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Introduction: Why Roof Patio Paver Choice Matters

Transforming your rooftop into a patio is an excellent way to maximize unused outdoor space. But, picking out the right pavers for your roof deck can be a challenge.  There are several factors to take into consideration when making your choice.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Roof Deck Pavers

• Structural load capacity
• Wind uplift resistance
• Intended use (entertainment, pets, play)
• Aesthetic design preferences
• Budget and installation timelines
• Pedestal compatibility and climate conditions

Top Types of Rooftop Patio Pavers

Some of the most popular flooring options for roof terraces are concrete pavers, Ipe wood deck tiles, porcelain pavers, turf, and wood or composite decking.  Each of these products offers a unique style and has various pros and cons depending on the needs of your project.

1. Concrete Pavers for Roof Decks

        Benefits of Concrete Roof Pavers:

1. Durability: Pressed concrete pavers are pressed with 460 tons of pressure which pushes out water and air, resulting in extremely dense and durable pavers that meet or exceed most specifications.  That makes them one of the best options for high traffic commercial projects.
2. Longevity: The lifespan of concrete pavers can be as long as 50 years if they are properly maintained.
3. Design Variety: Concrete pavers come in a wide variety of colors to match any design intent.
4. Cool Surface: Light colored concrete pavers stay cool even on rooftops with no shade. 
5. LEED Points: Lighter colored cool roof pavers can earn LEED points on your project.  If you’re looking for cool roof pavers, look for an SRI (solar reflective index) value of 75 or higher. This testing is available from all paver manufacturers upon request.
6. Low Maintenance: Concrete pavers require minimal maintenance.
7. Climate Resilience: Pressed concrete pavers perform very well in all climates and can withstand freeze/thaw cycles without a problem.
8. Wind Uplift Resistance: Due to their weight, concrete pavers can be custom made to meet specific wind uplifts needs by increasing the thickness and therefore the weight.
9. Use Versatility: Some companies can add metal mesh in the center of their pavers for extra strength. These pavers are typically used for boat docks, decks which are elevated off the ground and other areas that need greater fall protection.
10. Strong: Concrete pavers rarely break with normal use even when objects are dropped on them.  They have a high compressive strength typically over 8,000 psi.
11. Slip Resistance: They have good slip resistance when wet so they make a great choice for use around pools or splash pads.
12. Fire Resistance: They are non-flammable so they can be used on any project even with the most stringent fire rating requirements.
13. Domestic Production: Concrete pavers are almost always American made, making their lead times as short as a few days to 3 weeks depending on the company you buy from and the paver you choose.
14. Cost-Effective: Pressed concrete pavers are the most cost-effective rooftop paver solution at a price tag between $10 and $22 per square foot for the entire system on pedestals. 

Considerations and Limitations of Concrete Roof Pavers:

1. Weight: Pressed concrete pavers weigh about 22 lbs per square foot at 2” thick and 17 lbs per square foot at 1.5” thick.  This exceeds the weight load capacity for most residential roofs unless it was specifically designed for concrete pavers.
2. Shipping Costs: Concrete pavers are expensive to ship.  The smaller the quantity, the more expensive the freight will be per square foot.  Keep this in mind when deciding on the quantity to order as you won’t want to reorder and pay shipping again.
3. Efflorescence: Concrete pavers naturally contain salt which makes its way to the surface of the pavers as the pavers are exposed to moisture.  This natural process is called efflorescence and will leave the pavers with a white dust on top (salt).  This process is temporary but unavoidable and will resolve itself when all the salt has escaped through the surface of the paver.  The length of time this occurs depends on the climate.  Cool, humid environments will lengthen this process while hot, dry climates can quicken the process.
4. Installation: Concrete pavers are heavy and more difficult to cut than lighter products. This requires a contractor accustomed to cutting concrete using a wet saw to perform your installation.

