From quote to install, the team were on time, on price and the finish is spot on. We use the space every single weekend now.
S
Sarah M.
Perth Hills · 2 months ago
Patios, Pergolas & Roofs · Perth
Patio, pergola or roof? Know the difference.
Thinking about a patio, pergola or an opening roof for your Perth outdoor space? Here is how they compare, and why a retractable roof turns a seasonal patio into a room you use all year. Designed, made and installed by MIY.
- Designed & made in Perth
- Engineered & certified
- Installed by our own team
- Spans up to 30m
The short answer
Patio, pergola, louvred roof or retractable roof?
A patio or pergola is a fixed structure: whatever shade you build is the shade you get. A louvred opening roof, the kind often called a vergola-style roof, tilts aluminium blades to let in sun or shut out rain. A retractable roof goes further again: the whole roof slides open to the sky on a fine day, then closes to a waterproof surface with guttering when the weather turns. If you want one space that works in a Perth summer and a wet winter, a retractable roof is the most flexible of the three.
Side by side
How they compare
| Patio / pergola | Louvred opening roof | MIY retractable roof | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opens fully to the sky | No, the roof is fixed | Partly, blades tilt open | Yes, the roof slides fully open |
| Seals against rain | Only if fully roofed | Closes to shed rain between blades | Closes waterproof, with guttering |
| Sun and shade control | Fixed, whatever you build | Adjustable by tilting the blades | Full sun open, full shade closed |
| Typical span | Small to medium | Medium | Up to 30m across multiple bays |
| Motorised | Rarely | Usually | Yes, with optional rain and wind sensors |
| Best for | A budget cover on a small patio | Ventilation with some weather cover | A year-round outdoor room, big spans, venues |
Which is right for you
Pick by how you'll use the space
Simplest
Patio or pergola
A fixed cover for a smaller space and a tighter budget. Great for shade in one spot, but you cannot open it to the sun or seal it against a downpour.
Adjustable
Louvred opening roof
Aluminium blades tilt for sun, shade and ventilation, and shed light rain. A strong middle option when you want some control without a full roof.
Most versatile
MIY retractable roof
Open the whole roof to the sky, or close it waterproof with guttering. Big spans, motorised, engineered and installed by MIY. A true year-round outdoor room.
Installed, not DIY
MIY designs, manufactures in our Canning Vale workshop and installs retractable roofs and opening louvre systems across Perth and the South West, with design, engineering and certification handled end to end.
Best for: large alfrescos, outdoor kitchens, new builds, and hospitality venues.
Why MIY
- A retractable fabric roof and an opening louvre system, so you can pick the right one
- Spans up to 30m across multiple bays
- One project manager per job, start to finish
- Purpose-built, engineered and certified for your space
Real MIY installs
Roofs in real Perth spaces
From backyard alfrescos in the Perth Hills to rooftop terraces and venues, all designed, made and installed by MIY.
5.0 / 5 · 13 Google reviews
Why Perth homeowners choose MIY
Honestly the best tradies we've dealt with. Measured properly, built it themselves, and it looks like it was always part of the house.
D
Dave R.
Mandurah · 5 months ago
Good to know
Patios, pergolas & retractable roofs: common questions
What is the difference between a pergola and a retractable roof?
A pergola is a fixed structure with a set roof or open slats, so the shade it gives never changes. A retractable roof slides fully open to let the sun in and closes waterproof for shelter, so one space works in summer and winter. MIY designs, makes and installs retractable roofs across Perth.
Is a retractable roof better than a louvred (vergola-style) roof?
Both are adjustable. A louvred roof tilts its blades to control sun and shade and can shed rain between the blades. A retractable roof opens the whole roof to the sky, then closes to a waterproof surface with guttering. MIY offers both an opening louvre system and a fully retractable fabric roof, so you can pick what suits the space.
Can I add a retractable roof to my existing patio or pergola?
A MIY retractable roof is a purpose-built, engineered structure in its own right, not a cover bolted onto an existing patio or pergola frame. If you have a space you want to improve, the team will assess it and design the right new roof or louvre system for it. Send a photo and some rough sizes and they will talk you through the options.
Do retractable roofs need council approval in Perth?
It depends on the size, height and your local council. MIY manages design, engineering and certification as part of the job and will let you know what your project needs before you commit.
Are MIY retractable roofs DIY or installed?
Retractable roofs are engineered, made in our Canning Vale workshop and installed by our own team, with one project manager per job. They are not sold as a DIY kit. If you are after DIY, that is our outdoor blinds range instead.
How much does a retractable roof cost compared to a patio or pergola?
A basic patio cover is usually the cheapest option, and a retractable roof sits at the premium end because it is engineered, motorised and installed. The right comparison is not just the build cost, it is how many months of the year you actually use the space. Get a free measure and quote and the team will give you real numbers for your project.
Get a quote
Tell us about your space
Free measure and quote. We'll get back to you within 1 business day.
Turn your patio into a year-round room
Book a free measure and quote, and the MIY team will help you choose between an opening louvre and a fully retractable roof for your space.