Adding a rooftop deck creates valuable outdoor living space to enjoy city skyline views. But first take time considering the full investment in structural support, decking materials, amenities, and professional installation.
Here is roof deck cost start to finish for projects ranging from simple platforms to luxury tile finishes.
Constructing roof deck area properly handles building codes and challenging access issues compared with standard ground level decks.
Review key factors influencing rooftop deck cost before requesting contractor project quotes.
Average Rooftop Deck Cost
Typical all-in project budgets range on average:
- Average Cost: $11,250
- High Cost: $15,000
- Low Cost: $7,500
Use these figures when scoping potential rooftop deck cost additions between 150 to 300 square feet size. Exact specs and site complications move numbers up or down significantly.
For example, a basic 300 square foot wood deck with composite railings but no stairs access would tally:
- 300 sq ft x $15 composite decking = $4,500
- Miscellaneous fasteners, lag bolts – $500
- Board labor installation & integration – $3,000
- Building permits & drawings – $1,500
- Total Estimate = Approximately $9,500
Having existing rooftop access and fewer amenities allows simplifying to hit that baseline realistic budget. Review the range of variables you must account for appropriately below.
Rooftop Decking Material Costs Per Square Foot
Primary deck surface options including installation range dramatically in price as shown for sample 150 sq ft area:
| Material | Price Per Sq Ft | Total Estimate |
| PVC Decking | $9 – $12 | $1,350 – $1,800 |
| Tile Tech Pavers | $16 – $25 | $2,400 – $3,750 |
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $2 – $5 | $300 – $750 |
| Porcelain Decking | $35 – $55 | $450 – $5,250 |
| Synthetic Grass | $0.90 – $2 | $135 – $300 |
Composite plastic or PVC decking offers durability with minimal maintenance. Premium porcelain or natural stone tiles provide high-end luxury finish options. Pressure-treated deck boards work on a budget.
Get realistic about long term maintenance expectations. Wood requires periodic sealing and scrubbing to prevent mold or splinters over years of weather exposure up on rooftops.
On the plus side tile and composite materials involve zero maintenance once installed properly.
Installation Cost Factor Estimates
Several elements significantly influence rooftop deck construction installation costs:
- Average Labor – $15 to $35 per sq ft rate based on access difficulty/time
- City Permit Fees – 5% to 15% of total deck project value
- Roof Condition – $2,000 to $4,000 sistering and reinforcing
- Roof Access Installation – $2,000 to $4,000 crane/hoist equipment daily rental averages
Roof deck protection materials such as Integrating insulation, increasing load capacity with extra support beams or trusses, and zoning compliance factors bump up pricing further.
Unique drainage integration may also add costs in some situations.
Avoid broadly estimated bids until defining all amenities and access expectations beyond basic deck platforms.
Total Project Budget Overview
Tying together all structural support, essential safety features materials and skill installation costs provides realistic rooftop deck investment perspective:
Basic Rooftop Deck Cost Build
- Basic PT Wood Deck & Railings – $2,250 Material
- Roof Access Ladder – $500
- Labor & Permits To Code – $3,000
- Total Low-End Budget – $5,750
Average Rooftop Deck Cost Build
- Composite Decking + Railings – $5,500 Materials
- Rooftop Stair Access – $2,000
- Lighting & Outlets Package – $2,500
- Installation/Permits/Drawings – $7,500
- Average Realistic Total – $17,500
Luxury Rooftop Deck Cost To Impress
- Premium 20×20 Porcelain Tile Finish – $9,000 Material
- Stainless Cable Railing Upgrade – $4,500
- Load Capacity Truss Upgrades – $5,000 to $10,000+
- Total High-End – $25,000+
As you see the options, upgrades and site-specific goals change budgets dramatically. Generally expect closer to $200 per square foot all-in for composite decks.
Tile with beefed up structure exceeds $300 per square foot average for stunning entertainment spaces making memories to last a lifetime.
Long Term Value Addition
Budgeting appropriately up front maximizes enjoyment over years of use. Rooftop deck additions return 75% to 85% ROI on average at the time of eventual home sale.
Some premium builds fully leverage views and location power fetching top dollar in cities worldwide.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, adding a rooftop deck can be a sensible investment for homeowners wishing to increase the value of their property while also creating a practical outdoor space.
Rooftop deck costs can range from $15,000 to $75,000, depending on factors such as materials, size, and amenities.
Homeowners may design a beautiful and practical rooftop deck that adds value to their house and provides an enjoyable outdoor environment for years to come by considering these considerations and working with a skilled contractor.
FAQ’s
How much does a rooftop deck cost?
The average all-in build cost for a 300 square foot rooftop deck totals around $11,250. High-end with tile finishes and added structural investments to handle occupant live/snow loading hits $25,000+.
How much does labor cost to build a roof over a deck?
Rooftop labor runs $15 – $35 per square foot depending on difficulty navigating access routes safely. Permitted projects closer to $35. Better staging areas save hauling costs.
Can you add a rooftop deck to an existing house?
Yes in many cases trusses and walls have extra planned residual capacity by code. An engineer reviews paths to handle added live/snow loads strengthening specific reinforce points. City permitting process vital.
How much value does a roof deck add?
Properly built, rooftop decks return 75% to 85% ROI improving home sale prices drastically. Premium configurations fully leveraging views in major cities return costs nearly 100% long run.
How much does a roof top terrace cost?
Pricing mirrors close standards for rooftop decks outlined above. However total budgets exceed averages when integrating more premium apartment style terrace amenities like planters, pergolas, and appliances.