Deck Ideas for a Flat Roof

Sky Garden

• The rooftop of an industrial building converted for residential use can be a small park with paved sections topped by pergolas, weather--resistant wood planters to hold evergreen foliage or summer vegetables, natural willow or bamboo screens and windbreaks, and patio furniture for use most of the year. The views may make it a popular perch, even in winter. With careful attention to fire codes and safety, a small fire pit can warm winter hands and feet so the deck gets used year-round. Take advantage of the need to build deck surfaces, and vary the levels with rock garden channels and steps up to seating areas for extra visual interest.

Garage Top Gem

• A flat-roofed garage is a deck waiting to happen. Put a railing or fence around it so the whole family can safely use the space. Then treat it like an outdoor room. Is it large enough for a small barbecue pit? Can the roof support the addition of planters so you can grow a garden in mid-air? Does an overhanging tree supply shade? Create a foot-friendly floor so the deck isn't too hot for barefoot summers, and then park the car and head upstairs for some homegrown, fresh-air relaxation that's just steps away from the fridge. Check into municipality or neighborhood zoning restrictions and necessary building permits for any construction before you hire a contractor or DIY.

Self-Watering Deck

• Veg out on the roof with a sustainable planter garden on a sunny flat area. Be sure any gables don't block the light if you want lush, abundant tomatoes. Then line that flat roof deck with self-irrigated planters, containers for annuals, and raised beds for more beans, tomatoes, lettuce and herbs -- even radishes and carrots. Self-irrigated planters save on watering, and some pre-made versions have optional trellises to support climbing plants. You can set up your own system for high-flying tomatoes and beans with pole supports and sturdy netting or wires over which you train the plants. This type of garden is perfect for a roof, but the planters are heavy, so have the roof inspected for weight loads before planning your harvest.

City Chickens

• Don't give up the delights of the country just because you live in a city. A building with a tiered roof provides two flat deck spaces to plant and farm. An industrial or apartment building conversion will have a strong roof that may not even need reinforcing to support dwarf fruit trees in containers, roses rambling over privacy fencing, raised beds of lettuce and vegetables, cedar or teak decking for tables and chairs, and a field of seasonal wildflowers where something is always in bloom. And the chickens? They're free-range across the unmowed ornamental grasses on the lowest level to keep them from laying eggs in the rose garden one floor up. Most cities allow chickens but they require a permit and may restrict numbers, free-range and coop sizes. Forget about roosters.