Frequently Asked Questions

The lifespan of timber decking depends primarily on the quality of its structure. That is why our advice is not to neglect this aspect of the terrace project, even though it will not ultimately be visible. When constructing a decked terrace, ensure that its weight is evenly distributed, the structure is adequately ventilated and protected against rainwater by joist protection tape, and that the decking boards are spaced correctly, etc. All these details are important.

The paving spacers are designed to create even spacing between paving slabs as they are laid to guarantee uniform spacing across the terrace and comply fully with all project constraints. Ideal when laying paving slabs, tiles and even timber decking boards.

Each slope corrector for Essentiel riser pedestals can correct for gradients of up to 2.5%. Gradients of up to 10% can be corrected by stacking up to 4 slope correctors.

Begin by placing the 21 cm joist in the central housing moulded into the module, and the two 35 cm joists in the side positions. Then secure all 3 by screwing through the module. Once the joists are in place, you can clad the steps by screwing the timber decking boards directly onto these sections of joist.

For a pedestrian walkway, we recommend choosing gravel with a grain size of 5/15 or 8/16 so that it is dense enough to properly fill the cells of our plates while allowing for water drainage.

Here are some criteria to consider when choosing garden edging:

• Which areas do you want to define: flower beds, footpaths, lawns or gravel?
• What aesthetic do you want to give your outdoor space: modern, rustic, minimalist or contemporary?
• Which material do you prefer for its aesthetic appeal: stone, metal, wood, composite, concrete or plastic?
• What is your budget: metal, plastic and stone are more expensive but offer superior durability. Wood is often more affordable but will tend to deteriorate more easily.
• What is your maintenance capacity: natural materials such as wood and stone require regular treatment to prevent deterioration. Plastic, composite and metal are more resistant to weather and frost.

Here are several criteria to consider when selecting garden edging:

1. Which areas do you want to define? Flower beds, walkways, lawns, or gravel zones?
2. What aesthetic are you aiming for in your outdoor space? Modern, rustic, minimalist, or contemporary?
3. Which material do you prefer for its look? Stone, metal, wood, composite, concrete, or plastic?
4. What is your budget? Metal, plastic, and stone tend to be more expensive but offer greater durability. Wood is often more affordable but may deteriorate more quickly.
5. What level of maintenance can you manage? Natural materials like wood and stone require regular treatment to prevent damage. Plastic, composite, and metal are more resistant to weather and frost.

The best times to install a wooden deck are spring and autumn, as the temperatures are milder. However, installing a wooden deck on pedestals requires little ground preparation. It is therefore entirely possible to install it in winter.

No, terraces laid on composite pedestals are not supposed to warp. The quality of the materials is, of course, paramount. Poor-quality products can expand when exposed to heat and shrink when exposed to frost. Installation is also important and must be carried out correctly. The boards must be properly secured using the manufacturer’s fixing clips and spaced sufficiently apart to ensure ventilation of the decking.

To calculate the number of steps required to build an external staircase using Modulesca® modules, we recommend visiting www.jouplast.com and consulting the step configurator.

Depending on the nature of your soil and the intended use, there are three types of stabilisation available:

• Without foundations : this method is suitable for covered projects on well-drained or load-bearing soil with sufficient slope. It can be used for temporary projects.
• With minimal foundations: this method is recommended for moderately draining and load-bearing soils.
• Conventional foundations: this method is recommended for low-bearing and impermeable soils.

If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask a specialist for a geological analysis (drainage and load-bearing capacity) of your soil.

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 snappable 5mm flat packers are easy to handle and adapt. Their integral moulded lugs make them stackable to achieve the desired thickness, and they can be combined with ridged wedges for more precise adjustments. Their snappable design makes them adaptable to meet a range of requirements, either in one piece or snapped into 2 or 4 sections. To guarantee their stability, they can be screwed, glued or nailed directly to the structure to be shimmed.

Although we can tell you the approximate number of joists you will need per m2 based on your choice of terrace surface, it is not possible to quantify the precise number of aluminium joists required, except on a project-by-project basis. Nevertheless, we can say with certainty that :

• For a private garden terrace using H/55mm joists, the recommended centreline spacing distance between riser pedestals is 80cm
• Using H/27mm joists, the recommended centreline spacing distance between riser pedestals is 50cm

Centreline spacing is the distance between joists. For a precise calculation, you can send us the details of your project, but you will soon be able to make the same calculation using the Jouplast® app.

Ideal for laying create tiled, ceramic or paved terraces, the Cleman® self-levelling 80/130 riser pedestal can be used to correct gradients of up to 5% on uneven ground. Its height adjustability provides greater flexibility for adapting terrace structures to project site constraints and the height of terrace required.

The Cleman® adjustable 40/55 riser pedestal is used to create tiled, ceramic or paved terraces for pedestrian use. It offers 3 adjustment options: pre-setting using the driver bit, manual setting using the screw adjuster, and final adjustment using the special adjustment wrench, all of which enables an extremely precise level of height adjustment. It offers not only fast and structurally stable installation, but also optimised side cladding facilitated by the 2 supports integrated into the base flange. This riser pedestal is compatible with self-supporting paving compliant with French classification T7, T11, or F+. It is not suitable for use with the paved side finishing plate.

Polyethylene zone markers are designed to fit Greenplac, Urbangravel and Urbanit stabilisation modules. They are used to create dividing lines or surface signage, and simplify the process of marking out driveways, footpaths, pedestrian-only and traffic-only areas. They are frost and UV resistant.

The Jouplast® Elevo riser pedestal for metal posts is designed to create natural timber or composite decking on sloping ground and for extending existing decking. It requires no site preparation and is inserted directly onto a square metal post (not supplied) to provide a stable and height-adjustable solution.

Stabilising spacers are inserted between paving slabs as they are laid. They can also be used in combination as intersection spacers, depending on the configuration of your installation. Once installation is complete, the spacers can be removed for a sleek final finish.

The Essentiel 2.5% slope corrector is designed for use with Essentiel adjustable riser pedestals at least 40 mm high. It is not compatible with certain models, including Essentiel standard adjustable paving riser pedestals HD10, HD 8/20 and HD 20/30, and Essentiel HL 10 and HL 20/30 adjustable joist support riser pedestals. Prior to installation, we recommend checking riser pedestal compatibility to ensure optimum results.