I Built a ROOFTOP DECK that feels like an Actual Yard....

I built a functioning YARD with synthetic grass & a deck on my city rooftop! Up to $450 OFF a Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus w/ code “PLUSMIKE”: bit.ly/3IUqIqa (Jackery Official) or amzn.to/3PfbjEG (Amazon).
This video tops off the abandoned building renovation (literally!) with an amazing rooftop yard and deck. I show how I built a DIY rooftop deck with composite decking and a picture frame deck border, which is level with a 500 sq ft artificial grass surface. The synthetic grass is installed so that it is pet friendly - Tex can do his business no problem! And with the level install allowing you to walk easily between the deck and grass surfaces, I think I’ve achieved the feel and function of a real suburban yard on my city rooftop!
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#artificialgrass
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[@modustrial]

The new Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is available from June 19th! Enjoy the special discount, save up to US$450, check out Jackery Official:bit.ly/3IUqIqa Jackery Amazon: amzn.to/3PfbjEG

[@ig33ku]

Send kid (if you had one) to college or build roof garden for dog. You know that answer lads!!!

[@kinskifilms]

Yo, I LOVE this joisting system. Genius. Easy to get solid levels over big distances, fantastic drainage... great stuff, great result!

[@NeotericBedlam]

If you plan on doing a givaway, add me to the list.

[@mikeanderson772]

I am doing a similar project in Chicago and was told not to put a base of treated plywood under turf because the of the drainage and dog pee. Thoughts?

[@urchin11]

if you're going to let the dog pee up there it'll end up smelling like a gas station bathroom. If you want to do that you should designate one spot that's near a roof drain, and make a habit of rinsing that area daily, or setup a sprinkler timer to do it daily automatically

[@bbqmoose2588]

The dog isn't going to want to pee up there. Any artificial turf that gets direct sun gets too hot and they won't want to walk on it

[@jonny555ive]

I was thinking the same thing, make a "potty spot" put a plastic or epoxy fire hydrant or maybe a fake tree stump or something to that effect.... Something for him to pee on. I came to comment the same thing but, alas you beat me to it. 😅

[@Nick-hm9rh]

I cant imagine that dog enjoying that plastic grass anyway

[@KelleytinaVW]

My dog pees on turf so yeah the dog will most likely pee on it. So dedicating an area may be best precaution.

[@nathanbledsoe8163]

@@Nick-hm9rh kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX3Mh5uVbq-slac

[@mediumstudio]

what an outrageous amount of work added to any dwelling/building project to avoid water damage. fantastic job!

[@theonlyexistingslark4213]

Heres a tip from someone who has turf in their backyard with animals, use Simple Green turf cleaner to clean the grass when it starts to smell from being in the sun and having animals use it to go to the bathroom. Also sometimes wet it before use in summer heats, can get a little too hot to walk on. Idk if the heat is as bad for you as it is for me in Arizona lol.

[@modustrial]

Good tips, thanks!

[@runtimus5743]

I'm not a fan of artificial grass, but that looks great! That shot of tex running out melted my heart

[@modustrial]

Thank you! He melts my heart daily

[@Ketoinvestor]

@@modustrialSurprised Inspector Tex let you slide on the fire hydrant requirements, since he would be the primary user of said “target” lol

[@koryleach9660]

I love it! An added bonus is that it shades the roof so less solar heat gain below in the living space of the home.

[@modustrial]

Yes, it's much cooler up there now!

[@manganvbg90]

@@modustrialand will also add uv protection for your roof membrane and make it last longer

[@monkshood6437]

The amount of time and effort you put into these videos is insane, awesome work!!!

[@modustrial]

Thank you!

[@MakkaroniJules]

It is such a joy following this journey. So impressive and beautiful, what you are able to accomplish with this building over the years ❤

[@tristandunn4628]

Great job. Looks fantastic. Love Tex's reaction to it. Looking forward to see what amazing house you'll end up building for him.

