9 Rooftop Patio Ideas to Get the Creative Juices Flowing

Rooftop patios have become more and more popular among restaurants, hospitals, and working spaces in congested cities where space is limited. Including a rooftop patio in such places is a great way to provide city dwellers with a spot to enjoy the fresh air and an uninterrupted view. On top of this, a rooftop patio can also transform your outdoor space entirely and enhance your property value.

However, there are endless options available for rooftop decks and patios, which can make designing a rooftop patio slightly challenging. So to help you get the creative juices flowing, we’ve laid out 9 of our favorite rooftop deck design ideas. Take a look below and don’t forget to save your favorite patio for later.

1. Add Some Shade

Whether your building is five or ten floors high, it will become hot. Direct sunshine creates extremely hot temperatures, making it uncomfortable for people to relax.  It can also make your sofa's fabric fade.

Therefore, you should consider adding a covered awning, canopy stand, or huge umbrella to enjoy the outdoor space while staying cool and protecting your furniture.

If you have lounge-style sofas, consider buying square patio umbrellas. Such umbrellas cover a wide area, protecting all your seating. Ensure the umbrella comes with a crank mechanism to adjust the height and angle according to the sun's position. Also, choose an umbrella color and pattern that blends in with or complements the rest of the items on your roof deck.

2. Go Green

If you want your rooftop lounge to look natural, adorn your outdoor space with plants and trees. Depending on the available space, you can choose from various rooftop garden ideas, including free-standing boxes, pots, turf, or mini-garden beds.

Before incorporating a garden on your rooftop, take your time to study the various plants available and if they can survive in your region's climate. Ensure you pick plants that can survive in any climate and those that require less maintenance. 

Constructing a wooden deck can help balance green plant colors and make the patio design tranquil, serene, and easy to maintain. You may also consider installing a transparent polycarbonate roof, protecting your plants against damaging UV rays while maintaining an open-air atmosphere.

Using planters makes it easy to create a rooftop garden. These planters are durable, meaning they can serve you for a long time. They are also UV-resistant, ensuring they don't fade or crack. Additionally, fiberglass planters are lightweight and easy to move. Therefore, you can easily move them around your patio when you want to make some changes. Finally, these planters come in a wide range of colors allowing you to choose the color palettes that blend with your exterior décor.

3. Work on Your Lighting

The lighting on your roof deck has a huge effect on its ambiance, especially during fall. Several lighting options can improve your patio.

For instance, you can get outdoor table lamps, lanterns, or orbs to help you create a relaxed atmosphere at dining tables. You can also use candles, but electric or LED versions are safer than open flames. For an upbeat atmosphere, use pendant lighting and luminous lighting for a formal setting. Consider string lights for a more relaxed and calm setting. To achieve a bohemian style, mix different lighting colors and shapes. Ensure these colors blend in with your furnishings and flowers if you want a more a uniform look.

4. Add a Fire Pit

Including a fire pit in your rooftop deck design may be both beautiful and functional. A fire pit can help keep your patio warm, especially in the evenings or during cold weather. Additionally, it can also lend to the overall ambiance of this space.

Nowadays, fire pits have become popular, and they have also evolved into different styles and colors. Choose one according to your taste and preference or the general design of your patio.

Before including a fire pit on your patio, check the rules and regulations in your region. All states have different rules when it comes to patio fire pits. Some states don't allow fire pits during certain seasons in a year, and you may be penalized for violating these rules.

5. Get Cozy 

Rooftops are often a mix of brick, concrete, asphalt, and steel. To make the outdoor space cozy, you'll need to soften the edges. Consider using unconventional seats, tables, stools, and booths in the seating area, to make your patio appear more inviting. Long bench seats can also be comfortable, especially when stacked high with blankets and cushions. You might also lay an outdoor rug on the floor and add brightly colored waterproof cushions.

To beautify your space further, include elements such as water elements, trees, and bushes that may provide some privacy and help you forget you're in the city. The relaxed atmosphere will entice you or your friends to utilize the roof terrace as a summer hangout.

6. Put in a Spa 

Adding a jacuzzi to your roof deck is among the impressive outdoor rooftop ideas. It can be open air, or you can choose to cover it with an insulated paneled roof to keep the sun away during the day. (Just make sure to confirm the weight bearing capacity of the roof before adding a jacuzzi to your rooftop deck.)

To improve the jacuzzi experience, add a design element by incorporating stairs going into the spa or a step up into the surrounding small spa deck. A jacuzzi on your roof deck may inspire romance or offer a perfect place to unwind after a long day.

7. Incorporate an Outdoor Dining Space

Incorporating a dining area into your roof deck is another appealing roof deck design idea. Include a nice dining table and chairs to allow your visitors to enjoy their meal. This space can be a refreshing alternative for couples that want to enjoy a romantic meal or informal work lunches.

To make this space more inviting, consider including a cooking area. A full-fledged kitchen station and outdoor eating area may be a huge bonus to your patio since many guests like seeing  their food being prepared. Moreover, customers will be drawn in by the aromas emanating from the smokehouses, pizza, and grill, encouraging them to buy more food. 

You may also consider including an outdoor bar in the patio area. Outdoor bars are convenient since your customers don't need to go into the restaurants to order more drinks. They are ideal during warmer months when the demand for cold drinks is high. During the cold season, invest in quality outdoor heaters or a firepit to keep people warm and encourage them to continue patronizing your establishment.

8. Create Privacy

Create extra privacy on your rooftop by designing intimate cluster seats. Adopting a cafe-style design in your restaurant will help you attract couples or anybody wishing to escape crowds and enjoy wonderful cuisine or a beverage alone. If your tables are too close, you can use planters, rock wall separators, and even live trees to provide a sense of privacy.

To ensure your rooftop feels more private, install a wooden lattice fence to hold a leafy screen that prevents passersby from peeking through. You can also cover part of your rooftop with a shade sail or pergola.

9. Get Creative with Colors

When designing your patio, try using decorating elements with well-matched or contrasting colors to create a perfect look. For instance, if your patio tiles have a bold color, use bright or lighter-colored furnishings. The contrast will make the furniture pop out and allow the eye to appreciate its lines, curves, and design.

You can also try combining gray with bright colors. Cold gray fits nicely with the brilliant yellow and orange tones. If your patio tiles or walls are already gray, you can make your planter furnishings orange or yellow to complete the effect.

To achieve a classic look that never goes out of style, combine white and black colors. If you're concerned about staining on white paint, choose stain-resistant white tablecloths or pillows, which are simpler to clean.

Need help creating your rooftop experience?

At Bison, we provide the highest quality rooftop deck materials and systems so companies all across the country build memorable, relaxing, and unique rooftop deck experiences. We’d love to help your company, too. 

If you’re interested in exploring material options for your rooftop deck, reach out to our team for samples or pricing quotes.