone that can be broken more easily.

Paving an Uncovered Area

If you do want to do away with your lawn area or have old pavers it is a good idea to install some pavings outside, around or leading to you outdoor area. You do not have to pave the entire area as you can place paths through high traffic areas instead. This means you can have the best of both worlds and retain soft grass for the kids to play on.

Improving Your Outdoor Areas

Adding a covered area for entertainment (and for play if you have children) will not only instantly improve your outdoor area but should also increase the value of your home. Even if you are thinking of selling up it is an easy way to quickly and cheaply renovate. Covered areas under pergolas, patios or verandas are perfect for setting up the BBQ with some chairs and a table for entertaining friends and family.

Easy Maintenance Options

As mentioned, paving instead of grass areas can make it easier to maintain your backyard. While some may be proud of their lawn others will probably see mowing it as a chore. You can also take away unsightly ‘tracks’ through your lawn by creating paths with either pavers, concrete or pebbles. Taking care of your paved undercover area will usually involve a little sweeping but for best results you should use a surface cleaner and a pressure spray which uses much less water than a regular hose.

Paving beyond your under cover area is a highly personal choice and you need your entire yard to work together. Make sure you think about styles and colours (including that of your pergola or patio) so that your outdoor area ties together. Also be careful not to choose too dark a paver if it will be exposed to the sun as they will heat up and be hard to walk on barefoot. Good luck with your outdoor renovations!

Patios and pergolas are easy to mix up and the main difference between them is the materials used in their construction. While patios are solid structures with supports (like pergolas) they are constructed with steel which is more durable and lasts longer. Pergolas on the other hand, are made of treated timber and can require more regular maintenance because of exposure.

What is a Patio?

A patio is built with timber and is held up with at least four supports and can come with a variety of roofing. The timber can be stained or painted in different colours to match your house as well. Due to weathering, the timber construction does mean you will have to give it some TLC every now and again with a fresh coat of paint or sealing it with oil.

Patios work great if you ave some budget constraints that won’t allow you to buy a steel pergola. It can also suit some older style houses a little better because of its wood construction. If they are maintained properly they will last a very long time.

What is a Pergola ?

A pergola is essentially the same ‘design’ as a patio but is a much sturdier construction. This will mean next to no maintenance as well as a choice of colours. Like a patio, you can choose from a number of different roofing options (including an adjustable sunroof) depending on how much light you want to let in to your outdoor area.

What’s the Difference?

The main difference between the two is the materials it is constructed from and the cost. The materials (timber and wood) are both treated for outdoor conditions but due to exposure a patio may require a little more maintenance. Building anything with steel also provides a much stronger structure that will stand up to extreme weather conditions.

Which One is Right for You?

Before choosing between the two you really need to look at your budget and get a quote for both. Sometimes space is an issue as well and a small, wooden patio might be more suitable for your home. You will also have to look at what features you want with your outdoor area and if you are looking at adding a sunroof option you will have to go with a pergola.

Other Options

While patios and pergolas are the main options for an outdoor area there are some others you could utilise. Having an awning can be a cheap way of covering your outdoor area if you are not sure about getting a permanent structure. You could even consider these options as you save up to fully upgrade your outdoor area.

No matter which one you choose, you will be enjoying a better outdoor experience than you ever have before. You will no longer have to worry about your BBQs being washed out by a freak summer storm. It is also a good chance to use some more exotic indoor plants outside as the patio and pergola can act as a greenhouse substitute.

When it comes time to upgrade your outdoor area the first thing you probably think of is patios or other coverings. An outdoor area is best utilised in good weather but if you have covering then you can use it all year round without worry. While you will still want an uncovered area outside to enjoy the sunshine it is also important to be able to relax outdoors if it is extremely hot or raining.

So what kind of outdoor covering can you use in your backyard or courtyard?

• Pergolas – Wooden structure providing good, basic cover.
• Patios – Like a pergola except built with a steel frame providing a longer life.
• Sunroof – These are becoming an increasingly popular way to let the sun shine in or protect against the rain.
• Verandas – Traditional verandas are quite simple and an Australian way of life especially in summer.
• Retractable Awnings – A cheaper alternative to a sunroof, an awning will allow you to retract it when you are not using it.

