Pergola Melbourne – Totally Outdoors Has You Covered

At Totally Outdoors, we understand that when many Australians say “pergola,” they’re often referring to a verandah or patio. But technically, a pergola is a little different—it typically features open rafters with slats, shade mesh, louvre blades, or even climbing vines rather than a fully fixed roof.

Pergolas are ideal for creating atmosphere, filtered shade, and a defined sense of space. While they may not be the first choice for a fully sheltered outdoor room, they’re the perfect solution for areas where you want style, light control, and visual appeal without a fully enclosed roof.

They also offer clever solutions for:

• Challenging spaces where building permits are harder to obtain

• Budget-conscious projects that still demand architectural elegance

• Extensions to existing covered areas for a layered and cohesive outdoor design

As Melbourne’s trusted pergola builders, we offer a range of high-quality, custom-designed pergola and patio solutions to suit every space.

Let Totally Outdoors help you create a pergola that enhances your lifestyle—and your home.

The best material choices for your project often include Colorbond® steel or powder-coated aluminium, both offering outstanding visual appeal and long-lasting durability. If timber is preferred, we recommend selecting a highly durable hardwood capable of withstanding Australia’s harsh sun and rain. To enhance the look and feel of your outdoor space, a wide variety of screens, slats, and feature panels are available—adding shade, colour, and style that bring your project to life and set it apart from the rest.

Whether your pergola is a standalone feature or an extension of an existing structure, the final design will be tailored to your space, needs, and vision. With countless possibilities to choose from, we begin by listening to your ideas, selecting the right products, and turning your vision into a beautifully finished result—from concept to completion.

Pergola & Patio Frame Options – Built to Last

• Up to 30-Year Structural Warranty on all Victory frame options

• Available in both attached or freestanding designs

• Steel and aluminium options available for larger spans and enhanced durability

• High-gloss beams and posts offer a low-maintenance, stylish finish

• Flexible design solutions with frame choices in timber, aluminium, or Colorbond®, tailored to suit your space

Options and Benefits

• Full range of steel frame pergola and patio solutions

• Colorbond® pergola frames and posts

• Pergolas designed and built in Melbourne

• Experienced Melbourne pergola builders

• Custom outdoor pergola solutions

• 10-Year Registered Builder’s Workmanship Warranty

• All products attract manufacturer warranties when applicable

• Shade Louvre warranties match the warranty provided for louvre roofing systems
  (Refer to Manufacturer Warranty section for more information)

Manufacturer Warranties

All steel and aluminium products installed by Totally Outdoors are backed by full manufacturer warranties and builder warranties. Every project includes:

• Building Permits

• Builder’s Public Liability Insurance

• Home Owners Warranty Insurance (for domestic projects over $16,000)

Warranties vary depending on the product selected. Key warranties include:

• 30-Year Manufacturer Warranty – Victory Home Improvements

• 10-Year Manufacturer Warranty – Ultimate Louvre System by Louvre Master Pty Ltd (Fully moulded aluminium louvre blades with high durability, strength, fire resistance, and performance)

• 10-Year Manufacturer Warranty – Bondor SolarSpan® & Shademaster® (Over 60 years of experience in composite panel technology)

• Colorbond® Material Warranties – Protection against corrosion and flaking/peeling. Visit the Colorbond® website for full details

• 2-Year Warranty – Ziptrak® Blinds

• 10-Year Warranty – HVG Outdoor Blind Fabrics

• Techome – Electrical controllers, sensors, and remotes for louvre automation

Our Process

We understand the importance of delivering your project quickly and efficiently once you’ve made the decision to proceed. At Totally Outdoors, our team is committed to making the journey from contract to completion as smooth and timely as possible.

Standard Lead Time: 10–12 weeks, from deposit and stage payments received, to installation commencement. This includes:

1. Preparation of plans

2. Application for standard building permits

3. Ordering and delivery of materials

4. Scheduling and commencement of installation

General Notes & Reminders

• A 5-business day cooling-off period applies after signing the agreement and paying the deposit, before any work or costs can be incurred

• (1) Clients must provide current house plans for the design and permit process to commence. These can usually be sourced from your local council within 1–2 weeks

• (2) Standard plan and permit services are included in most installed quotes unless stated otherwise (refer to the DIY section for kit-only sales)

• (3) Additional Council/Government Applications – Town planning, Report & Consent, and Fire Modifications can add 5–14+ weeks to the approval process. These are beyond our standard lead times and may attract additional fees.
  Totally Outdoors can handle these applications on your behalf, but outcomes cannot be guaranteed. We recommend discussing your requirements directly with your local council prior to engaging a builder.

Do I Need a Building Permit?

In most cases, the answer is yes.

Many clients are confused by mixed advice:
“Some builders say you don’t need a permit”…
“Another builder told us we could be an owner builder”…
At Totally Outdoors, we want to make the facts clear so you can avoid costly mistakes later.

What Qualifies as a Pergola (Permit-Exempt)?

Under regulation, a pergola is defined as an open, unroofed structure—though it may include permeable covering materials such as shade mesh or open slats.
A pergola may be exempt from a building permit if it meets all of the following conditions:

• Floor area is less than 20m²

• Height is no more than 3.6 metres

• Located no further forward than the front wall of the dwelling (or within 2.5m of that wall)

• The structure does not impose structural loads on the home

⚠️ Even if permit-exempt, all pergolas must still be designed to safely resist applied loads and not negatively impact any building they are attached to.

When Is a Building Permit Required?

Almost all structural roofed projects (e.g., verandahs, patios, roofed pergolas, carports) require a building permit, and sometimes a planning permit, depending on your local council’s overlays and planning scheme.

Factors such as:

• The location of the structure

• The size and height

• Visual impact on neighbouring properties
  …can all affect permit requirements. Permits are site-specific and should be checked against your Section 32 and any covenants on your property.

What Is an Owner Builder?

An Owner Builder is someone who takes full legal and insurance responsibility for the project—as if they were the registered builder.
This is sometimes suggested by unregistered contractors who cannot legally enter into building contracts over $5,000.

⚠️ Becoming an Owner Builder means you are responsible for:

• Insurance

• Safety compliance

• Building code adherence

• All legal liability for the structure

We strongly recommend seeking advice before accepting this role.

Before You Build

If you’re unsure whether a building permit is required or have been advised to become an owner builder, we recommend:

• Visiting the Victorian Building Authority or calling 1300 815 127

• Contacting your local council’s building or planning department

• Consulting a licensed Building Surveyor

When making enquiries, a helpful question is:

“I’m proposing to build a roofed verandah/carport/etc. at [your property], of [size/style], and this is the intended use—do I need a building permit or planning permit?”

Why Should I Get a Permit?

Getting the proper permits gives you:

• Legal compliance and peace of mind

• Professional inspection and sign-off from an independent Building Surveyor

• Protection of all warranties and resale value

❌ No permit? You could face costly penalties, forced removals, or major compliance works down the line.

Leave It to the Experts

At Totally Outdoors, we handle all permit applications through our trusted partner, The Project Centre, who are highly experienced in navigating council requirements across Victoria.

From the initial design to final approval and completion—we manage the process so you don’t have to, ensuring your project is done right the first time.

WHO WE HAVE WORKED WITH:

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