rosiew Amazing - this post began more than a year ago and has life again. Thanks for your suggestion. The pergola is under construction now. We did give consideration to using greenhouse shade cloth but opted to install lattice atop. Should the shade be insufficient we'll make a change. Are afraid that the adjacent trees will cause leaves, etc. to be constantly on shade cloth and can blow away. Have had to downsize the shade area because the city said 12 x 16 is too large (now 8 x 12) - even though they previously approved the footings. The most incompetent, arrogant and disgusting lot of bureaucrats anywhere. No discussion, was told a variance would not be approved, just that everyone must follow the rules. If you ever have a week I'll expound on my true feelings!

Our home has decks off every room because of the views, and they are all plywood covered with tar paper then sealed with something that looks like concrete. The deck over the garage is the same. Whatever you use, be sure to make sure there is a drain and that the deck slopes toward it. Also. Gutters. Don't forget those. Suzi

Thank you, everyone. It's such a modest amount of space, but it really makes a difference to have my own little area. And as a former California girl, I really treasure the light in that room, particularly in winter. shades_of_idaho -- we did have our old, scary futon in here for a while, but I banished it to the basement after I found a sofa bed that would fit. We tried to get rid of it a few years ago by putting it out on the front sidewalk (usually a surefire method), and no one took it! A free futon! In a college town! And no takers! desertsteph -- I told myself I would relearn crewel embroidery after the room was finished, but I still haven't gotten around to it. My grandmother taught me many years ago, and I have several half-completed projects. As for the fans in my room, they're made in a little shop about an hour north of me in Illinois. I negotiated a discount by buying two and driving out to the workroom to pick them up. I love their unique look. yogastef -- You're right, it does bring in nature. Makes it more peaceful. I sometimes think it was an incredible folly to spend so much on a sliver of a room, but your comments make me feel better about it, and I really do love it.

Hi, Phil, I'd suggest you take a step back and determine if your lifestyle really demands a 2nd story deck before going any further. Flat roofs are problematic. It's not a question of whether they'll leak, but when they'll leak. I'd do everything I could to avoid one, particularly in a cold climate where ice and snow are expected. Consider a workshop with a more conventional roof structure and a grade-level patio. Alternatively, you might consider building a conventional deck to serve the 2nd story and locating the workshop in a different area if the site allows.