Rooftop
Decks
City views, elevated living.
Rooftop decks are the ultimate urban luxury in Canadian cities. With downtown lot sizes shrinking and condo living booming, the rooftop has become prime real estate. In Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, a well-built rooftop deck can add $50,000+ to property value. But rooftop builds come with unique challenges: waterproofing, weight limits, wind exposure, and building codes are all more complex than ground-level decks. When done right, though, nothing beats sipping a drink 30 feet up with a skyline view.
Design Tips
Prioritize Waterproofing
The membrane beneath your deck is everything. Use a pedestal system that allows water to flow underneath to existing roof drains. Never puncture the membrane with fasteners.
Create Wind Breaks
Rooftops are windy. Slatted privacy screens, tempered glass panels, or strategically placed planters with tall grasses break the wind without blocking views.
Use Lightweight Materials
Weight is critical on rooftops. Choose lightweight pavers, composite tiles, or aluminum-frame furniture. Check your building's load capacity before planning.
Add Shade
Rooftops get intense sun. Retractable awnings, shade sails, or a pergola with motorized louvers provide relief while maintaining the open feel.
Layer Lighting
String lights at different heights, solar-powered stake lights in planters, and uplighting on architectural features create a magical rooftop atmosphere.
Recommended Materials
PVC
→Lightweight, waterproof, and won't rot — perfect for rooftop applications where moisture management is critical.
Composite
→Durable and low-maintenance. When used with pedestal systems, composite tiles create a premium rooftop surface.
Ipê
→For luxury rooftop builds — the density and hardness of Ipê handles foot traffic and weather extremes beautifully.
Gallery
Key Considerations
- A structural engineer must confirm the roof can handle the additional load (typically 40–60 lbs per sq ft)
- Waterproofing membrane inspection and warranty preservation are non-negotiable — document everything
- Many Canadian municipalities have specific rooftop deck bylaws including railing heights (often 42–48" for elevated decks)
- Wind load requirements are higher on rooftops — furniture should be weighted or secured
- Access is often a challenge — plan for material delivery via crane or manual carry-up and factor that into cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a rooftop deck on my townhouse?
In many Canadian cities, yes — but you'll need building permits, a structural assessment, and often condo board approval. Toronto has been increasingly approving rooftop deck applications for townhomes and low-rise buildings.
How much does a rooftop deck cost?
Rooftop decks are premium builds: $100–$200+ per square foot installed. A 200 sq ft rooftop deck typically costs $30,000–$50,000 including waterproofing, materials, and labour.
Will a rooftop deck damage my roof?
Not if built correctly. Pedestal systems suspend the decking above the membrane without puncturing it. This actually protects the roof from UV damage and foot traffic.
What about snow load on a rooftop deck?
Canadian building codes already require roofs to handle significant snow loads. Your structural engineer will factor in both the deck weight and typical snow accumulation for your region.
Ready to Build Your Rooftop Deck?
Connect with verified contractors who specialize in rooftop decks across Canada.
Get Free Quotes →
