Choosing the best rooftop decking materials is different than choosing materials for ground level decking since you need to factor in the extremes of sun and weather exposure as well as longevity, aesthetics and price point. Pressure-treated decking is a good choice but requires lots of maintenance. Hardwood is durable but expensive, and requires maintenance. Professionals don’t like capstock composite decking because weather damage causes failures over time. Deck tiles are beautiful but heavy. Vinyl decking works well and is reasonably priced. Synthetic turf is another choice for some. Don’t choose PVC. Weather related expansions and contractions cause problems.
Key Takeaways:
- A rooftop deck is fundamentally different than a ground-level deck, and that extends to the materials you should use as well.
- If your budget can accommodate those kinds of alterations, however, the sky really becomes the limit in terms of that rooftop structure.
- Generally speaking, PVC is not recommended for rooftop decks. It can expand and contract drastically with temperature fluctuations, making it less than ideal for these high-exposure structures.
“If you work with your design and build team, there are lots of creative, nontraditional ways to utilize any rooftop space.”