Choosing between a Pergola, a Patio and Verandah is hard enough at the best of times, but it can be downright impossible if you don’t actually know the differences between them.

You’ve probably heard of all three. You can probably picture them, but they all blur together into one universal structure.

It’s important to know the differences; otherwise you might struggle to properly describe to your builder what you’re actually after. Luckily for you, we scoured the internet and managed to come up with some definitive descriptions to help you choose the right structure for your backyard.

What is a Patio?

Patios are slightly different to pergolas in that they don’t usually incorporate climbing plants. They don’t always have a roof either; in fact, some patios are simply a paved area outside the back door.

There is one thing they all have in common – they are all used for dining and recreation. A patio is always a comfortable outdoor space designed with luxury and relaxation in mind. Patios have also been known to incorporate other features, with timber decking being a popular alternative to paving. Homeowners often use their patio as an opportunity to display their unique taste and style, decorating it with plants and outdoor furniture.

A custom Pergola with inbuilt waterfall — Pergola

What is a Pergola?

Pergolas were traditionally built to support climbing plants, but have evolved over time into a series of structures designed for outdoor relaxation.

Roofs weren’t initially a feature of the pergola, with people preferring to use foliage as protection from the sun.

The main thing that separates the pergola from the patio and verandah is its relationship with your backyard.

Pergolas are often designed to interact with your garden in ways that patios and verandahs cannot.

They can be connected to the house or freestanding, but they usually incorporate the plants in your backyard in their design.

For example, it is common for pergolas to be built without roofs, instead using foliage as protection from the sun.

This allows more sun to penetrate, giving your backyard a more natural feel.

Sometimes spelt 'veranda', The word ‘verandah’ comes from India, where it literally means “a place that leads outdoors”.

Verandahs are a little different than patios and pergolas, in that they are always found on the ground level of a building. They are also traditionally narrower than their counterparts, with most verandahs being too constricted to allow an outdoor setting.

One key difference between verandahs and patios is that they are always covered – regardless of where they sit on the house. They are nearly always positioned at the front of the property, often wrapping around to the side. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for a verandah to wrap around a property completely.

Verandahs have always been popular in Australia, and even to this day they’re a staple of the Australian home. You could drive down any street in the country and you’ll see a house with a verandah on it, perfect for relaxing with a cup of tea.

What’s best for my home?

This is where we come in! Our friendly staff will come visit you at home where they’ll be happy to discuss whether a pergola, patio or verandah would be right for your home.

Take a look at some of the inspiration on our website to get an idea of what you might want. It always helps us to achieve the best result for you if we have some idea of what you’ve got in mind - It doesn’t matter which one you end up choosing; we’ll make sure it fits the style and aesthetic of your home.

We've got you covered

Spend more quality time outside, with a beautiful Pergola or Verandah. Professionally designed and expertly installed to suit your home and family's needs.

Get in touch Get in touch

- Helpful hints
The benefits of insulated Roller Shutters for energy savings

Insulate your home with a set of insulated Roller Shutters from Australian Outdoor Living

Find out more about The benefits of insulated Roller Shutters for energy savings Find out more about The benefits of insulated Roller Shutters for energy savings
- Helpful hints
Finding the right Pergola style for your outdoor area

Pergolas are an excellent way to expand your outdoor living area, while adding protection from the weather elements. Whether you use it for your own private sanctuary or a place to host gatherings, enhance your living space with an outdoor structure.

Find out more about Finding the right Pergola style for your outdoor area Find out more about Finding the right Pergola style for your outdoor area
- Helpful hints
How to clean and keep your Artificial Lawn smelling great

Simple tips and tricks on how to clean and keep your Artificial Grass smelling great if you have a pet

Find out more about How to clean and keep your Artificial Lawn smelling great Find out more about How to clean and keep your Artificial Lawn smelling great
- Helpful hints
How to choose the best Artificial Grass

You’ve decided to opt for our realistic Artificial Grass for your backyard – now it’s time to choose which range is the most suitable for you. Whether you want something that’s realistic and lush, or ideal for playing sport, there’s a type to suit you.

Find out more about How to choose the best Artificial Grass Find out more about How to choose the best Artificial Grass
- Tutorials
- Helpful hints
Building your dream Outdoor BBQ Kitchen

Australia has a reputation for embracing outdoor living. It’s a celebration of our nation’s glorious weather, natural beauty, and communal spirit. Among the many traditions that honour this outdoor culture, perhaps none is as iconic as the Australian BBQ.

Find out more about Building your dream Outdoor BBQ Kitchen Find out more about Building your dream Outdoor BBQ Kitchen
- Helpful hints
Amazing Australian native garden designs

Australia has an array of native plants - roughly 24,000 species in fact! Distinct and diverse, some of these plants have been a source of food, medicine and aesthetic appeal for millennia.

Find out more about Amazing Australian native garden designs Find out more about Amazing Australian native garden designs
- Tutorials
- Helpful hints
Breathe life into your alfresco with potted plants

So what are the best potted plants to decorate your pergola, verandah or porch? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best plants, and how to display them.

Find out more about Breathe life into your alfresco with potted plants Find out more about Breathe life into your alfresco with potted plants
- Tutorials
How to turn your backyard into a Japanese Style garden

Japan is a dream destination infused with rich culture and tradition, dating back centuries. With its interesting blend of ancient traditions and Western modernity, the mystical country offers a perfect backyard design idea to create a Japanese experience.

Find out more about How to turn your backyard into a Japanese Style garden Find out more about How to turn your backyard into a Japanese Style garden
- Tutorials
- Helpful hints
Create the perfect outdoor entertaining area

You’ve put a lot of time and effort into creating an impressive backyard, so what better way to enjoy your outdoor space than to have your closest family and friends over to eat, drink and share good laughs.

Find out more about Create the perfect outdoor entertaining area Find out more about Create the perfect outdoor entertaining area
- Helpful hints
- Tutorials
Outdoor Blinds: Cleaning and maintenance

Make sure your outdoor roller blinds stand the test of time and look beautiful for years to come with these handy tips.

Find out more about Outdoor Blinds: Cleaning and maintenance Find out more about Outdoor Blinds: Cleaning and maintenance

To best assist your experience, please select your service area

Be inspired

The complete home solution

Jimmy & Tam's backyard makeover

Transforming Brett's lawn

Handy info

Finding the right Pergola style for your outdoor area

How to clean and keep your Artificial Lawn smelling great

Which Artificial Grass is the best for you?

Our story

Search

Popular right now

To start the journey to your great outdoors, we’ll just need some contact details.

Success! Your enquiry has been received. An outdoor team member will be in touch with you shortly.

What is the difference between a Patio, a Pergola and a Verandah?