25 Rooftop Ideas

Give your home — and your wellbeing — a boost with these 25 rooftop ideas for your outdoor living space.
1. Create a Rooftop Garden

If you have a flat rooftop, consider turning it into a garden. This is a great way to add some greenery to your city home.
You can use planters, raised garden beds, or even a container garden to grow a variety of plants.
Make sure to talk to a professional to make sure your roof can handle the weight of a garden.
You’ll also want to consider the type of soil and drainage system you’ll need.
2. Add a Fire Pit

A fire pit is a great addition to any outdoor space. It can provide warmth and light and can be a great focal point for your rooftop deck.
You can add a built-in fire pit or use a portable one. Just be sure to check your local fire codes before adding a fire pit to your rooftop.
3. Design an Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens are a great way to add cooking and dining space to your home without having to build an addition.
And a rooftop is the perfect place to create a cooking and dining area.
Outdoor kitchens can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. A simple outdoor kitchen might just be a grill and a small countertop.
More elaborate outdoor kitchens can feature a sink, refrigerator, and even a pizza oven.
Be sure to work with a contractor to design an outdoor kitchen that meets local building codes and has the proper ventilation.
4. Create a Rooftop Deck

If you have the space, a deck is a great way to create a designated area for dining, lounging, and even gardening.
This deck by Studio Life.Style has a built-in bench and a dining table to make the most of the space.
5. Design a Sunken Seating Area

The sunken seating area is a beautiful design that you can incorporate into your rooftop.
This design is particularly good for those who have a lot of wind on their rooftop, as it provides a little bit of protection from the elements.
You can choose to build this design into the roof or build it on top of the roof.
If you build it on top of the roof, make sure that it is properly supported and that it is not too heavy for the roof to handle.
You can use this space to create a little oasis for yourself in the middle of the city.
Add some greenery and comfortable seating, and you will never want to leave your rooftop.
6. Add a Pergola

Pergolas are a great way to add shade and a sense of enclosure to your rooftop space.
You can use a pergola to define different areas of your rooftop, like an outdoor dining area or a lounge space.
Add some curtains to the sides of your pergola to create a more private space.
7. Use Built-In Seating

If you don’t want to clutter your rooftop with lots of furniture, consider built-in seating.
This way, you can maximize your space and still have plenty of room for guests.
We love how this seating area by Studio Lifestyle has a built-in fire pit and is surrounded by planters.
You can also add a pergola to create a cozy, covered space.
8. Create a Swimming Pool

If you have a large budget and want to create a rooftop oasis, a swimming pool is the perfect addition.
You can build a pool on your roof, and it’s an excellent way to cool down on a hot summer day.
9. Add a Shade Sail

Protect your family from harmful UV rays by installing a shade sail on your rooftop.
These modern, stylish shade structures are easy to install and are available in a variety of colors and sizes.
The triangular sail is attached to three anchor points, and you can adjust the height of each anchor point to create a unique look.
10. Design a Green Roof

Green roofs are a trendy way to add a lush and private garden to your home.
These living roofs are designed to support plant life, and they are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Green roofs are natural insulators and help to reduce the amount of energy your home uses.
They also help to filter rainwater and reduce runoff, and they can even help to improve air quality.
There are many different types of green roofs, and the type you choose will depend on your climate, budget, and the amount of maintenance you want to do.
Extensive green roofs have a thin layer of soil and are designed to support low-growing plants like succulents, moss, and grasses.
Intensive green roofs have a deeper layer of soil and can support a wider variety of plants, including trees and shrubs.
11. Add an Outdoor Movie Theater

If you have a large enough space, you can add an outdoor movie theater. You’ll need a projector, screen, and seating.
You can also add a fire pit, a bar, or even a hot tub to create a luxury movie-viewing experience.
This is a great idea for rooftop spaces on top of apartment buildings or condos. You can host movie nights for the whole building.
Or, you can make it a private escape for you and your family.
12. Create a Rooftop Dining Area

If you have the space, a dining area on your rooftop is a great way to make use of the space.
You can create a casual dining area with a small table and a few chairs or go all out with a large dining table and a full outdoor kitchen.
This rooftop dining area is perfect for a casual dinner with a few friends.
The small dining table is just the right size for the space, and the bench seating allows for plenty of room for guests.
The built-in planters add a touch of greenery to the space and help to define the dining area.
13. Design a Yoga Studio

If you’re passionate about yoga, you can create your own rooftop yoga studio.
This is a great way to make use of the space and create a relaxing environment for your yoga sessions.
You can use a pergola to define the space and add privacy fencing or walls to block out distractions.
Add a sound system and a few decorative touches to complete your rooftop yoga studio.
14. Add a Bar
If you like to entertain, then you’ll want to have a bar on your rooftop. This is a great way to keep the drinks flowing and the party going all night long.
You can build a permanent bar or have a portable one that you can move around as needed. You can also have a built-in bar that is covered when not in use.
15. Create a Play Area
A dedicated play space on the roof can be a great way to get kids outside and active. Plus, it can be a fun place for them to invite friends over.
This play area includes a climbing wall, which can be a great way for kids to build strength and confidence.
Pro tip: Make sure to install a safety surface beneath your climbing wall. In this case, the artificial turf helps cushion any falls.
16. Design a Lounge
If you have a large rooftop, consider dividing it into zones. This rooftop features a lounge area with a large sectional and coffee table.
You can use outdoor rugs to define the space and add a pop of color. A pergola can also help to define the space and provide some shade.
17. Add an Outdoor Shower
If you’re lucky enough to have a rooftop with a view, you’ll want to take advantage of it. One way to do that is by adding an outdoor shower. Not only will it give you a place to rinse off after a swim, but it will also allow you to enjoy the scenery in a whole new way.
This rooftop shower designed by Dzek and the Campana brothers is surrounded by a wall of colorful tiles, creating a sense of privacy.
18. Create a Dog Run
If you’re a dog owner, you know that a yard is a non-negotiable. But if you’re living in the city, you might have to get a little more creative. Turn your rooftop into a dog run by installing a fence and adding a doggy door that leads into your home.
Don’t forget to add a few features to keep your pup entertained, like a water feature, a few trees, and a tunnel.
19. Design a Gazebo
If you want a rooftop deck but don’t have a lot of tall buildings around you, a gazebo is a great way to make a little privacy for your space.
This rooftop deck in Chicago designed by Kuklinski + Rappe Architects has a custom gazebo with a built-in fireplace. The wood paneling and built-in seating make the space feel like a cozy living room, with the best views.
20. Add a Putting Green
If you have the space, a putting green is a fun addition to any rooftop. This is the perfect idea for a golfer who doesn’t have time to get to the course but wants to practice their swing.
This putting green is made of artificial turf, which makes it possible to add to any rooftop. It’s also a low-maintenance option.
Conclusion
Rooftop design is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. The tips and ideas in this article will help you to get started. Whether you have a small or large rooftop, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.