Frequently Asked Questions

Cleman® 28/40 pedestals can be installed only on stabilised ground or a precast concrete slab. They are not suitable for use on loose soil or unprepared ground and must be laid on a flat surface whose gradient must not exceed 1.5%.

Jouplast® ridged wedges are designed to wedge and level timber structures constructed indoors and outdoors. Their saw-tooth ridging system facilitates precise spacing and ensures maximum stability of joists, floors and other joinery. Available in two formats (90 mm and 170 mm), they provide adjustment from 11 to 40 mm, depending on the combination used. Compatible with flat packers, they are ultra-strong (crush resistance over 2 tonnes) and have moulded holes for easy fixing with no drilling needed.

Our solutions are adapted to all types of structure, including balconies, patios and sloping ground. Be careful to choose the right type of self-leveling riser pedestal for the gradient.

The paved side finishing plate support kit extender increases the height of the paving side cladding support by 20 mm. It is used to adjust the height beneath paving when installing terraces or other structures to ensure a flat finish and sufficient stability.

The Cleman® adjustment wrench can be used with straight or offset patterns of square and rectangular paving slabs, with the exception of 2/3 – 1/3 patterns. However, it cannot be used to adjust the height of the riser pedestals located under the longer sides of rectangular paving slabs, or with paving slabs thicker than 30 mm.

For an exotic wood deck, several species stand out for their durability, resistance to moisture, and aesthetics. Here are some of the best options:

• Ipé: Native to South America, Ipé is very dense and resistant. It is naturally rot-resistant and offers excellent durability against the elements.
• Cumaru: Also known as “Brazilian teak,” Cumaru is a hard wood with a beautiful color ranging from reddish-brown to yellow-brown. It is very stable and resistant.
• Teak: Known for its resistance to water and insects, teak is often used for decks and outdoor furniture. It has a beautiful golden color that can be maintained with regular care.
• Padauk: This African wood is very dense and durable, with a color ranging from red to pinkish-brown. It is also very stable and stain-resistant.

It is possible to build a straight staircase or a quarter-turn staircase.

For a straight staircase:

• Minimum ground slope: 24.7° or 46%
• Minimum tread depth: 235 mm
• Maximum ground slope: 36° or 70%
• Maximum tread depth: 370 mm

For a curved quarter-turn staircase:

• Rotation axis: Center of the step
• Minimum inner radius: 570 mm
• Minimum outer radius: 1,530 mm
• Maximum step rotation angle: 13°

Note: The curved staircase can be assembled independently on either the right or left side using the module.

Jouplast® decking joist pedestals have a crush test resistance of over 1 tonne. However, the weight that a raised decking can support depends not only on the strength of the pedestals and whether they have a high load resistance, but also on the type of wood used for the decking. We therefore advise you to consult your timber supplier for more precise information on this matter.

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

Fixego® must be used for wooden decking projects that comply with French DTU 51.4 standards. It is fixed directly to wooden joists using screws.

Once installed, it holds the boards in place, creating regular spacing between them and promoting air circulation and water drainage.

We recommend using wooden joists made from the same type of wood as the decking boards. We do not recommend using Fixego® with wood that is knotty or unstable, such as acacia.

We do not advise using Fixego® on joists less than 45 mm wide.

Yes, our finishing profiles, side finishing plates and support kit are compatible with sloping or uneven ground.

In fact, it is not our finishing accessories that adapt to the slope, but the pedestal. By adjusting the pedestal’s range of adjustment, it is possible to compensate for a slope or uneven ground and thus complete the finish of your raised patio using our side finishing profiles, support kits and side finishing plates.

However, we strongly advise you to prepare your ground properly to ensure a flat, even surface without any unexpected issues caused by poorly managed slopes. For more details, watch our video on ground preparation.

There are several methods for concealing the joist pedestals on your raised decking.

If the clearance height allows it, you can create wooden side finishes for a uniform look.

For a finish at the end of the joist, simply place a lateral riser support on the base of the joist pedestal and snap off the tab. You can then more easily position and secure the joists. Do not forget to secure the vertical joist with a screw. You can finally attach the fascia board to the joist using 2 screws.

For a finish along the joist, you have two options:

1. Create a “ladder” edge structure. To do this, you will first need to place a lateral rising support at the base of each pedestal and snap off the tab. Then, position perpendicular reinforcements around the edge to allow pedestal movement. Place a small vertical joist of the measured height against each lateral riser support and fix the fascia board to the joist using 2 screws.
2. Add a peripheral joist. To do this, start by placing a lateral rising support at the base of each pedestal and snap off the tab. Then, position a small joist vertically against each lateral rising support and fix a spacer between the 2 peripheral joists to secure them together. Finally, simply fix the fascia board to the joist using 2 screws.

