Have you considered vergola roof systems? Louvred panels that are operable to respond to the elements. Open when sunny, closed with rain, and tilted when hot? They can be much more expensive than traditional pergola systems thoug, so perhaps, have some key areas of rrolfinefitted with horizontal battens rather than sheet roofing for ventilation and effect. Remember to consider clear polycarbonate above windows to retain the sunlight into your home. solid roofing makes it all the more useable, but ventilation and visibility is equally as important.

I had heard that how2girl. I am trying to do some more research on 2016 statistics for WA. It looks like most hardwoods are naturally resistant to white-ant and apparently they don't like MDF much because of the glue content. The data and statistics that I have found so far seem to be from 1995 & 2004. We did look in to this before we decided to manufacture the architraves and MDF was the better option. We do offer timber though as well.

If you can put doors on the whole back area and deck or pave out to a functional size for entertaining - be sure to have as close to same height as inside and the whole width of the house if possible. You could do the pergola which looks gorgeous and makes a cozy feel. On top of the pergola you may be able to do a weatherproof retractable awning if you do not want a permanent covered area. That would make a whole area for indoor outdoor entertaining in all types of weather. You can still have a step down area to grass and plants at the rear. Travetine is great and easy to hose down. You do not have to concrete them down use pavers on a good road base. You would have to speak to the experts about how to get the right height - also be sure to have a slight fall away from the house.

we have a covered south west facing outdoor area and have solid roofing with narrow panels of clear lazerlite as we've found that wide expanses of any coloured transluscent roofing is too hot when you most want to sit outside ...we're also about to install screen walls made out of black horticultural Sarlon cloth (available wider than standard)... we've previously used the Sarlon attached to a timber frame, like giant flyscreens, for shading hot morning an dafternoon sun, keeping out bugs and softening the effects off winds and horizontal rain ... it's just like looking out through fly screens and feels so much cooler on hot days and happily supports a deciduous creeper to add to the cooling effect in summer