[@rosewardale159]

Looks amazing already, nice planters and some colour on the walls, its a yes from me! Cant wait to see Tex doghouse😉 Also agree with comments, teach Tex to use a certain area for doin his business😃 xx

[@Atarge]

It looks awesome! It makes a huge difference to have some green space around, it makes the roof so much more usable. My only concern is that the plywood will start to rot and stink fast if you little four legged companion is supposed to do his business there

[@imeakpan]

It will rot just from being outside.

[@adriennedull332]

Your roof deck/yard is amazing!!!! Your place has come such a loooong way. You should be proud.👍🏻❤️

[@jenford7078]

Once again your standard of excellence is reached! Just beautiful, just needs some vertical interest and you have a perfect yard!

[@kennethcarozza6147]

Might be too late now, but I am surprised with all the work that you have done on the roof that you never considered installing a hoist of some kind. One that rotates over the edge, telescopes out, and than hauls material up. In the end... the deck still looks great!

[@shadowmaster335]

i suspect he thought of that, but due to the powerlines he probably didn't want to risk it

[@robin13pereira]

Love the build!! Will the plywood not absorb Tex's business and start to smell over time? Either way, incredible work. Can't wait for the dog house video

[@julietphillips1991]

Tex's business?! No, no! Tex has no "business" on that roof!

[@Heihei246]

⁠@@julietphillips1991h he made it for tex to do his business, he said so in the video Edit: I read the comments, and apparently this plywood is marine-something. It is most likely waterproof!

[@robin13pereira]

@@Heihei246 thanks for clarifying that. It's such an amazing build. Would hate for it to get smelly and not pleasant to be up there.

[@stuartstogdill2406]

@@Heihei246 He mentions that it is pressure treated and nothing more. Plus he drilled holes in it, so it is most certainly NOT waterproof at all. It will rot after enough time.

[@Raketbaever]

it will most def.

[@russellrobert6084]

Thank you for the detailed video. Your rooftop yard looks amazing, great job!

[@moodbeast]

It is just so remarkable and impressive how thorough you are! How many hours did that take including the video editing? So nice!!!

[@keithforrester82]

Hopefully he’ll do something like that on the other half of the roof. Sedum would be a pain to walk on wouldn’t it. Trample the plants…

[@jonny555ive]

Agreed, must have taken a little bit of time I'm sure. But you can tell that he definitely loves what he's doing because his videos are top-notch, the production the editing the filming it's all pro stuff. 10 out of 10 !

[@designmaker21]

Mike this while journey of yours is simply inspirational and amazing! I've been following along for years and I'm so happy for you man! You’ve been pivoting and busting ass and your hard work has been paying off! I wish nothing but huge success and cannot wait to see what you do next!

[@modustrial]

Thank you!! 🙏🙏

[@RalleDue]

As always great video Mike, this urban rooftop yard/deck looks fantastic. Looking forward to seeing it when all are finished with plants and all.

[@seekersofrhythm]

One of the best roof decking installments I have seen. So impressed with the quality of finish and use of quality products. I have been involved with so many decking installations as a project manager and this is a text book project from start to finis. Great work. Stay safe J.

[@TheJeracuda]

I know artificial is easier to do and possibly cheaper as well but I honestly think this would've been way cooler if you had gone with a real grass roof

[@bearwynn]

honestly artificial grass isn't even that much less maintainance. You have to clean it (some even recommend to clean it as often as you would cut normal grass) and it will fall out and need replacing at some point in the future.

[@Kaatje1007]

Maybe not even grass, but a sedum roof! That allows for much more actual natural life instead of a plastic wasteful fake green space!

[@ziadAlkhailani]

Weight restrictions on that old building would not allow real grass

[@selven08]

Yeah I was suprised to see fake grass in an "actual yard" video

[@willbraden5973]

you know about dirt, right? real grass kinda needs it.

[@MH-kj9hh]

On the side that just drops down to the neighbors roof you should put a classic suburban wood yard fence, to really seal in that suburban yard feel - and to also keep the dog from deciding its not that high and they should go exploring.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Absolutely amazing view. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Keep making. God bless.

