Adding a roof to your deck is a smart way to improve comfort, increase home value, and make the space more usable throughout the year. The roof style you choose will depend on your home’s structure and local building codes.
At Heartland Decks, we help homeowners evaluate different roof styles for covered decks to find the one that fits both their space and their needs. Whether you want a simple flat roof or a more detailed gable or hip design, we’ll guide you through each option and explain what’s possible based on your home’s layout.
How to Determine Which Roof Style is Best for Your Covered Deck
One of the first things we look at when planning a covered deck is your house’s exterior wall. The structure and layout of the wall directly affect what roof style we can build.
Headroom Clearance Matters
To meet code requirements, you must have at least 8 feet of clearance at the outer edge of the covered deck. This rule plays a big role in what kind of roof we can install.
For example, if your deck sits beneath two upstairs windows that are only 10 feet above the deck, that only leaves us 2 feet of space for roof pitch. In that case, your best bet will be a flat roof, since steeper roof styles won’t leave enough room for head clearance.
If you want something more dramatic like a gable or hip roof, we’d need more height to work with—or you’d have to consider removing or raising the windows above the deck. That adds cost and complexity, but it is possible if the look you want is worth the effort.
The Most Popular Roof Styles for Covered Decks
Each of the styles below can work great. They’re all structurally sound and built to last. The key is matching the right one to your home.
1. Flat Roof
A flat roof is the go-to choice when you’re limited on height or have second-story windows close to the deck.
- Clean, modern look
- Simplest to build
- Ideal for low-clearance situations
Even though it’s called “flat,” there’s a slight pitch built in for proper drainage. It’s a great solution when function needs to come first.
2. Gable Roof
A gable roof is a classic option that creates a wide open feel and adds architectural interest.
- Triangle shape with open vault
- Great for airflow and light
- Looks stunning from inside and out
To make a gable work, we need enough height at the connection point to create the pitch. If your house has room above the deck door—or if you’re open to moving or adjusting upstairs windows—we can make it happen.
3. Hip Roof
A hip roof is similar to a gable but slopes down on all sides, creating a more enclosed, tucked-in feel.
- Sloped on all four sides
- Adds a finished, high-end look
- Good for high wind areas
Structurally, gable and hip roofs are equally strong. The decision between them usually comes down to your style preference—and again, what your home’s exterior allows.
What If My House Doesn’t Allow My Ideal Roof Style?
We hear this a lot: “I really want a gable, but my upstairs windows are in the way.” If that’s the case, we’ll walk you through your options.
Here’s what we can do:
- Stick with a flat roof: It’s simple, sleek, and still very functional.
- Modify your home’s wall: If you’re willing to invest a bit more, we can move or shrink windows to make space for a gable or hip roof.
- Blend styles: Sometimes we can combine roof styles or create unique transitions to give you the look you want while staying within code.
The important thing to remember is: all three roof types are durable and dependable. Structurally, none is better than the other. It’s all about working with what your home gives us.
Why Work With Heartland Decks?
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across the area get the covered deck they’ve always wanted—without confusion or compromise. Here’s how we make the process easy:
- We inspect your home and measure wall height to identify which roof styles are possible.
- We help you visualize the finished look with renderings and design consultations.
- We walk you through code compliance, permitting, and build timeline.
- We’re honest about what can and can’t be done—before you commit.
Your covered deck should feel like a natural extension of your home, and we’re here to make that happen with high-quality materials and expert installation.
In Summary
There are several roof styles for covered decks, and each one offers something different. Whether you go with a flat, gable, or hip roof depends mostly on your home’s structure—especially the height of the wall above your deck. All of these options are strong, beautiful, and long-lasting when built by the right team.
If you’re not sure which roof style is right for your deck, let’s talk it through. Contact us today and we’ll help you design a covered deck that fits your space, matches your style, and checks all the boxes.
