Creating Outdoor Commercial Spaces: Patios, Decks, and Dining Areas

Outdoor commercial spaces enhance your business and make it more attractive to potential customers. Hiring the right contractor to build your rooftop deck, ground-level deck, or patio area is just one step you should take to ensure a successful construction project. 

In this article, we'll go over the different options available to you, to help you make the right choice as you design your commercial outdoor spaces. 

Rooftop Decks

A rooftop deck is a good choice for a business with no space to build out into the street. There's also romance to rooftop decks that can give your business appeal to a certain population. A rooftop deck is an excellent option for restaurants and bars. 

Pros

• Show off the attractive view. Does your building have a beautiful view of your city's downtown? Show it off with a rooftop deck. 
• Make use of space that otherwise might sit empty. Most buildings don't make use of their roof, so building a rooftop deck can make good of space that's already available. 

Cons

• Staff may get tired of running upstairs to serve customers. Rooftop decks may require staff to bring supplies, trays of food, and other materials up many sets of steps. This can take a toll on staff, but some restaurants accommodate for this inconvenience by charging a higher cost for food served on their rooftop deck space. 
• Less shelter from the elements. Rooftop decks are sometimes less sheltered from the wind. They can also get very hot and cold at certain times of year. Work with your architect to design shelter options that will make your rooftop deck more useful even when the weather is extreme. 

Ground-Level Decks

A ground-level deck can be built attached to your structure to provide an attractive outdoor space. Ground-level decks make good space for lounging, dining, and visiting. 

Pros

• Can be constructed to provide a view. You can work with your building team to construct a ground-level deck that provides a view of the natural outdoor spaces where your building is located. 
• Composite decking is long-lasting and durable. Modern decks are built from composite decking, which is long-lasting and durable. Composite decking doesn't require any maintenance other than the occasional cleaning. 

Cons

• Take up more space on the ground level. If your building doesn't have any space on the ground level to devote to a deck, this may not be an option for your business. 

Outdoor Patios

If your business is a restaurant, an outdoor patio can be a fantastic place to sit a few tables, if you have the space. Work with your building team to create a design of patio pavers that is attractive, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. 

Pros

• Greater potential for shelter compared to rooftop decks. Your outdoor patio can easily be sheltered from wind and sun by nearby buildings.

Cons

• Take up more space on the ground level. In downtown areas, there isn't always space for an outdoor patio. Work with your contractor and architect to explore all the options. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my rooftop need special reinforcement to build a rooftop deck? 

Most roofs don't need special reinforcement to make a rooftop deck possible. Commercial spaces in Connecticut are already required to be strong enough to hold a heavy snow load in winter. As long as your building was constructed according to modern building codes, your rooftop will likely be strong enough to support a rooftop deck. 

How can I tell the maximum capacity of my rooftop deck, ground-level deck, or outdoor patio?

You'll need to hire an engineer to determine the maximum capacity for your outdoor commercial space. Your architect may recommend an engineer when you begin the project, or you may need to find the engineer on your own. 

Is there a special process for getting a permit to build an outdoor commercial space?

Every town in Connecticut has its own zoning and permitting process for commercial spaces. You'll probably need to hold a public hearing for your outdoor commercial space, and there will be an opportunity for public comment about your project as well. You'll fill out the application yourself and the zoning official will walk you through this process to ensure it's done correctly. If the zoning professional anticipates any problems with your outdoor commercial space, they'll talk you through it at the time. 

Is an architect required to design my outdoor commercial space?

In the state of Connecticut, an architect is required for most commercial construction projects. Start your project by vetting architects, or if you have a contractor you're already thinking about working with, your contractor may be able to recommend an architect with expertise that can help ensure a smooth and successful building project. 

What costs less: a patio, ground-level deck, or a rooftop deck? 

It's not possible to say which type of project will be the most affordable for your situation. Patios, ground-level decks, and rooftop decks can all span a range of costs  depending on materials used, size of project, and other factors. 

Know your budget before getting started on your commercial outdoor project. Communicate the details of that budget with your contractor and architect, and the rest of your building team. This will help ensure that whatever type of project you design, your team will work to stay within your budget and build an outdoor space that you can afford. 

Get Started With Your Outdoor Commercial Space Today 

Getting started with your outdoor commercial space in Connecticut is easy, if you have the right team of professionals. This is why Litchfield Builders has created a free download for property owners who want to get started on their commercial construction project. Download our guide, or contact us today.