2. Porcelain Pavers for Rooftop Patios

Benefits of Porcelain Roof Pavers:

• Design Flexibility: Porcelain pavers are made in hundreds of different colors, styles and sizes for limitless design possibilities.
• Lightweight: Porcelain pavers weigh about 9 lbs per square foot making them a great solution for many residential and commercial applications.  Although, be sure to check with a structural engineer to verify the weight load capacity of your roof before purchasing them.
• Longevity: Porcelain pavers can last many years if they are properly installed, supported with a grate or tray system underneath and well maintained.
• Cool Surface: Light colored porcelain pavers stay cool even on rooftops with no shade.
• LEED Points: Lighter colored pavers can earn LEED points on your project.  If you’re looking for cool roof pavers, look for an SRI (solar reflective index) value of 75 or higher.  This testing is available from all paver manufacturers upon request.
• Low Maintenance: Porcelain pavers require fairly low maintenance.
• Thin Profile: Porcelain pavers are typically ¾” thick which allows them to be installed even under very short thresholds.
• Durability: Porcelain pavers are resistant to moisture, stains, and freeze/thaw cycles. They perform extremely well in all climates.
• Slip Resistance: They have good slip resistance when wet so they make a great choice for use around pools or splash pads.
• Fire Resistance: They are non-flammable so they can be used on any project even with the most stringent fire rating requirements.
• Lead Times: Companies that stock your paver choice will have a little as a 1-2 week lead time.
• Cost: If your project doesn’t need any pedestals over 4” tall and doesn’t require wind uplift support, porcelain pavers can be $10-14 per square foot including the pedestal system and freight.  But, keep in mind that most porcelain paver projects do require additional parts to meet building codes thus increasing the cost.

Considerations and Limitations of Porcelain Roof Pavers:

• Fragility: Porcelain pavers can break when objects are dropped on them.  Due to this, most manufacturers require grates or trays underneath for fall protection.  This adds 1.5” of thickness to the system for a total of 2.25” thickness including the paver.  This also adds to the price of the materials and labor.
• Lead Times: You will want to ask your supplier about lead times up front to ensure that they can meet your project deadlines.  Some pavers are only available from Italy and others are made to order.  In both cases, lead times will be 2-3 months and materials will need to be paid for to place the order.  The quickest lead times are American made pavers from companies who stock pavers and can sell them directly from their warehouses.  In these cases, lead times are usually two weeks or less.
• Wind Uplift: Porcelain pavers are light and require a wind uplift system when installed in windy areas like Chicago, New York, the west coast or in hurricane zones.  These systems typically involve a grate or tray system that is fixed to the pedestals.  Then the pavers are adhered to the grate.  Some systems use a kerf cut in the corner of the pavers where a washer pins down the paver to the pedestal head.  While a small number of companies cut a slot in the side of the pavers and sell a track that the pavers slide into.
• Cost Increase: Since many projects require a grate or tray system for fall protection and/or wind uplift resistance, there is a wide range of pricing for porcelain paver systems.  A porcelain paver with grate system will likely cost in the range of $25-28 per square foot including pedestals and freight while a porcelain paver with track system will likely be a bit higher.
• Installation: Porcelain pavers can chip when cutting them so you will want a contractor accustomed to cutting porcelain to perform your installation.

3. Ipe Wood Deck Tiles for Roof Decks: (Say it like “ee-pay”)

Benefits of Ipe Wood for Roof Decks:

