Size and colour usually get all the attention when you're planning a patio or carport. But the shape of the roof has just as big an effect on how it looks, how open it feels and how well it handles a storm. There are two shapes to choose from: flat (also called skillion) and gable.
Flat and skillion: two names, one roof
A "flat" patio roof and a "skillion" roof are the same thing. It's a single roof surface that slopes gently in one direction. From the ground it looks flat, but it always has a fall so rainwater drains into the gutter instead of sitting on the sheets.
How much fall does it need? A minimum of 2 degrees, which is about 35mm of fall for every metre of roof. On a 4m-deep patio, the low side sits roughly 140mm below the high side. You can set your roof pitch in degrees when you build your quote in our calculator.
Flat (skillion) roofs are the most popular choice in Australia because they:
- have a clean, modern look that suits most homes,
- are quicker and simpler to build,
- need fewer parts than a gable,
- drain to one gutter, and
- work as attached, flyover or freestanding roofs.
Need more height? A flyover is a flat (skillion) roof lifted above your existing gutter, giving you extra headroom and airflow without the build complexity of a gable.
Gable roofs: the classic peak
A gable roof has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge in the middle, just like a traditional house roof. It creates a tall, airy ceiling and turns your patio into a real feature of the home. Many homeowners choose a gable to match a pitched roof on the house.
A gable uses more parts than a flat roof, including ridge capping along the peak and a gutter on each side, so the build takes a little longer. The result is hard to beat for entertaining areas.
Gable roofs from D&C Patio Kits come in two styles:
- Freestanding gable: perfect as a poolside, outdoor-kitchen or entertaining shelter out in the yard, or as a feature carport.
- Gable fixed to a wall: gives you the peaked look right off the side or back of the house.
Choose Gable roofs in the calculator to price yours.
Side-by-side comparison
| Flat / skillion | Flyover (raised flat roof) | Gable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Clean, modern | Open, lofty | Classic, architectural |
| Headroom | Good | Better | Best in the centre |
| Gutters | One | One | Two |
| DIY difficulty | Easiest | Moderate | Moderate to advanced |
| Styles | Attached or freestanding | Raised above the house gutter | Freestanding or fixed to a wall |
Then pick your roof sheet
Once you've chosen the shape, choose the roofing. Insulated panels (50mm to 200mm thick) keep the space cooler and quieter, and you can pick separate colours for the top and the underside. V-Line single skin sheeting is the lighter-budget option. Both are available in the calculator, along with colours for your cappings, beams, posts and gutter.
Every D&C Patio Kit is made to your size, wind rating (N1 to N4) and colours, and your quote is emailed to you instantly. Need help with measurements? See our How to Measure Guide (PDF) or read our FAQs.