When looking at what kind of outdoor cover you want to build, you have to consider your situation. A lot of the choice will depend on the size you have to work with. The larger the backyard the more options you will have. We look at the options and when they might be suitable for your budget and backyard size.

Patios and Pergolas

A patio is a great starter option for when you want permanent cover for your outdoor area. You should build with treated wood supports. They can also look a lot better with certain styles of housing. On the other hand you can get a pergola that will be stronger and more durable as it is built with steel. The wood frame can be ‘stained’ or even painted a colour to match your house.

As for the actual cover you can usually choose between stopping all the light for a cooler area or having transparent sheets put in to let a bit of light shine through. A lot of people opt for a mix between these two options so that it does not get too hot in summer but there is enough light getting through in winter.

Verandas

Australians love their verandas and it was a main feature of older homes with some having one around the entire house. The advantages of having a veranda is that it will keep the house cooler in summer by providing more shade around the windows. You could think of them as really big eaves that you can also enjoy a drink under.

A veranda is more of a direct extension of your house, often with multiple doors (including entrance way) leading to it. Verandas do have the downside of not letting in as much light as some other options. It is also, at times a permanent structure attached to your home.

Awnings and Sunroofs

An awning is usually a sealed cloth material that can be permanently fixed or retractable. This can be a simple less intrusive way of covering up your outdoor area when you need it. You can also retract it when the weather is favourable.

Sunroof outdoor areas are absolutely amazing as you can adjust louvres depending on how much of the weather you want to let in. This is usually done with a remote and it allows you to let as much (or as little) light in as you like. This is great for those time when you are entertaining and the weather turns unexpectedly bad.

An outdoor area tends not to be used as much in the cooler months so this ends up being a completely wasted part of your house. If you have installed new pergolas then you want to enjoy them for as much of the year as possible. So how can patios be kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer?

There are two options for really improving the heating or cooling of your outdoor area:

• Opening up the area to cool it down;
• Closing it off to keep it warm;
• Installing a heater;
• Installing fans or other cooling systems.

Whatever you want to achieve with your outdoor area it can pay to have both heating and cooling options. This allows you to use your patio or pergola or year round no matter what the weather is doing. So you need to look at your current outdoor area to see if it needs to be improved before you do anything else.

Upgrading Your Outdoor Area

If you do not have a covered outdoor area then this is your first port of call when trying to make your outdoor area more user friendly over Winter and Summer. There are huge ranges of patios and gazebos as well as sun roof style covers that can be adjusted for the temperature. Just adding a cover will keep you warmer in Winter and cooler in Summer.

If you have an existing undercover area then you might want to replace it with something better or perform some upgrades. Think about how you can better make your outdoor area adjustable to the seasons to improve it. Most outdoor areas are a roof only so adding sides or walls is a great way to protect from the elements.

Types of Heating

If you want to heat your outdoor area there are a few options available. To avoid going down the road of installing a complete wood fire place you will be looking at either gas or electric heating. You can choose cafe style gas heaters that also look fantastic or heat strips that are similar to small indoor heaters.

Another great way to keep your outdoor area heated is to have it enclosed either with full side panels or roll down plastic sheets. Remember, the more adjustable you make your outdoor area the more usable it will be over different seasons. While you want it warm in Winter you don’t want heat trapped when Summer comes on!

Ways to Cool Down

Cooling down in your outdoor area can be done by fans or even outdoor air conditioning. If you are going to have air-conditioning installed outside make sure you can close off your undercover area so you are not wasting power. Fans will keep guests cooler but they are not as good as a breeze coming into your outdoor area.

Make sure that you have air coming through your outdoor area if you can as this will make it less stuffy and cooler. As mentioned previously, sun roof style outdoor areas allow you to open up the ceiling of your outdoor area and this can certainly let any heat out that has accumulated. Try to have the right mix when upgrading or installing your new outdoor undercover area so you can get the most use out of it year round.