[@josephedlin2172]

Great job. Heart warming to see a nice yard on the roof in a big city. So wholesome ☺️

[@MCsCreations]

Man, what an amazing work! Really well done!!! 😃 The drone footage was great! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@dougwall675]

Man this looks awesome! Can't wait to see the whole place all done. It's been an awesome journey with you.

[@jonny555ive]

Do you really think it will ever be "done" though ? Not with his creative brain I'm positive it will never be done. Hahaha Take care.

[@dougwall675]

​@jonny555ive lol probably not........but like done so far lol

[@twowheelvalle]

I think your house project is so beautiful. The idea of turning an old commercial building into a residential building. Super nice terrace. ❤🙋🏻‍♂️

[@Tinkery]

That’s a sweet front yard you have there. Can’t wait to see what you do with the backyard on the other 1/2 of the building. 😉👍👍

[@asj888]

Mike, your videos never disappoint! I’m in awe of your editing and humor inserts! Good thing I follow you on IG also, otherwise it would be hard to wait for the next video. 😅Cam is much more than a cameraman. Nice to see you working so well together!

[@erikl85]

Beautiful job, it's been a helluva ride! I imagine you'll slap a couple small trees in large containers up there? I spy a lady next to you at the end, the private rooftop club is already working haha. Also noticed a for sale sign, you're not selling the building are you?!

[@Dayesleeper]

I saw her as well. And hope he's not selling.

[@AqueleRod]

Seeing this incredible work and Tex's joy made my day! Thanks Mike, amazing content as always!

[@mariannerady1137]

Looks amazing! So impressive to see how much work goes into such a project

[@chrisaye1]

Just FYI you will be replacing the boards with the roundovers. The composite on the underside is not meant to be exposed to moisture which is why the top is covered in a PVC material. It will swell.

[@yaboi9419]

You heard of joist tape?

[@ridgebarney4792]

yeah. joist tape is for the wood beams, not the composite boards.

[@jay3492]

Mike, as always, great video! One small suggestion... Maybe you should consider covering up the gap between the deck and the parapet wall. What's the plan if something falls in there?

That yard looks so nice, and the best part was seeing how happy Tex was. Your next project should be a crane for the roof.

[@simoneconsciousobserver3105]

I am always excited when you post a video of this incredible reno. This Deck is incredible. How kewl to be able to do this

[@laurawidener9659]

The new yard looks fabulous! Tex is a very loved pooch. You definitely achieved your goal. Congratulations!

[@themollybeane9318]

It looks amazing, to be sure, but I have some concerns. First, please tell me your roof drains directly to the sewer, and not to a downspout out onto the sidewalk below. Otherwise, every time you hose off the roof - yeah, you’re definitely going to a need a hose - to clean up after Tex, you’ll be flushing pet urine and fecal residue out onto the concrete for passers-by to walk through. 🤮 Also, even if the runoff does drain to the sewer, I strongly recommend you restrict Tex’s bathroom area to only a small section of the grass, in a spot that’s closest to that drain and that you start buying Petzyme, so you can immediately treat any areas where he relieves himself. We use Petzyme around our property in areas where neighborhood cats come through and mark their territory. It’s non-toxic and very effective at eliminating any evidence of marauding felines. And since you opted to use a raised, PLYWOOD base 😱,I can promise you, regardless of how many holes you drilled into it, it’s definitely going to start absorbing Tex’s “runoff”. Petzyme will, at the very least, cut down on how much bacteria - and accompanying smell - take hold. Lastly, remember that artificial grass, no matter what anyone tells you, needs to be cleaned periodically. Wait a month or so, and then walk on it barefoot - but absolutely NOT on a hot, sunny day - and you’ll see how black your feet are on the bottoms. Seriously, man, faux turf can get hot as hell. Your pooch’s bare paws can get very uncomfortable, if not outright burned…and so can yours, especially on a hot summer day in Chicago. Be careful.

[@galthar5]

Amazing transformation. He looks very happy with his new playground! Great job keep it up love the videos.

