If you're planning a new deck for your Chicago home, it's important to take the time to research your options. From wood and composite to porcelain pavers, each material comes with its own benefits, challenges, and long-term costs. Your choice should align with your budget, lifestyle, and vision for the space—not just for today, but for years to come. Partnering with a rooftop specialist can help ensure your investment meets code requirements, is beautiful and built to last. Let’s take a closer look at the options and share what we most often recommend for rooftop and elevated decks.

When weighing your decking options, it’s helpful to consider more than just the initial look or price tag. Factors like durability, maintenance requirements, roof compatibility, and long-term performance all play a critical role in how satisfied you’ll be with your deck over time. Below, we break down the key features of wood, composite, and porcelain pavers—so you can make an informed decision and feel confident moving forward with your project.

Porcelain Pavers customized for Rooftop Decks (above left = Dekton large scale porcelain tile) (Above right = square porcelain tile checker board pattern)

Porcelain Pavers

At Rooftopia, we believe porcelain pavers are the ultimate choice for rooftop decks. Their sleek appearance, exceptional durability, and low-maintenance design make them an ideal solution for homeowners seeking a high-end outdoor space that stands the test of time. Whether you're looking to create a modern retreat or a timeless gathering area, porcelain pavers offer the perfect blend of style and function with minimal upkeep.

Pros of Porcelain Pavers:

Highly Durable: Won’t scratch, fade, or stain, or crack even in extreme weather.
Low Maintenance: No sealing or staining required—just occasional cleaning with water and mild soap. Porcelain pavers can be easily power washed, and even tough stains like rust from metal furniture can be removed with appropriate cleaners without damaging the surface.
Fire-Resistant & Weatherproof: Ideal for extreme weather conditions, such as those in Chicago.
Modern Aesthetic: Adds a sleek, luxurious look to your outdoor area.
Resistant to Mold & Mildew: Great for damp, outdoor environments.
Slip Resistant: When using high-quality options like Unilock.
Modular/Easy to Remove: If you need to do a roof repair these are easy to pop up and then place them back when the repairs are done. Unlike other types of decking that rely on wooden joists that you have to cut or remove larger areas for renovation and harder to reinstall cleanly.
Superior Drainage & Roof Protection: Pedestal systems improve drainage and airflow, evenly distribute the weight of garden materials, and protect the roof membrane—reducing the risk of leaks and long-term water damage compared to traditional wood joist systems.
Lightweight Yet Durable: Porcelain pavers weigh approximately 10 lbs per square foot—significantly lighter than concrete pavers—making them a roof-friendly option that won’t overload your structure. (Note: On taller buildings, pavers must meet wind uplift standards and may require additional review before installation.)
Design Flexibility & Aesthetic Variety: Porcelain pavers offer a wide range of design options, including various colors, shapes, and sizes. Some even mimic the natural look of wood grain, giving you the flexibility to create a unique, personalized design that suits your style.

Cons of Porcelain Pavers:

Premium Upfront Investment: Porcelain pavers may cost more initially, but their exceptional durability, weather resistance, and virtually maintenance-free nature make them a smart long-term investment that adds lasting value to your home.
Professional Installation Recommended: Porcelain pavers are best installed on a pedestal system and often require precise cuts for a clean, custom fit—especially on rooftops. The good news? Our expert team specializes in these installations and will ensure your project is done beautifully, safely, and to code.

Composite/PVC Decking (Trex®, TimberTech® Brands)

Composite decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood decking, made from a blend of recycled plastics and wood fibers. Leading brands like Trex®, TimberTech®, and Fiberon® offer long-lasting, low-maintenance options in a wide range of colors and finishes that mimic the look of natural wood without the upkeep. While we typically recommend porcelain pavers for rooftop applications due to their superior drainage and roof compatibility, composite decking is an excellent choice for backyard patios, terraces, and elevated decks not built directly over roofing systems. It offers a durable, some options are made of recycled eco-friendly materials (but not all).

