Rooftop Patio Design Ideas That Will Keep You Outside All Summer Long

Homeowners spent about $320 billion dollars on home remodeling projects in 2019. Homeowners upgrade and renovate everything, including the kitchen sink, but some improvements add more value and fun than others.

One renovation that adds living space and luxury is a rooftop patio space. Do you have a rooftop area sitting idle? Are you using it for storage or nothing at all?

Consider turning that unused space into a glorious rooftop patio that’ll get the family outside all summer long. Rooftop patios are perfect for entertaining and hosting family dinners.

Keep reading for some practical and fun rooftop patio design ideas.

Reasons for a Rooftop Patio

As housing prices soar and every inch of land has value, building up is sometimes the only option. Building up also means you don’t need an extra-large lot for adding extras to your home.

As lot sizes get smaller and yards nonexistent, patios and outdoor living spaces disappear. Going up top also adds views you wouldn’t otherwise have.

If you’ve got a rooftop area, it’s past time to build something up there! Get your roof checked out first. If you need a new roof, incorporate that into your renovation.

Now for the fun!

Rooftop Patio Design Ideas

Decide on your budget first and then you can find an experienced contractor to make your ideas come to life! Ideally, you’re looking for a contractor who has a few rooftop patios under his belt. Then it’s time to decide on the “must-haves” for your patio. A roof deck can be a great addition to your roof if you’re stuck for unique ideas. If you live in the Midwest then you should check out this Minneapolis deck builder to turn your dream into reality!

Indoor and Outdoor Space

Is your entire roof flat? If so, you’ve got room for an indoor/outdoor space on the roof. This adds true luxury to your rooftop. With an indoor space, there’s room for a bathroom and living area.

You can even add an entire master suite that opens into a beautiful rooftop patio. Don’t want a bedroom up there?

You could make it a bathroom, living room, and kitchen combination that opens out onto the patio space. Having an indoor space next to the rooftop patio means you’ll have use of your rooftop all year round no matter the weather.

Eating Space

No matter what design you use for your rooftop patio, make sure you’ve got a great eating space. An outdoor kitchen means you won’t have to run up and down the stairs when you’re throwing a dinner party.

A built-in grill with a wet bar and refrigerator adds value to any patio area, especially a rooftop patio. Do you have beautiful city views from your rooftop patio? Consider a big modern wood and stone picnic table situated so everyone can take in the view during dinner.

Don’t Forget Shade

A rooftop patio offers hours of fun in the sun but don’t forget some shade options! If you don’t have any indoor areas on your rooftop patio, you’ll need some shaded areas for you and your guests.
A pergola offers the right amount of shade while still affording those beautiful rooftop views. Place the pergola to showcase the best view.

Put the dining area under the pergola so you can host luncheons without worrying about getting too much sun. Add outdoor curtains on the crossbeams of the pergola for more shade and privacy options.

Rooftop Bar Seating

Do you live near the ocean? We already know what direction everyone wants to face when they’re on your rooftop patio! Add a rooftop bar counter with ocean-facing stools, or put a couple of pieces of rattan garden furniture, along the length of the roof.

The Perfect Mood Lighting

Whether you’re going for minimalist bar seating or lush couches with a full outdoor kitchen, use the right lighting.

Use soft lighting when the sun goes down. You need enough light to see what you’re doing without drowning out the beauty of the night sky. If you live in the city, you want to see the lights coming on in nearby buildings.

Hanging lanterns, clever floor lamps, and string lights all add a beautiful nighttime touch.

Year-Round Living

Make your outdoor patio space livable in winter with a gorgeous outdoor fire feature. A traditional round fire pit is fun but isn’t the best option for a rooftop.

Try a modern fire bowl instead. This is a large, lightweight, portable bowl in which you build the fire. You don’t need to bother with lighting wood. Propane and natural gas are great options for your fire bowl.

Want something that adds warmth and an interesting decor element as well? Go for a few thoughtfully placed fire columns.

Fire columns are tall and narrow. They add a heat source but don’t take up a lot of space.

Fire tables are another great option. They’re regular tables with a hole in the middle where the fire goes. They have pretty rocks through which the fire burns.

Fire tables are gas or electric powered. There’s space for setting plates and drinks with the added benefit of heat. They’re also a nice design feature.

Lush Greenery

Your rooftop patio is the perfect place for lush plants and even a working garden. There’s plenty of sun for growing vegetables.

Line the edges of the roof with narrow, freestanding, elevated planters. Grow everything from beautiful flowering plants to tomatoes.

Plenty of Seating

Make sure your rooftop patio has plenty of comfortable seating. Looking for inexpensive chairs? Flea markets and garage sales offer some of the least expensive ways of finding great seating options.

Use your imagination when it comes to decor. Don’t be afraid of repainting or refinishing old furniture to match your style and color tastes.

Enjoy Your New Rooftop Patio

A rooftop patio is a perfect solution to adding space to a home on a small lot. You won’t lose precious backyard space to a room addition.

Have the experts check your roof first. Decide on your budget and the type of outdoor living you want.

Are you adding indoor and outdoor space on your roof? Think about what you’ll use the space for most.

Make sure you have an outdoor eating space. If entertaining is your thing, an outdoor kitchen is a must.

Add mood lighting, a heating element, and lush greenery for the perfect ambiance. You may never want to leave your roof again!

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