Different types of patios

The humble patio is a staple of Australian homes, and for good reason! They add a lot in both form and function. Not only do they make a great style statement, they can also extend the usable space of your home which means you can enjoy the outdoors year round. 

Patios come in a range of styles and designs to suit different tastes and budgets. Some types of patios may be better for different climates or uses then others. If you’re wondering what type of patio is best for you, then read our quick guide below. 

Types of patios

Patios come in all shapes and sizes. The right one for you will depend on the design of your home. The direction that your property faces, the design of the roof and the orientation of the existing structure may impact on the style of patio you choose. Your personal preferences and the way you plan to use your patio may also impact on the type you choose. Some patios for instance may be better for adding cafe blinds to keep the rain away, or for entertaining friends and family. So, what are the different types of patios that you may choose from?

Gable: You’ll likely be familiar with gable patios. Their pitched roofs and modern, sleek designs make them a popular choice. They can be attached or detached from the home, making them a flexible option for achieving the perfect look. The peaked ceilings of gable patios give them a spacious, airy feeling whilst still providing protection from the elements. A well-designed gable patio can add a considerable amount to the value of a home. 

Flat: Flat patios are the perfect choice for those who love simple, sleek design. The simplicity of a flat patio design lends itself to a number of benefits – they are fast to install, can be easily customised and are extremely cost-effective. For extra protection from the elements it is easy to add an overhang and other features. 

Hip-end: Hip-end patio designs are often chosen for carports and alfresco spaces, and are sometimes used to extend existing gable patios. The pyramid shape of the structure makes them both aesthetically pleasing and extremely functional in a range of weather conditions. 

Custom designed: Patios can come in almost any shape and size you can imagine. At CMI, we have the capability to custom design the components of your dream patio. If you’d like to do something out of the ordinary, or something designed specifically for your home then speak to us about custom engineering your patio. 

Choosing a patio design

There are a number of things you should consider when settling on the right patio design for your space including factors like space, acces, shade and the materials you want to use. 

Space: One of the first things you should consider when building a new patio is what size it will need to be. During the design and planning phase you’ll want to think about how much space you have available and how you plan to use the space. Are you simply trying to protect the front of your home from the elements or do you want to use your patio to entertain? Generally you’ll want to allocate at least enough room to comfortably seat 6 or so people. 

Access: You will also need to consider accessibility when settling on a type of patio. Planning access is about more than just whether or not there’s space to get in and out of your new patio, it’s also about traffic flow. Will your patio be oriented in a way that people can comfortably walk around? Can people get to the doorway with minimal obstructions? Awkward spacing or being forced to squeeze around objects can ruin outdoor spaces. 

Shade: You’ll want to think about shade requirements when choosing a new patio. Think about existing shade and how the sun shines on the area you’re planning to install your patio in – this may affect the shape of your roof and the orientation you choose for your new patio. 

Drainage: Drainage is another important factor that can determine which patio is right for you. Before you choose a design consider the lay of your land and plan for any irrigation or drainage you may need. 

Materials: There are many different types of materials you can use to construct a patio from timber to steel. If you’re asking what the best material for an outdoor patio is, then we would recommend high quality steel . 

CMI uses only Australian Made RHS , SHS Steel which we fully weld and powdercoat to your specific design and colour.  

COLORBOND^® Patios Colours

At CMI, we can supply everything you need for your next patio project from patio tube and sheeting to full water drainage supplies. All of our products are manufactured to Australian standards and are backed by our 30 years of experience in the building and manufacturing industry in WA. If you’d like to learn more, get in touch with us today or contact us for a quote on your next project.