Plan and Build a Small Rooftop Deck The Smart Way

Even if you have limited space, a small rooftop deck can become your own special getaway. Whether you're thinking about a cozy balcony deck, a useful garage rooftop deck, or a deck over a patio, smart design and planning helps you use every bit of space well. In this article find pro tips and expert advice on doing just that.

Mataverde Ipe decking expertly installed to create a cozy rooftop deck in a corner of space 

This guide has great ideas for rooftop decks and important things to think about for homeowners and deck builders who want to build a roof deck, make a small house with a rooftop deck even better, or add an elevated feel to a ground-level deck for a patio.

Example of a small rooftop deck framing layout with Eurotec aluminum joists and adjustable deck pedestals

Get Expert Advice for Planning Your Small Rooftop Deck Project

Before you start designing your home rooftop deck, it's important to talk to experts in your area. Architects, engineers, experienced builders, and building inspectors can give you great advice. Their main goal is to help you create a space that works for you and meets all safety rules.

Checking the Rules: Are Small Rooftop Decks Allowed?

The first thing to do is find out if rooftop decks are allowed where you live. Your local building inspector can answer this question. They will also know about any special rules, laws, and things you need to know before you start.

If you live in an apartment building, condo, and some neighborhood or owner associations, you'll also need to check their rules about placement and privacy screening.

Roof Strength: Can Your Roof Hold a Deck?

A big question for any rooftop deck is whether your roof can hold the extra weight. A structural engineer, architect, or experienced builder can check your roof. Usually, a rooftop deck needs to hold an extra 50 to 100 pounds for every square foot.

If your roof can handle this weight, you can probably build your deck without too many extra costs for support. But if your roof can't hold the weight, you'll need extra supports. In that case, you should get help from a professional engineer who is licensed in your area. Your builder or architect can help you find one.

Designing Your Space: Ideas for Your Small Rooftop Deck

Now for the fun part: thinking about how you'll use your small rooftop deck. People often use decks for eating al fresco, reading, cooking, having friends over, sunbathing, relaxing, and even growing plants. If you want to add things like planters, privacy walls, shade covers, or pergolas, remember to think about how much they weigh. This weight will need to be part of your rooftop deck design.

Once you know what you want to put on your small rooftop deck and how you plan to use the space, it's time to make a deck plan, starting with the size of your deck. Then, we can help you figure out how to build the frame.

RELATED: Mataverde Eurotec Rooftop Decking Installation

Framing Options for Your Rooftop Deck

Putting Decking over Wood Sleepers

Sometimes, for a low clearance rooftop deck (a deck that's close to the roof), builders use sleepers. Sleepers are like beams that sit right on the roof. There are good and bad things about using sleepers, so it's important to learn more if you're thinking about this option.

Using Standard Wood for Framing

You can also use regular wood to build the frame for your rooftop deck. If this works for your roof and design, that's great. But sometimes, wood framing can be heavy, which might not work for your roof. Also, the wood can bend or decay over time.

If you live in a high-fire zone area, fire retardant treated framing lumber might be required. Mataverde SaferWood dimensional lumber is an excellent option that is both non-toxic and meets high fire rating standards. 

Example of a wood rooftop deck installed over 2x4 sleepers

Using Aluminum Joists and Adjustable Pedestals

Another option that can save time and labor is the Mataverde Eurotec Rooftop Deck System and its aluminum joists and adjustable deck pedestals. Aluminum joists won't catch fire, always stay straight, are very strong, and don't weigh much. They also let air flow better under the deck, which is good for low clearance decks. The adjustable pedestals can be placed under the decking and set to the exact height you need quickly to make a perfectly level deck, even on an uneven or pitched surface.

Eurotec aluminum joists and adjustable deck pedestals install quickly for a perfectly level rooftop deck frame

Curious about rooftop deck project pricing? Request your quote here.

Choosing What to Put on Your Rooftop Deck

There are many great materials you can use for your deck. Some work really well on a rooftop deck that is out in the open. Others don't. You will want to choose something that has high durability and low maintenance. 

Softwood decking such as Cedar or Redwood are not appropriate for rooftops since they will age, crack and split sooner in the constant heavy sun, rain, and cold exposure. 

Fake "wood-look" composite or other PVC plastic decking materials are not appropriate for the same reasons. The color will fade faster, plus they get too hot underfoot. They can expand, shrink, warp, and even crack under changing temperatures and rooftop conditions.

Hardwood decking is perfect for small rooftop decks that are exposed to harsh UV and salt air

RELATED: Rooftop Deck Project Photo Gallery

Good Choices: High Density Hardwood Decking

Strong, long-lasting woods like exotic hardwood decking species are popular choices for rooftop decks, and for good reason. Wood decking species like Ipe, Jatoba, Machiche, Cumaru, and Garapa are ideal for rooftops because they can handle tough weather. Protect from the sun with an oil-based UV protectant made for hardwoods and keep them looking new. Or you can let them naturally age over time to a satiny silver-gray color, which requires no refinishing and less maintenance. 

Exotic hardwoods are naturally high in insect, rot, moisture, and fungal resistance. They are strong and can handle heavy use without showing wear, scratching, or gouging.  

Ipe Wood Decking

Ipe is a hardwood favorite for rooftop decks. It's strong, lasts a long time, looks beautiful, and can handle the tough conditions on a roof. It comes in rich medium to dark brown colors with interesting graining.

Ipe wood on a newly installed rooftop deck creates a sturdy and intimate space

See the beauty of hardwood rooftop decking material for yourself. Request a sample today.