Depending on the extent of your project, estimating pedestals can be a chore. No formula is going to give the answer if your deck shape is anything other than a simple rectangle or square with no other complications. Sure, you could spend the time to draw out your deck on a piece of graph paper and manually count out all the spaces where paver corners meet, but there’s a better way.
Whether you are new to paving elevated decks or an experienced contractor, there are certain factors that affect the total number of pedestals needed that you might miss in your initial sketch. For instance, have you considered the weight of the pavers, the anticipated pedestrian traffic, the expected height of the deck, and the extra support needed along the perimeter? If you answered no to any of these questions, finding the exact number of pedestals you need is going to require more than what pencil and paper can tell you.
Instead, we recommend using Archatrak’s online pedestal estimation tool. With this program, you can easily draw the outline of your project with your mouse and you will be prompted with all the data you need to accurately estimate the number of adjustable height Eterno NM, Eterno SE, Uptec or IGNO pedestals needed for the job.
Before you begin, you’ll want to take the following steps.
1. Gather the measurements of all sides of the deck
2. Measure the actual distance from the top of the membrane to the top of the paver at all perimeter corner, ridge and drain locations. If you are unable to do so, you may be able to use the slope from a reference point. This will determine the pedestal height needed at each location.
3. Determine the location and area of all non-paved areas.
4. Confirm your paver dimensions including the thickness.
Once you create your account, you’ll be able to draw and redraw your deck in a matter of seconds. Not only that, but you’ll be able to see exactly where each pedestal needs to be placed for optimal support.
Of course, like any other software out there, this system of pedestal calculation has some limitations. If you find that your deck design is outside of the program’s capabilities, you can export your progress as a pdf and send it off to a salesman for analysis. Take a step back, relax and they’ll do the work for you.
Not sure which pedestal to use?
It all depends on your site. If you know your slope, you should know your pedestal height range. That’s going to be the first factor to consider. If your height range is extreme, you’re going to be quite limited on options. Currently, the pedestal with the most variable height in the Archatrak range is the Eterno NM pedestal (1”-39” including extension parts). Anything beyond that maximum height becomes unstable. Looking for a non-combustible alternative? Archatrak’s IGNO pedestal may be the right selection for you. These pedestals are continuously adjustable from 1”-20”. However, there are much more to choose from. For more information on each pedestal type in the Archatrak range, click here.