Adding a rooftop deck to commercial properties like multifamily housing, office buildings, and high rises has been on an upward trend (pun intended) since 2014. Post-pandemic era, outdoor space has risen high on the lists of potential tenants. If you haven’t leveraged this opportunity yet now is the time, and here's why.
This architect rendering of a commercial hardwood rooftop deck shows the many ways it can be enjoyed by tenants.
As a commercial property owner, you may be looking for ways to attract higher paying tenants. Finding ways to set your property apart is a never-ending endeavor in a competitive market.
And you are probably well aware that high-rent tenants are demanding luxury amenities, gravitating to properties that have them. A rooftop deck is topping (again, pun intended) that list.
When brokers are touring properties on behalf of their clients, a (rooftop) deck is one of the boxes they have to check,” said Ben Meisel, director of leasing at Akridge. Meisel said that the law firm Pillsbury, which occupies more than half the building at 1200 17th Street, touts the building’s rooftop deck as a way to recruit millennial-aged lawyers who want to work outside and use the deck’s built in Wi-Fi. ‘It’s not just a place to go eat lunch anymore,’ he said.
- Marketwatch.com , “How Rooftop Decks Are Becoming The Must Have Amenity”
Rooftop Deck Planning That Saves You Money
Before we get to the many valuable reasons to add a rooftop deck, a few words about checking the suitability of your building and using the right deck system. Safety - and no wasted time or assets - first.
There are several articles and pages on our website that help you start the rooftop deck planning and design process (We have linked several through this article for you).
So we won’t detail all of it here, but highlight the important points for success from the start.
More inspiration and ideas here, including types of decking and deck systems perfect for beautiful, durable rooftop decks. Free download.
The first question to ask is, what is the weight maximum for your roof?
If you are planning to add a large fire pit, an outdoor bar, a pool, or any heavy load item, do the math first.
A factor to keep in mind: When designing a rooftop deck, the weight of the deck system you choose will subtract from the weight left for above-deck design features.
Traditional rooftop deck systems use wood planks underneath. Before choosing your deck system, consider these points.
- Wood deck framing can be heavy. That can can quickly eat up your weight allowance.
- Proper ventilation on any rooftop deck is key. The kinds of framing lumber used under a deck may be vulnerable to water and insect damage.
- Trapped moisture, from rain and humidity, between wood rails is a recipe for rot and mold.
- Correct spacing between decking boards create air flow that works in your favor, and your deck contractor should plan for optimum spacing for evaporation.
- Insects love wood rails, too.
- If your wood joists are damaged by either water or bugs, decking planks will have to be removed and replaced. Repairs could leave your deck unavailable to tenants for the duration.
Another option is an aluminum rooftop deck system. The patented Eurotec Rooftop Deck System is specifically designed to meet your needs.
- The aircraft grade aluminum is lighter than traditional wood rails, saving you weight.
- The Eurotec system can be used with face screws or hidden fasteners.
- The easily adjustable pedestals allow easy leveling of your deck on the existing roof. Even on slopes and changing height.
- The Eurotec system helps create the proper spacing between decking boards.
- Using aluminum rails automatically negates the risk of rot and insect damage to the deck system.
- Water can drain out between aluminum rails without being trapped or absorbed.
RELATED: Watch "Best Rooftop Deck System? Why Eurotec Was Chosen for This Southern California Hotel Upgrade",
RELATED: Renewed Rooftop Deck Crowns Hotel in Southern California
The system performed as expected and there was a time savings.
We would definitely use it again.
- Ruben Berton, Berton Builders & Design Company, on installing the Eurotec Rooftop Deck System
Do you have questions? Our team is here to answer them, contact us.
Don't forget your decking material - if you are choosing a premium deck system, your decking should be just as good.
Premium hardwood rooftop decks are comfortable, stunning, and long lasting. Plus, hardwood is naturally moisture and damage resistant, and don't require finishing and refinishing. And they last much longer than composites, cedar, or redwood.
A great resource for comparing decking materials is the Ultimate Guide to Selecting The Right Decking, a free download.
Pergolas add to the charm, the aesthetic, and the shade in a rooftop deck design.
