Other Deck Design Options

There are a number of other ways that adjustable pedestal roof deck systems can be integrated into roofing designs. For example, green roofs are increasingly popular as a way to expand usable roof space, add gardens, and control rooftop drainage. Designs that include green roofs typically demonstrate an imaginative use of materials that minimize maintenance and the environmental footprint of the building. By incorporating a pedestal system into a green roof, a pedestrian walkway can be provided that keeps footsteps off of the vegetation and allows it to grow properly. It also provides controlled access for maintenance of the green roof or other rooftop items.

Similarly, an elevated pedestal system can be used within a water feature or where the water supply is concealed beneath the deck surface. Since the supports are impervious to water, mold, and most chemicals, they can function well for many years of service. Similarly, recessed lighting can be incorporated into the system by running the wiring beneath the deck surface. This can enhance the ambiance of the outdoor space and improve visibility and safety during nighttime/dark conditions.

Of course, the deck does not need to cover the entire roof in any of these scenarios. It can be sized to suit the needs of the project such that it avoids other rooftop equipment or features, provides a geometry that is visually interesting, or is just sized to accommodate the programmatic needs of the space. Similarly, smaller sections can be located on different parts of a roof or on different levels of a building or site, depending on the building design.

Prototypical Case Study

Photos courtesy of Bison Innovative Products. Photographer Gary Hewson

Project: Sunset Idea House
Location: Santa Monica, California
Designer-Owner: Gary Hewson
Interior Designer: ETC.etera

The Project: Sunset Magazine’s 2019 Idea House could not be in a better location for an outdoor rooftop deck. The Santa Monica Canyon residence is located on a hill which grants sweeping views of the ocean and surrounding coastal vegetation. Brilliantly outfitted by ETC.etera, the collaboration of varying manufacturers’ products came together with a stunning result.

The Innovative Design: The rooftop deck features two foot square, smooth wood tiles supported by adjustable pedestals. The rooftop deck is broken into separate areas—a living space with ample seating and a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with a dining table, grill, and a garden spot with a variety of potted plants. The master bedroom is also wrapped by a patio constructed with porcelain pavers backed by paver trays supported by fixed height pedestals.

Site Furnishings

With the pedestals and the deck surface in place, it makes sense that manufacturers offer a series of deck furnishings to fit with the modularity of the deck system. For example, modular wood cubes are available with an array of design options to incorporate seating, storage, and planters. Such cubes are available with a polyurethane lining and drainage holes to host plant life. At other times of the year, the cubes can be repurposed for seating and storage of seasonal items (i.e., cushions and pillows) by placing a manufactured hardwood top on the cube.

If a different look is desired, aluminum cubes are also an option. Designed to withstand temperature extremes, these low-maintenance, durable planters are constructed of lightweight, partially recycled aluminum. Some use an industrial strength powder-coated finishing process that is applied electrostatically and cured under heat, creating a more resilient finish than conventional paint. The process does not emit any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air and allows the cubes to be coated with virtually any paint color. Aluminum cubes typically contain recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable, include drain holes, and have irrigation sleeves. There is a variety of size and color choices available.

Overall, from reclaiming unused space in the city or creating a relaxing retreat in the suburbs, to creating a luxurious oasis by the sea, pedestal rooftop decks can be a solution for a variety of homeowners while creating valuable outdoor space for them and their guests.