In the 19th century, many coastal communities featured "widow's walks" at the top of their homes. The daunting name, supposedly, was used because the wives of many seagoing mariners would be able to watch, and hope, for the safe return of their husbands. Many of the trips proved perilous, thus making widows of the women. Eventually, the ships were more seaworthy, and in the more affluent coastal towns, the rooftop perch was more commonly called the "Captain's Walk," as captains and ship owners watched for their vessels to return to port. By the 20th century, these outdoor perches were often built next to chimneys to pour sand down the chute in the event of a fire.

Nowadays, these perches don't have to be seaside, and they aren't exclusively for wives or captains waiting for the return of ships. Whether for the high view from the walkways or balconies, or to make more use of available space, many homeowners are replacing the barren walkways with full decks and patios a story or more above the ground. Rooftop decks in urban areas provide expansive views of metropolitan areas, and on residential buildings they often provide meeting places for neighbors to relax and congregate.

Owners of private homes have had rooftop decks built to be able to relax in the sun while overlooking the countryside and other surroundings, and others have used rooftop decks to make use of a smaller footprint and still have the convenience of an outdoor patio. Whether the deck is built on the top of the home or on top of an accessory building, such as a free-standing garage, it affords space to relax, entertain and "hide out" in privacy. Because of the height of the deck, there is usually an unobstructed view of the surroundings and a haven from the hustle and bustle of the street. Rooftop decks make wonderful sites for entertainment, day or evening, and for enjoying romance under the stars.

Most rooftop decks are made from hardwoods, which may or may not be stained and sealed for a finish. Some owners allow their decks to be bleached by the sun and wind to a silver-gray patina, which does not affect the stability or use of the area but provides for less maintenance. Some owners making use of their housetop with a private deck may choose to carpet the surface with outdoor turf, which could cause warping of the wood if not treated properly. Another building option is a polymer composite deck surface, which stands up well to the sun and elements. Since your deck will be exposed to the sun, it is a good idea to keep the colors light so that they do not become too hot to the touch.

If you are considering adding a rooftop deck to an existing structure, it is important to have the house or building inspected to be sure the rooftop can support the weight of the deck as well as provide drainage and ventilation. Whether you are building from the ground up or adding on to an existing structure, be sure to check your local building codes and homeowner association (if you live in one) to make sure you are within all applicable rules. Rooftop decks are often very heavy, so it may be best to work with a skilled contractor to ensure stability and safety. Whether access to the deck is via a staircase or an interior door, you need to be sure of stable rails or walls surrounding the area for both safety and privacy.

Your rooftop deck can be furnished like an outdoor living room with weather-resistant couch and chairs, or set for viewing the sky through a telescope. If you are planning on an outdoor kitchen for entertaining, be very sure that the deck is fireproofed adequately. Also, cooking and serving foods can cause drips and stains, so make sure the surface is washable. If you plan to use the deck in the evenings, make sure that you have lighting built in, but not so bright that you have a spotlight on your private oasis. If you intend to use the deck area under the sun's glare, consider adding some form of pergola or canopy for shade.