For most of us, the family home is our greatest investment, and any new significant home addition must add value to that investment. Unfortunately many folks find themselves stuck with a result that is poorly designed and constructed. Mostly due the builder’s lack of expertise and care; low quality or unsuitable materials are used and the dream quickly turns into a nightmare.

As a result the owner ends up with a home addition that is not fit for purpose, does not suit the property or meet their home lifestyle needs. In these situations, the structure becomes a liability rather than an asset and therefore creates risk & anxiety, especially for any future home sale.

The heart-breaking part is that all of these costly mistakes can be avoided if you select the right company that will care for your project.

The old “measure and quote” is done!

The important key details that are overlooked during the old “measure and quote” can come back to haunt you later. After listening to thousands of customers we have developed the Apollo Patios Design Meeting to avoid the 7 Alarming and Costly Mistakes.

Instead we come to you and in the comfort of your home, together we consider:

• What do you want to achieve and how will you be using the space?
• How it will be furnished (seating, cooking, lighting, cooling/heating etc.)?
• How it will work with your existing home and contribute to its value?
• How to incorporate long term goals with current needs?
• All year-round comfort living, taking into consideration lifestyle and weather.
• Correct materials for the floor, roof, walls, privacy and outlook.

Just in the nick-of-time

In a recent example Sue from Central Victoria had a building envelope that we detected by asking for the site plan. Sue had several quotes from other companies, but no other company discussed how this would cause challenges with permits. Apollo Patios was the first to investigate the site prior to taking a deposit. We saved Sue time and money, and we looked into alternative options before applying for permits.

In another example Mike from South East Victoria was about to move forward with insulated panels suggested by another builder. Upon consulting Apollo Patios, we identified that insulated panels could leave the area damp from rising frosts in the mornings due the nuances of his property and region. This would be especially a problem in the cooler months when there wouldn’t be warmth to dry the moisture out. Upon completing an Apollo Patios Design Meeting, Mike avoided a very costly mistake.

The post Avoiding the 7 Alarming Mistakes of Home Additions will Save You Big Money appeared first on Apollo Patios Vic.

Let’s check them out:

Whether you are transforming your existing patio / alfresco into an Apollo All Weather Patio or building from scratch – Home is where the heart is! If you need a little more style inspiration – check out our Gallery & Testimonials to see some of our amazing before and after transformations.

Ready to have a chat? Click here to schedule your Design Meeting, or call 1300 886 443 today!

We look forward to helping make your home a safe, enjoyable, and healthy place where you can love the way you live, with the ones that matter the most.

The post 8 Ways The Apollo All Weather Patio will Transform Your Home Lifestyle appeared first on Apollo Patios Vic.

One of the most impressive ways to enhance your home entertaining space is with the addition of a beautiful outdoor deck. A deck will allow you to extend your existing floorplan with minimal fuss, giving you and your family more living space to enjoy.

What to consider?

Decking is so much more than just a simple ‘add-on’. It is about enhancing your home lifestyle and adding a quality addition that adds value to your home.

If you’ve spent any time Googling ‘Deck Builders’ you’ve probably noticed the slew of options available when it comes to building an outdoor decking.You might be thinking to yourself: “But aren’t decks expensive?” or “Who’s got the time for the maintenance?”Timber, steel, composite, tiling, the list of possibilities is almost endless. But where do you start when all you can see is a blank patch of grass? That’s where the Apollo Patios team comes in.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or you have a pile of magazine clippings for inspiration, our experienced team can guide you every step of the way towards building the deck of your dreams.
If you want to find out how you can get all the benefits of a stunning outdoor decking – without any of the expensive headaches, then read on.

The Under Structure

First things first – you’ll need to start with your foundation. Historically, this started with a concrete slab. But these days, it is more common to build up off the ground with a timber or steel under structure.

Not only does this result in much more contemporary look, it also prevents movement and therefore your deck wont warp or deteriorate over time.

There is one clear winner – a built-up, steel under-structure is your best option. A steel under structure is extremely strong and will virtually last forever.

