Types of support pads for terrace pavers
Support pads used in raised deck terrace technology can be divided into two main groups:
Fixed-height support pads
Designed for places where the height has already been prepared in advance and there is no need for additional lifting or leveling of the surface.
Adjustable height pedestals
They allow for precise height leveling and compensation of uneven ground.
Thanks to the adjustment, it is easy to achieve a perfectly even surface even on substrates with a slope for water drainage.
Terrace support pads for pavers
The lowest support pads designed for terraces where available height is very limited.
The system includes:
- 2 mm shims,
- 8 mm rubber shims,
- 10 mm modular support pads,
- 15 mm modular support pads,
- 16 mm modular support pads.
2 mm shims
The lowest spacers designed for laying pavers directly on:
- gravel,
- cement-sand bedding,
- stabilized ground,
- level concrete surfaces.
They feature built-in 3 mm joint spacers and allow for 5 mm joints.
Available in black or transparent versions, as well as rubber.
Their design allows them to be split in half or into quarters, which is useful when laying pavers against walls or low walls.
Rubber shims 8 mm
Made of flexible material that:
- absorbs vibrations,
- soundproofs the terrace,
- reduces paver rocking,
- improves user comfort.
They are particularly often used on balconies and rooftop terraces due to their acoustic properties.
Modular support pads 10 mm, 15 mm and 16 mm
The modular design allows:
- splitting into halves,
- splitting into quarters,
- use against walls and in corners,
- stacking to achieve greater heights.
Thanks to this, they are a universal solution for low terraces.
SPIRAL adjustable pedestals The SPIRAL series has been designed for very low terraces.
The most important features of this series:
- stepwise height adjustment every 1 mm,
- height range from 10 mm
- possibility of installing pavers and joists,
- compatibility with many accessories
The SPIRAL series works perfectly with low balcony thresholds and anywhere else where standard pedestals are too high.
Adjustable pedestals STANDARD
This is a classic pedestal used in the construction of raised deck terraces.
Key advantages:
- wide adjustment range from 30 to 420 mm
- possibility of installing pavers and joists,
- compatibility with self-leveling heads,
- quick installation
- smooth height adjustment
STANDARD pedestals are used on balconies, residential terraces, and rooftop decks. Their quick height adjustment using a nut is a huge advantage.
Adjustable MAX Pedestals
The MAX series has been designed for the most demanding applications.
It is particularly suitable when:
- large heights need to be overcome,
- increased loads are present,
- heavy structures are planned
- public spaces are being designed, such as rooftop terraces, commercial terraces, or other large development projects.
Thanks to the use of accessories, the pedestal can reach heights of up to 950 mm.
How to choose the right pedestal?
The choice of pedestal depends primarily on:
Terrace Heights
The greater the height to be overcome, the higher the adjustment range will be needed. For the smallest heights, SPIRAL pedestals will be best, for the largest - MAX.
Type of surface
On pedestals, you can install:
- gres pavers,
- concrete pavers,
- stone pavers,
- wooden joists,
- composite joists,
- aluminum joists.
On support pads, due to the built-in spacers for pavers, only pavers can be used.
Type of substrate
Systems can be installed on:
- concrete,
- waterproofing membrane,
- roofing felt,
- gravel,
- stabilized ground,
- inverted roofs.
Where are support pads for terrace pavers used?
Raised deck terrace technology is used on:
- balconies,
- loggias,
- home terraces,
- rooftop decks,
- hotels,
- restaurants,
- office buildings,
- commercial facilities.
Thanks to the high flexibility of the system, virtually any type of surface can be created without the need for adhesives or mortars.
Do 2 cm terrace pavers on pedestals not crack?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by people who encounter raised deck terrace technology for the first time.
Modern terrace pavers with a thickness of 20 mm are designed specifically for installation on pedestals. Their strength often exceeds 1000 kg of point load.
With proper spacing of supports and in accordance with the paver manufacturer's recommendations, there is no risk of the surface cracking during normal use.
Can 2 cm terrace pavers lie exclusively on pedestals?
Yes. Most 20 mm terrace pavers are designed precisely for this type of installation.
Can pedestals be used on waterproofing?
Yes. Although pedestals do not have sharp edges, it is recommended to use SBR rubber pads as an additional protective layer.
Can pedestals be used with joists?
Yes. Almost all adjustable pedestals can work with joist adapters. More information can be found on the product group pages.
Do pedestals work on a flat roof?
Yes. This is one of the most common applications of raised deck terrace technology.
See also: Roof terrace - how to build a raised deck terrace step by step
Summary
Support pads for terrace pavers allow for the quick and safe construction of a raised deck terrace with ceramic, concrete, or stone pavers.
Depending on the height and project requirements, you can choose:
- SUPPORT PADS,
- SPIRAL pedestals,
- STANDARD pedestals,
- MAX pedestals.
As well as many other pedestal series such as ALU, RAPTOR, or CLEVER LEVEL.
Thanks to the wide range of heights and adjustment options, it is possible to create a durable, aesthetic, and easy-to-maintain surface on virtually any type of substrate.
