Over the years, you’ve probably heard suggestions to put in a patio, build a pergola, or install a verandah on your property. In Adelaide – and across much of Australia – these terms are often used interchangeably, which can make it even harder to know exactly what you want or need. To help you make the right choice for your outdoor space, we’ll explain the key differences between patios, pergolas, and verandahs – and how to choose the best option for your home.
What is a Verandah?
Verandahs in Adelaide are open-air extensions of indoor areas and are attached to the outside of your home. They have a roof and are enclosed on one side with columns or a railing. This makes verandahs suitable for homeowners who need a bit of weather protection for when it rains. You can choose between a flat and gable-style roof for your verandah, and whether to install it over an existing driveway.
What is a Pergola?
Unlike verandahs, which are attached to the house, pergolas are typically freestanding structures. They consist of posts or columns supporting a roofing grid made of beams and rafters. Pergolas often have an open or slatted roof to provide partial shade, but they can also be fitted with coverings for better protection from the elements. Roof shapes can be flat, pitched, or even curved, depending on the design and materials used.
What is a Patio?
A patio is a paved outdoor area, typically at ground level, designed for lounging, dining, or entertaining. Unlike a verandah, which is always roofed and attached to the house, a patio usually starts as an open-air space. However, a patio can be customised later with a pergola, shade sail, or other cover to provide additional shelter and comfort.
Each outdoor structure offers something different — from open, flexible entertaining spaces to fully sheltered extensions of your home, depending on your needs and style.
Differences Between a Pergola, Patio and Verandah
To summarise the differences between the three outdoor additions, here’s a quick chart:
Feature
Pergola
Patio
Verandah
Structure
Freestanding or attached with open sides and a roof frame
Ground-level paved or decked outdoor area, open or covered
Roofed structure attached to the house, typically at ground or deck level
Roofing
Open-roof design (slatted or lattice-style; optional cover)
Open or covered space, depending on design
Fully covered with a permanent roof
Purpose
Decorative and functional shade structure, ideal for plants or vines
Outdoor lounging, dining, or entertaining area
Transitional area between indoors and outdoors; often used for relaxing
Attachment
Can be freestanding or attached to a building
Typically adjacent to the home, but can be freestanding
Always attached to the main structure of the house
Weather Protection
Partial shade and limited rain protection unless covered
Minimal unless covered with a roof or umbrella
Full protection from sun and rain
Materials
Timber, metal, or vinyl
Pavers, concrete, bricks, or decking
Timber, steel, or composite materials
Design Flexibility
Highly customisable in size and shape
Very flexible in layout, paving style, and coverings
More traditional in style, often follows home’s architecture
Best For
Creating a garden focal point or stylish shaded retreat
Flexible outdoor living and entertainment spaces
Extending your living area with sheltered outdoor space
Council Permission
May require approval depending on size, height and location
Unroofed patios may not need approval; roofed patios usually require it
Council approval is often required as it’s considered an extension of the house
Feature
Pergola
Structure
Freestanding or attached with open sides and a roof frame
Roofing
Open-roof design (slatted or lattice-style; optional cover)
Purpose
Decorative and functional shade structure, ideal for plants or vines
Attachment
Can be freestanding or attached to a building
Weather Protection
Partial shade and limited rain protection unless covered
Materials
Timber, metal, or vinyl
Design Flexibility
Highly customisable in size and shape
Best For
Creating a garden focal point or stylish shaded retreat
Council Permission
May require approval depending on size, height and location
Feature
Patio
Structure
Ground-level paved or decked outdoor area, open or covered
Roofing
Open or covered space, depending on design
Purpose
Outdoor lounging, dining, or entertaining area
Attachment
Typically adjacent to the home, but can be freestanding
Weather Protection
Minimal unless covered with a roof or umbrella
Materials
Pavers, concrete, bricks, or decking
Design Flexibility
Very flexible in layout, paving style, and coverings
Best For
Flexible outdoor living and entertainment spaces
Council Permission
Unroofed patios may not need approval; roofed patios usually require it
Feature
Verandah
Structure
Roofed structure attached to the house, typically at ground or deck level
Roofing
Fully covered with a permanent roof
Purpose
Transitional area between indoors and outdoors; often used for relaxing
Attachment
Always attached to the main structure of the house
Weather Protection
Full protection from sun and rain
Materials
Timber, steel, or composite materials
Design Flexibility
More traditional in style, often follows home’s architecture
Best For
Extending your living area with sheltered outdoor space
Council Permission
Council approval is often required as it’s considered an extension of the house
How to Choose Between a Patio, Pergola, or Verandah in Adelaide?
Choosing between a patio, pergola, or verandah comes down to how you want to use your outdoor space. In Adelaide, these terms are often used interchangeably, and designs can overlap – so it’s more important to focus on how you want your space to look and function.
If you’re looking to extend your living space with a sheltered area for year-round lounging and relaxing, a verandah is an ideal choice.
If you want an open, versatile area for entertaining guests — especially if you have plenty of backyard space — a patio could be the perfect option.
And if you’re aiming to add a decorative focal point to your garden while creating a little extra shade, a pergola offers the perfect balance of function and style.
Once you know what you’re aiming for, working with experienced outdoor builders will help you turn your vision into reality — with the right structure to suit your home and lifestyle.
Hire Professionals To Build Patios, Pergolas, or Verandahs in Adelaide
Whether you’re planning a patio, pergola, or verandah, getting the right structure starts with expert advice and quality construction. At Steel Outfitters, we work closely with you to design and build an outdoor space that suits your home, lifestyle, and goals – whether you’re after a stylish garden feature, a sheltered entertaining area, or an extension of your living space.
Ready to get started? Call us today for a free quote on custom verandahs, patios, and pergolas in Adelaide!