Inside Tip: We’ve recently heard whispers through the industry that hint at changes with Victorian building regulations regarding timber decking under structures. The process may become more stringent and require ongoing inspection every 2 years – no such potential issue with a steel under-structure!

Flooring

The flooring material you choose for your deck is the most important element of them all. Not only does it present the general aesthetic of the space, but it’s also the part that needs to be able to handle all the wear and tear as well. Essentially, there are 3 options when it comes to your flooring.

They are:

1. Timber Decks

The look and feel of natural timber is a traditional favourite for some. The reality is that there is fair bit of up-keep. Not all of us have the time and expertise for the level of maintenance required for a natural timber deck. Sanding, staining, painting…. Year in – year out. It never ends. Keeping your natural timber deck looking and feeling like it should; is not for the faint of heart. If you’ve got better things to do than to spend your weekends maintaining your deck, then there are some fantastic alternative options available that will give you the same look and feel without the splinters.

2. Composite Decks

Composite Decking is generally made from a combination of recycled plastics and wood fibres. Not only is it considered a more environmentally sustainable option, it is much more hard-wearing and requires much less maintenance than natural timbers.

That said, many composite materials inherit their own set own set of challenges. As anyone who’s learned this the hard way will tell you – composite decks still do stain – particularly if you drop oily food on them (Oh yes, you can still see the crab salad Nanna dropped last Christmas!).

3. The Apollo Difference – Apollo Outdoor Flooring – The best of both Worlds

Our Apollo Patios Decks are built with our very own exclusive Apollo Outdoor Flooring. It provides all the beauty of natural timber with all the best attributes of composite decking. Unlike natural timber, our decks don’t splinter or warp in the elements. They have a completely modern and seamless look with hidden screws and fixtures.

Apollo Outdoor flooring is UV stabilised, it is resistant to rot and insect infestation. Other than the occasional sweep or hose-down, your decking will be virtually maintenance-free – meaning the only time you’ll need to spend out there is doing what you love.

Bonus Tip: You can even utilise the raised, steel under structure to create a handy outdoor storage area.

The Finishing Touch

At Apollo Patios we offer a huge range of options, designs and finishes for your outdoor decking with a variety of balustrade styles available to suit your design.Whichever style you choose, rest assured our quality workmanship and exclusive products will stand the test of time. Backed up the Apollo Patios national brand, and durable finishes that resist peeling, cracking, or chipping.

What to expect:

• Free design consultation
• Large variety of styles & designs
• Standard plans & council applications included
• Apollo Durasheen® paint coat finish with 15-year warranty
• An Apollo Deck represents a quality finish and value for money you never thought possible.

BONUS TIP:

HINT: If you are looking for an all year-round solution the family will love, check out the Apollo All Weather Patio.

Apollo Patios has built a proud reputation for the design and installation of the highest quality decking that exceed customer’s expectations. If you’re looking for an experienced, high-quality deck builder in Victoria, get in touch with us today to arrange your FREE Design Meeting.

The post Choosing the Right Decking & Deck Builder can make all the difference! appeared first on Apollo Patios Vic.

With such a wide range of styles, materials and inclusions to consider, we know that the decision can be daunting at first, so we’ve put together this simple guide to tell you all you need to know about the different options available to make your outdoor entertaining project a success.

Patios, Pergolas & Verandahs

A patio, pergola or verandah is the perfect way to create an outdoor entertaining space and is must-have for most Australian families. Not only will it add value to your home, it will also turn an un-used backyard into a versatile and functional asset that can serve a multitude of purposes.

When we think about weatherproofing a Patio, we often think about protecting against rain. But it is also just as important to consider protection from the harsh Australian sun and windy conditions too. Properly weatherproofing your Patio is vital to ensuring the year-round enjoyment and usability for the whole family.

HINT: If you are looking for an all year-round solution the family will love, check out the Apollo All Weather Patio.

At Apollo we offer a huge range of designs and finishes for your outdoor home addition. Whichever style you choose, rest assured in our quality workmanship and exclusive products that will stand the test of time with durable finishes that resist peeling, cracking, or chipping.

