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Adjustable Pedestals
Adjustable pedestals provide versatile solutions for creating level surfaces on uneven ground. Designed to support decking, paving, and substructures, they ensure stability, precision, and ease of installation for commercial projects. The range includes Class A2 fire rated metal pedestals for every non-combustible requirement.
How Adjustable Pedestal Systems Work
Adjustable pedestals are used to create raised decking and paving systems on balconies, terraces, rooftops, podium decks, and other external spaces. By supporting the finished surface above the structural deck, pedestal systems help create level installations while allowing drainage, waterproofing, and building services to remain protected beneath.
Structural Deck
The foundation of the system is typically a concrete slab, balcony structure, roof deck, or podium construction. This structural base supports the entire installation and determines loading requirements.
Waterproofing Layer
A waterproofing membrane is commonly installed over the structural deck to protect the building from water ingress. Raised pedestal systems allow the membrane to remain protected beneath the finished surface.
Adjustable Pedestals
The pedestals are placed directly on the structural surface and adjusted to achieve the required finished height. Many systems can also compensate for falls and uneven substrates, helping create a level surface without extensive remedial works.
Joists or Paving Supports
For decking installations, aluminium joists are typically supported by the pedestals before the decking boards are installed. For paving installations, the paving slabs are supported directly by the pedestal heads.
Drainage Void
The space beneath the finished surface allows water to flow freely towards drainage outlets. This helps prevent standing water while maintaining access to waterproofing systems and concealed services when required.
Finished Surface
The completed system may incorporate aluminium decking, porcelain paving, fibre cement decking, composite decking, or other compatible surface finishes depending on the project requirements.
By separating the finished surface from the structural deck, pedestal systems provide a flexible solution for creating level, accessible, and maintainable balcony and terrace installations.
Choosing Between Plastic and Metal Pedestals
When to Choose Plastic Pedestals
Plastic pedestals are widely used for raised decking and paving systems due to their lightweight construction, ease of installation, and versatility. They are suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial projects where fire regulations do not require non-combustible support components.
When to Choose Metal Pedestals
Metal pedestals are often specified on projects where fire performance forms part of the overall design strategy. Their robust construction and compatibility with non-combustible balcony and terrace systems make them a popular choice for many commercial developments, rooftop terraces, and high-rise projects.
Adjustable Pedestal Applications
Adjustable pedestal systems are used across a wide range of balcony, terrace, and landscape projects where level surfaces, drainage performance, and future access requirements are important considerations.
Balconies
Raised pedestal systems are commonly used on balconies to support decking and paving finishes above waterproofing layers. The void beneath the finished surface allows water to drain freely while maintaining access to drainage outlets and other concealed components.
Rooftop Terraces
Rooftop terraces often involve complex waterproofing and drainage requirements. Adjustable pedestals create a raised access floor above the roof membrane, helping protect the waterproofing system while providing a level surface for occupants.
Podium Decks
Podium decks frequently combine paving, decking, planting areas, and communal spaces above occupied areas such as car parks or commercial units. Pedestal systems allow these surfaces to be installed efficiently while accommodating changes in height across the project.
Aluminium Decking Systems
Adjustable pedestals are widely used to support aluminium joist systems and aluminium decking installations. The ability to create precise finished heights makes pedestal-supported aluminium decking particularly suitable for balconies, roof terraces, and commercial developments.
Porcelain Paving Systems
For porcelain paving installations, pedestals provide a simple method of creating raised paving systems without the need for traditional mortar beds. This can improve drainage performance and allow easier access to waterproofing membranes and drainage infrastructure beneath the surface.
Refurbishment Projects
Pedestal systems are often used during refurbishment projects where existing balcony or terrace surfaces require replacement. Their adjustable nature allows installers to accommodate uneven substrates and varying build-up heights without extensive structural alterations.
Whether supporting decking or paving, adjustable pedestal systems offer a flexible solution for creating durable, level, and maintainable external spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustable Pedestals
What are adjustable pedestals used for?
Adjustable pedestals are used to support raised decking and paving systems on balconies, terraces, rooftops, podium decks, and walkways.
Can adjustable pedestals be used on balconies?
Yes. Pedestal systems are commonly used on balconies to create raised surfaces above waterproofing membranes while allowing effective drainage.
Can pedestals compensate for uneven surfaces?
Many adjustable pedestal systems can compensate for falls and variations in the supporting structure, helping create level finished surfaces.
What is the difference between decking pedestals and paving pedestals?
Decking pedestals typically support joist systems, whereas paving pedestals are designed to support paving slabs directly.
Can adjustable pedestals be used on roof terraces?
Yes. Raised pedestal systems are widely used on roof terraces because they provide drainage voids and access to waterproofing systems beneath the finished surface.
What surface finishes can be used with pedestals?
Pedestal systems can support aluminium decking, composite decking, fibre cement decking, porcelain paving, and various other compatible surface finishes.
Are pedestal systems suitable for refurbishment projects?
Yes. Their adjustable design often makes them suitable for upgrading existing balconies and terraces where levels may vary across the structure.
Can pedestal systems help improve drainage?
Yes. By creating a void beneath the finished surface, pedestal systems allow water to flow freely towards drainage outlets.