Frequenty Asked Questions
We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions just for you. Take a look below!
What's the difference between a Pergola, Gazebo and a Cabana? Great question!
As a supplier of high-quality premium outdoor structures, we are often asked about the differences between a Pergola, Gazebo, and Pool Cabana. While these terms may be used interchangeably throughout many parts of the world, there are distinct features that set them apart. For instance, a pergola typically has an open roof, while a gazebo has an enclosed roof and is supported by four posts. Cabana’s, on the other hand, are often placed near the waterfront or poolside, and have an enclosed roof with walls or screening that offer greater shelter and privacy.
At Garden Envi, we take pride in our bespoke product range, we custom build our structures to add any combination of these features. Whether you require an open-roofed Pergola, an open-air Gazebo or a Cabana with screening or walls, we have the expertise to design and build the perfect structure for your outdoor living space. All our bespoke products as well as our expanding DIY range have a premium finish.
Price, Ordering and Process Information
• Cash Payments
• Direct Deposit via BSB and Account Number
• Credit Card via Shop Pay, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, Visa & Mastercard.
Our DIY Kits are purchased through our New Online Store - shop.gardenenvi.com
When your kit is ready, we will promptly contact you to schedule a delivery date and time.
Garden Envi provides personalized free local delivery to your door, in only 3-4 weeks.
Our DIY kits come complete with precisely pre-drilled and pre-fit pieces for easy installation.
Everything you need to know is included in the easy step-by-step instructions that come with your fixing package.
Consultation Site Meeting → Design & Quote → Application Processing → Build & Installation
We charge a small fee of $60-$100 (depending upon your location) for the initial Site Inspection meeting, which is deducted from your final invoice.
1. A picture of your proposed area.
2. The post-to-post size that you are wanting.
3. The style of structure
Email us at admin@gardenenvi.com
• Most Pergolas are installed in just 1 day
• Pergolas with concreted posts are installed in 2 days
• Gazebos are installed in 1-4 days, depending upon complexity
• Cabanas are installed in 3-7 days, depending upon complexity
Our installation techniques ensure the area is clean, tidy, and ready to enjoy immediately.
• A premium primer finish applied by the timber manufacturer.
• 25-year durability guarantee from the timber manufacturer.
• An eco-friendly, sustainable, high-quality product sourced from plantation forests.
These forests contribute positively to the environment by absorbing greenhouse gases and releasing oxygen.
• Natural product that shows a grain pattern, minor blemishes, and lamination lines from the timber processing.
Our Hardwood Structures are constructed using Mixed Australian F27 Hardwood, features include:
• Premium colors and grain patterns on all timbers which are sourced from a Brisbane-based specialty timber yard.
• Hand-selected F27 Mixed Australian Hardwood, most often Spotted Gum.
• Laminated Spotted Gum Posts
• Premium ordered Solid Hardwood Posts, square dressed for a premium finish.
• Other Australian Hardwoods or Merbau/Kwila timbers can be sourced to match your residence.
The new Online Store provides comprehensive information about all our DIY Kits uses the Shopify platform for its secure payment features, easy-to-use shopping cart, as well as cross-platform compatibility which extends to all of our Socials.
Council Application Information
During the past decade, we have been working with the same Private Certifier and they are fluent with all our structures.
Working together with our local Private Certifier we are happy to assist with property inquiries prior to the application process including confirming all fees, reviewing property overlays, character overlays, flood regulations, elevations and more.
All kits are under 10 sq m in size and 2.4 m in max height to comply with council guidelines.
You should always review your councils Class 10a self-assessible regulations to ensure you comply with the placement near the boundary as well as the natural ground level for height constraints.
Yes, it is rare with our structures but it is possible that you may need a Development Application or Town Planning Application if your structure triggers additional assessment constraints. These constraints depend on your individual property. The Private Certifier will assess the property for site coverage, property overlays, flood overlays, structures over 16 sq m, and advise what applications are required.
Yes and No, a Siting Application is not always required if the structure is within 1.5 m of the side and rear boundary or within 6 m of the front boundary a Siting Application may be required. If the structure is a Garden Feature or an Aesthetic Element, it may be able to go closer to the boundary. Sometimes Siting is assessed on a case-by-case basis for opened roofed structures and a Private Certifier can confirm if a Siting Application is required.
If you are within 1.5 m of the boundary you will most likely need a Siting Application.
No, You shouldn't need a Siting Application if your structure has an open roof (pergola with battens or decorative aluminum screening) and you are classifying it as a Garden Feature or Aesthetic Element ~ for example a Garden Arbour Pergola.
*Note GCCC will still require a Siting Application.
Yes, you will need a Siting Application if your structure has a roof, is over 2.4 m in max height, and is within 1.5 m of the boundary.
If you are placing your structure in the front yard or on a corner block, your boundary constraints can change from 1.5 m to 6 m.
Be sure to check with your local council for your properties boundary setbacks.
*Note privacy screening has height constraints.
Examples of theses types of structures include Arbours or Pergolas that have an open roof.
It is very rare with our structures, but larger projects or properties with complex overlays may need a Development Application,
these can take 4-8+ weeks to process.
Siting Application process times vary depending on the council you are located in.
Brisbane City Council processes most Siting Applications in 10 business days.
Most other SEQ Council areas process Siting Applications in 4-8 weeks.
Good News ~ Brisbane City Council has the fastest processing times.
Many council areas have similar regulations and self-assessable criteria for Class 10a Buildings.
Rules and fees are often updated at the start of each financial year, July 1st.
For example, Gold Coast City Council requires a Siting Application for any structure within the 1.5 m boundary offset regardless of it's use.
Other councils will require the Siting Application to be lodged through a Private Certifier the same as all Building Applications and Development Applications.
If your structure needs multiple applications it is best that the Private Certifier processes all necessary applications to ensure a comprehensive application and approval process.
Yes, you will need a Building Application if the structure has a roof, and is over 2.4 m in max height from natural ground level.
Yes, you will need a Siting Applicaton if the structure has a roof and is within 1.5 m of your property boundary.
Please check with your local council area for their self-assessable criteria and regulations.
Yes you can install it yourself If your structure is a Pergola, is under 10 sq m in roof area and under 2.4 m in max height. We can build a specialty Pergola Kit with all the special features you select.
No, We do not supply DIY Kits if your structure requires a Building Application or a Development Application. For these structures, Garden Envi offers a complete package that includes all application processing including the fully licensed installation.
• The insurable value is calculated by adding the total cost of the product and installation.
Cost of the product (material & labour) + installation (material & labour) + GST = QBCC Insuranble Value
• Even if the product is purchased as a kit/flat pack and installation is undertaken by a different company or contractor the costs are combined and QBCC Home Warranty Insurance is required.
How much is the QBCC Home Warranty Insurance Fee?
The fee is usually between $200-$400 for most Garden Envi structures.
What do I have to do as a Property Owner?
Garden Envi is fully QBCC registered and licensed. As part of our comprehensive package we purchase the QBCC Home Warranty Insurance and forward you the Notice of Cover for your records. If your structure requires a Building Application, the QBCC Home Warranty Insurance is purchased during this process.
Learn more ~ QBCC Home Warranty Explained
Learn more ~ QBCC Calculating the Premium
Do you have more questions?
Please send us an email to admin@gardenenvi.com or give us a call on 0407 692 674.