Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is essential to prepare the surface on which the pedestals will be installed. An unprepared surface (e.g. laying directly on soil or grass) may change over time and shift depending on the weight it bears and weather conditions (drought, heavy rain, etc.). This is why you must stabilise the ground to ensure the long-term durability of your project.

Jouplast® low-profile decking pedestals are sturdy and resistant to heavy loads. More specifically, they have a crush resistance rating of over 1 tonne. However, it is important to note that the maximum load supported by wooden, composite or slab decking on pedestals does not depend solely on the strength of the pedestals.

Each type of decking has its own load-bearing capacity. To find out more precisely how much weight your wood, composite or slab decking can bear, we recommend that you contact your supplier or the decking manufacturer.

Building a raised patio on pedestals has many advantages, but it is also important to be aware of a few cons – or rather, constraints:

• A certain amount of space is required beneath the concrete slab to install the patio on the pedestals. If the ground is too low, we recommend using Jouplast® products such as our cross slab, a stabilising spacer designed to ensure the slabs are laid with consistent spacing.
• An area with lots of gaps beneath a patio could attract pests or flying insects. However, by choosing Jouplast® pedestals, you are guaranteed that water drains away properly, preventing mosquitoes or flies from breeding.
• The cost of the patio and its materials should be taken into account when deciding to build a raised patio.

Surfaces such as concrete slabs, ceramic tiles, exotic wood or imitation wood decking will cost the same whether for a raised patio or a traditional patio laid with mortar, glued or screwed down.

The cost of the patio pedestals is an additional factor compared to a traditional installation. However, they are versatile and easy enough to use to offset the cost of having a traditional patio installed by a professional landscaper. Thus, in just one day and with a single person, it is possible to build a raised patio on pedestals of approximately 20m².

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 decking pedestals in a few simple steps:

• Preparing the ground: preparing the ground is essential before starting your project. On a concrete slab, you must ensure 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 the ground. 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 decking area.
• Position the pedestals: install the pedestals following the layout plan and recommended spacing. The pedestals must be laid evenly and with the appropriate spacing (around 70 cm). Use a spirit level to check that each pedestal is level.
• Install the joists and wooden boards: start by adjusting the height of your pedestals. For a wooden or composite deck, secure the joists to the pedestals using suitable screws. You can then lay your decking boards, fixing them to the structure.
• 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.

We can reasonably estimate the cost of a gravel courtyard for a private individual, if self-installed, to be between €15 and €30 per square meter. For this approximately 100m² driveway, you should therefore budget at least €1500 for materials, including gravel and cellular paving grids, which seems to be a very reasonable budget for a durable, aesthetic, and ecological arrangement. Your gravel driveway will also be accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM), which is an additional advantage.

The CLEMAN® and EASIO® pedestal extension increases the height of your pedestals by 10 mm. It is suitable for slab patios with the standard or self-levelling CLEMAN® pedestal, as well as for installing wooden or composite decking with the EASIO® pedestal.

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.

The durability of a terrace built using aluminium joists depends on a number of criteria :

• For maximum durability, we recommend preparing the ground correctly before beginning the project to ensure that the surface is level and stable enough to ensure a long life for the riser pedestal installation
• Build your terrace in accordance with our installation instructions and advice
• Lay the joists on Jouplast packers or riser pedestals to prevent rising damp
• Use joist protection tape, etc.

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

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

These quantities may vary depending on the type of surface and the recommendations of the manufacturer.

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 paving slabs, 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.

This calculation may vary according to the type of paving used and recommendations of the manufacturer.

The self-adhesive tape is applied to the timber decking face of Profildeck® aluminium joists. For good adhesion, it must be applied only on a clean, dry surface. It is applied progressively as work on the structure advances. Its use extends the lifespan of the finished decking by protecting it more effectively against damp.

The Jouplast® joist support pad is located directly beneath the joists to stabilise the overall structure of the decking. It must be installed only on rigid, flat substrates. We recommend that you space joist support pads 50 cm apart to ensure effective support and stability. Joist support pads can be used alone or in combination with a joist protection tape to improve water resistance and extend the life of the timber structure.

The 3mm stabilising spacer provides stability for paving laid directly on aggregate or sand. Invisible after installation is complete, these spacers ensure that paving is perfectly flat, while its base holds individual paving slabs in place and prevents any movement. Its perforations allow water to drain to extend paving durability.

The hexagonal bit is used in the chuck of a screwdriver to pre-set riser pedestal heights prior to installation. Even after installation, riser pedestals can still be adjusted for height using a ratchet socket wrench, T-handle socket wrench or 10 mm open pipe wrench. Always use an electric screwdriver (with chuck) set to a moderate speed. For example, a screwdriver with 20 positions should be set to position 7.

Yes, steps created using MODULESCA® 20 cm modules can be customised to suit your own preferences. Once the step modules have been installed, you can clad them in your own choice of materials, including timber, ceramic tiles or paving slabs to achieve your preferred look. You are therefore free to adapt their style to suit your garden style and visual preferences.

There are different types of garden edging. Here are a few options:

• Natural stone edging: durable and sturdy, providing a natural, pure aesthetic.
• Plastic edging: allows for light, easy-to-move contours.
• Metal edging: modern and attractive, allowing for a sleek design.
• Concrete edging: this is sturdy but less modern than other types. It can look a little imposing.
• Wooden edging: this is easy to install and can be made from recycled materials. It requires regular maintenance to ensure the wood lasts.
• Composite edging: this is very durable and requires very little maintenance.

We generally recommend a distance of 70 cm between each adjustable pedestal (depending on the type of wood and the cross-section of the joists). For joists, we recommend a centre-to-centre distance of 50 cm if your decking is made of natural wood boards. Please note that the rules are not the same for composite decking.

Our self-levelling pedestals are available exclusively for the slab and timber decking patios.

Yes, Jouplast’s low-profile pedestals, such as the 8 to 20 mm adjustable models, are particularly suitable for small spaces such as balconies and patios. These pedestals are designed for very low installation heights, making them ideal for areas where height is limited.

They are quick and easy to install, even on existing surfaces such as tiles or concrete slabs, while ensuring optimal stability and durability.

What’s more, their millimetre-precise adjustment ensures a perfect fit for your space, facilitating the transition between indoors and outdoors.

Before you start building your patio, it is important to check that you have the necessary permits.

If you own the property, that your patio is less than 20m² and is not raised, or only slightly raised, you will usually not need a planning application. However, for a terrace larger than 20m² or raised (generally from 40cm upwards), an authorization will be required (depending on your circumstances).

For additional information, we advise you to contact your local council directly.

If you are a leaseholder, do not forget to seek permission from your property manager.