Polycarbonate patio: light, heat, hail and 2026 prices explained
BeforePolycarbonate Roof PatioA polycarbonate patio has a roof of clear or tinted plastic sheeting on a steel or timber frame. It keeps the rain off while letting daylight through, so rooms next to it stay bright. It is also one of the most affordable ways to get a covered outdoor area.
BeforePolycarbonate Roof PatioWhat is a polycarbonate patio made of?
The frame is usually steel posts, beams and purlins, painted in a COLORBOND colour. Timber frames are also common, especially over decks.
The roof is profiled polycarbonate sheet. Corrugated and Greca (wide flat ribs) are the common profiles. Multiwall sheet, with hollow channels inside, is another option.
Polycarbonate needs more fall than steel. Two major brands specify a minimum pitch of 5 degrees, which is an 88 mm rise per metre.
Light transmission, tints and heat
The tint you choose sets how bright and how hot the patio feels. Here are figures from one major brand's brochure.
| Tint | Light through | Heat reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | 93% | 0% |
| Opal | 49% | 52% |
| Bronze tint | 38% | 33% |
| Grey tint | 19% | 47% |
| Heat reflective range | 16% to 47% | 63% to 69% |
Heat reduction is measured against 3 mm glass. Clear sheet gives the most light but blocks almost no heat. Heat reflective tints cut far more heat and still feel bright.
UV, hail and lifespan
Quality sheets carry a UV protective layer, and two major brands claim 99.9% UV protection. That layer stops the sheet yellowing and keeps it strong for longer.
Premium sheets are also made to resist hail. One brand claims its sheet resists 25% larger hailstones than some others. Another lists a warranty against hail damage and lifetime cover against loss of light transmission, with conditions.
Lifespan depends on the grade, and warranties vary by brand and tint. Ask your installer which sheet they quote and get the warranty in writing.
Pros and cons of a polycarbonate patio
Pros:
- Keeps the house and patio bright.
- Usually cheaper than a steel or insulated roof.
- Wide choice of tints for light and heat control.
- Easy to mix with steel sheets in one roof.
Cons:
- Clear sheet can be hot in summer.
- Louder in rain than an insulated roof.
- Shows dust, leaves and bird droppings from below.
- Needs gentle cleaning, with no solvents or harsh cleaners.
Who is a polycarbonate patio best for?
A polycarbonate roof suits homes where a solid patio would darken the living room. It is a strong choice on south-facing yards and in cooler cities such as Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra.
It also suits:
- Covered walkways and side yards.
- Areas over plants or a vegetable garden.
- Budget builds that still need rain cover.
- A clear section within a Colorbond roof.
In hot climates, pick a heat reflective tint. Our hot climate roof guide explains your options.
How much does a polycarbonate patio cost?
These are our indicative installed prices for a Polycarbonate Roof Patio, by size and state, including GST.
| Size | WA | SA | VIC | QLD | NSW | ACT | TAS | NT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 3 m | $7,000 to $8,500 | $7,000 to $8,500 | $7,500 to $9,000 | $7,500 to $9,000 | $8,000 to $9,500 | $8,000 to $9,500 | $8,000 to $9,500 | $8,500 to $10,000 |
| 5 × 4 m | $8,000 to $9,500 | $8,000 to $9,500 | $8,500 to $10,000 | $8,500 to $10,000 | $9,000 to $10,500 | $9,000 to $10,500 | $9,000 to $10,500 | $9,500 to $11,000 |
| 6 × 4.5 m | $10,500 to $12,500 | $10,500 to $12,500 | $11,000 to $13,000 | $11,500 to $13,500 | $12,500 to $14,500 | $12,500 to $14,500 | $12,000 to $14,000 | $13,000 to $15,000 |
Polycarbonate Roof Patio, indicative installed prices including GST, attached, rounded. Updated 28 October 2026.
Sheet grade and tint, size, height, footings, access and council fees move the price. These ranges are indicative only, and a site measure and written quote from an installer sets the real price. For more ways to save, see our patio on a budget guide.
Colours and options
The frame can be any of the 22 core COLORBOND colours. The sheet comes in clear, opal and a range of tints.
Popular options:
- Heat reflective tints for hot, sunny yards.
- Opal or frosted sheet for privacy from upstairs neighbours.
- Clear strips within a steel roof.
- LED strip lighting along the beams.
- Outdoor blinds on the sunny side.
Correct fixing matters. The brochures call for oversized holes so sheets can expand. Fixings should be just tight enough to stop rattling, with tape on the purlins to cut creaking.
Do you need council approval for a polycarbonate patio?
Often, yes. A roofed patio is usually treated differently from an open pergola. Size, height, setbacks and bushfire rating all matter.
Some small patios are exempt in some states. Read our council approval guide for patios and pergolas before you sign a contract.
Polycarbonate patio vs similar styles
Polycarbonate vs flat roof Colorbond patio
A flat roof Colorbond patio blocks all light and heat from above and is quieter in rain. Polycarbonate keeps the light. Many owners mix the two.
Polycarbonate vs insulated patio
An insulated patio is much cooler and quieter, with a finished ceiling. It costs more and blocks daylight.
Our polycarbonate vs Colorbond roof guide compares them in detail. You can also see a polycarbonate patio on your own house in about 30 seconds with our free tool.
Common questions
Is a polycarbonate patio roof hot underneath?
Clear sheet lets most of the sun's heat through, so it can be hot in summer. Heat reflective tints cut a large share of that heat while still letting some light in. In hot climates, choose a heat reflective tint or mix polycarbonate with Colorbond.
Does polycarbonate roofing block UV?
Quality sheets carry a UV protective layer. Two major brands claim 99.9% UV protection. That protects both you and the sheet, which would otherwise yellow and turn brittle.
Will hail damage a polycarbonate patio?
Polycarbonate is tough and premium sheets are made to resist hail. One major brand's warranty covers hail damage, with conditions. Check the written warranty for your exact sheet before you buy.
Is a polycarbonate roof noisy in the rain?
It is louder than an insulated panel roof, because there is no foam core to deaden the sound. Fitting it correctly, with the right tape on the purlins and fixings that allow for movement, cuts creaking as the sheets heat and cool.
How much does a polycarbonate patio cost?
Our indicative installed price for a 6 m × 4.5 m polycarbonate roof patio is $10,500 to $12,500 in WA and $11,000 to $13,000 in Victoria, including GST. Sheet grade, tint, size, height and footings move the final quote.
Keep reading
Sources
- Laserlite polycarbonate roofing brochure (STRATCO)
- SUNTUF Profiled Polycarbonate Sheeting brochure (Palram)
- Colours | COLORBOND® steel
Prices on this page come from Backyard Mate's pricing for each state and are indicative only. Rules and products change: check with your council and installer before you build.