Frequently Asked Questions

The geotextile membrane separates the distinct sub-layers of the soil.. This makes it possible to separate sand from aggregate, for example. The geotextile membrane also prevents weeds from growing in the gaps between the gravel.

Yes, our terrace edge finishing profiles, paved side finishing plate and paved terrace side cladding support are all suitable for use with terraces on sloping or uneven ground. In practice, it is not the finishing accessories that adapt to the slope, but the paved terrace riser pedestal. Adjusting the height of the riser pedestal makes it possible to compensate for a slope or uneven ground and to finish the edges of your terrace using our finishing profiles, paved terrace side cladding support and paved side finishing plate. However, we strongly advise you to prepare the ground thoroughly to create a level, even surface and avoid any unpleasant surprises in terms of poorly corrected slopes.

Jouplast 90mm ridged wedges are construction accessories designed to wedge and level timber structures in general, and flooring, decking and bordered floors in particular. Their saw-tooth ridging system provides precise height adjustment from 14 to 20 mm. They ensure stable, secure adjustment with no risk of slippage, and are compatible with flat packers. Ultra-strong with crush resistance over 2 tonnes. Our ridged wedges can be screwed, glued or nailed in place.

With a height adjustable up to 230 mm, the Cleman® self-levelling 130/230 pedestal is ideal for creating raised tiled, ceramic or paved terraces for pedestrian use. It can be used to compensate for uneven ground and gradients of up to 5% for perfectly level terraces.

The Cleman® 80/130 mm patio pedestal must be installed on stabilised ground or a precast concrete slab. It must be positioned under the paving in accordance with the recommendations of the paving manufacturer, with at least one pedestal at each corner of each paving slab. Its height adjustment mechanism can be used before, during and after installation to ensure quick and precise adjustment.

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 decking 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.

Begin by inserting the three connector pins into the holes provided at the end of the modules or steps. Then, align the new module or step extension with the existing one and use the connector clips to lock the connector pins in place. No other tools are required for this installation. Each kit is designed to assemble two modules or steps. So each side-by-side extension requires three kits (i.e. three connector pins and three connector clips). Follow this procedure to assemble MODULESCA® modules or steps side by side to create a strong and stable structure.

Stone, concrete or ceramic paving slabs are all possible choices for a patio on pedestals. The choice will depend on the use, the type of installation and, of course, the desired aesthetic appearance of your paved patio.

Stone paving slabs: a robust material

Stone is appreciated for its authenticity and timeless appearance. Two materials can be obtained from this mineral, depending on the process used:

• Natural stone slabs, cut from the bedrock to predefined dimensions.
• Reconstituted stone slabs, made by grinding the mineral and incorporating other materials and treatments before moulding.

Whether natural or reconstituted, stone slabs can be integrated into all styles of decoration and all types of installation.

Like concrete slabs, they can be laid sealed, glued, on pedestals or on a bed of sand.

Porcelain stoneware tiles: a material similar to outdoor tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from porcelain stoneware. This material is used to manufacture outdoor tiles of the same name. For this reason, they form a separate category, often included with outdoor tiles.

Porcelain stoneware outdoor tiles are a first-choice material for creating a tiled terrace. Ceramic paving is appreciated for its excellent aesthetic appeal. These tiles have a sober appearance that lends elegance to outdoor spaces in general and terraces in particular.

In terms of installation, porcelain stoneware can be laid in any way, including on pedestals, despite being thinner than other types of paving. For installation on pedestals, the tile must be at least 2 cm thick and comply with the QB UPEC F+ standard.

Wooden tiles: perfect for small areas

Also known as decking, wooden tiles are often associated with decking boards. And for good reason, as they are made from bio-based material. However, some decking is made from composite, a mixture of wood fibres and synthetic materials.

Wooden tiles or decking are also very lightweight. Installing decking is therefore very different from installing other types of tiles. It is also very easy, as they simply need to be laid on the ground, provided that it is smooth and level. It should be noted that they can also be laid on joists.

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.

Composite decking heats up in the sun, just like any other surface material such as timber or tiles. Composite wood patios can reach higher surface temperatures in the sun than the ambient temperature.

We recommend choosing light-coloured composite boards, which absorb less heat than dark-coloured ones. This also applies to tiles or porcelain tiles.

Although composite heats up when exposed to the sun, it also cools down more quickly than other surfaces such as tiles or wood, which retain heat.

We also recommend having shaded areas on your patio using nearby vegetation or shading equipment such as parasols or stretched canvases. Around a swimming pool, we also advise you to step carefully to avoid burns when the weather is hot.

Modular wooden or composite staircase:

Wooden staircases require regular cleaning with a soft brush and soapy water to remove debris and dirt.

A fungicide and insecticide treatment can be applied to prevent mould and insects.

Modular staircases covered with paving:

It is recommended that the covering be cleaned with a soft wire brush to remove moss stains.

A water-repellent product can be applied to protect against moisture.

The advantage of raised patio built on pedestals is precisely that this installation requires neither adhesive nor screws. The pedestals do not need to be fixed the ground. You can dismantle the deck in no time at all and without damaging the ground.

However, for wooden decks, it is necessary to fix the joists to the pedestals in order to secure the whole structure. Subsequently, the decking boards must be fixed to the joists using through-bolts or hidden-decking fixings such as Fixego®.

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.

Depending on the area of the terrace and the format of paving used, the number of riser pedestals required will vary. Nevertheless:

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

These quantities should be adapted according to the type of paving used and the recommendations of the manufacturer.

The use of a gravel stabilisation grid is essential to avoid the creation of ruts by repeated use of vehicles entering and leaving a garage, for example.

Before you start work on building your decking, it is important to check that you have the necessary permissions or authorisations. In practical terms, if you are a homeowner, and depending on the size of your project, you may need a notice of intended building alterations or a construction permit. For more information, our advice is to contact your local planning department directly. Are you member of a joint ownership scheme? Don’t forget to ask your property management company for permission.

90mm ridged wedges are placed directly under joists or other joinery components requiring adjustment. When joists are laid parallel to the direction of water flow, they should be set to a minimum height of 10 mm; where joists are laid at right angles to the direction of water flow, their minimum height should be 20 mm. Recommended spacing between wedges is 70 cm, although this may vary depending on joist cross-section and the type of timber used. Once in place, they can be screwed, glued or nailed for guaranteed stability.