1. Strength: Ipe is a very dense wood, with a Janka hardness score of 3,680.
2. Durability: Due to its density, Ipe is resistant to mold, mildew, rot, fungi and termites.
3. Cool Surface: The natural solar reflectance of Ipe wood is 41 making it on par with many concrete and porcelain pavers in the medium color range.
4. Lightweight: Ipe is the lightest rooftop deck flooring material coming in at 5 lbs. per square foot making it an option for nearly all roof terrace projects whether residential or commercial.
5. Fire Rating: Most Ipe pavers have a class A fire rating making them the only wood product allowable on projects in locations that have strict fire rating requirements, New York City for example.
6. Wind Uplift: Most manufacturers precut kerf cuts in the corner of the pavers to accommodate wind uplift or lockdown clips.  These clips keep these light pavers from shifting as well as provide wind uplift resistance.  Since these clips are typically used whether wind uplift support is required or not, Ipe is an economical product for windy areas. However, some manufacturers don’t test their products to meet standards for use in severe hurricane zones like Miami – Dade County.
7. Low Profile: Ipe pavers are most commonly 1.5” thick so they can be used under short thresholds.
8. Lead Time: Many suppliers stock 2’ x 2’ Ipe tiles so the lead times shouldn’t be more 1-2 weeks.  Longer lead times imply that the stock is coming from South America.
9. Natural Organic Look: Ipe wood comes in its natural color, which is typically reddish brown but can vary from olive brown to blackish, often with lighter or darker striping.  Ipe will naturally fade to a grayish color if left untreated.  This faded color has become very popular in many architectural designs.  Since Ipe is so resilient, you never need to seal the pavers.  But, if you prefer the darker, rich color of new Ipe, you can apply a hardwood sealant.  The great thing about Ipe wood is that if at any point you decide that you want to restore the pavers to their original color, you can apply sealant even years later and they will return to a rich brown color. 
10. Ease of Installation: Ipe pavers are simple to install and easy to cut using the proper tools.  So, many handy homeowners can do the installation themselves without hiring a contractor. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can install all the slats facing in the same direction or in alternating directions for a checkerboard pattern.

Considerations and Limitations of Ipe Wood for Roof Decks:

1. Limited Options: Since Ipe only comes in its natural color, there are no options available that would meet an SRI value that would meet LEED requirements. Ipe is not available in various colors and is usually only sealed on cut edges when coming from the manufacturer.
2. Slipperiness: Ipe becomes a little more slippery than concrete or porcelain when wet so it’s not as good a choice directly next to a pool.  Although, in areas where shoes will be worn, it scores well even in rain.
3. Lead Times: If you want custom length pavers like 2’ x 4’, the lead times will likely be around 3 months.
4. Environmental Concerns: Importing Ipe wood is becoming a longer process due to requiring special certifications (CITES) that protect against deforestation and habitat loss.  Since this requirement went into effect in November 2024, the price of Ipe may rise and lead times may increase.
5. Moisture Content: All Ipe comes from South American mills and should be dried to about 12% moisture content prior to assembly of the tiles.  This prevents warping, shrinking and twisting of the wood once exposed to heat and direct sun.  Be sure your supplier provides the moisture content of your wood before you purchase as Ipe that isn’t dried properly will shrink significantly after installation. Ipe planks shrink and warp more than Ipe tiles because tiles use shorter, tightly screwed pieces of wood that don’t allow movement.  When using Ipe planks, you will need to allow the wood to acclimate onsite for up to 12 weeks to minimize shrinking and warping.

4. Artificial Turf Systems for Rooftop Patios

Benefits of Rooftop Turf:

1. Green Space: Provide green space for yard games, pet relief or play, kids play areas and lounging.
2. Aesthetic: Adds color and more natural feel to rooftop hardscape areas. Turf is often used as an accent in combination with other roof flooring materials.  So, reaching out to a company that sells all the materials that you want for your entire design will simplify your specifying or buying process.
3. Drainage: Fast drainage when installed with grates on pedestals to prevent water pooling even in very rainy areas.
4. Durability: Most turf suppliers offer a 15-year warranty on turf but it can last even longer if well maintained.
5. Design and Installation Options: While some suppliers offer turf in rolls over grates, others offer turf tiles.  Turf rolls provide a seamless look and may perform better in areas where dogs are running and playing or in kids play areas.  Turf tiles come with the turf already connected to the grate.  If your project area doesn’t require any cuts, this option could provide more of a “plug and play” solution.  Each square is visible for a checkerboard look.
6. Variety: There is a large variety of different turf options on the market.  Many suppliers offer options, including comfort turf, sport turf, golf turf, and pet turf.  Make sure to ask for samples in order to choose the best one for your application, as the thickness, feel, color, and quality of turf can vary greatly from one supplier to another.
7. Cost: Turf typically costs between $22-28 per square foot but can vary based on the size and shape of the area. 
8. Wind Uplift: Turf is typically adhered or screwed down on top of grates.  This reduces wind uplift and stretching or bubbling of the turf over time.
9. Cool Surface: Even though SRI values are low with turf, it remains cool even in hot sun due to the materials.
10. DIY-Friendly: Grates and turf are easy to cut and install so handy homeowners can take on the installation project themselves

