There are two main types of timber roof structures, the gable roof, or the flat roof and both are good in their own way. Before deciding on a type, you should first consider its purpose.

Gable Roof
Gable roofs let in more natural light and the higher roof and open end provides more ventilation keeping the area cool. Gable roofs easily blend into the existing roofs style. Gable pergolas can have different end types, for example one end might be open and the other can be a hip end or valley scotched (joined) into the existing roof. The pergola roof can be joined to the existing roof by partially removing a small section of the existing roof and nailing two lay-boards to take the rafters of the pergola, to form two vallies.

Flat
Flat roofs are great for small areas such as walkways, or over an entry door, although can also work well as main roof area. Flat can be made into a very modern style and have timber ceiling and feature inbuilt lighting and fans, or they can have different levels or pitches to provide exactly the style and conditions you require.

Roof Coverings

There’s a wide range of roofing to choose from.

Colorbond
Colorbond steel roofing is available in a wide range of profiles and colours to match an existing profile or roof colour. Often we recommend using Colourbond with some polycarbonate patio roofing to avoid blocking light and making your rooms dark.

Polycarbonate sheets are available with heat reflective finishes designed to reduce both heat and glare, letting light through while blocking UV rays from the sun.

Tiles
Tiles are normally clay or concrete and sometimes used to match the existing houses tile roof. However tiles are not always practical as the roof construction needs to be specially engineered to be strong enough to carry the extra weight of tiles, and for this reason is considerably more expensive. Tile roofs with connecting flat ceilings can be easily done with only a little extra cost. However, to achieve an open gable construction, as you would with Colourbond, requires more engineering, but is not impossible.

See also Bali Huts and Timber Shingles.