Ipe Hardwood Rooftop Deck in Boston

After more than a decade of planning, the revitalization of the South end of Boston is fully underway. The Harrison Albany block is a prime example. Another magnificent rooftop deck has been installed here and it is amazing. Long lasting Ipe hardwood decking and siding grace the rooftop, naturally and beautifully.

The design team at CBT Architects specified Ipe hardwood decking and cladding for this project because of its good looks and excellent performance. Ipe decking is often consider the best natural wood decking, especially in high exposure areas, like a rooftop deck.

Serene resting place on Ipe decking rooftop deck

Rooftop decks are a harsh environment for any deck. They are typically fully exposed to the sun, often all day long. This puts a lot of powerful UV rays working directly on the top each deck board. Then, rooftop decks are usually very low clearance, with limited ventilation. Which means the bottoms of the deck boards retain more moisture than the tops of the deck boards.

Ipe decking on ADA compliant ramp at rooftop deck

The best ways to manage the harsh environment on a rooftop deck:

• Choose high performance decking. Ipe hardwood decking is a ‘tried and true’ option up here.
• Use narrower and thicker deck boards. 21mm x 4 and 5/4 x 4 decking work much better than thinner, wider, decking options.
• Face screws will fasten the decking more securely, than hidden fasteners in this environment
• If you must use hidden fasteners, please consider using narrower, thicker, deck boards. They will perform better, and you will be happier.
• Shading and pergolas are an excellent option to keep some of the weather away from your deck.

RELATED ARTICLE: Building a Rooftop Deck: 5 Steps to Success

Ipe pergola provides partial shading and protection on rooftop deck

This rooftop deck project also features overhead design elements, rainscreen siding on several rooftop enclosures including outdoor showers, ADA Compliant walkways, a pool deck, and lots more. The skilled carpentry team at Component Assembly Systems (Massachusetts office) was able to build and install all these specialty items, expertly.

Ipe decking at pool area of Boston rooftop deck

For beauty and functionality several outbuildings were designed and built, using Ipe rainscreen cladding.

Ipe rainscreen cladding and custom outside corners adorn rooftop deck building

Ipe siding, paneling, railings, and planters on outdoor kitchen rooftop deck

Are you looking for a little design inspiration for your rooftop deck?

Download the Rooftop Deck Project Portfolio today.

Interested in even more deck design ideas?

Download the Deck Design Ideas portfolio today.

This free eBook features over 150 project photos including decks, pergolas and lots more.