Considerations and Limitations of Rooftop Turf:

1. LEED Certification: Green turf typically has an SRI value under 20 so it cannot be used on LEED certified projects.  Although, some suppliers offer white turf with an SRI value between 60-80 that will be more energy efficient.
2. Wind Uplift: As of 2025, there are not any turf systems that are wind tested for use in hurricane zones although that will likely change in the future.
3. Lead Times: Lead times can vary significantly depending on if your supplier.  Most suppliers should be able to provide lead times of two weeks or less.  Longer lead times may indicate that there is more than one middle “man” between the manufacturer and buyer.  This would also lead to higher purchase prices so you may want to find a different supplier.

Steps to Choose the Right Rooftop Paver for Your Project

1. Define Usage: Determine what activities you want to do on your roof deck.  Do you want to play yard games, have an area to play with your pets, grill out, sit around a gas fire, have a place to entertain guests or eat meals together? 
2. Assess Structural Capacity and Wind Uplift Requirements: Refer to your architectural drawings or talk to a structural engineer to figure out the weight load capacity of your roof and what wind uplift requirements you need.
3. Select Materials: Choose the flooring materials that match how you want to use the space and fit with the building codes and structure of your building.
4. Obtain Quotes: Reach out to the suppliers that provide the materials that you’d like.  Send them your drawings, any measurements that you have and a list of materials that you’d like.  Ask for samples and a quote.

Conclusion: What is the Best Paver for Rooftop Patios?

There’s no one-size-fits-all best paver for every rooftop patio. Each material has benefits and drawbacks depending on your space, your needs, and how you want to use it. The best choice will prioritize your roof’s weight limits, meeting local codes, and bringing your vision to life! Talking with a structural engineer and a good supplier can make the whole process a lot smoother. With a little planning, you’ll have a rooftop patio that’s safe, stylish, and built to last.

FAQ’s: Choosing the Right Rooftop Patio Paver

Q1: What is the most durable paver option for high-traffic rooftop patios?
A: Concrete pavers are super strong and can last up to 50 years when properly maintained.

Q2: Are porcelain pavers suitable for rooftop installations in cold climates?
A: Yes, porcelain pavers perform well in freeze-thaw conditions due to their low water absorption rates.

Q3: What maintenance is required for Ipe wood tiles?
A: Ipe wood requires minimal maintenance. To preserve its natural color, apply a hardwood sealant annually; otherwise, it will weather to a gray patina.

Q4: Can turf systems be used in areas with heavy rainfall?
A: Yes, when installed with proper drainage systems, turf can handle heavy rainfall without pooling.

Q5: Can rooftop paver systems contribute to LEED certification?
A: Yes, certain paver systems with high SRI values and sustainable materials can contribute to LEED points.

Summary of Key Takeaways: Choosing the best rooftop patio pavers

Concrete pavers are super strong and great for big or busy rooftop spaces, but they are heavy and may need a strong roof structure.

Porcelain pavers are lighter and come in many styles. They’re easy to clean and work well in most weather, but may break if not installed right.

Ipe wood tiles are light, natural-looking, and safe in fire zones. They’re good for most roofs but need time to adjust to the weather and may fade in color.

Turf makes rooftop patios feel like a backyard. It’s soft, fun, and drains water fast, but it doesn’t help with energy savings unless you pick white turf.

Always check your roof’s weight limit and building codes before choosing any paver system.

Pick pavers based on how you’ll use the space—relaxing, playing, cooking, or entertaining.

Ask for samples and quotes from suppliers before you buy to make sure everything fits your needs and budget. Remember sometimes it’s worth paying more up front for a more pleasant purchasing and installation experience.

Plan for lead time. Some pavers ship in a week, others may take 2–3 months depending on the material and where it’s made.

Set a clear budget early. Expect to pay between $10-30 per square foot for materials and an additional $10-24 per square foot for installation