Order pedestal supports for patio slabs online
What matters in pedestal pavers
From the right material to the ideal thickness to the most important properties, here you can find out everything about ideal pedestal paver terrace slabs.
What matters with pedestal paver decks
Pedestals are a system for laying tiles or slabs on elevated floor coverings, such as balconies, patios or roof gardens. The suitable slabs for the use of pedestals are usually those that have sufficient strength and stiffness to carry the weight of people and furniture without breaking or damaging. In addition, they should be slip-resistant, frost-resistant and weather-resistant to withstand extreme outdoor conditions. But what makes good floor and terrace slabs for pedestal pavers?
The right material
It is important that the slabs comply with the requirements of local building regulations, and that the laying of patio slabs and floor slabs on pedestals is carried out by a skilled installer to ensure a safe and stable construction. Suitable materials or slabs that can be laid with pedestals are available in multiple designs. Here are the most important variants.
Concrete slabs
Concrete slabs are usually inexpensive, durable and sturdy, and are well suited for outdoor use. However, concrete can fade due to weather influences. In addition, the surface becomes increasingly porous by the use of high-pressure cleaners and dirty much faster again. This is a rather unpleasant cycle. High weight and small formats drive the costs of pedestal installation with concrete slabs mostly high. The expected loads should always be checked in individual cases, the specifications of the slab manufacturers must be complied with.
Natural stones
Natural stones such as granite, marble, limestone or sandstone have high strength and are therefore very resistant. A disadvantage results in high acquisition costs in the pedestal installation. Natural stone is a natural product. There are no exact data for the breaking loads, since every plate is unique. For natural stone we recommend sufficient thickness of the plates to have enough safety reserves. The use of a breakthrough protection PP grating grid would possibly be useful. The expected loads should always be checked in individual cases, the specifications of the slab manufacturers must be complied with.
Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles are available in many different colors and designs and are an inexpensive option for using a laying of patio slabs on pedestals. The most common slab thickness is 2 cm. A good 2 cm slab has a breaking load of about 1,000 kg on a four-point support and a pedestal span of 60 cm. This is usually sufficient for a normal terrace use - for pure walking. There are now also ceramic slabs in 3 cm slab thickness. These have a breaking load of about 3,000 kg on a 4-point support and a pedestal span of 60cm. The expected loads should always be checked in individual cases, the specifications of the slab manufacturers must strictly be adhered to. Since ceramics are an industrial product, all manufacturers have exact technical data sheets and specify how the pedestal patio slabs must be laid.
Wooden slabs / WPC planks
Wooden slabs are a natural and attractive choice for the use of pedestals. However, attention must be paid to the weather resistance and durability of wood or WPC. Wooden slabs or planks are usually laid in combination with pedestal and aluminum rail construction. Disadvantage: Wood or WPC usually only lasts about 8-12 years in our latitudes and then need to be replaced.
Factors for ideal pedestal slabs
When buying slabs for use with pedestals, there are some important factors to consider to make sure they are suitable for the intended use:
- • Size and thickness: The size and thickness of the slabs determine the load capacity. The slabs should be large enough to cover the required area without small pieces in the border areas. At the same time, they must not be too thick and therefore too heavy. Correspondingly, the slab thickness must be sufficient to support the weight of people and furniture.
- • Material: The material of the slabs should meet the requirements of the area of use to ensure weather resistance and longevity. Ceramics, natural stones and concrete slabs, for example, are very robust and resistant to weather influences.
- • Slip resistance: Especially in wet conditions, adequate slip resistance is required. Concrete and natural stones can gain sufficient slip resistance with special surface treatments, ceramic patio slabs usually already have the surface suitable for outdoor areas R11 A+B+C from the factory.
- • Design: The design should meet the aesthetic requirements of the field of application to ensure an appealing appearance. There are a multitude of designs and colors to choose from that can blend well into the area.
- • Installation: The slabs should be installed by a skilled installer with experience in laying on pedestals to ensure proper assembly and attachment.
By considering these factors, the proper use of pedestals can be guaranteed with these patio slabs. For more questions about the ideal slabs for pedestals, we are always at your disposal - by phone at +43 7612 66668 or via our contact form.
