Hey there, fellow Melburnian! Melbourne, our lively and diverse city, is famous for its ever-changing weather – it’s like the weather gods love to keep us on our toes. If you’re a homeowner in this amazing city, you know that making the most of your outdoor space is a must. Whether you dream of designing a patio, pergola, carport, veranda, or automated louvres, Melbourne’s Best Verandas is here to guide you through and help you make the best choices for your outdoor oasis to match Melbourne’s unique climate.
Getting to Know Melbourne’s Climate
Melbourne’s weather is nothing if not full of surprises. From sweltering summer days to chilly winter nights, Mother Nature likes to keep us guessing. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
- Summer (December to February): Ah, those scorchers! Think hot and dry days with occasional heat waves. Shade and cooling solutions are your best friends during this time.
- Autumn (March to May): It’s like nature’s sweet spot – pleasant temperatures and mild weather. Perfect for enjoying your outdoor space.
- Winter (June to August): Melbourne winters can be cold and wet. You’ll want options that keep you dry and cosy.
- Spring (September to November): Spring brings unpredictable weather, including rain and wind. Nothing is better than creating an outdoor living space you’ve dreamt of and watching the Footy finals with family and friends.
Crafting Your Perfect Outdoor Escape in Melbourne
Now that we’ve got the lowdown on Melbourne’s weather let’s dive into how you can create an outdoor space that’s perfect for every season.
- Verandas: Also spelt “Verandahs”, these are Melbourne’s all-season champs. They offer shade when the sun’s blazing and shelter when the rains decide to visit. When designing a veranda, consider adding some outdoor blinds for extra control over sunlight and airflow. Including some UV-stable polycarbonate skylights throughout allows a perfect amount of filtered natural light without the harsh heat and glare of the Aussie sun.
- Pergolas: Pergolas are like a blank canvas for your outdoor dreams. You can customise them to fit Melbourne’s mood swings. Top your pergola off with either shade cloth, stainless cable, shade blades or just evenly spaced feature beams. Pergolas are also great when a roofed area is not permitted due to council regulations.
- Patios: Patios are for the outdoor enthusiasts. They’re ideal for Melbourne’s mild autumn and spring seasons. Throw in some outdoor heating or fans, and you’re all set for year-round fun.
Keep in mind that the words patios, pergolas and verandas are often used interchangeably. It can be a little confusing; however, most people who use these words usually want a roofed outdoor area.
- Carports: Protecting your vehicles from Melbourne’s whims is always a good idea. Think about carport designs that blend seamlessly with your home’s style. Gable carports can provide some additional height for caravans and boats.
- Automated Louvres: If you want to be the boss of your Australian outdoor living space, automated louvres are the answer. They provide instant shade and ventilation, keeping you comfy no matter what Melbourne throws your way. Open and close the louvres to any angle you desire, any time of the day, at the touch of a button. Wind and rain sensors automatically close the louvres when sensing inclement weather, keeping everything underneath dry and protected.
Choosing the Right Materials for Melbourne
Melbourne’s climate can be tough on outdoor structures, so picking the suitable materials is key to enjoying your space for years to come:
- Aluminium: It’s lightweight, rust-resistant, and perfect for Melbourne’s weather mood swings. Great for larger profile columns with sizes up to 150x150mm, aluminium is also fantastic for automated louvres due to its light weight and strength.
- Colorbond Steel: Durable and available in a rainbow of colours to match your home’s vibe. Colorbond is a household brand and is trusted all across Australia. Bluescope Colorbond steel patios and verandas come with the most extensive warranty of all materials, with a 25-year structural warranty.
- Timber: Timber adds a touch of nature’s charm to your outdoor space. Remember, it might need a little extra TLC in Melbourne’s climate. When not looked after, timber is prone to warping, rotting, and cupping, so regular maintenance, painting and staining is recommended.
- Polycarbonate: This stuff is a champ. Lightweight, sturdy, and excellent at keeping UV rays at bay, polycarbonate can be used in conjunction with any style of veranda, patio or pergola to bring through some needed natural light. Use it sparingly on lower flat roofs, as it can become excessively hot underneath a full polycarbonate roof during the warmer months.
Making the Budget Work
Let’s be real; every project has its price tag. When planning your dream outdoor space, keep these factors in mind:
- Materials: Your choice of materials can sway the budget. Top-notch materials mean a higher upfront cost but fewer maintenance hassles down the line. Make sure you choose trusted Aussie brands such as Colorbond, Bluescope, Spanmor, Versiclad, Bondor, and Fielders Centenary when designing your outdoor entertaining area.
- Roofing Type: C-Dek patios by Fielders Centenary are the most budget-friendly starting point. Stepping up to an insulated roof panel such as Solarspan by Bondor or Versalink by Versiclad provides many benefits at a reasonable price point. Moving up, the Rolls Royce of patio roofing are the automated aluminium louvres. Full control of the weather with the touch of a button – these are at the top end of the spectrum in terms of cost.
- Design Complexity: Squares and rectangles attached to steel or timber fascia are traditionally the most cost-effective. Raising the roof higher using fly-over brackets or roof riser brackets will impact the final total. Angled patios also add some cost due to all the beams, roofing, and gutter needing to be cut onsite to perfection.
- Size Matters: Bigger spaces require more materials and labour, affecting your budget. Not just the size of the actual area, but column sizes also are a factor here. Sizes start from the standard 65mm Colorbond box posts and go all the way up to 150x150mm Spanmor architectural aluminium columns.
- Plans and Permits: Don’t forget about those pesky permits! Local council and developer rules vary, so make sure to budget for this too.
Building and Planning Permits
First up, we have building permits and planning permits. Think of building permits as your green light from the building surveyor to start construction. They ensure your structure complies with engineering specifications, Australian Standards and the National Construction Code. On the other hand, planning permits focus on aesthetics and zoning regulations. It makes sure your new addition fits harmoniously within the neighbourhood. Then there are the developer approvals, which might sound intimidating, but essentially, it’s a thumbs-up from your property developer if you live in a community with specific rules.
Fire modifications and dispensations are all about safety and compliance. Fire mods ensure your structure won’t pose a fire hazard, while dispensations offer flexibility for minor deviations from the rules, making your project more feasible. Together, these elements may seem like a lot, but they’re the components that ensure your new outdoor space is not only beautiful but safe and compliant with all regulations.
Melbourne’s Best Verandas specialise in handling tricky building and planning permits. Our team can walk you through and manage the entire process for you – it’s part of our service.
Keeping It in Tip-Top Shape
To keep your outdoor space looking and functioning at its best, regular maintenance, including the following, is key:
- Cleanliness: Regular cleaning keeps dirt and debris from taking over. Washing your patio with mild, soapy water and a soft bristle brush will keep it looking new for years to come. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scourers.
- Inspections: Keep an eye out for wear and tear, especially after wild weather. Any substantial damage should be flagged immediately with the builder, who can advise if any remedial works will be needed.
- Maintenance: Make sure to keep the gutters clear and downpipe outlets free of leaves and muck. Fully functional stormwater systems on your verandah or patio are essential for longevity.
In Conclusion
Melbourne’s climate might be unpredictable, but that’s no reason not to make the most of your outdoor space. Your outdoor dreams are within reach; just remember that consulting with a pro can help you make the best patio design choices for your home and your budget.
Enjoy the beauty of Melbourne weather with the right outdoor living solution tailored to your needs and style. Whether you go for a veranda, pergola, patio, carport, or automated louvres, Melbourne’s Best Verandas can be your partner in creating the ultimate outdoor oasis.