Outdoor living is a key part of the Australian lifestyle, but many homes lack usable outdoor areas. Creating an enclosed patio is one of the most effective ways to make your outdoor space more comfortable year-round, and there are plenty of enclosed patio ideas on a budget to suit different homes and styles.
From walls and fences to screens and latticework, adding new boundaries protects your patio from the weather and helps create a more functional outdoor living space.
With a little help from our patio experts at Great Aussie Patios, you can transform your backyard and enjoy outdoor living no matter the season.
What Is an Enclosed Patio
In Australia, a patio is generally a covered outdoor living area attached to a home, unit or commercial building.
Patios often include bricks, pavers, decking or concrete, and they are widely used for outdoor cooking, dining, relaxing and entertainment. Patio designs are incredibly varied, from contemporary patio structures to more classic courtyard patio layouts, with options to suit every property.
Before exploring enclosed patio ideas on a budget, it helps to understand the difference between a standard roofed patio and a fully enclosed space.
A roofed patio has a solid cover above to provide shelter. Common roof types include gable, dome, pyramid, hip-end, flat, and skillion styles. These structures create shade and protection from Perth’s harsh sun while allowing fresh air and natural light through.
An enclosed patio takes this further by adding walls, screens or enclosures. This helps create a semi-enclosed patio or a fully enclosed outdoor room depending on your needs. Some enclosed patio designs feel like an extension of your indoor living area, while others keep an airy feel with minimal fencing that allows you to enjoy fresh air and outdoor views.
An enclosed patio is a perfect solution if you want privacy, protection from poor weather conditions and an outdoor living area you can use year-round. It is more affordable than traditional home extensions and more permanent than a simple pergola or gazebo. Depending on the design, enclosed spaces can suit patios, verandahs, decks, garden areas and even carports.
Below are practical ways to enclose a patio into a warm, comfortable outdoor room that suits your home's existing architecture and lifestyle.
Budget Spaces With Soft Materials
If you want to create an enclosed patio on a budget, soft materials are a great starting point. High quality canvas panels help block wind and rain, improve privacy and define separate outdoor living areas without major construction work.
Fixed awnings and outdoor curtains are also popular choices for enclosing a patio space affordably. Synthetic fabrics and clear or tinted plastic panels can influence how much natural light enters the space, helping you control shade, warmth and UV rays. Curtains and panels work well with existing fences and walls, allowing you to build a comfortable space with minimal cost.
Soft materials are flexible, weather-resistant and suitable for almost any patio, verandah or carport. They are ideal for constructing outdoor living areas quickly while keeping your patio airy, sheltered and inviting.
Partial or Semi-enclosed Spaces
A semi-enclosed patio balances protection and airflow beautifully. With one or two walls or screens, you gain shelter from the weather while still enjoying fresh air and outdoor views.
Semi-enclosed patio configurations can be built as freestanding walls or integrated into your home’s structure. They provide the feeling of a room without losing the open flow of a contemporary patio. This layout works well in large backyards or homes with existing exterior walls that naturally create corners and covered spaces.
Semi-enclosed designs are especially suited to Perth’s climate, as they allow natural airflow while blocking harsh sun, rain and strong winds. They are a wonderful experience for anyone who wants an outdoor living area that feels comfortable and connected to the garden.
These spaces also work perfectly next to unique patio gardens or pool areas, creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor living.
Wooden Fences and Partitions
If you want a more defined enclosure but still want natural airflow, wooden fences, lattice sheets and trellis work are stylish options. These materials help create an enclosed patio that feels warm and organic, with plenty of design versatility.
Wooden screens can be added to single or dual walls or installed on their own for a semi-enclosed patio designs. They can also be used as support for climbing plants, creating a beautiful green wall that blends seamlessly into your backyard.
Wood adds texture, warmth and character to your outdoor living areas. If you prefer a rustic garden style or a more structured look, these materials suit many homes and create a cosy outdoor space perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Decorative Walls and Screens
Along with timber partitions, decorative walls and screens made from plastic, composite materials or metal offer endless possibilities for enclosing your patio. These modern materials suit many enclosed patio designs, from partial enclosures to fully wrapped outdoor rooms.
Decorative panels can be cut or machined into patterns that let natural light flow in while providing privacy and UV protection. They work particularly well in contemporary patio designs where style, ventilation and shade need to be balanced.
These materials are durable, weather resistant and available in colours and finishes to match your home’s architecture. Whether you want a screened enclosure, glass enclosure, or a patterned wall to create visual interest, there are options to suit every outdoor space.
Speak to Great Aussie Patios About Enclosed Patio Options
If you have been thinking about how to enclose a patio into a usable room, our team is here to help. With more than 20 years of experience constructing outdoor living areas across Perth, we understand how to design an enclosed patio that feels comfortable, stylish and functional year round.
From simple budget enclosures to high quality materials for more permanent designs, we can guide you through your options and help create an outdoor living area that becomes a perfect addition to your home.
Contact Great Aussie Patios today for expert advice and a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a sunroom and an enclosed patio?
A sunroom is usually built as a fully insulated extension with windows, walls and sometimes climate control. An enclosed patio is generally more open, often using screens or glass panels to create protection while maintaining an airy feel. An enclosed patio is usually more affordable and quicker to construct, while still offering shade, shelter and fresh air.
Do I need planning approval to build an enclosed patio in Perth?
Most enclosed patios in Perth will require council approval, especially if you are adding walls, screens or structural elements that change the appearance or size of the space. Each shire has its own rules for height limits, setbacks and materials, so the approval process can vary from one suburb to another.
Can enclosing my patio help with keeping out insects and reducing outdoor dust?
Yes. A screened enclosure or glass enclosure can significantly reduce insects, pollen and dust entering your outdoor living areas. This makes the space more comfortable during summer and creates a cleaner lounge area or dining area for entertaining.
Will an enclosed patio add value to my home?
A well-designed enclosed patio can improve your home’s appeal by adding usable space and creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living. Buyers often look for functional outdoor living spaces, especially those that can be used year-round. A stylish enclosure using high-quality materials is often seen as a valuable addition.