Elevated Deck Support Options
Pedestal systems are exceptionally useful for constructing elevated decks on rooftops and other locations where a level surface is essential or where the deck needs to cover pipes, cables or ductwork. Typically used with porcelain or concrete pavers, when used to support fiberglass grating, the range of applications expands to included artificial turf decks, planter tray supports for green roofs, natural stone or clay paver surfaces and access walkways.
At the lowest elevations, fixed height rubber support pads are normally used since the ground clearance can be as low as 1/4″ but still ensuring water drains freely underneath the pavers. These pads can be stacked to build the height up to 1” to 1 ½”, the lowest height a screwjack type adjustable height pedestals can be effectively used.
For higher deck elevations, the choice of pedestal depends on various factors – cost, speed of assembly, number of pedestal models required, slope adjustment, fire-resistance etc. For this reason, Archatrak offers a broad range of adjustable height pedestals. Our range includes fixed height pads, non-combustible pedestals, automatic slope compensating pedestals, PVC column pedestals, pedestals to support wood bearers, pedestals to reduce wind uplift of pavers and pedestals to support steel or aluminum grid systems.
To assist in selecting the most appropriate raised deck support for a specific project, we have summarized the main attributes for each decking support system offered by Archatrak below.
Eterno 'Prime' Adjustable Height Deck Supports
With the Eterno ‘Prime’ series adjustable height pedestals, just three sizes of pedestals cover the height range from 1 1/4″ to 16 1/2″, compared with 7 sizes for the Eterno NM series and 12 for the Eterno SE series. This unique design feature of Eterno ‘Prime’ pedestals not only minimizes installation time, but more importantly, resolves the frustrating and costly issue of accurately estimating pedestal height requirements pre-installation and dealing with unexpected deck height variations on site.
The concentric screwed columns are easily adjusted either from below or above with a special tool inserted in the head.
Self-leveling, rubber faced heads with inbuilt spacer tabs offer automatic slope adjustment up to 5° – no add in slope adjustors required. Switch to fixed heads with just a simple add-in headlock.
Eterno 'NM' Adjustable Height Deck Supports
Eterno ‘NM’ adjustable height pedestals feature a wide central column for maximum stability and load bearing capacity, an anti-slip, noise reducing rubber head and the ability to make minor height adjustments from above, even after complete installation of the deck. No extra rubber shims, head tabs or pads are required, thus permitting rapid installation.
Four models cover the working range 1” to 10 5/8”. Add-in extension elements can extend the height to approx. 30”. Slope adjustment is achieved by adding slope compensation rings to the pedestal head – each ring 1% max.
Eterno ‘NM’ pedestals are generally our most cost-effective and versatile pedestals for building raised decks in the working range 1″ to approx. 12″, lacking only the convenience of a self-levelling head.
Eterno 'SE' Adjustable Height Deck Supports
Eterno ‘SE’ adjustable height pedestals have similar features to the ‘NM’ pedestals (anti-slip, noise reducing rubber head and the ability to make minor height adjustments to raised pavers from above) but rather than using add-in slope compensation rings, a self-leveling head offers automatic slope compensation up to 5%. The central column is slightly narrower than the ‘NM’ range. No extra shims, head tabs, pads or slope adjustment devices are required, thus permitting rapid installation.
Six sizes of pedestals cover the working range 1 1/8” to 8 ½” with add-in extension elements extending the usable height to approx. 22”.
‘SE’ pedestals are particularly useful as a deck leveling system for locations where the slope of the substrate is variable or exceeds 2 1/2%.
‘SE’ pedestals are slightly more expensive than ‘NM’ pedestals.
Non-combustible Deck Supports
Our solid steel, adjustable height pedestals offer a totally non-combustible solution for constructing raised decks in locations where the use of plastic pedestal supports is prohibited.
Eight models cover the working range 1” to 20”. The clip on plastic head with in-built spacer tabs is slightly narrower than the ‘Eterno’ range and does not include any specific slope compensation. Use of a buffer pad under the square steel bases is generally recommended over waterproof membranes.
Pricing does not vary significantly across the height range so these pedestals are in fact more economical than both ‘Eterno’ and ‘Uptec’ plastic pedestals at elevations above about 16”.
These steel pedestals are the only pedestals currently available that are totally fire resistant and non-combustible.
'Altitudes' PVC Column Paver Supports
‘Altitudes’ pedestals use cut lengths of 4” diam. Schedule 40 PVC pipe fitted between head and base components to cover the recommended working range 1 ½” to 24”.
Only four items are required across the entire height range. Up to 4 3/16” height, the PVC pipe must be cut precisely as no adjustment other than using shims is possible. Above this height, a screwed collar permits height adjustments of approx. ½”. Above 2 11/16” a self-leveling head offers slope correction up to 5%. Altitudes pedestals uniquely permit the head to be locked in position.
The pedestals are specifically designed to accept a proprietary screw and washer assembly for locking down structural wood tiles supplied with kerf cut corners.
These pedestals are especially useful at elevations above 10” when they become more competitive in price than ‘Eterno’ NM or SE series. They are also often preferred by contractors where it is difficult to measure deck elevations in advance of construction.
'Uptec' Adjustable Height Deck Supports
‘Uptec’ pedestals uniquely offer the simplicity of adding ‘collars’ to a single pedestal base rather than relying on a multiplicity of pedestal sizes to build up the height. Only three components are used. This generally offers faster, more convenient installation at heights below about 6″. Beyond that height, they become less price competitive compared with the ‘Eterno’ NM range since 1 1/8” high collars are used to build up the height.
The pedestals feature a self-leveling head offering automatic slope compensation up to 5%. The head can be easily be converted to a fixed head by rotating a locking ring in the head. Height adjustment can be made from above using a special tool, as with the ‘Eterno’ NM and SE range.
'Eterno' Fixed Height Rubber Support Pads
‘Eterno’ stackable, solid rubber support pads are typically used for laying pavers directly over concrete or to provide support at the lowest elevations before adjustable height deck supports can be used. Inbuilt spacer tabs ensure accurate spacing and alignment.
These rubber pads offer much superior sound absorption, enhanced shock protection and significantly greater slip resistance than plastic support pads. Pads are normally used up to approx. 1 1/2″.
Vertical Closure Clips
Used to extend and enhance elevated deck applications.
Vertical closure clips enable a vertical face such as the riser of a short step to be installed along the outside edge of an elevated deck.
Perimeter Spacer Clips
Perimeter spacer clips spaced around the perimeter of an elevated deck maintain a consistent gap between the outside edge of a paver and a parapet wall and assist in preventing any movement of the pavers.
Sound Absorbing Pads
Sound absorbing pads placed under the base of pedestals reduce noise transmission from the pedestals to the subs
Pedestals for Wood Bearers
Pedestals with wood bearer mounting brackets enable elevated decks to be constructed with traditional wood planks attached to pedestal supported wood bearers.
Pedestal Estimator
Our online pedestal estimator quickly and easily calculates both the number and size of pedestals and pavers irrespective of the shape, size or slope of the area. Quickly check different laying configurations, different starting positions, different angles of laying across the area, insert multiple drainage points and print or save the calculated configuration showing the quantity of each pedestal required.
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