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  5. Rooftop Deck Ideas

Rooftop Deck Ideas

Caitlin Sole headshot
By Caitlin Sole Updated June 21, 2022
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patio

Whether you're in the city or the scenic countryside, a rooftop deck can be a hotspot for entertaining and relaxing. Take advantage of these creative ideas for outdoor hangouts that provide a fresh and functional view from the top.

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Urban Retreat

deck
Create Your Dream Deck

Bright white latticework planted with vines creates privacy on a small roof deck, just one of this home's four outdoor entertaining spaces. The plants extend onto a pergola for partial shading. A wrought-iron table and chairs provide casual seating without overwhelming the narrow space.

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Charmed Seclusion

Privacy for Decks

Lattice gridwork continues into the main roof deck, where clean-lined furniture and a natural color palette provide sleek style. Infrared heaters in the overhead structure make the space usable in cooler weather, while built-in speakers facilitate entertaining. Herbs grown in the window boxes are harvested for family dinners.

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Lush Foliage

Roof Deck

Pretty plants in a variety of colors and heights connect the home's various roof decks. An iron garden obelisk provides a place for vines to grow. Natural gas connects to the roof deck, allowing the family to cook on a grill for three seasons, then move it to the kitchen porch in the winter.

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Outdoor Dining

Roof Deck

A sleek dining set with weather-resistant cushions makes a stylish spot for morning coffee or an evening cocktail with friends. Pear trees in large containers provide height and enhance privacy in this urban nest.

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Ideas for Outdoor Living Spaces

Transform your roof deck into the ultimate entertaining hub with these quick tips for maximizing outdoor space.

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Rooftop Oasis

Roof Deck

This colorful roof deck extends from the hillside like a peninsula of blooming meadow. Bare-root plants in a custom soil mix create a wild, layered look while staying within load-bearing limits. A single umbrella and two chairs continue the casual vibe.

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Secret Garden

Roof Deck

Perennials that can withstand heat and drought create colorful drama on this home's living roof. Colorful low-growers sprout near walkways and line the low-key flagstone path. Rock borders keep soil from splashing onto walls, while a buried irrigation system keeps everything gorgeously green.

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Seating for Two

Roof Deck

An informal seating, set back from the roof edge for safety, makes this deck a favorite hangout. Unfussy flagstone forms an embedded patio for the furniture.

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Modern Marvel

Roof Deck

An industrial-chic steel pergola frames and defines this impressive urban roof deck above a two-car garage. Despite the metal beams, the outdoor entertaining space stays warm, thanks to Brazilian ipe wood floors. The pergola's cross pieces fitted with wood lattice panels suggest a ceiling, while still allowing plenty of light.

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Work of Art

Roof Deck

Translucent glass panels on two sides of this roof deck block wind, but not treetop views. Two opposing sofas and a coffee table encourage conversation. Salvaged art and large, striking sculptures—including a 3-foot-tall, ornate metal lantern—personalize the living space.

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Low-Maintenance Greenery

Roof Deck

To save deck space, planters are mounted on the walls around the perimeter. Made from salvaged ammunition boxes and outfitted with drainage holes, the boxes feature annual plants that stay fresh and full from spring through fall. A built-in water line makes gardening a breeze.

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Fashionable Features

Roof Deck

A fourth-level roof deck features a hot tub, grill, dining table, and dramatic views of the city skyline. A built-in nook holds chopped wood for a nearby fireplace. Garden containers filled with extra-tall plants define one edge of the deck.

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Family-Friendly Hangout

patio

Accessible from the home's kitchen, this garage-top roof deck was designed with entertaining in mind. A dining table seats six with ease, while a built-in grill and cabinets for storing table-service items reduce trips into the house. Large trees break up views of power lines and an alley.

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Private Perch

patio

A wood pergola, privacy screens, and overflowing planter boxes create a layered look on this urban roof deck. The seamless trio enclose the area while keeping it airy and blocking views of the neighbor's roof.

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Pretty in Plaid

patio

Built-in benches with plush cushions create a cozy reading (or napping) nook. The surrounding privacy trellises break up sunlight and are inspired by Burberry plaid. The pattern continues in the pillow covers. A ceiling fan keeps seating comfortable during the warmest summer days.

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Casual Gathering

patio

Sliding glass doors open to this upper roof deck, where a wood planter with discreet built-in lighting adds color, texture, and impact. Soft uplighting hides in the greenery to illuminate the deck without overpowering them.

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Clear View

patio

The upper deck's brick wall incorporates a crisp, geometric railing for sophistication and screening. Brick extends to the fireplace, while ipe wood flooring borrows the same design theme as the lower deck. Plush seating creates a relaxing place to take in sweeping views.

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By Caitlin Sole

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    1 of 17 Urban Retreat
    2 of 17 Charmed Seclusion
    3 of 17 Lush Foliage
    4 of 17 Outdoor Dining
    5 of 17 Ideas for Outdoor Living Spaces
    6 of 17 Rooftop Oasis
    7 of 17 Secret Garden
    8 of 17 Seating for Two
    9 of 17 Modern Marvel
    10 of 17 Work of Art
    11 of 17 Low-Maintenance Greenery
    12 of 17 Fashionable Features
    13 of 17 Family-Friendly Hangout
    14 of 17 Private Perch
    15 of 17 Pretty in Plaid
    16 of 17 Casual Gathering
    17 of 17 Clear View

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