Patio Pedestals & Accessories

We are often asked about the benefits of patio pedestals and why they are preferable to traditional glued installations or those without adjustable pedestals. There are many reasons! Patio pedestal systems offer numerous advantages.

Firstly, using pedestals simplifies both planning and installation. Indeed, our products are designed to simplify the installation of your patio, whether the flooring is made of tiles, composite, timber, mixed, or low-height decking boards. Height-adjustable pedestals generally allow for fast installation without the need for major groundworks.

Terrace pedestal systems also offer great adaptability, flexibility and modularity, making it easy to modify the layout to suit the owners’ changing tastes and needs over time. This modularity is particularly advantageous for temporary or evolving installations.

Made from recycled materials, Jouplast® pedestals are sustainable, stable, long-lasting supports with excellent resistance to temperature fluctuations and crushing. They are very resistant to heavy loads and can support 1 tonne. Their design includes an ingenious screw system that prevents sagging over time. They also provide proper drainage of rainwater.

In addition, terrace pedestals are practical and help you save money by reducing construction costs and minimising environmental impact as they are made from recycled materials.

Another significant advantage is that an adjustable pedestal support system can be used on various types of ground, whether level, sloping or uneven. Our self-levelling pedestals, for example, allow you to compensate for or level out a slight slope, making it easier to install outdoor patio areas on varied terrain. Whether you want to landscape your garden, balcony, poolside area or even a space with a pergola, pedestals will be your allies for your landscaping project.

Thanks to the space beneath the raised floor, it is possible to route cables and pipes, making it easier to install electrical or plumbing systems without the need for additional work. This makes it easier, for example, to incorporate lighting into your outdoor living space.

In short, Jouplast® patio pedestal systems offer a practical, economical and durable solution for patio projects, whilst meeting the requirements of both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Before starting work, it is essential to estimate the number of pedestals you will need to purchase. Here are the steps to follow to estimate the quantity of pedestals required:

Start by measuring the surface area of your patio and drawing up a layout plan, taking into account the recommended spacing for the type of paving slabs. Generally, a pedestal is placed at each corner of the slab, but some formats or materials may require additional support points, and therefore additional pedestals.

To find out the recommended spacing between each pedestal, we recommend that you consult the appropriate installation advice, available on the product sheet for the pedestal you are using, and the recommendations of your flooring manufacturer.

To calculate the number of pedestals:

• Divide the length of the terrace by the recommended spacing between two pedestals, then do the same with the width.
• Multiply the two results to obtain the total number of pedestals required.
• Remember to add extra pedestals for edges, corners or specific cuts.
• Always round up to the nearest whole number for optimum stability and to have a few spare pieces in reserve.

Each pedestal type has its own specific installation method. To ensure you follow the correct installation steps, we recommend you read the installation guide for the pedestals you have chosen for your project.

However, we can summarise the installation of pedestals in a few simple steps:

• Preparing the ground: preparing the ground is essential before starting your project. On a concrete slab, you must make sure that the surface is clear of any obstacles to ensure your pedestals are properly stabilised. On natural ground, make sure to properly level and compact it. To do this, remove the topsoil to a depth of approximately 15 cm, then lay a geotextile before creating a base layer of 0/31.5 crushed stone. For best results, compact the entire surface using a vibrating plate. Proper levelling ensures the durability of your patio.
• Position the pedestals: install the pedestals following the layout plan and recommended spacing. The pedestals must be laid evenly and with the appropriate spacing (usually between 40 and 60 cm). Use a spirit level to check that each pedestal is level.
• Install the joists, wooden boards or tiles: start by adjusting the height of your pedestals. For a wooden or composite decks, secure the joists to the pedestals using suitable screws. You can then lay your decking boards, fixing them to the structure. For a paved patio, lay the tiles directly onto the pedestals, readjusting the height if necessary to ensure a levelled surface.
• Final adjustments: check the alignment and stability of the entire structure. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a uniform and safe surface. Don’t forget the edges of the patio, which you can also finish to ensure a clean, modern look.

For detailed and specific instructions, we recommend consulting the installation guides provided on the product page of the pedestal you are using. They contain precise information and illustrations to guide you step by step.

The advised spacing between your pedestals depends on the flooring you have chosen.

For a paved patio, the spacing between the pedestals (whether self-levelling or not) depends on the size of your tiles. You will need to place at least one pedestal in each corner. So, if your tile measures 60×60 cm, you simply need to place your pedestals every 60 centimetres. For certain tile sizes, such as 90×90 or 120×30, you will also need to add pedestals along the lengths to ensure proper support for the tile. Always refer to your tile manufacturer’s recommendations.

For a wooden or composite patio, we generally recommend a spacing of 70 cm between each pedestal (depending on the type of wood and the joist cross-section). The spacing between the joists will depend on the type of decking: 50 cm between joists for natural wood decking and 40 cm between joists for composite wood decking (check with the manufacturer).

