What's the difference between a patio and a pergola?

The key difference is the roof. A patio has a solid roof — typically Colorbond steel — so it keeps off both rain and sun and can be used all year round. A pergola has an open or slatted top that provides dappled shade but little rain protection. A patio is a fully weatherproof outdoor room; a pergola is more of a decorative shade structure and garden feature.

Is a patio or a pergola better value in WA?

It depends on how you'll use the space. A pergola is generally cheaper because it's a simpler, lighter structure with no solid roof. A patio costs more but gives you a usable, all-weather space that adds practical living area to your home. If you want to use the area through WA's hot summers and wet winters, a patio usually delivers far more value. Use our patio calculator for an instant indicative estimate.

Does a pergola need council approval in WA?

A pergola may need a building permit or other approval. This depends on the project and property. Ask your local government or a registered building surveyor before you build.

Can a patio give the same open feel as a pergola?

Yes — to a degree. A patio with a high gable or raised (flyover) roof feels open and airy while still keeping the weather out, and you can add features like sky panels for extra light. So you don't have to trade all the open feel of a pergola to gain a weatherproof roof. Preview the look on a photo of your home with our Design It On My House tool.

Do you supply pergolas as well as patios?

We specialise in solid-roof patio kits manufactured factory direct in Bellevue WA, with optional project-specific engineering available if required. If you want a fully weatherproof, all-weather outdoor space, a patio kit is the right product. Our team can help you choose a style — flat, gable or raised — that suits your home and budget.

Patio Comparison

Patio vs Pergola

Weatherproof outdoor room, or open shade structure?

Patios and pergolas both create an outdoor space — but they're built for different jobs. Compare them on roofing, weather protection, cost, engineering and approval to see which suits your WA backyard.

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Patio Kit Estimator

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Width (m)

Length (m)

Design

Roofing Type

Height (m)

Traditional corrugated steel patio roofing.

From

$35 pw*

Total Price

$4,760

Incl GST

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This estimate is a guide. It uses your chosen size, design and Corrugated roofing. Standard estimates do not include optional engineering unless we say so. If needed, engineering is priced on its own in every region. Your final price also depends on colour, roofing and site needs. The weekly figure is a 36-month example. It does not confirm an available finance product or term.

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Quick Answer

The difference comes down to the roof. A patio has a solid Colorbond roof, so it keeps off rain and sun and is usable all year — a true weatherproof outdoor room. A pergola has an open or slatted top that gives dappled shade but little rain protection, making it more of a decorative garden feature. A patio costs more and may need approval. Check what applies with your local council or permit authority. It still gives you a practical, all-weather living space. Get instant pricing with our patio calculator.

Patio vs Pergola At A Glance

Patio and pergola compared by roofing, weather protection, cost, engineering and approval
Feature	Patio	Pergola
Roof	Solid Colorbond roof	Open, or slatted/battened top
Weather protection	Full — rain and sun	Partial shade only
Year-round use	Yes — usable in any weather	Best in fine weather
Relative cost	$$ — more structure	$ — simpler build
Engineering	Optional — arranged if required for the project	Varies by design and project
Council approval	Ask your local government	Ask your local government
Best for	All-weather outdoor living	Decorative shade & garden feature

Each Structure Explained

Patio

Year-round use

The weatherproof, all-weather outdoor room.

Pros

Solid Colorbond roof keeps off rain and sun
Usable in any weather, all year round
Optional project-specific engineering can be arranged if required
Adds practical living space to your home

Trade-offs

Costs more than a pergola
Approval requirements must be confirmed for the project

Best For

Homeowners who want a genuine all-weather outdoor living and entertaining area.

Pergola

Lowest cost

The open, decorative shade structure.

Pros

Simpler, lighter and cheaper to build
Open feel with dappled shade
Approval requirements must be confirmed for the project
Great as a garden or feature structure

Trade-offs

Little protection from rain
Less usable in hot or wet weather

Best For

Decorative shade, a garden feature, or fine-weather sitting areas.

Key Takeaways

Choose a patio for a solid, weatherproof roof and genuine all-year outdoor living.
Choose a pergola for a cheaper, open, decorative shade structure for fine weather.
Approval rules depend on your project. Check what applies with your local council or permit authority.
Want the open feel without losing the roof? A high gable or raised patio is a great middle ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Patio

Patio vs Carport Flat vs Gable Patio Colorbond Patio Options Patio Cost Guide WA Patio Calculator (Instant Pricing)Design It On My House

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Preview a patio on a photo of your own home, get instant pricing, or talk to our WA team about the right style for your space and budget.

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