If you want high end materials, the wood you should go with is IPE. If you want recycled materials, the trex brasilia line is good. I don't know why it would be an issue to create your parapet at 42" with planters built into them. Think of it as a wall with a recess. However, there may be restrictions of having airflow etc, where openings in the fence are necessary (search DOB- use search term: 'parapet'). Your expeditor should be able to find this info for you.

I have some dwgs somewhere of the planter wall detail. I was going to do it myself over existing mini-parapets on my terrace.

Let me know if you'd like any info, and I'll post my email address.

Posted by: hookgirl at July 9, 2009 1:33 PM in response to Roof Deck Materials?

In addition to budget and taste, practicality should play a major role in your choice of materials. Roof decks often have less than ideal access, and doing things like power washing a deck on top of your roof may not be good idea. We used ipe for the deck off our parlor floor but, as beautiful as it is, it's not maintenance free. Friends used Trex which was craned onto the roof. It's totally good looking -- especially since they got a good design that includes integral planters etc.

Posted by: grand army at July 9, 2009 8:27 PM in response to Roof Deck Materials?

Thanks everyone. Hookgirl, I would love to see some photos. Also, grand army, do you have any photos of your friends trex deck with integrated planters. We do have access, there is actually a room on the roof and we already have water up there. I just want to design a deck that will look good and last. I know trex is expensive but the reason I have always discounted it is because I was concerned it would look "fake." But I think the newer versions are pretty nice. I have also heard IPE is hard to take care of. Can one use cedar and just let it weather and age?

Thanks again for the help.

Posted by: homey at July 10, 2009 10:13 AM in response to Roof Deck Materials?

Ipe deck are the least troublesome wood decks to maintain. never need staining, rot proof for 100 years, never need any protective coating, fire resistant can be stained clear or use a special formulated stain which doesn't cover the grains

Posted by: stevenwilliams55 at July 10, 2009 3:21 PM in response to Roof Deck Materials?