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Ipe roof deck overlooking Lake Sammamish, built by Tobin Marsh.

ROOFTOP DECKING
DONE RIGHT

This rooftop is ready for a deck to be built.

Looking for help with your
rooftop deck project?

You've come to the right place!
I'm Tobin Marsh and I'm here
to help you properly design, procure
and build your rooftop deck.

Working smart – start to finish –
I'll help you save time and money
by avoiding costly mistakes

and myriad aggravations.
And I know you'll be thrilled with
the beauty, function and top-notch
quality of your finished deck.

Tobin Marsh is on a roof deck he built overlooking South Lake Union.

All photos on this website are of my own deck work

unless otherwise noted. 

Ipe deck and cable railing on Puget Sound

Roof decks are a common element of contemporary architecture, as outdoor living space increasingly expands onto "flat" rooftops. Such elevated decks are some of our most attractive gathering spaces, often providing stunning views of city and nature. Diverse material options and amenities invite us to design and craft the deck with a quality that compliments the beauty that surrounds it.

Modular deck tiles or pavers set over custom-fit pedestal supports are the key innovative materials that transform a low-slope rooftop into a functional oasis while providing the best possible protection to the roof itself.

This roof deck is an artistic combination of Cumaru wood tiles with 2CM porcelain pavers.

I help people make smart decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and complete their deck projects with confident, efficient execution.​ I do so by listening to my customers, scrutinizing their rooftops, sharing my knowledge. I offer clear, simple guidance at every stage of the project. When construction begins, I am present to instruct and coach and make sure the details are done right. 

Builders, Contractors, GCs 

Architects, Engineers, Designers

Spanish-Speaking Deck Installers

Property Owners and Managers

Specifiers and Suppliers

Condo and Homeowner Associations

Landscape Architects

Homeowners

DIY Craftsmen/women

I begin with a complimentary 20 minute consultation by phone or video chat. We then share documents, photos and drawings  via email in preparation for more detailed conversations to assess rooftop conditions and compare material, design and pricing options. Much of my teaching is "show-and-tell". I answer questions, ask questions, and tailor any ongoing supports to my customers' specific interests and needs.

ROOF DECKS DONE RIGHT

Building a flat deck over a low-sloped roof can be tricky and few builders possess knowledge of the best materials and construction practices. It's not rocket science, but the details really do matter. 

​

A quality rooftop deck system can be conceived of as a three-dimensional, geometric, floating jigsaw puzzle composed of hundreds or thousands of individual components. The assembly is made up of surface pavers, pedestal supports and related components, shims, and protective slip sheets – each secured in its proper location and position. Additional materials are often needed to resolve irregular circumstances on the rooftop.  

​

Pedestal decking is a unique form of construction in that: 

  1. It's a level floor constructed over a sloped surface that must be judiciously protected.

  2. It's an assembly of modular decking units elevated and leveled over precisely-fitted pedestal supports.

  3. The deck "floats" – it's not anchored in place by common fasteners such as screws, bolts, nails, mortar, adhesives or welds.

​

The first principle of roof deck construction is that the roof itself must be respected and protected at every stage of design and construction. This is because even minor mistakes on a low-slope roof can result in potentially catastrophic water intrusion. Enough said. 

​

Smart design and best construction practices result in a deck that is level, smooth and solid. It's handsomely contoured to perimeters and the gaps between pavers are consistent and tight. Pavers don't rock and there's no lateral shifting. The deck is gentle on the roof membrane beneath and does not impede drainage. The deck is beautiful and blends well with other details on the surrounding rooftop.  

This Capitol Hill roof deck shows a 2CM paver with a wood grain pattern.

A well designed and built deck remains
stable and beautiful for decades and is
a lifelong friend to the roof itself.

Longplank Trex decking was installed over joists and pedestals on this Somerset deck in Bellevue, Washington.

Quality means doing it right when no one is looking. 
– Henry Ford

Andrew Klein, engineer  â€“ Kennewick, WA

"Tobin’s attention to detail ensured that we had the right materials and tools

on the jobsite, and his precision ensured that I have a solid deck that will not shift. Working with Tobin gave me an appreciation of the intricacies in construction which are not obvious to the average contractor who does not specialize in floating deck systems. My deck pays dividends daily by being a well-constructed piece of art."

Roof decks are built into many modern homes

ROOFTOP DECKING
DONE RIGHT

Let's Talk

Please complete this form to schedule a complimentary 20 minute consult. I'll look over your project details, then reach out via email or phone to schedule a time for us to talk by video chat or phone.

Hablemos, no?

Por favor complete este formulario para programar una consulta gratuita de 20 minutos. Luego me comunicaré por correo electrónico o teléfono para programar una hora para que hablemos por video chat o teléfono.

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