Structural Outdoor Systems
Pergola: An open or semi-open outdoor structure with posts and an overhead roof system, designed for shade and weather control.
Veranda: A roofed outdoor structure attached to a building, typically fully covered and supported by posts.
Gazebo: A freestanding outdoor structure with a solid roof, usually decorative and separate from the house.
Awning: A retractable or fixed fabric canopy attached to a building to provide shade and rain protection.
Structural Components (Verandas & Pergolas)
Keyframe (veranda): The main structural frame that supports the veranda roof and transfers loads back to the building and down through the posts.
Posts vs beams: Posts are the vertical supports transferring load to the ground, while beams are horizontal elements supporting the roof.
Installation & Configuration
Projection: The horizontal distance a pergola or awning extends out from the wall or rear support.
Wall-mounted vs freestanding: Wall-mounted structures fix to a building for support, while freestanding structures are supported entirely by posts.
Foot plate / Footings: The base fixing that anchors pergola posts to the ground, either bolted to a surface or set into concrete.
Roof, Drainage & Weather Control
Louvre: An angled slat designed to control sunlight, airflow, and rain when open or closed.
Rain channel: An integrated gutter system that collects and directs rainwater away from the pergola roof.
Flashing: Weatherproof sealing material used where a pergola meets a wall to prevent water ingress.
Soffit: The underside surface of a roof or overhang, often used to conceal fixings and improve appearance.
Fascia: The horizontal finishing board along the edge of the roof that conceals structural elements and drainage.
Side Enclosures & Shade Accessories
Louvred side panel: A side infill panel with adjustable slats that provides privacy while allowing airflow and light control.
Blinds: Vertical fabric or screen panels used to block sun, wind, or provide privacy on pergola sides.
Cassette (inside blind): The protective housing that encloses a blind when retracted, shielding it from weather and dirt.
Materials & Finishes
Powder-coated aluminium: Aluminium finished with a baked-on coating that provides corrosion resistance, durability, and colour stability.