[@annieo9468]

Very impressive. It looks great ! Well done. Puppy certainly looks happy. Some potted shrubs and plants around the perimeter would be like icing on a cake.

[@cynthiagilbert]

Now this project is over the top🎉🎉congratulations this is awesome 🎉🎉🎉

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Nice, "over the top" 👏👏 Super clever, I like it. 👊

[@mohedaicebear]

going from art work coffetables to building one of the most ambitious and unique decks on KZbin is absolutely incredible and the regard for engineering plus longevity for it is just perfection and a test to ur craftsmanship. Ik I'm.just a viewer and long time subscriber but I'm just straight up proud of ur journey and the feat ur pulling off. Ps are you in debt cuz none of this was cheap.

[@Lipzyncable]

with the amount of views plus sponsors he gets i highly highly doubt he's in debt, i guarantee he's got money.

[@leamo2410]

I swear, I saw how Tax's eyes got watered! These were truly the eyes of gratitude and love! Such an amazing job!

[@Valisk]

Beautiful attention to detail as always. It looks brilliant.

[@tomim7187]

That looks awesome! Incredible use of usually wasted space! Now, add some solar panels and you have the ultimate use of a roof! Great, job, Michael!

[@craigcampbell1843]

I hope you give Tex a dog door so he can go lay in the sun whenever he wants. Lulu loves having the freedom of getting to come and go as she pleases. A dog door also means you never have to get out of bed to let him out if you feel like sleeping in or have to stop working if you’re in the middle of a big project downstairs.

[@barbarapoore3496]

Looks great! Thanks for letting us go along for this build.

[@modustrial]

Thanks Barbara!

[@PaulKalburgi]

Great job!! Curious to hear what you have planned for the other half of the roof space? 😊

[@rrbee]

I have two questions: 1. How soft is the "grass"? It seems like with that drainage grid under it there would be a lot of thin pressure areas that would be uncomfortable to walk or sit or kneel on. 2. Any plans for the other half of the roof?

[@eiksman]

"grass" is so true 😂

[@iLonePotato]

looks amazing! looking forward to the complete building

[@modustrial]

Thank you!

[@Birdmusic77]

Great channel glad i stumbled across it. Your dog is so happy with the grass. Great rooftop yard. Awesome job 💯

[@kaylenesyberjedi9690]

Your deck and yard is absolutely stunning. What a great outdoor space you have created for you and Tex.

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@bdub4820]

This seems like it is going to be a fantastic shaded spot for mould to grow, birds to nest and bees/wasps to hive 😅. But looks fricken awesome.

[@Broganshire]

I would worry about rats lol

[@Bicketybam68]

Hope you fill in the gaps at the edges (maybe with plants?) otherwise I can foresee a million balls making their way under that deck :D Looks great, can't wait to see what you do with the rest of the roof. Cheers mate.

[@_kaernunnos]

Maybe the fence he mentioned will fill it? Never specified if it would be installed into the wall like the street facing fence is. I could see posts in cement pots or planter boxes, that would put it in the gap.

[@MatthiasPowerbomb]

That looks awesome! And so different than the other roofs around it.

[@crystalmorgan1959]

Looks fantastic! Get some potted plants of the tall variety for vertical space. Maybe even a dogwood tree, or redbud tree, something that stays relatively small.

[@Bulsara777]

A couple plants would complement the yard nicely and give it even more of that suburban feel.

[@modustrial]

Oh yeah, this was just the base build... All the bells and whistles are yet to come

[@823Labs]

@@modustrial Outdoor movie projector? (admit it you know you want one now)

[@ParjaiSkirata]

I'm confused... I thought you had already built something up on the roof a few months ago? Like a dog run and outdoor firepit or something? Regardless, this setup looks great.

[@hippopotamus86]

I'm sure that was temporary for the dog.

