Paved Patio

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.

It is necessary to prepare the surface on which your slab terrace will be installed. An unprepared ground (such as installing directly on a lawn) may change and shift over time, depending on the load it supports and weather conditions (drought, heavy rain, etc.). Therefore, it is essential to stabilize the ground to ensure the long-term durability of your project.

The surface on which the paved patio will be built must be prepared before work can begin. Unprepared ground (e.g. unprepared soil) 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 patio to ensure long-term stability of your project.

Before installing any patio pedestals, it is important to stabilise the ground to ensure the longevity of your wooden deck or paved patio. To establish a solid base for your raised patio, the ground must be levelled, even and free of any obstacles.

On a concrete slab, ensure you remove any debris that could hinder the installation and/or stability of the pedestals.

On unprepared ground, minor earthworks will be required. First, you will need to excavate the ground to create a level base and ensure the ground is properly levelled. The installation of a geotextile membrane and the creation of a base layer made of crushed stones are then essential to ensure that the patio pedestals can be installed correctly.

If installing on a waterproof surface, comply with DTU 43.1.

If you are using Elevo® pedestals, ground preparation is minimal and simply requires the installation of a geotextile membrane to ensure proper drainage of rainwater.