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.
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”
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.
Another option is an aluminum rooftop deck system. The patented Eurotec Rooftop Deck System is specifically designed to meet your needs.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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"
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.
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
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.)
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.
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”
…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.