Apollo’s exclusive building system creates a beautiful clean ceiling look, hiding away structural elements such as support struts or beams. Our unique DuraSheen paint will keep you cool inside your patio or pergola, with a high-gloss finish that ensures your space is light and bright.

Whether you opt for a patio, pergola or verandah, the key design considerations include:

1. Roofing

Possibly the first thing to consider when creating a patio, pergola or verandah is the roofing style. The 3 most common types of roofing are:

Gabled
Gabled rooves are instantly recognizable for their triangular shape and almost house-like aesthetics. Not only attractive, these provide superior durability and resilience. They also provide extra space and height, making it perhaps the most ideal roof that can be had for your home-outdoor entertaining area.

Traditional Flat-top
Probably the most recognised style, a traditional flat-top patio will allow you to create a sectioned area while still letting in the air and sunshine.

Pergola Open Top
Most commonly, the roof is made from open rafters that might feature a living, green canopy. But it’s not uncommon, particularly these days, for pergolas to be completely open, making for a perfect spot to relax while the sun shines bright.

2. Flooring

Decking
A deck is a great way to create a sectioned outdoor entertaining area. Decks even work well on sloping, uneven, or poorly draining sites and are a great solution for avoiding muddy grass underfoot. Apollo Patios’ decks are built with a steel under structure, overlaid with our exclusive Apollo Outdoor Flooring which provides a beautiful finish. Unlike natural wood, our decks wont splinter or warp and have a seamless look with hidden screws and fixtures, which prevents insects from popping up thru the surface to say hello.

Concrete or Tiles
You will be amazed at the different looks that can be achieved with concrete these days, at a very economical rate. Gone are the days where you have to settle for the old, dull grey concrete slab. The design. Colour & finish options are almost endless. Also stamped concrete can give you a similar visual effect like tiles of pavers while generally being more cost-effective. Tiles are also available in a wide variety of colours, sizes, textures, and finishes. Tiles can give you the natural stone look if that is the look you are going with.

3. Screens & Walls

Apollo All Weather Patio Screens
Remember that special occasion that had to be moved indoors when the unexpected rain and wind crashed the party? Unfortunately for most, their Pergola-Patios are a no-go zone during the colder months. But not anymore!

Enter the Apollo All Weather Patio Screens, a true lifestyle changer when it comes to all-year-round living!

Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading an existing patio or pergola the Apollo All Weather Patio Screens are customised to suit your existing space in a variety of configurations including multi stacker & bifolding. Our Screens are made from Crystal Clear and Dimensionally Stable Polyvinyl. This allows you to enjoy a relaxing and fully open Patio during the warmer months and closed, cosy Patio during the colder months with minimal fuss and effort.

Privacy Screens
If your building a new patio or you have got an existing patio / pergola that you are wanting to upgrade, then privacy screens need to be a consideration. Our privacy screens are made from aluminium or wood-grained aluminium slats. They will not chip, do not require maintenance and will last for years and years.

Apollo Thermo Fixed Louvers
In general terms A louver is a horizontal slat angled to admit light, air, and sunshine. The Apollo Patios fixed thermo-louvers are specially designed for maximum privacy and ventilation.

Balustrades
A balustrade is a type of railing, usually found lining staircases or terraces. If you need balustrades added, we have a range of tubular, slatted or stainless-steel wire options available.

Sunroom / Glassed enclosures
A sunroom or glass enclosure from Apollo Patios will give you a home addition that can be enjoyed all year round, perfect outdoor living and entertaining. A sunroom or glass enclosure gives you protection from the all-weather elements as well as being insect / bug proof. A sunroom or glass enclosure is an extension to the home that the whole family can enjoy all-year-round without interruption.

So, there you have it! Hopefully now you’re better equipped to take the first step in making your outdoor entertaining goals a reality. If you need a little more style inspiration – check out our Gallery & Testimonials to see some of our amazing before and after backyard transformations.

If you are ready to have a chat; schedule your Design Meeting today, or call 1300 886 443 today!

The post 2020 is the Year Your Outdoor Entertainment Dreams will come true! appeared first on Apollo Patios Vic.

