Patio guides without the sales pitch.
Honest answers to the questions homeowners actually ask. Pricing, materials, council rules, and what most builders won't tell you - written by the Patio Empire crew from 14+ years on the tools.
All guides
Carport vs Garage: Cost, Approval and Which One Suits Your Block
Carport or garage? An honest side-by-side on cost, council approval, materials and which one actually suits your block in NSW - written by people who build them.
Colorbond vs Insulated Panel: Which Patio Roof is Right for Your Home?
A plain-English comparison of Colorbond single-skin and insulated panel patio roofs - what your eyes see, what your ears hear, and which one suits your home.
Composite vs Hardwood Decking: An Australian Builder's Take
Hardwood ages beautifully but needs upkeep. Composite is low-maintenance but feels different underfoot. We break down what actually matters when you are choosing between them.
Do I Need Council Approval for a Patio in NSW? (2026 Guide)
A plain-English guide to NSW patio approvals - exempt development, CDC, and DA pathways, with quirks for Central Coast, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils.
Glass Room vs Enclosed Patio: What's the Difference and Which Suits Your Home?
A glass room is a fully enclosed framed-glass space. An enclosed patio uses cafe blinds or screens. They cost different money, get approved differently, and feel different to live in. Here is the straight comparison.
Insulated vs Single-Skin Patio Roofs: An Honest Comparison
A licensed builder's straight comparison of insulated panel and single-skin Colorbond patio roofs - heat, noise, cost, lifespan, and when each one is the right call.
How Much Does a Patio Cost in NSW? (2026 Pricing Guide)
A proper, honest breakdown of patio costs across NSW in 2026 - real $/sqm bands, what changes the price, and the hidden costs most quotes leave out.
Patio Height, Fall and Drainage Explained
A licensed builder's guide to setting patio roof height and fall - why both decisions happen up front, the standard fall ratios, and the drainage details that matter.
Building a Patio on the Coast: Salt, Corrosion and What Actually Lasts
What salt air actually does to a patio, the three NSW corrosion zones, and the materials and fixings that hold up on the Central Coast and Newcastle long-term.
Patio or Deck: Which One Do You Actually Need?
A patio is a roof. A deck is a floor. They solve different problems and most homes end up wanting both. Here is how to figure out which one your place actually needs.
A Proper Patio Quote vs a Piece of Paper: How to Tell the Difference
The nine things every patio quote should include, the red flags to watch for, and how to compare three quotes that look completely different.
Insulated Patio in Terrigal: A Coastal Build, Walked Through
A 32sqm insulated patio on a west-facing Terrigal home, built in six days. The site visit, the design choices, the materials, and the result.
What to Look for in a Patio Builder: A Builder's Honest Checklist
A licensed builder's guide to choosing the right patio builder - the four non-negotiables, the red flags, and the questions that separate a real trade from a salesman.
Why We Tell Customers Not to Put Light Strips in an Insulated Patio
Cutting polycarbonate light strips into an insulated roof defeats the entire reason you bought one. Here's what we tell customers - and what to do instead.
The P.R.O.P.E.R. Process Explained
How Patio Empire runs every build - from the first phone call to the final walk-through. Six steps, one crew, no surprises.
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