For further info, please feel free to consult our practical guide on how to calculate the number of pedestals. The most reliable approach is to consult your decking’s manufacturer.

Before buying pedestals, you need to choose the right size! Depending on the range of pedestals you choose, there are several sizes you can use to build your elevated patio.

Our paving pedestals are available in several sizes:

• The Essentiel standard range: adjustable pedestals from 8 to 20 mm, 20 to 30 mm, 20 to 40 mm, 50 to 80 mm, 80 to 140 mm and 140 to 230 mm. You can add Essentiel risers of 10 mm, 25 mm or 60 mm to certain pedestals. With the 140/230 mm pedestal and four 60 mm risers, you can reach a maximum height of 470 mm.
• The Essentiel self-levelling range: adjustable pedestals from 29 to 39 mm, 55 to 75 mm, 65 to 95 mm, 95 to 155 mm and 155 to 245 mm. The 10 mm and 60 mm Essentiel risers are also compatible with some of these pedestal sizes. With the 155/245 mm pedestal and 4 x 60 mm risers, a height of 485 mm can be achieved.
• The Cleman® standard range: adjustable pedestals from 28 to 40 mm, 40 to 55 mm, 55 to 80 mm, and 80 to 130 mm. All these pedestal sizes are compatible with the 60 mm Cleman® riser. By using 4 risers together with the largest pedestal, you can achieve a maximum height of 470 mm.
• The Cleman® self-levelling range: adjustable pedestals from 40 to 55 mm, 55 to 80 mm, 80 to 130 mm and 130 to 230 mm. Just like the standard Cleman pedestal, all sizes of the Cleman self-levelling pedestal are compatible with the 60 mm Cleman riser. By adding 4 risers to the largest pedestal size, you can achieve a height of up to 470 mm for your patio.
• The PLOGOM® : the Plogom® pedestal is only available in a single size of 10 mm.

Our decking pedestals also come in several sizes:

• Essentiel standard joist pedestal support: adjustable from 8 to 20 mm (the smallest joist pedestal on the market), 20 to 30 mm, 20 to 40 mm, 40 to 60 mm, 50 to 80 mm, 80 to 140 mm and 140 to 230 mm. Some of these pedestals are compatible with the 10 mm and 60 mm Essentiel risers. By adding 4 risers to the largest pedestal, you can achieve a maximum height of 470 mm for your timber or composite decking.
• Easio® pedestals: adjustable pedestals from 40 to 55 mm, 55 to 80 mm, 80 to 130 mm and 130 to 230 mm. These different pedestal sizes are all compatible with the 60 mm Easio® riser. By choosing the 130/230 mm pedestal and adding 4 risers, you can then build a 470 mm decking (excluding joists and decking boards).
• Elevo® pedestal: available in a single model, height-adjustable from 43 to 138 mm. This pedestal is also compatible with the 10 mm and 60 mm Essentiel risers.

Before laying the slabs or wooden boards, it is important to ensure that your pedestals are securely fixed in place. Here are the steps to follow to secure them, regardless of the type of pedestal chosen:

Start by marking out the area. This will determine the exact location and dimensions of your patio. Then, prepare the ground.

On bare ground

1. Clean the area and remove any vegetation or debris.
2. Remove approximately 15 cm of topsoil. For slightly sloping ground (up to 5%), self-levelling pedestals can compensate for this incline.
3. Lay a geotextile membrane: this prevents weeds from growing back and limits rising damp. Cut it to the dimensions of the area to be covered and ensure there is sufficient overlap at the edges.
4. Create a base layer using 0/31 crushed stone.
5. Compact the surface using a vibrating plate.

A small exception applies to the 8 x 20 mm terrace pedestal: we recommend creating a draining base layer made of 30/60 or 40/80 crushed stone instead of 0/31 crushed stone. Then, finish with a thin layer of gravel to achieve a perfectly level surface. Finally, compact it with a vibrating plate.

On a concrete slab

1. Remove any debris (rubble, stones, etc.) that could hinder the installation or prevent the pedestals from staying firmly in place.
2. Check the available heights at the thresholds. This will help you choose the correct size of pedestals for your project.

Depending on the nature of the ground, a drainage base can be laid beforehand using a layer of 30/60 or 40/80 aggregate.

If the resulting surface still has some imperfections, it is recommended to create a bedding layer using quarry sand or crushed sand of type 0/4. This will facilitate the installation of low-profile pedestals. It is recommended to use a vibrating plate between each layer.

On uneven or sloping ground, it is not necessary to level the surface if you are subsequently using self-levelling pedestals.

Our patio pedestals have a crush resistance of over 1 tonne. However, the weight that a wooden or paved patio can support does not depend solely on the strength of the pedestals.

Each type of flooring has its own load-bearing capacity. We therefore advise you to check with your timber or paver supplier for more precise information.

More generally, if you are planning to place a heavy item on your raised garden terrace, such as a hot tub, we recommend opting for our PROFILDECK® solution (aluminium joists), which will ensure better weight distribution across the structure of the raised patio.