Although some people might use the names interchangeably, there are differences between the two. Each has their own distinctive features and benefits which may make them well-suited to your specific needs.

What exactly is a Pergola?

Traditionally, pergolas were built as a landscaping feature, usually to support climbing plants and to provide a shaded area in the yard, but over time, they have evolved into a series of structures designed for outdoor relaxation.

At its heart, the pergola is simple. Generally, they are an open framed construction consisting of support beams and open rafters. Pergola designs are usually simple and rugged and can either be free-standing or attached to the home.

What is a Patio?

While a pergola is most often designed to be an integral part of the garden, on the other hand, patio has come to be seen as an extension of the home. Many Australians around the country consider their patio a necessity just as much as a bedroom, kitchen or bathroom.

Patios are multi-purpose and used for an array of entertaining, recreational and dining activities. Patios usually have flooring (concreate slab, tiles or decking), a roof and many have all weather screening. (See Apollo All Weather Patio). The remainder of this blog is focused on Pergola design, if a Patio is what you need click here. (Apollo All Weather Patio)

Pergola Design: Get it right the first time

With so many different pergola designs available these days, choosing the pergola design that’s right for you can be tricky. Getting this right from the very start will undoubtedly save you headaches down the track.

Before choosing a pergola design, some things to consider are:

Desired use –  If it’s all about relaxing, sunshine and enjoying the outdoors;  then you are on the right track

Maintenance & Lifespan – Depending on the types of building materials used, your pergola can be as high or low-maintenance as you desire. Traditional wooden structures will require painting, staining and protecting from the elements from time to time. The use of more modern materials such as colour coated steel or aluminium will provide a fuss-free, little to no-maintenance solution to your outdoor space.

Appearance & Style – This part really comes down to your preference and might depend on how much light you want to let into the space and how much cover you want from the elements.

The main styles of pergola designs are:

1. 1. Gabled
      Gabled Pergolas are instantly recognisable for their triangular shape and almost house-like aesthetics. Not only attractive, these provide superior durability and resilience, as well as provide extra space and height, making it perhaps the most perfect type of pergolas that can be had.
   2. Free Standing
      This style commonly describes a free-standing pergola that is not connected to the house. Free-standing style pergolas are best suited to framing a walkway or passageway, to protect delicate plants or creating a shady outdoor garden retreat with your favourite climbers.
   3. Traditional open top
      Probably the most recognised pergola style, a traditional open-top pergola will allow you to create a sectioned area while still letting in the air and sunshine. Most commonly, the roof is flat, made from open rafters that might feature a living, green canopy. But it’s not uncommon, particularly these days, for pergolas to be completely open.  This makes for a perfect spot to relax while the sun shines bright.

So hopefully now that we’ve shed some light on the different types of pergola designs, you are better equipped to decide which pergola will work best in your home.

On the other hand, if this blog has left you thinking ‘What about when it rains?’, then consider completing your dream with an Apollo All Weather Patio. Rain hail or shine your family can enjoy their outdoor space all-year-round.

Need a little more style inspiration – check out our Gallery or Testimonials to see some of our amazing before and after backyard transformations.

If you are ready to have a chat; schedule your Design Meeting today, or call 1300 886 443 today!

The post Selecting the best Patio or Pergola Design will keep you smiling for years! appeared first on Apollo Patios Vic.

Don’t let a smallish space stand in the way of creating the perfect private sanctuary. No matter what size the space you have to work with is, with a little creative thinking, and a few expert tips, even the tiniest terrace can be transformed into the ultimate outdoor oasis.

1. Get in the Zone

Before deciding what to put into your little outdoor space, think about how you want to use it. Do you dine out there and entertain family / friends? Or is it a spot just for you to sit and relax with a book and a bevvy?

With this in mind, create your ‘zones’ – Cooking, lounging, eating, everything should have a dedicated space. You might think that doing this would make a small space seem cluttered but actually, dividing your patio area into different clearly defined zones can make it look and feel like a much larger space.

