Rooftop Decking, Elevate Your Urban Space with Trex Composite Decking: A Rooftop Revolution
In the ever-evolving world of urban design, outdoor spaces in cities have taken centre stage. The year 2020 marked a significant shift as bars and restaurants were granted permission to extend their seating areas outdoors, revolutionising the use of available outdoor space. However, in major cities where ground-level areas, such as pedestrianised roads, are limited, business owners must seek alternative options to make the most of their spaces such as rooftop decking.
In such cases, looking up can hold the key to a solution – and the trend of transforming rooftop areas continues to soar.
Rooftop bars and restaurants with panoramic views of the city skyline have always been associated with luxury, while rooftop communal areas cater to the modern trend of well-being-focused offices. Regardless of the intended use, Trex composite decking emerges as the ideal blend of style and practicality.
However, in any commercial space, there are several crucial factors to consider before embarking on a project, spanning from safety to design.
Deck installed by Gower Composite Decking & Carpentry
Safety First
In any commercial design project, safety takes precedence, and creating a rooftop terrace for various purposes is no exception.
One of the paramount safety considerations, and a legal requirement for all commercial projects, is minimising the risk of slips. Flooring must meet specific criteria, including a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) rating of at least 36 under both wet and dry conditions. This test measures slip resistance and is the accepted standard for flooring safety in public spaces.
Fortunately, Trex is designed to meet the needs of commercial projects and has undergone rigorous safety tests.
Beyond suitable flooring, other measures can enhance safety on a rooftop terrace, such as the addition of lighting to the decking. Trex Outdoor Lighting not only enhances the ambiance but also serves as a guide, highlighting potential hazards such as stairs.
Due to the nature of rooftop spaces, where high walls are not already in place, the addition of railing is important. There is now a wide variety of railings available to choose from, including clear glass railings to avoid obstructing views across the city. Trex Signature Railing and ArborRail both offer the ideal solutions for adding safe yet beautiful railing to commercial rooftop spaces.
Practical considerations
Commercial projects come with additional practical considerations, including accessibility and inclusivity requirements.
Even where covers will be used, it’s important to consider the outdoor nature of roof terraces and choose materials accordingly. Trex composite decking provides an ideal solution for any outdoor space – including roof areas – as it won’t rot, warp or fade under adverse weather conditions.
Business owners must also consider maintenance requirements and choose materials accordingly. Where minimal maintenance but high performance is desired, Trex remains the ideal choice thanks to its industry-leading 10-year commercial warranty for added peace of mind.
Design considerations
Many safety and practical requirements can be addressed through design choices, thanks to the versatility of composite decking. From specially designed deck lighting to complementary railings, Trex offers a wide array of options to meet your project’s unique needs.
Trex is also available in a range of colours to suit the individual business aesthetic as well as being sensitive to the building and city itself. Projects can be designed to meet the unique requirements of any space, from custom inlay logo designs to the use of curved boards to accommodate the shape of the space.
Moreover, Trex is committed to sustainability, which can be further enhanced with finishing touches that promote biodiversity, such as the installation of composite planters. Not only does this demonstrate your business’s commitment to the environment, but it also acknowledges the positive connection between nature and well-being for all users.
In conclusion, whether it’s a rooftop bar, office retreat, or any other commercial project, Trex composite decking offers an unparalleled solution for transforming urban rooftop spaces into vibrant, sustainable, and safe environments. To explore the possibilities and embark on a journey to elevate your rooftop space, visit our website. With Trex, you can redefine the concept of city living, one rooftop at a time.