Your home is not just a place to live but an investment lined with the equity you might need to upgrade or even retire. So it pays to do some renovations but if you are on a budget the consider some more budget ways of improving your home. One way is adding pergolas or perhaps just updating patios to give your home extra space to enjoy.

These types of investment add property value to your home as well as personal value as you and your family can enjoy them. Remember, if it ever comes time to sell, adding things you enjoy means that potential buyers will see the value there as well. It is also not just about adding to your home but maintaining what you already have.

Improving Your Outdoor Area

Improving your outdoor area is a really simple way of increasing your house value. If you are looking to sell people look for an established garden as well as a good outdoor area ready to entertain guests in. If you do the work and create a well maintained garden then this will add some value to your home instantly.

It is a good idea (if you don’t have a green thumb) to use easy to maintain plants that will look good all year round. It is no good having annuals that you have to replace every year unless they are used to complement other plants. You might also want to install a watering system even under your patio so that you can more easily water your plants.

Bringing the Outside In

Opening up the back of your home onto your outdoor area can create a great sense of space without a huge cost. Consider installing sliding doors or even trendy bi-folds so you can walk straight out onto your decking or have your house expanded when you are entertaining. It is also helpful to create views from your windows using planter boxes and well positioned larger plants in the garden.

This will not only add value to your house but make it a more pleasant place to live in. You might also want to make a little herb garden in your kitchen to provide fresh ingredients as well. Remember not to keep the outside out if you can incorporate it more into your home.

A Lick of Paint

Never forget that a simple coat of paint can work wonders for your home and freshen up the most drab house. This is also applicable for flooring, tiling and any cornices and edging you have in the house. If they look boring to you take the opportunity to brighten your house up as well as introduce a complete colour scheme for your home.

It’s the Little Things that Count

The most important point to remember is that it is the little details that count the most. Make sure your doors match the house and even new taps can brighten up a home. If you notice any slight damage to a wall then fix it, especially if you are looking at improving the house so you can sell it.

We all love a good party and if you have installed a new pergola then you probably want to show it off! But to truly take advantage of that new outdoor living space you will want to have everything set up first and figure out what type of party you want to have. It also pays to take a look at the weather so you can plan for any eventuality.

If you have a big back yard then you can accommodate a lot more people than if you only have a small outdoor area and a patio. Either way you will need the right equipment which will usually mean a barbecue as well as table and chairs for everyone to mingle. Also, don’t forget something to keep the drinks cold!

Best BBQs Money Can Buy

Having a big barbecue is not always best even though it is a lot more fun to play with. The guys love a barbecue and this can probably be put down to some genetic thing that makes men want to ‘tend the fire’. Choose a BBQ that suits both your budget and space as well as the amount of people you intend on entertaining.

Gas is usually the best option as other BBQs can be hard to light and maintain. Be sure to check your gas bottle before the party and this can either be done by applying a meter in sticker form or simply pour some cold water on it (this will give you a rough indication). You do not want to run out of gas when the snags and steaks are only half way done cooking!

Undercover Entertaining Areas

While you may pray for good weather for your party be sure to plan ahead as an undercover area can save you a nightmare clean up if a storm rushes through. It also means that you can more easily entertain in the cold as heaters can be employed to make your guests more comfortable. Likewise in summer you can have a fan installed or (if your fancy!) air conditioning for your outdoor area.

A Place to Play

If you have kids or your guests have children you will want to have somewhere they can play safely. Grass areas are best as it will soften any knees that come into contact with it more favourably than concrete. Have a little separate area away from the main entertaining area so the adults can take a break from the little ones but still keep an eye on them.

If you can, have some play equipment around or, if it is a special occasion, hire a jumping castle to keep the children well and truly occupied. Just be careful none of the ‘big kids’ jump on it after having a few celbratory drinks!

Drinks Are Served

Having nice cold drinks are one thing but having a whole cocktail or mocktail bar is another thing! Minibar fridges are perfect for outdoor entertaining but if you don’t have one of these then an Esky will do the job just fine. The indoor fridge may seem fine but if you don’t want people to have to trudge through the house just to pour a cold glass of wine.