Darryl’s Deck: The Missing Link Between House and Garden

French doors are designed to open up a home to the outdoors, but if the deck outside is fully exposed to the sun, they often stay closed. Darryl had a beautiful set of double doors opening onto a pristine timber deck, but the space needed a ceiling to make it truly comfortable.

He chose an Atlantic Manual Freestanding Louvre Roof in white to bridge the gap between his indoor living area and the garden.

The project at a glance

• Client: Darryl

• Model: Atlantic Manual Freestanding Louvre Roof

• Size: 4 x 3 m

• Finish: White powder-coated aluminium

• Key features: Manual crank operation, freestanding structure placed flush to the house

Matching the character of the home

When adding a structure to a home with distinct character—like Darryl’s textured white exterior and gable roof—the goal is integration, not contrast.

• Seamless Aesthetics: The white finish of the Atlantic pergola blends perfectly with the home’s joinery and cladding. It frames the French doors rather than blocking them.

• Freestanding Flexibility: While it functions like a wall-mounted patio cover, this unit is actually freestanding. This smart placement avoids the need to cut into the home’s textured cladding for structural mounts, simplifying the install while keeping the house weathertight.

Creating a transition zone

Before the pergola, the step from the living room to the deck was a step into full glare. Now, it is a gentle transition.

• Instant Shade: With the louvres closed, the area immediately outside the doors becomes a cool, shaded extension of the living room.

• Connecting the Zones: The pergola acts as a hub, linking the house to the spa pool and garden dining area. It defines the "lounge" part of the deck while leaving the rest of the yard open.

Simple manual control

Darryl wanted a solution that was easy to use and reliable.

• Hand-Crank Operation: The manual system uses a simple winding handle to tilt the louvres. It is discreet, requires no electrical work, and allows for precise control of light and airflow.

• Low Maintenance: The aluminium frame is built to handle the elements with a quick wipe-down, meaning more time relaxing in the spa and less time on upkeep.

Looking to cover your deck?

If you have French doors or sliders that open onto an exposed deck, a 4 x 3 m pergola is often the perfect size to create an "outdoor room" without overwhelming the garden.

Share a photo of your back door and deck area. We can suggest a freestanding or wall-mounted option that fits your home’s style just as well as Darryl’s does.