[@samdahlberg4224]

I believe in the video he said he needed something up there for now, but always had plans to make a permanent, bigger setup

[@buruktsegaye3160]

That one is in the other half of the rooftop

[@iamdunn1]

there's two levels on his roof, the other thing was built in the smaller area

[@ParjaiSkirata]

@@iamdunn1 ah, thanks for the clarification, appreciated

[@cotynietling2567]

It looks amazing some planter boxes with fake flower and maybe a few fake trees would make it perfect

[@AddMehh]

great video! btw, big fan of the long form videos. very informative and awesome to see the continued progress!

[@lijpowww]

Sedum would have kept it cooler indoors, and would've allowed bees and such.

[@Samuelelofsson]

Sedum Hussein

[@Albertjonas]

Completely agree!

[@Unc_Talks]

Amazing.. I would have loved to see real grass but I know that's a whole different kind of install. LOL.

[@modustrial]

Yea, and dirt weighs A LOT. I love the synthetic... I know you can't feel it over video, but it looks and feels so real

[@Unc_Talks]

@@modustrial Yeah, imagine the weight after watering the grass too. 😳😂 Amazing video. I've been a sub since before you got this building 🤘🏿

[@Terrible_Peril]

gods this whole project is so up my alley. great stuff. I appreciate all your work in doing this, all the effort filming and sharing it with us all.

[@modustrial]

Thank you!

[@Terrible_Peril]

@@modustrial no, thank YOU. I know it hasn't been as rosy a process as you've shown, even when you've shown some of the hardships. Between setbacks and expenses and just the general day-to-day stuff, it's endlessly inspiring that you're able to make this content and put it out there.

[@TheBigk1964]

WOW! Job done I think! It looks absolutely fabulous!

[@brian_atc]

I think the "doggie business" area is going to smell pretty rough after a while. Real grass with a filtered drainage might have been a better choice. But it looks great!

[@JohnSmith-xx9se]

This is an absolutely insane thing to do. That roof will leak or need to be replaced at some point, and this whole thing will need to be ripped out to repair or replace it.

[@MrGougui]

You're right, but with the roof being newly done, if it was to be covered like this, it was now or never. And nothing is forever anyway.

[@TheBluemoon1949]

Hi MM, your yard is absolutely awesome, l know you will have great times entertaining your family and friends, take care and enjoy your summer.❤️🇨🇦👍

[@modustrial]

thank you!

[@m3rlin_74]

Looks awesome. That fence on the side will feel good to get installed, making it all a safer enviroment for all of you. Now all that is needed is a proper outdoor kitchen. ;)

[@rdph6693]

That is awesome!! Tex is going to have a ball up there. Loved the little clip of The Monkees you threw in, lol.

[@MagnitudeV1]

Mike as usual it looks fantastic. Only thing i would have done differently would be when you put in the brace pieces in the deck, I'd have staggered them (put all the braces in one channel and then in the next one you put them in-between, next channel they go in the same place as the first etc etc (if that makes sense)) more to just help with a bit on the weight distribution and prevent the boards from possibly sagging.

[@tejida815]

I’m already imagining the look of the deck throughout the seasons. Are planters and furniture next? Tex needs a comfy hangout. 😉

[@justyb2209]

It looks really good & also peaceful. That’s one happy and loved dog! Luv it! ✊🏾

[@sneuf0002]

That deck is really friggin' awesome - well done!!

[@paulmaynard408]

The deck and yard look great. They will give you pleasure long after the trouble of building is a distant memory.

[@swanderbra]

Loving it; now we need a furniture build using the off cuts!!!

[@CybrJames]

Man you are amazing. That yard looks awesome. well done sir. Love your channel, I never miss an episode, been watching for awhile now... Thank you fro all the work you do, and letting us be aprt of it.

[@modustrial]

thanks much!

[@alexandrealbergaria6224]

You probably won't remember - but I saw you at the STL bus station and said hi to you but ALSO I'm doing the same grass project on my roof deck and you literally just gave me all instructions for what I was looking! You literally will make this so much easier! thank you! Im looking forward to the new video. will watch and run to buy all the materials! SUMMER IN CHICAGO will be much better now!