This doesn’t mean you need to segregate any area from the others. An outdoor rug can be a great and simple way to define an area and break up the surface underneath, giving a small patio the impression of more square footage. Choose a funky, bold design to add interest and a pop of colour.

Image: Amart

2. Invest in some space-saving or multifunctional pieces

If your patio is pint-sized, then space-saving, multi-functional pieces will be your best friend. Think folding chairs, sectional sofas and nesting tables! Versatile, 2-in-1 pieces like a coffee table with built-in ice bucket or ottomans and benches with hidden storage are great for keeping pillows, throws and accessories packed neatly out of the way when not in use.

Image: Domayne

3. Built-in Furniture & Storage

Custom, built-for-purpose furniture and storage are not only a great way to incorporate some of your own personal style, but will also allow you maximise the space you have as it takes into account the room’s size, layout, use and features right from the get-go. Turn an awkward nook from wasted space into a useful storage area to keep your entertaining necessities packed away while still remaining close enough at hand for when you need them. Built-in banquette-style bench seating is a great space saver and will eliminate the need to drag out additional chairs when entertaining.

Image: Architecture Designs

4. Think Vertically

When working with a small area, it’s important to utilise vertical space, as well as the floorspace, as this will draw the eye up and create the illusion that the area is larger than it really is.

Install a living green wall or vertical herb garden to create a lush backdrop to your dinner parties. Why not hang string lights for an instant party vibe or a try hanging an egg chair or hammock to create the ultimate Zen den.

Image: Chris Dyson

5. Less is More

Declutter, declutter, declutter! It’s important to keep furniture and accessories scaled down if your space is small, but that doesn’t mean everything has to be tiny. When dealing with a small space, it’s easy to be tempted to fill it up with lots of small items but actually, sometimes a larger, well-placed piece of furniture works better than several smaller pieces. For example, a sofa or sectional will seat 5-6 people and eliminate the need for additional chairs. You can also keep floor pillows handy for extra seating when the occasion calls for it.

Another of our favourite tips is to open sight lines. Opt for seating with open backs to keep sight lines uninterrupted and expand a small patio visually. Thin-framed furniture, glass tabletops and furniture that ‘disappears’ is also a great way to keep the view uninterrupted and make the space appear bigger than it actually is.

So, if like many of us, your patio is less than palatial, make sure that what you have is well thought out and working hard for you. By following these 5 simple steps you can ensure that your little patio will provide big payoffs for years to come.

Image: Apollo Gable Patio

The Apollo All Weather Patio Screens will transform any size Patio into a functional living space that can be enjoyed by your friends and family all-year round. The Apollo All Weather Patio Screens are exclusively designed and manufactured in our Melbourne facility; they have become the market leader in home-outdoor enclosures. To find out more about the Apollo All Weather Patio Screens, check out the video below, browse our gallery and customer reviews.

If you are ready to have a chat; schedule your Design Meeting today, or call 1300 886 443 today!

The post 5 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Make a Big Impact with any Sized Patio appeared first on Apollo Patios Vic.

The Perfect Solutions for your Alfresco

The Apollo All Weather Patio Screens are the perfect solution, for anyone who has an Alfresco in Melbourne. Our screens can transform your Alfresco into an additional living space, at a fraction of the cost of the traditional room addition. Our high-quality screens enable you to enjoy the outside while remaining inside protected from the elements like the extreme sun, wind, dust, and rain.

The Apollo All Weather Patio Screens are great for:

• Entertaining all-year-round
• Relaxing in your own sanctuary after a busy day, any time of the day
• Close and warm up your Alfresco during the colder months
• Enjoy a relaxing and fully open Alfresco during the warmer months
• Open and close your Alfresco with minimal fuss and effort
• Protection from bugs
• Adding value and equity to your home

The highest quality, manufactured locally in Melbourne and built to Australian standards

The Apollo All Weather Patio Screens are made from Crystal Clear and Dimensionally Stable Polyvinyl. They are customised to suit your existing outdoor area, in a variety of configurations including; multi stacker & bi-folding. Additional features and benefits include:

• Industry leading aluminium frame (50% stronger) – which provides protection for all weather conditions.
• Splash Panels at the bottom of the screens – reduces cleaning, protects against wear / tear, pets, shoes, furniture and grime.
• Shade Panels at the top of the screen – stops the western sun creeping in.
• Privacy Panels can be inserted for full block-out and can include slats.
• Our Tracking system (top) allows for the screens to be stackable, which enables you to have a wide open Alfresco. There is no floor tracking, enabling the tracks to be hidden in the door.