If your clearance height is too low, do not worry! We have alternatives to offer:

1. Decorative pebbles can be an elegant solution. Placing pebbles along the edge of your decking will create a natural and attractive look that blends harmoniously into your outdoor living space. The pebbles add an organic and warm touch, whilst elegantly concealing the unclad sections.
2. Another interesting finishing touch option for your raised decking is the use of small L-shaped corner pieces or finishing profiles. These 2×2 cm or 3×3 cm angles, depending on your needs, add a touch of structure and neatness to your deck. Easy to fix, L-shaped angles provide a stylish and durable finish to the edges of your elevated wooden deck.

Stone, Concrete or Ceramic Slabs: Which Material Should You Choose for a Decking Pedestal Terrace?

Stone, concrete or ceramic slabs are all suitable options for a terrace installed on pedestals. The choice will depend on the intended use, the installation method, and of course the aesthetic appearance you want to achieve for your slab terrace.

Stone Slabs: A Durable and Robust Material :

Stone is appreciated for its authenticity and timeless appearance. Depending on the manufacturing process, two types of stone slabs can be produced:

Natural stone slabs, created by cutting directly from the parent rock according to predefined dimensions.
Reconstituted stone slabs, produced by crushing the mineral material and combining it with other materials and treatments before molding.

Whether natural or reconstituted, stone slabs fit seamlessly into all decorative styles and suit virtually every installation method.

Like concrete slabs, they can be installed using bonded, adhered, pedestal-supported, or sand-bed installation techniques.

Porcelain Stoneware Slabs: Similar to Outdoor Tiles :

Ceramic slabs are manufactured from porcelain stoneware. This material is also used to produce outdoor tiles of the same name. For this reason, porcelain stoneware slabs are often classified as a separate category while remaining closely associated with outdoor tiling products.

Outdoor porcelain stoneware slabs are a premium choice for creating a slab terrace. Ceramic paving is particularly valued for its excellent aesthetic appeal. Their refined appearance brings elegance to outdoor spaces in general and terraces in particular.

In terms of installation, porcelain stoneware supports all common installation methods, including pedestal installation. This is possible despite its reduced thickness compared with other paving materials. For installation on pedestals, the slab must have a minimum thickness of 20 mm (2 cm) and comply with the QB UPEC F+ standard.

Wooden Deck Tiles: Ideal for Smaller Areas :

Also known as deck tiles, wooden slabs are often associated with decking boards. This is because they are made from a bio-based material. However, some deck tiles are manufactured from composite materials, combining wood fibers with synthetic materials.

Wooden deck tiles are also very lightweight. Their installation method differs significantly from that of other slab types and is particularly simple, as they are generally designed to be laid directly on the ground, provided the surface is smooth and level.

It is also worth noting that wooden deck tiles can be installed on joists.

A 2 cm top layer of 5/15 or 8/16 driveable gravel should be added to ensure that all the cells are totally filled. Once the gravel has been poured into the stabilisation grid, it should no longer be possible to see the grid itself.

Jouplast 2mm flat packers are modular and therefore easy to adapt to the requirements of individual projects: they can be used in one piece or snapped into sections for precise spacing adjustments. Their integral moulded lugs make them stackable, and they are compatible with ridged wedges for even more precise adjustments. For optimum fixing, they can be screwed, glued or nailed directly to the structure.

The Jouplast® square gripper/isolation mat is applied directly to the paved side finishing plate before the terrace paving is laid. It requires no mechanical fixing or adhesive, because its natural adhesion keeps it in place.

The Cleman® self-levelling 40/55 pedestal is designed and used to create tiled, ceramic or paved terraces for pedestrian use. Its self-levelling mechanism compensates for uneven ground and gradients of up to 5% to facilitate stable installation on irregular surfaces.

The surface on which the terrace will be built must be prepared before work can begin. Unprepared ground (e.g. unprepared soil or lawn) may change over time and can be subject to movement. Depending on the weight it will subjected to and the local climate (dry periods, heavy rainfall, etc.). For these reasons, it is important to stabilise the ground beneath the terrace to ensure its long-term stability.

Jouplast® ridged wedges are suitable for all joinery projects requiring precise adjustment and high levels of stability. They are typically used in timber decking projects and for packing indoor flooring. Their robust design and ease of use make them an essential accessory for professional and DIY installers who want to carry out effective, durable upgrading projects.

We offer 2 types of finish for raised patio:

1. The first option is a patio edge finish using cut tiles and the combination of our paved side finishing plate and paved side cladding support.
2. The second option for paved patio is to use our finishing profile.

Yes, paved side finishing plate support kit extenders can be stacked. Either 1 or 2 of these extenders can be stacked to add up to 40 mm of extra height. You can therefore adjust the height of finishing plate supports to suit the needs of your project without compromising the stability and strength of the overall installation.