Amazing Roof Decks to Copy

Whether situated in the city or scenic countryside, roof decks are a hot spot for entertaining and relaxing. Take advantage of your home's roof space with these creative outdoor hangouts that provide a fresh and functional view from the top.

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Urban Retreat

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 an overhead pergola for partial shading. A wrought-iron table and chairs provide casual seating without overwhelming the narrow space.

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Charmed Seclusion

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

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Lush Foliage

Pretty plantings 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 before moving it to the kitchen porch in the winter.

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Divine Outdoor Dining

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

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Clever 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

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 for less while staying within load-bearing limits. A single umbrella and two chairs continue the casual vibe.

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Secret Garden

Drought- and heat-tolerant perennials create colorful drama on the 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 plants gorgeously green.

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Seating for Two

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

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Modern Marvel

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. Pergola cross pieces fitted with wood lattice panels suggest a ceiling while still allowing plenty of light.

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Work of Art

Translucent glass panels on two sides of the 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

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

A fourth-level roof deck features a hot tub, grill, dining table, and dramatic view 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

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

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

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Pretty in Plaid

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 warm summer days.

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Casual Gathering

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

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Clear View

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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