Are you designing or planning a rooftop deck project? Are you comparing decking materials and installation methods? The choice of decking materials and the rooftop deck installation system can make all the difference between a so-so space versus an outdoor room everyone wants to be in. Architects, builders, and property owners are looking for industry partners to help realize their design vision and ensure satisfaction and longevity. Mataverde is a trusted industry partner to support those goals.
Rooftop deck popularity has steadily increased in the past few years in both residential and commercial settings. The demand had already started to rise in the past decade but rapidly accelerated in 2020 when outdoor spaces became essential. Since then, the demand hasn’t dipped.
Experienced architects and builders continue to reach out to us for rooftop decking materials and installation solutions, and we appreciate their trust. From these conversations we have created a list of answers to the most frequent requests. We have also gathered what we believe are the best solutions to demanding project criteria.
Mataverde Sustainable Decking and Siding is a national premium lumber distribution company with centers on both coasts. Mataverde has been serving and supporting customers for decades, directly and through authorized dealers, offering high quality decking materials and excellent technical support.
Mataverde is well-versed in assisting our customers with ways to maximize their rooftop deck design including stability, aesthetics, and longevity. The team is well-known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, quality, sustainability, with many decades of firsthand expertise.
In this article we share many of those solutions and resources to get you started.
The first step, before choosing any materials, is to consider the roof surface and location you plan to build on. Weight limitations, roof features that create obstacles, local regulations, and other important considerations will all need to be addressed before the design is finalized.
There is a fantastic article here, Building A Rooftop Deck: 6 Steps to Success, which breaks it down into a checklist for you.
A well planned and executed installation will create both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Drainage, strength, insect and rot resistance are also very important to the long-term durability of your project.
Download the Rooftop Deck Design Ideas Portfolio now for more inspiration!Many builders have come to us looking for a rooftop deck installation that is more durable, saves time, and solves problems like a more sloped roof surface, or installing around building features that can’t be moved.
The Eurotec Rooftop Decking System is our choice for a rooftop deck built for beauty, functionality, and stability.
Mataverde has always recognized the significance of proper installation. Eurotec Rooftop Decking Installation System, with its many versatile components, is proven through use on hundreds of rooftops decks. We believe Eurotec is the answer to these project needs.
A few highlights of the Eurotec system that make it popular with builders:
Adjustable pedestals allow a wide range of height increments from 3-3/4” all the way to 24”, from the building surface to the top of the decking boards. This simplifies construction over surfaces with a slope of slight pitch. Mataverde support can help you decide what the best pedestal components would be for your project.
The Aluminum System Profile offers a strong, lightweight joist that can span up to 33” The joists stay straight with minimal deflection. They will not twist, rot, or warp.
Aluminum components are stronger than wood in the same size and are non-combustible.
The weight of the system works with gravity to keep the system safely in place without movement. There is no need to screw fasteners into the building roof surface.
Options to fasten your decking with surface screws or concealed deck fasteners increase your design versatility.
For a full comparison, read Deck Installation Tips: Eurotec Deck System Vs. Wood Sleepers here.
Selecting the right decking for your project is key. Not all decking material can handle the stronger UV and weathering that a rooftop deck will endure.
The best options are high fiber density hardwood, thermally modified wood, or stone pavers. These options give the best longevity.
Here are some of the pros and cons of each:
Stone pavers: Available in many colors and shapes, pavers are an attractive option. They can be placed simply or with creative layouts. Plus, stone resists strong UV and harsh weather all year round.
The other side of the argument is that stone, while extraordinarily strong and sturdy, can occasionally experience chips, gouges, and cracks with use.
The other issue is the weight of the pavers. Can your roof system manage the additional load?
Thermally Modified Wood: Mataverde ThermaWood Hem-Fir is a sustainable decking that is modified with heat, steam, and pressure to create a significantly stronger, more stable decking than unmodified softwood. Modification creates a harder wood with high moisture resistance in storms or from humidity, with increased stability under the UV exposure of a rooftop.