Melbourne families are re-igniting their dream of enjoying their Alfresco when-ever you want. It’s a choice we all deserve. If you truly want something that is practical and suitable for all weather conditions, look no further!

To find out more about the Apollo All Weather Patio Screens, feel free to browse our gallery and customer reviews.

If you are ready to have a chat; schedule your Design Meeting today, or call 1300 886 443 today!

The post Transform your Alfresco to an all-year-round oasis with the Apollo All Weather Patio Screens appeared first on Apollo Patios Vic.

Victorian’s love out-door living and creating priceless memories while enjoying their prized Patios. Unfortunately for most, their Pergola-Patio is a no-go zone during the colder months. In the years gone by some have tried to battle the elements with outdoor mesh or PVC café / bistro blinds. These types of blinds do have their purpose in certain situations. But when it comes to all-year-round living, unfortunately PVC cafe blinds, mesh blinds and bistro blinds fall short.

The Apollo All Weather Patio Screens don’t come with the following drawbacks associated with PVC cafe blinds, Mesh blinds and Bistro Blinds:

• Shaking during high winds, causing damage & impacting aesthetics
• Wear and tear scuffing and creasing from rolling up and down
• Expansion and contraction of the PVC during warm and cold weather
• Longevity and maintenance issues

Let’s take a closer look at unique features:

Screen Materials

• The Apollo All Weather PATIO Screens are made from Crystal Clear and Dimensionally Stable Polyvinyl.
• They are customised to suit your existing outdoor area, in a variety of configurations including; bi folding & multi stacker sliding.
• In addition to Dimensionally Stable Polyvinyl, other screen infill options include mesh and hard wall.
• Protection panels can be installed full (top to bottom) to create feature walls.
• A full panel feature wall can be slated.
• OPTION: Marine Grade polished PVC can go into the doors instead of poly-infill, benefit is it is scratch resistant and like glass.
• OPTION: You can also have the option of a fully bug-proof Apollo All Weather Patio.
• Shade screen for keeping out sun and glare, keeps out 95% cold and breeze are available.
• Protection panel at the bottom is available. Reduces clean, protects against wear and tear of pets, shoes, moving furniture and grime.

Doors & Frames

• Unlike blinds, keeping the doors closed keeps your area clean from dust, dirt and leaves.
• They are visually appealing
• The frame is twice as thick as metal equivalent; this enables greater rigidity during harsh conditions
• Architectural design and finished to the frame
• Easy to operate in super high winds.

Tracking

• The Tracking system (top) allows for individual track door so that they are stackable. This enables you to have a full open patio.
• Includes stainless steel wheels and sealed bearings purpose built for outdoor use.
• The Tracking system (bottom); has no floor tracking. The tracks are hidden in the door
• The PINS are Stainless Steel and lockable. You can operate them from a standing position. No bending, and suitable for strong winds
• Apollo Patio’s unique tracking system is backed by a lifetime guarantee. The system will never rust, seize or corrode; even in the unpredictable Melbourne and Victorian  weather.

The Apollo All Weather Patio Screens are exclusively designed and manufactured in our Melbourne facility; they have become the market leader in home-outdoor enclosures.

Victorian’s agree that enjoying your Patio when-ever you want, is a choice you deserve. If you truly want something that is practical and suitable for all weather conditions, look no further! To find out more about the Apollo All Weather Patio Screens, feel free to browse our gallery and customer reviews.

If you are ready to have a chat; schedule your Design Meeting today, or call 1300 886 443 today!

The post All You Need to Know About The Apollo All Weather Patio Screens appeared first on Apollo Patios Vic.