Bison Blog

The Secret Weapon of Stunning Rooftop Spaces? Exterior Deck Tiles

Comments: 0

Exterior deck tiles set the tone for rooftop spaces that are built to impress – not just in aesthetics, but in performance and purpose. It’s more than a surface; it’s a material choice that speaks to longevity, warmth, and design integrity. Supported by adjustable pedestals, modern decking systems enable proper drainage, protect critical waterproofing, and create clean, level surfaces that enhance rooftop functionality. Whether it’s a hospitality terrace, a private residence, or a commercial amenity deck, exterior deck tiles bring a tactile richness that other materials can’t replicate. When done right, these rooftops don’t just complement the building – they complete it, becoming vibrant extensions of the structures they crown.

Exterior Deck Tiles Are the Foundation of Modern Rooftop Design

Architects often use exterior deck tiles to safeguard rooftop systems without compromising design. Adjustable pedestals create level deck surfaces over drains, slopes, and insulation, ensuring that existing infrastructure remains unimpeded. This precise leveling capability also creates seamless and ADA-accessible transitions across the deck surface.

Beyond functionality, exterior deck tiles deliver beauty while satisfying local building codes. Their modular nature is a significant advantage; if there's damage to a small section of the deck, you can quickly remove and replace only those individual tiles, rather than having to replace the entire deck. Likewise, you can remove and replace individual tiles if roof maintenance is required. This preserves design integrity and simplifies upkeep.

Choosing the Right Exterior Deck Flooring Options

When selecting exterior deck flooring options, comparing tile materials for durability, aesthetics, and performance is key.

  • Wood tiles offer warm aesthetics and possess natural cooling properties, making them comfortable underfoot even on sunny days. Bison offers a range of beautiful, responsibly sourced wood species, including, Cumaru, Garapa, Ipê, Itauba, and Tigerwood.
  • Porcelain and concrete pavers deliver exceptional weather resistance and a wide range of design varieties, from contemporary to classic.
  • Mixed surfaces that incorporate site furnishings, such as Bison's wood or aluminum planters, can further enhance usability while maximizing the rooftop’s visual appeal.

Design with Nature: Hardwood Decking in Biophilic Designed Spaces

Hardwood decking adds organic warmth to rooftop environments and strongly supports biophilic design goals. Biophilic design, the practice of connecting building occupants with nature, shows that incorporating natural elements can lead to improved well-being and productivity. When an environment has a moderate amount of wood, people often experience a sense of comfort, warmth, and reduced stress.

Bison offers sustainably sourced hardwood options, making them an ideal choice for hospitality, healthcare, and wellness-oriented spaces where creating a serene and inviting atmosphere is key. The natural grain and texture of hardwood creates an experience that deeply connects users to the outdoor environment.

Rooftop Case Studies That Prove the Power of Exterior Deck Tiles

Real-world projects demonstrate the transformative power of exterior deck tiles in hospitality, housing, and public use.

  • Schmidt Artist Lofts, St Paul, MN

elevated rooftop deck brewery

Dominium’s award-winning transformation of a 147-year-old St. Paul brewery into a vibrant live-work-play community beautifully blends historic charm with modern design. Tailored for artists and offering sweeping river views, the rooftop deck features Bison’s modular tiles and pedestals – creating a space built for connection and creativity. This project showcases how the versatility of Bison's system enabled the seamless integration of modern amenities onto a historic structure, creating an invaluable outdoor space for residents.

  • The Laurel Street High-Rise, Nashville, TN

elevated rooftop deck multifamily with artificial turf

This luxury high-rise building features a remarkable 5,024 square-foot rooftop deck as a prime amenity. Over 260 square feet of Bison Ipê Smooth Wood Tiles were installed, complementing the green roof’s lush grasses and trellised vines. Bison Versadjust Pedestals were crucial in supporting both the wood tiles and adjacent stone pavers, ensuring a consistently level surface across the entire rooftop. This project exemplifies how Bison products contribute to creating luxurious and functional rooftop amenities in urban environments, seamlessly integrating hardscaping with green spaces.

Choose Bison Innovative Products

A rooftop’s success depends on practical solutions that address drainage and protect waterproofing without sacrificing design. Using exterior deck tiles with adjustable pedestals ensures a level surface that accommodates various rooftop conditions and meets accessibility standards. This method allows for durable, easy-to-maintain flooring options, such as hardwood or other carefully selected materials. By combining these elements, rooftops become functional, comfortable spaces built to last. Proving that selecting the right deck system is essential, not optional.

Ready to transform your next rooftop project? Learn more about our products.

Want to keep reading?


Important Notice: Bison Innovative Products recommends that all rooftop deck systems should be installed by a licensed contractor with at least 2 years of proven experience. Plans/designs for a rooftop deck should be reviewed by a safety/structural engineer before commencing construction. The roof must be able to safely carry the static and live load weights of the rooftop deck, and any amenities added along with the appropriate density of any insulation to resist crushing and damaging the waterproof membrane. Adding items such as hardscaping features, hot tubs, or pools to a rooftop deck requires additional guidance and oversight from an engineer. Property owners should research and abide by any building codes and other regulations to obtain the required permits prior to having a rooftop deck installed. Please read all product specifications posted on Bisonip.com to review all information prior to any installation.

About the AuthorBison IP Team

prev