Any Australian knows that a patio is an important part of the house—where else would you host the barbecues and spend those warm summer evenings? It's a place where you come together and, if used to its full extent, the heart of the home just as much as the kitchen. These are the basics for creating a comfortable oasis in your backyard—one that will last for many years.
While building or renovating a patio is a lot of work, it doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. The patio differs a bit from the rest of the house when it comes to fixing it up. It can be a brick-by-brick kind of project, where you add and change things until you feel satisfied. Try changing, or building, the deck one year, buying new furniture when spring arrives, adding a roof the year after that . . . It's about making a space where you are comfortable and will spend a lot of time.
While discussing patios, it's necessary to talk about roofs. Perhaps the Australian homeowner is more in need of them than others; wasting away in the merciless rays of the sun is no more enjoyable than rushing outside in the dead of night to save your furniture from a sudden downpour. If you're thinking about giving your home a slightly more futuristic feel, while obtaining a practical and functional patio roof, opening roofs could be your solution. An opening roof is what it sounds like—a roof that opens—but it has the potential to be a lot more. The typical design consists of a number of panels that will create a solid roof while closed, but once opened will let in as much sunlight as you wish. Among those who design for the Australian and American markets, it's common to provide the customer with panels that can be adjusted as the sun moves or the temperature changes.
Once there's a deck to stand on and a roof over your head, it's time to start spending most of your free time on the patio. This can't be done without comfortable lounge chairs or sofas, but traditional isn't always comfortable. There are a lot more options than just going to your local furniture store and buying their expensive sofa sets. Set your own standards by building the outdoor furniture yourself, by taking pallets and covering them with pillows, or recycling old furniture.
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