Choosing a roof design is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building or renovating a home. It affects everything from how your home looks to how it performs in Australia’s harsh climate. Whether you’re building in the suburbs, the bush, or by the beach, the right roof can elevate your design, improve energy efficiency, and reduce long-term maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of roof styles in Australia and where they work best. You’ll also find examples of Lysaght roof profiles, made from trusted COLORBOND® steel, that suit each design, helping you confidently answer the question: what type of roof should I choose?
Choosing a roof design: What to consider
When asking how to choose a roof for your build, consider the following:
- Style of the home - Your roof should complement the overall aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re building a traditional, coastal, Hamptons, or contemporary design, the roof plays a major role in achieving the right look.
- Local climate - Consider the weather conditions in your area. Roof styles should be chosen based on their ability to perform in your environment, whether that means handling high winds, heavy rain, or prolonged sun exposure.
- Pitch and orientation - The slope and direction of your roof affect everything from solar panel suitability to ventilation and overall energy efficiency.
- Maintenance expectations - Some roof styles are easier to maintain than others. If low upkeep is a priority, choose a design and material that minimises long-term maintenance.
- Material performance - Lysaght products are made from COLORBOND® steel, designed and tested to handle Australia's extreme conditions, offering long-lasting strength, durability, and aesthetic flexibility.
Gable roofs: Classic and functional
The gable roof is one of Australia’s most recognisable roof shapes. With its simple pitched triangle design, it’s a popular choice for farmhouses, heritage-style homes and suburban builds. Gable roofs provide excellent water runoff and natural ventilation for high-rainfall areas.
Gable roofs are one of the simplest roof designs to build. With just two sloping sides meeting at a ridge, they’re often faster and more cost-effective to construct, making them a great choice for straightforward builds or budget-conscious projects.
Lysaght profiles that work well:
- SNAPSEAM™ - Delivers crisp, clean lines for a modern take on a classic shape
- CUSTOM ORB® - The traditional corrugated look with strong heritage appeal
Pros of gable roofs:
- Simple, cost-effective construction
- Strong water drainage
- Great for ventilation
- Easy to frame and install
- Adaptable to both modern and traditional styles
Hip roofs: Balanced and resilient
A hip roof slopes down on all four sides, giving it a solid, compact shape that holds up well in high wind zones. You’ll often see them used in Queenslander and Hamptons-style homes, characterised by symmetry and a neat finish.
Hip roofs are more complex to frame than gable roofs, but also more structurally stable. They’re particularly well-suited to areas prone to high winds or cyclones, as the aerodynamic shape helps deflect wind and reduce uplift pressure.
Lysaght profiles that suit:
- CUSTOM BLUE ORB® – Perfect for curved or traditional hip roof forms
- SPANDEK® – Ideal for modern interpretations with strong visual impact
Pros of hip roofs:
- Perform well in storm-prone regions
- Offer eave coverage for extra shade
- Support solar panel installation
Skillion roofs: Sleek and modern
Skillion roofs feature a single sloping surface, usually at a sharp angle. They’re a go-to for contemporary and box modern homes, offering a striking silhouette and great solar potential.
This roof type works well for steel roofing for Australian conditions, particularly in hot climates, as it allows for optimal orientation and solar performance. They’re best for energy-efficient homes, builds with minimal overhang, and designs looking for bold, modern edge
Best Lysaght roof profiles:
- ENSEAM® – Vertical or horizontal lines for sharp architectural detail
- KLIP-LOK® 700 HI-STRENGTH® – Ideal for low-pitch skillion roofs with long, clean spans
Pros of skillion roofs:
- Strong visual impact with minimal complexity
- Ideal for solar panel installation and passive design
- Efficient water runoff
- Simplifies construction in some single-storey builds
Flat roofs: Minimalist and low-profile
Technically not flat, these roofs have a slight pitch for water drainage. Flat roofs are commonly seen in box modern and contemporary urban homes and are often paired with rooftop gardens or solar panels.
While flat roofs offer a sleek, streamlined look, they do require careful drainage planning and may need more maintenance depending on your location and climate.
Lysaght suitable profiles:
- KLIP-LOK® 406 – Excellent for concealed-fix, low-slope applications
- IMPERIAL™ – A standing seam profile for clean, high-end finishes
Pros of flat roofs:
- Clean, minimalist aesthetic
- Great for rooftop spaces or solar systems
- Can reduce the overall building height
- Compatible with steel profiles designed for low-pitch performance
- Flat roofs are an increasingly popular low-maintenance roofing option for builds that favour clean lines and minimal visual bulk.
Steel roofing options for Australian homes
Steel is one of the most popular materials for roofing in Australia for good reason. It’s lightweight, strong, resistant to pests and fire, and designed to handle tough weather.
Lysaght roofing profiles are made from COLORBOND® steel, Australia’s trusted painted steel, backed by decades of research and performance testing.
Whether you’re after soft matte tones or high-performing options for low-pitch roofs, Lysaght’s range of steel roofing for Australian conditions has a profile and colour to match.
Final thoughts: The best roof style for my home?
The best roof style for your home will depend on your location, home design and personal style. Gable roofs offer classic appeal and functionality, hip roofs bring stability and balance, skillion roofs deliver a modern statement, and flat roofs offer clean minimalism with rooftop potential.
Whatever you choose, Lysaght has the profiles and support to help you build with confidence, using high-quality products made from genuine COLORBOND® steel.
To explore roof styles in context, check out our design guides featuring different home styles like Queenslander, Heritage, Hamptons, and Coastal with product recommendations and inspirational builds.
