Pedestals FAQ

What are pedestals used for?

The construction of hard landscaping areas including concrete paving slabs, porcelain tiles, natural stone slabs and timber, composite and metal decking for terraces, balconies, flat roofs and podium decks.

What are the advantages of using pedestals?

Improved drainage, ease and speed of installation, protection of the surface beneath, future-proofing (can be lifted at any time for maintenance).

Lengthen the life of timber joists as they are lifted out of standing water.

How many will I need?

This all depends on your tile size, as well as the area and heights you require. We will let you know the measurements we require to help us calculate the correct quantity and type of pedestals you need.

How are they installed?

They are placed on a flat, hard surface/membrane. No mechanical fixings are required.

What subsurface do the pedestals work on?

A structured surface e.g. concrete or rigid insulation. They are not suitable for placing directly onto non-compacted earth.

How long will they last?

The pedestals are made of virgin plastic and are warrantied for 15 years.

How do I maintain a level surface on a slope?

Our Balance self-levelling pedestals will help provide a level finish to your new deck or paving and can be used to counter slopes of up to 5 degrees.

If using our heavy duty Megapads, slope correctors are available.

Do the pedestals need to be fastened to the deck?

No. This is a suspended system. The pedestals are loose-laid – the weight of the slabs or decking hold everything in place – meaning the membrane is not compromised.

Can I place my decking boards directly on top of the pedestals?

No. Decking boards should be fixed to a joist grid which in turn can rest on top of the pedestals.

What additional support systems can I use pedestals with?

Pedestals can clip into our integrated rail system, connecting to a 2m long aluminium rail to support tiles or decking.

What heights do they come in?

Our pedestals come in a huge range of fixed and adjustable heights ranging from 5mm to 1,020mm.

How much gap do I need to leave between my paving slabs?

As standard, our heads are fitted with 2mm spacing but we also have 4mm.

How much weight can these take?

Even our standard Universal and Balance ranges are designed to take up to 680kg. If you have a commercial job that includes large planters or heavy objects, our Megapad range takes up to 2 tonnes.

Can the pedestals break?

We have never had a pedestal fail that was correctly installed since we launched the range in the UK in 2003.