The the slightly heat-darkened color of thermally modified hemlock is a richer natural color that closely mimics Western Red Cedar. ThermaWood Hem-Fir can also be painted or stained to meet your design scheme.
Building a rooftop deck in a high fire zone area?
Mataverde Hem-Fir is also available in ThermaWood FR, both IWUI and WUI certified with a permanent fire treatment bonded at the cellular level.
Exotic Hardwood Mataverde high fiber density hardwoods include Ipe, Jatoba, FSC Machiche, Garapa and more. These Mataverde wood decking choices are popular because are sustainably sourced, responsibly harvested, and extremely durable. The natural color ranges of these species give a wide range of options to choose from, varying from rich medium browns, deep chocolate-browns, cherry red tones, and golden blonde.
The high fiber density of Hardwoods create natural insect, moisture, and decay resistance. The hardness of high density wood deflects common scratches, gouges, and wear and tear easily. Hardwoods also resist chipping and checking and are very low maintenance. If you choose weather your rooftop deck, hardwoods turn a soft, satiny silver gray without increasing the maintenance needs.
RELATED: View The Rooftop Deck Project Photo Gallery
Find more information in the Rooftop Deck Design Ideas Portfolio, download it here.
You might be asking, what about Western Red Cedar or Composite Decking?
Here’s a breakdown of why each of these materials might be ok for a ground level deck, but may not be suited for rooftop decks.
Composites: Composite decks are made with plastic, even the highest quality brands. Decking boards made with PVC are less resilient in harsh weather and strong UV exposure. They tend to warp or change shape, and fade in sections of strong sun. And that’s on a ground level.
A rooftop has punishing exposure to all these threats. Because of this, composite decking is likely to lose its color and attractiveness sooner by showing wear and tear long before it’s ready to be replaced.
RELATED: Real Hardwood Decking versus Composite Decking
Western Red Cedar: Cedar is a softwood meaning it has low fiber density. If you are looking for a rustic look, softwoods are well suited because it will show scratches, dents, and dings with use. But it is not suited to rooftop exposure. Here’s why.
Classic, gorgeous, and iconic, Cedar is what many people imagine when they hear “wood deck”. It is commonly used in backyard decks because they have good resistance to decay and rot, can be stained or painted, and will weather to gray.
“As soon as contractors and architects see ThermaWood FR Hem-Fir samples,
it sells over the Cedar in the clear vertical grain”
-Chris Eddy, Golden State Lumber
So why is Cedar not the best choice for rooftops?
For the same reasons it is not always right for ground level decks.
Cedar has a lower bending strength than high fiber dense hardwoods. Low fiber wood absorbs moisture faster. Cedar also requires much maintenance and re-painting or it will rot. All these characteristics make Cedar a less optimal decking for rooftops.
Lastly, high quality Western Red Cedar is extremely expensive, and has much lower availability in a clear vertical grain.
On the other hand, high density hardwoods have a higher bending strength, can weather without losing stability and require little maintenance.
ThermaWood Hem-Fir, a thermally modified wood, is selected as excellent Cedar decking alternative with increasing frequency, since it closely resembles the look of Cedar, has improved stability over unmodified softwoods, and is appropriate for rooftop decks.
RELATED: Best Decking Materials for Your Rooftop Deck
The number one job we have at Mataverde is making sure you are satisfied with your rooftop deck for years to come. From our authorized dealers and our sales representatives to our logistics and delivery teams. Along the way, you can expect the following advantages from our team:
The Mataverde technical team can offer layout drawings and solutions for installing custom architectural elements, when needed.
Distribution centers on both coasts to receive and handle your materials with great care. We offer acclimation guidelines to help you keep your materials in top shape for installation.
With Mataverde’s unparalleled commitment to quality, sustainability, and expertise, we help architects and builders maximize rooftop deck design projects, ensuring that your outdoor space exceeds expectations in both form and function.
Ready to explore the potential of your rooftop deck design? Contact our team with questions or visit our Rooftop Decking pages now.