If you have limited options for outdoor living because you live in a unit or have a communal outdoor space, whatever your circumstance, the rooftop is a valuable option. All that you need is a little imagination, and the possibilities are endless, you could even plant a herb and veggie patch or have a combination of artificial grass and decking.
Below are a few different ways you can maximise your rooftop space.
- Choose how much maintenance your space requires
Depending on what choices you make, you can design your space to require little maintenance, so upkeep is easy. Simplicity can still mean stylish, with some planter boxes and bench seating so you can enjoy your surroundings – hopefully with a view. Make it comfortable by throwing some weatherproof cushions around and if keeping plants alive isn’t your thing then keep greenery to a minimum.
- Lots of seating
Scatter a variety of seating around your space – weatherproof beanbags, day beds and UV resistant chairs for entertaining guests, having an outdoor movie night or thoroughly soaking up the sun. Play around with space by using different types of chairs but in similar tones for cohesiveness.
- Spread some light
Light can have an extraordinary effect on an outdoor space, especially when entertaining. Small and easy to maintain trees lit from the ground, candles, fire-pit, wall mounted lights, and even fairy lights can make space become entertainment city.
- Hard plants for easy upkeep
A rooftop garden gets next to no protection, so it is essential to choose plants and other fixings wisely. We recommend choosing plants that survive well in your climate. For example, if you live in a coastal area, succulents, grasses and other small coastal species are most likely to persist well out in the elements. Also, they cope well in conditions with shallow soil, prolonged heat and dry atmosphere.
If you like a bit of colour and texture and how it sways in the breeze, grasses can add a whole lot dimension and a talking piece to your rooftop space. They look delightful and last well in the elements. Walkways also help break up the spaces between the hardy plants which can be established by using stepping stones, timber or composite decking, gravel and even some artificial turf. All these options allow you to enjoy your outdoor space while being near maintenance-free.
- Looking up
Given that you are creating a space on a rooftop, you are going to be limited with your choices, especially if you want the room to entertain. A lush vibe can be created by looking up and creating a vertical garden.
To add something a little extra special, wall-mounted spotlights can make your vertical garden a lovely feature will make sitting outside of a night extra special.
- Add Some Green to the Roof
Adding plants to a roof is becoming increasingly popular when new homes and apartments are built. The reason for this is it is a fantastic source of insulation, and it’s aesthetically pleasing. It also may be the only space you have for some greenery.
These type of rooves can either be ‘extensive’ or ‘intensive’. What this means is that an ‘extensive’ roof garden has a soil depth of around 50-200mm. ‘Intensive’ is when the depth of the soil is greater than 200mm, which means you can plant deeper rooting plants and have a significantly different garden.
- Add Some Levels
There are fun ways you can include levels on your rooftop garden, to give it a bit of flair. This can consist of planter boxes of various sizes, stepped garden beds, fun features with water and decking boards for designated entertainment areas. Creating levels also creates a level of intimacy in what is quite an exposed space.
Creativity doesn’t stop there, though; you can do some organic farming with a veggie patch that can absorb rainwater and give you some tasty treats after some time. Some ideal produce for a roof space is kale, snow peas, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and crunchy iceberg lettuce. You can also make use of this space and the sun by planting some of your favourite herbs.
- Versatility with Artificial Lawn
While your initial thoughts may be that artificial lawn is expensive, it is the perfect choice for a rooftop garden because it’s low maintenance and long-term is most cost-effective. It’s an ideal choice because there’s no watering, no mowing, or edging and it drains really well. It’s great for pets and kids, and people with grass allergies will love it!
- Shade
While sitting in the sun and enjoying the view is excellent, but the Australian sun can be harsh, particularly during summer. We recommend installing a UV-resistant large shade umbrella or removable sailcloth that you can pull around during the sunniest parts of the day.
- Keep it Small
If your rooftop is suitable to be used as an outdoor area for you and your family, then why not add some simple decking and chairs to start with to see how it goes. We recommend before making any changes that you consult a structural engineer and your local council for permission and safety. Most of all, enjoy all the outdoor goodness your space offers you.
Infographic provided by NewTechWood America, Inc., a composite deck railing company