RELATED: View the Rooftop Deck Design Ideas Picture Gallery
Grab your PDF of the Ultimate Guide to Selecting The Right Decking here
Now that you know you CAN add a rooftop deck, WHY should you?
1. Rooftop Decks Add Value To Your Property
Buildings and spaces with rooftop decks have an increased resale value, on average 5-8% (according to this article in Marketwatch.com).
Rooftop decks also add value by providing an outdoor area where none existed before.
Residents in multi-family complexes want extended living space. Businesses want a convenient, and more pleasant, space for employees to work and meet.
A rooftop deck that includes turf, seating, greenery, a pergola, even playground equipment can spark interest from families.
2. Rooftop Decks Give You an Edge in a Competitive Market
A rooftop deck adds value to any property or business because it provides a unique selling point. People will notice the roof deck when they visit your property, especially if it's a "green space". It creates a feeling of exclusivity that will help attract new tenants and keep current ones.
Rooftop decks can bring nature and sanctuary to the top of a high rise.
RELATED: Dream Big With These Rooftop Deck Design Ideas
“We can’t talk about multi-family amenities without touching on the growing trend of swanky rooftop spaces in urban areas. Rooftop spaces are quickly becoming a big deal in upper middle-income households and according to BDC Network; this amenity is now a must-have in mid and high-rise buildings. Of all the amenity trends we have featured so far, this one is likely the most appealing for young professionals.” - CatalinaDesignGroup.com, "The Hottest Multi-Family Amenities: The Rising Trend of Rooftop Decks"
3. Rooftop Decks Can Create an Additional Income Stream
If you want to leverage more return on your investment, consider renting out your rooftop deck. Event planners, wedding coordinators, and businesses are always looking for a new and impressive venues to hold celebrations.
An Ipe wood deck with built in seating, garden planters, lighting and a privacy wall creates a romantic and relaxing venue in New York City that can stand up to heavy foot traffic and use for decades. Image courtesy of Organic Gardener NYC.
4. Rooftop Decks Set Restaurant Space Apart
If your commercial property houses restaurant space, a rooftop deck is a great way to attract restaurant groups to your property. An event, bar, or dining-ready rooftop deck could be a game changer. A waterfront seafood restaurant in Rhode Island added a custom rooftop dining area to add dining room space without an addition.
A fine seafood dining restaurant added a rooftop deck with custom hardwood tiles for additional seating with a view.
RELATED: Delicious Rooftop Deck At Rhode Island Restaurant
5. Rooftop Decks Offer Perks for Businesses Tenants
A big question mark for potential employees in today’s market is wellness programs and office atmosphere. Karaoke machines, bean bag chairs and snack stations aren’t enough anymore. If your property can offer potential tenants a rooftop deck for their workers, that’s a huge selling point. (And if you have your own employees in the building, the same applies.)
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If you own an office building, a rooftop but it also helps you attract new business tenants who want to impress clients. Meetings and networking on a rooftop deck are way more impressive to clients than in a conference room.
There's more to be inspired by in the free Rooftop Deck Project Idea Portfolio. Download free here.
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RELATED: 150+ Deck Design Ideas eBook
When brokers are touring properties on behalf of their clients, a (rooftop) deck is one of the boxes they have to check,” said Ben Meisel, director of leasing at Akridge. Meisel said that the law firm Pillsbury, which occupies more than half the building at 1200 17th Street, touts the building’s rooftop deck as a way to recruit millennial-aged lawyers who want to work outside and use the deck’s built in Wi-Fi. ‘It’s not just a place to go eat lunch anymore,’ he said.
- Marketwatch.com , “How Rooftop Decks Are Becoming The Must Have Amenity”
6. Rooftop Decks Add a View
…where there wasn’t one before. If the best view from your property can’t be seen, or is obstructed from inside the building, a rooftop deck can add that view and double the benefit of building a rooftop deck.
A property in wine country was able to add a magnificent view of the vineyards with a rooftop deck addition.
Don't forget to grab your free download of the Rooftop Deck Design Idea Portfolio to help you get started.
Bay Area view from a Machiche wood deck allowed to weather to gray (with matching table). A great place to meet with clients.
With this information, can you see yourself adding a rooftop deck to your property? Let us know in the comments. For questions or a quote on the Eurotec Deck Systems, or any of the premium wood decking shown, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help.
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