[@modustrial]

I do remember that actually! And you'll love the next video being released tomorrow where I'm going into a ton of detail on the grass installation process :)

[@alexandrealbergaria6224]

@@modustrial looking forward to it!

[@fredericrike5974]

What a wonderful place you have made of that old, nearly wrecked commercial building! Were a few years along, a ton of work and expense and you are still happy about it. Long Life!

[@modustrial]

Thanks!

[@yellowmuginc]

Definitely an awesome transition, so glad I was able to lend a hand!

[@modustrial]

thanks Stu!!

[@macorourke2222]

Great video Thanks for sharing Your passion and adventures from Toronto Ontario Canada 😀 👍 ❤️ 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 ♥️ 💯💯

[@taherkapasi5194]

Loved the drone shots and the overall look of the deck

[@terryt8566]

Absolutely awesome. Your plan was excellent.

[@tedblumstein6772]

As a Dog owner and knowing what dog urine does to sub flooring through the carpeting, you are in for massive stench!!!! You are going to need gallons of urine metabolizer!!! Keep a hose handy and hopefully the plywood doesn't de laminate.

[@modustrial]

That's what marine-grade plywood is for...

[@tedblumstein6772]

@@modustrial I own a boat (live on a lake in GA) and have restored many a transom made from marine grade plywood and fiberglass. The transom (where the outboard engine mounts) requires epoxy resin/fiberglass coating to keep the plywood dry and from rotting, warping, and de-laminating. Even then, it's the first part of any boat to rot away. All wood (teak, marine grade plywood, oak) used in boat building gets a water proof protectant. Best of luck! When you need an electrical engineer's help, give me a call.

[@jasonlynch2919]

That is cool for you and the dog. Now it can be enjoyed by animal and human. This video was fantastic. Good jb.

[@modustrial]

Thank you!

[@leighgray8537]

Awesome job there mate, just need a mural of a forest or beach or something there now to make it extra fancy.

[@LuisLarreaJr]

You took the spot next level. Awesome work.

[@timinsandiego6979]

Yup, what a great idea. Love watching the progress

[@Brisingirraudhr]

You should build a timber sort of canopy on the big deck section so you can have shade, maybe put solar on top and on the stair room roof? It'd be a cool addition

[@peterwinstonaldredge6927]

Very cool! Turned out beautifully!

[@luccasbp]

awesome job! have been following all the journey and it's awesome to see it finally take shape

[@modustrial]

Thanks Lucas!

[@alisoncoomber3698]

Tex loves it and I love it that Tex loves it 🥰🥰🥰

[@daemonthenoob]

deck yard is nice, needs some very big potted plants, that love direct sunlight, would really complete the look for the day time, and maybe some rope lights, or etc... for nighttime ambient lighting

[@modustrial]

definitely will add some planters

[@audacityofagay]

Is it affixed to the roof at all? Maybe I missed it but if it's just sitting on pedestals without being physically attached to the roof a good windstorm can get under it and turn it into a sail causing untold damage. Huge, HUGE liability.

[@JhonCarp]

Looks incredible! Not sure how it would work with the water flow, but some stones or slate round the edge of the deck could look cool!

[@utahgeoff]

That looks amazing. Nice job.

[@amberjo-lynn2410]

tex looks so happy 🥺 he's so cute and it looks so good!!

[@sandragrecki6283]

Seriously. The happiness of this dog is just worth EVERYTHING!!!! It looks fantastic!!!! GOOD JOB!!!!

[@modustrial]

Thank you!! 🐶🐶

[@mariuszarszylo1476]

That's awesome. Pups is super happy!

[@modustrial]

thanks!

[@justinbaltrym9692]

Top level ad plugs, knowing it will be skipped. Bro. I've been trying to tell people to do the same thing for soooo long. You nailed it. Kuddos

[@Thetom5000]

would love to see you extend the deck upwards to the second part of the roof, you could do so much with it! add a mini bar and seating area, a place for yard games and bbqs etc!

[@modustrial]

So many possibilities!!