Pros of Composite Decking

Extremely Durable: Composite decking is highly resistant to rot, mold, and insects, making it a long-lasting choice for outdoor spaces.
Low Maintenance: Composite decking requires no staining or sealing, saving you time & money in the long run.
Slip-Resistant & Splinter-Free: Composite decking offers a smooth, splinter-free surface that’s safer for kids and pets, with many brands featuring slip-resistant finishes for added peace of mind. Note: In full sun, some composite materials can become quite hot to the touch, which may affect barefoot comfort and safety.
Wide Range of Colors & Textures: Available in a variety of colors and wood-like textures, composite decking offers the aesthetic appeal of natural wood without the upkeep. Pricing can vary depending on color depth and grain realism—more natural-looking boards typically come at a premium.

Pros of Composite Decking

Higher Upfront Cost: While composite decking is more affordable than some high-end options, it still costs more than traditional wood decking.

Can Get Hot in Direct Sunlight: Composite materials can absorb heat, making them uncomfortable to walk on in hot weather.
Requires Heavy Framing & Risk of Moisture Issues: Composite decking must be installed over a traditional wood joist system, often using pressure-treated pine. These joists can deteriorate over time due to trapped moisture between the framing and roof membrane—potentially leading to hidden damage and costly repairs. Unlike pedestal-supported systems, this setup lacks airflow underneath, which can accelerate decay. Composite also requires more structural support, with joists typically spaced every 12" on center, increasing material and labor costs. Be cautious of contractors who suggest shortcuts—they may compromise long-term performance and roof integrity.
Not Biodegradable: While many brands, like Trex, use recycled materials, composite decking isn’t biodegradable, so it’s less eco-friendly than natural wood in that sense.

Wood Decking

Wood decking has long been a popular choice for its natural beauty, warmth, and timeless appeal in outdoor spaces. However, despite its charm, it requires significantly more maintenance compared to modern alternatives like porcelain pavers or composite decking. At Rooftopia, we appreciate the aesthetic value of wood and incorporate it into many of our designs, such as privacy screens and pergolas. However, we generally don’t recommend it for decking projects due to its high maintenance needs, limited lifespan from weathering damage, and potential challenges with roof accessibility. That said, if you’re drawn to the classic appeal of wood, here’s what you should consider before making your decision.

Pros of Wood Decking

Beautiful, Natural Aesthetic: Wood offers a timeless, warm look that many homeowners love, providing a natural aesthetic that’s hard to match with synthetic materials.
More Affordable Upfront: Compared to composite or porcelain, wood decking generally comes with a lower initial cost, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Refinishing Flexibility: Wood decks can be refinished, sanded, and stained for a fresh, updated look. You have the ability to customize the appearance over time to suit your preferences.
Wide Range of Species: There are many types of wood to choose from, including cedar, redwood, and exotic hardwoods like Tigerwood, Ipe and Cumaru, each offering different looks, strengths, and pricing.

Cons of Wood Decking

Ongoing Maintenance Required: Wood decking needs consistent upkeep—including sealing, staining, and cleaning—to protect its appearance and extend its lifespan. While some homeowners enjoy the ritual, it can become costly and time-consuming over time.
Vulnerable to Weather & Wear: In climates like Chicago, wood is especially prone to warping, cracking, and rotting due to moisture and temperature shifts. Even pressure-treated or hardwood options will show signs of aging if not meticulously maintained.
Shorter Lifespan: Most wood decks last between 10–20 years, depending on the wood species and maintenance routine. By comparison, porcelain and composite materials offer significantly longer life with less ongoing effort.
Limited Design Flexibility: Wood decking typically comes in standard board sizes and colors, which can limit creative design options. For those seeking a sleek, modern, or more customized look, other materials offer greater aesthetic versatility.
More Material Waste: Wood decking often involves more cutting and waste due to inconsistent board quality or project layouts. Alternative materials are manufactured with precision and consistency, which allows for more efficient use with less waste.

Choosing the Right Decking for Your Rooftop

When it comes to creating the perfect rooftop deck, there are several options to choose from—but at Rooftopia, we believe porcelain pavers on pedestal systems offer the best all-around solution. This combination provides an ideal balance of style, durability, and low maintenance, ensuring your space remains beautiful while keeping your roof accessible for long-term enjoyment. The pedestal system also makes it easier for our gardening team to work around irrigation and lighting systems, ensures accessibility and lower costs for future roof maintenance, and minimizes ongoing upkeep. All in all, it's a smart, gorgeous material for a long-lasting investment in your outdoor living space.

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