Frequently Asked Questions

The paved terrace side cladding support is compatible with standard Essentiel adjustable paving riser pedestals, with the exception of the 8/20 pedestal and all the self-levelling pedestals. It is also compatible with Essentiel decking pedestals from 40 mm upwards.

The Cleman® self-levelling 55/80 patio pedestal is intended for use on uneven ground or a concrete slab. It offers three stages of adjustment for precise setting: pre-setting using the driver bit, manual setting using the screw adjuster, and final adjustment using the special adjustment wrench. Each paving slab must be supported by multiple pedestals positioned at each corner and, if necessary, at the centre.

The number of pedestals required depends on the total area to be covered and the format of the paving used:

• For a 20 m² terrace paved with 60 x 60 cm ceramic tiles, 4 pedestals per m², so 80 pedestals in all.
• For a 40 m² terrace paved with 80 x 80 cm paving slabs, 7 pedestals per m², so 280 pedestals in all.

The precise calculation of the number of pedestals may vary depending on the type of covering and the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Jouplast® multipurpose forked packers can be used for a wide range of interior and exterior jobs: fitting and adjustment of joinery (doors, windows, frames, etc.), installing cladding and panelling, furniture assembly, assembling timber structures, fixing component parts of frame structures, packing for timber terraces, etc. Their robust structure and ease of use make them an essential tool for professionals and DIYers.

Our strong recommendation is to prepare the ground correctly before beginning the project. The choice of aluminium decking joists is crucial for durability. Laying a decking terrace on aluminium joists must be done correctly. Having made that choice, our advice is to read the installation instructions. Using our joist protection tape between the joists and decking boards prevents water retention and extends the life of the aluminium joist decking.

The Jouplast® isolation mat should be inserted between the terrace riser pedestals and the substrate (paved or other solid surface, for example). It can also be used on waterproofed substrates. It is simply inserted under the riser pedestal before terrace construction. Several mats can be laid on top of each other where the extra thickness is needed to adjust the height or provide a greater level of insolation. Please note that these mats are suitable for outdoor use only and should not be used on aggregate surfaces.

The Cleman® adjustment wrench is quick and easy to use. Once the paving has been laid, insert the wrench where the paving slabs intersect and adjust by turning counterclockwise to raise the height of the rise of pedestal, or clockwise to lower the height. This process enables the height and alignment of paving slabs to be precisely adjusted for optimum results. If any resistance is felt during the adjustment process, our recommendation is to stop turning the wrench and complete the adjustment manually using the screw adjuster.

Our recommendation is to fill the honeycomb tiles with crushed gravel graded to between 5 mm (min.) and 10 mm (max.).

Natural stone, ceramic, composite materials, or decking boards can be used to cover the staircase. It is also possible to build a concrete formwork and then apply a façade cladding over it.

Your joist pedestals must be installed on a prepared, untreated ground surface or a concrete slab. We strongly advise against installing them directly on soil without stabilisation, due to the risk of settlement or ground movement caused by weather conditions (rain, drought) or the weight of the structure. Whether you are installing your pedestals on an unfinished ground surface or a concrete slab, the surface must be clean, stable and properly levelled to ensure a durable and secure decking.

Fixego® is an innovative invisible fixing system designed for installing wooden decking boards without visible screws. Fixego® provides an attractive, uniform finish and extends the life of your deck. UV, frost, and tear resistant, it is particularly suitable for renovation or board replacement projects.

When it comes to your raised patio, the choice of one type of edge finish over another depends mainly on your personal taste in outdoor design :

• For a look similar to a light or beige flooring, such as a travertine-effect finish, opt for the pearl white RAL 1013 profile.
• For a look with darker, grey-toned shades, choose the anthracite grey RAL 7016 profile.
• If you prefer an industrial or even metallic look, we recommend picking the aluminium grey profile range.
• If you prefer to keep the same colour as the tiles used on the rest of your patio, then we recommend going for a finish with cut-to-size tiles and using a side finishing plate and lateral riser support.

The spacing between the pedestals will depend on the type of wood and the cross-section of the joists you are using. As a general rule, we recommend a distance of 70 cm between each adjustable pedestal. For joists, we recommend a centre-to-centre distance of 50 cm if your decking is made of natural wood boards. Please note that these guidelines differ for a composite decking.

Yes, our self-levelling pedestals have an adjustable height to the nearest millimetre.

Our Essential pedestals have a height range of up to 485 mm when combined with risers. For the Cleman® range with dual adjustment, it is possible to adjust their height from 40 to 470 mm using a riser.

To ensure optimal stabilisation of your paving stones, the bedding (or sub-base) must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Allow for drainage of rainwater and runoff. Example: your soil can be considered well-drained if there is never any standing water after heavy rain. If this is not the case, it is recommended that you drain the surface either by installing drains in the ground or by creating a drainage layer with 40/80 crushed stone.
• Not be subject to rising groundwater. Example: your ground is subject to rising groundwater if, after a long period of rain, it becomes damp and unstable.
• Have sufficient load-bearing capacity for the intended use (pedestrian or vehicle traffic). Example: a site can be considered stabilised when it has been driven on for several years. In the case of a new house, it is advisable to check the condition of the ground with the earthworks company.
• Have no unevenness greater than 1 cm over 3 m.

If in doubt, it is best to check with an earthworks company.

Installation on slopes up to 10% is possible. The installation must be carried out against a concrete kerb at the bottom.

Before installing our stabilisation slab for paving stones, it is important and mandatory to prepare the ground according to the intended use.

For a pedestrian walkway :

1. Dig out 10 cm of soil.
2. Compact the surface using a lawn roller to optimise the levelling of the ground. If there are any large stones remaining, remove them by hand.
3. Unroll a 120g/m² geotextile. For perfect coverage, overlap the geotextile strips by 10 cm.

For a driveway :

1. Dig out the soil to a depth of 20 to 30 cm.
2. Compact using a vibrating plate to ensure the ground is level.
3. Unroll a first 120g/m² geotextile. For perfect coverage, overlap the geotextile strips by 10 cm.
4. Create a 10 to 20 cm foundation layer consisting of a mixture of 70% 30/60 gravel and 30% sand.
5. Compact using a vibrating plate.
6. Roll out another 120g/m² geotextile.

Our block paving stabilisers can be used with all 15x15x6 cm high concrete block pavers. Stone and sandstone paving can also be used, although their higher cost makes them less common.

Jouplast 2mm flat packers are thin packers designed specifically for use where minimal packing is required. Their snappable design means they can be used in one-piece or snapped into 2 or 4 sections to provide 4 packers in 1. They also ensure excellent ventilation for timber decking structures, and comply fully with the minimum spacing requirement set by the French DTU 51.4 technical standard (3 mm between joist and decking board). Ultra-strong, they can support heavy loads with no deflection (crush resistance in excess of 2 tonnes).

The Jouplast® square gripper/isolation mat is an accessory designed to be applied to a paved side finishing plate. It damps any acoustic resonances and improves paving adhesion. It offers greater terrace stability and comfort.

The number of pedestals required depends on the total area to be covered and the format of the paving used:

• For a 20 m² paved terrace using 60 x 60 cm paving slabs: approximately 80 pedestals (4 pedestals per m²).
• For a 40 m² paved terrace using 80 x 80 cm paving slabs: approximately 280 pedestals (7 pedestals/m²).

The recommendations of the paving manufacturer must be followed in order to calculate the precise number of paving pedestals required.

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%.