The owners of this Chicago home already had a deck on top of their garage. The veranda was then custom-built by Chicago Roof Deck and Garden entirely out of Hardie Board products. They used a range of pieces including HardieTrim, HardiePanel and HardiePlanks.

Many homeowners are appreciating that one of the best ways to enjoy intimate gatherings with family and friends is in an outdoor living area. Besides connecting with loved ones, they allow one to connect with nature while entertaining or just relaxing; in the sun or under the stars.

Limited space is no reason to pack in the idea of having a functional outdoor area because in the hands of innovative landscape contractors, amazing results can materialize from small plots, be they in backyards, front yards or even rooftops, as this project demonstrates.

The custom drapes are made from Sunbrella fabric. The face of the firepit consists of stone veneer from NSVI's traditional collection. Peak to peak lights (HP-204s) illuminate the pillars. The lanterns, fans and furniture were provided by the homeowner.

The fire pit was outfitted with a Key West burner from Firegear. The top and sides are made from custom-cut granite. The custom-built bar was constructed with a granite top and furnished with cedar doors. Covering its pine shell is Belmont stone veneer from Natural Stone Veneers International, a manufacturer located in Fond du Lac, Wis. The bar is equipped with a double tap kegerator from True, a refrigerator and an icemaker, both from Orein. Most of the lighting is from Highpoint Deck Lighting out of Golden, Colo. Focusing light on the keg tap is a blue spruce well light (HP-150L). The recessed lights are basic can lights purchased locally.

Chicago Roof Deck & Garden was hired by homeowners who wanted to take advantage of their available roof space by creating an outdoor room for the whole family to enjoy, as well as for entertaining friends.

The landscape company used their creativity and craftsmanship to turn the existing garage-top deck into a magnet for socializing by designing and building an arched veranda, custom fire pit and built-in bar.

The veranda incorporates a grooved ceiling, slat screening, and drapery panels to create a pleasant and relaxed haven. The sofa and lounge chairs, which the owners provided, add comfort to the space.

Natural stone veneer on the built-in bar and custom fire pit compliment the exterior of the house. The bar includes a kegerator with a double tap, a refrigerator, and an icemaker.

Low voltage lighting accentuates the architecture of the veranda and enhances the ambiance at night.

Although Chicago Roof Deck and Garden has built projects with six-figure budgets, most of them end up in the $25,000 to $75,000 range. They report that this project came out somewhere in the middle of that range.

The job took five weeks to complete and produced an attractive, welcoming outdoor living area whose overall design is an extension of the client's home and, in spite of the variable weather in Chicago, can be used throughout most of the year.