When you are constructing a deck, whether it is a small patio or a roof terrace, it must have a flat and stable and long-lasting base. In the past, people would use big wooden frames or concrete pads. Adjustable pedestals are now the standard of most builders, the only method of dealing with an uneven ground and keeping the water out. This manual will cover all you need to know about using adjustable supports to your next deck including their benefits and installation. What are Adjustable Decking Pedestals? Adjustable pedestals are also known as deck risers or paving feet and they are powerful plastic pillars that allow your deck boards or paving slabs to rest on the ground, leaving a pathway through which water can drain and air circulate. A threaded internal column is inside them. To raise or lower the top of the pedestal by a millimeter, turn it, and there is no necessity to put in any additional shims. If you are starting a project, you can find our full range of Adjustable Decking Pedestal Supports here. The Technical Benefits of Elevated Decking It is not only about being fast when using pedestals, but also contributes to the life of the structure. The timber joists can be soaked in wet concrete or a flat roof and thus, rot can occur leading to the collapse of the structure. Drainage and Ventilation: Pedestals separate the ground and the deck. This allows water to pass into drains and also allows air to circulate around the joists keeping them dry. Protection of Membranes: Roof terraces require the waterproof layer to be safeguarded. GRP Fibreglass Roofing Kits provide a smooth base and pedestals are added on the top without the use of mechanical fixings that may form leak points. Service Integration: The room between the pedestals is ideal in concealing electrical wiring of outdoor lights or drainage pipes. Key Components of a Pedestal System To get the most out of this system, you need to know what parts are available: 1. The Head Type Depending on your finish, you will need a specific pedestal head. For timber or composite projects, you need a Joist Cradle head that securely grips the subframe. For stone or porcelain, you use Spacer Tabs to ensure uniform gaps between slabs. Our MESA Paving Pedestal Supports cater to both requirements. 2. Slope Correctors In case the roof slopes too steeply and water does not drain well (the slope is to be 1% to 2%), you may install slope correctors at the bottom of the pedestal. They adapt to the slope of the ground leaving the top of the pedestal level. 3. Acoustic Pads In case there are noise considerations in the balconies or roof deck, rubber acoustic pads can be used on the pedestal head. They minimize the sound of the footsteps as well as provide additional security to the flat roof membrane underneath. How to Calculate Pedestal Spacing The number of pedestals you need depends on the type of decking you are using. For Composite Decking: Hyperion Composite Decking joists usually need to be 300 to 400 mm apart. Put a pedestal at any of the places where a joist needs support. This is usually about 500 to 600 mm apart on the joist. For Paving Slabs: There should be one pedestal at each corner where four slabs meet. There are about four pedestals per square meter for a standard porcelain tile that is 600x600 mm. If you are using metal subframes that need extra fire safety, think about MESA Outdoor Steel Joist Pedestals, which can hold more weight. Installation and Building Regulations In the UK, local building regulations must be adhered to in case you are laying down a deck. According to the Planning Portal of the UK, planning permission may be required on decks exceeding 30 cm in height. Tall buildings also need to be very concerned with fire safety. Check the fire rating of your parts, particularly when the building is more than 11metres high. The MESA Steel System is the preferred choice of most professional contractors as it complies with these strict rules of safety. Step-by-Step Installation Summary Preparation: Ensure the substrate is solid. If installing on a roof, verify the fibreglass lining is fully cured and clean. Layout: Map out your grid based on your joist or slab size. Leveling: Use a spirit level and adjust the pedestal height by twisting the central thread. Fixing: Secure your joists into the cradles using appropriate screws. Finishing: Lay your Composite Boards or paving, making final micro-adjustments as you go. Conclusion Pedestals can be adjusted to provide a durable and stable solution to outdoor flooring. They stop problems of moisture and ground unevenness and make your deck safe and flat over a long period of time. For more technical advice or to view our full inventory of installation accessories, visit our Product Catalogue or check our Tutorials Section for detailed building guides.
