Page 10 July 19, 2018 EL SEGUNDO HERALD
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Reclaiming The Rooftop: Tips For Decks With A View
(BPT) - Once reserved for the urban elite,
rooftop decks are popping up all over the
country as an attractive option that offers a
mixture of space savings and an unrivaled
view. Rooftop decks take what was formerly
unused space - the top of a building or the
flat roof over part of a home - and reclaim
it for a unique entertaining area or family
gathering spot.
“Especially when we’re working in cities,
rooftop decks are essentially reclaiming space
for a family that probably wouldn’t have
any outdoor space otherwise,” said James
Muckinhaupt of Mosaic Outdoor Living, a
high-end custom deck builder in Colorado.
That newfound space can present a challenge
to designers and homeowners as they try to
make the most of the rooftop deck’s open
layout.
“If designers don’t really delineate the
space well, we’ve found the decks end up
being a giant space that’s never fully utilized
by the homeowner,” James said.
James and his wife, Mary, a custom furniture
consultant, offer the following tips to turn
your rooftop deck into a personal oasis.
1. Define the use
Defining how the deck will be used most of
the time is the top way to make sure the space
fits the homeowners’ needs. Questions like,
“Will the deck host weekly family dinner?”
and “Will you use it daily for drinks and
lounging?” help determine whether a kitchen/
dining area is needed and how much seating
should be included. Plan for how many people
you expect to fit on the deck.
2. Stay true to your style
Most people have a style or color scheme
they are already drawn to. A good designer
will pay attention to the rest of a homeowner’s
space and incorporate that theme into the
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rooftop deck to create a cohesive style from
interior to exterior.
3. Focus on materials
Materials have a significant impact on the
final look of the deck, whether it’s sleek
tile, decorative concrete or luxury composite
lumber. James said his rooftop decks are
primarily Envision composite lumber by
TAMKO, because of the wide variety of
styles the boards can accommodate, taking on
everything from the look of exotic hardwoods
to distressed reclaimed barn wood.
4. Add a covering
Regardless of how the deck will be used,
it’s nice to have a covered area to escape
the heat of the sun or the rain. Depending
on the homeowners’ needs and budget, the
covering can be anything from a grouping
of large umbrellas to a covered structure
with glass walls.
5. Include a fire element
If adding a covering helps extend deck
season through the extreme heat of summer
and the rain of spring, including a fire element
extends the deck’s use through the fall and
winter. This could be something as simple as
a fire pit or as elaborate as a built-in fireplace.
“Between a shade covering and a fireplace,
you’re extending deck season to 70-80 percent
of the year, depending on where you live,”
James said.
6. Work with the views
Consider the natural views when deciding
where to add a covering and how to position
furniture on a rooftop deck. One area of the
deck may offer superior views, either of
nature or of a cityscape. Position furniture to
open up to the best view and construct deck
coverings and any needed walls to obstruct
undesirable views.