Paving terrace pedestals

Your porcelain stoneware slabs rest on adjustable supports, with no concrete slab or masonry. The result: a level, free-draining, ventilated and removable surface, dry-laid in a few hours.

Choosing the right terrace pedestals

A pedestal is chosen first on the height to make up between the substrate and the finished terrace level, then on the head technology. Laid without glue or grout, a terrace on pedestals stays removable and drains perfectly: water runs off through the joints, air circulates under the slabs and utility ducts pass beneath the surface.

Self-leveling, adjustable or fixed?

The self-leveling pedestal has a pivoting head that compensates for the slope of the substrate on its own: it is the most convenient option on a sloping screed or roof terrace. The adjustable pedestal is set by screwing, to the millimeter. The fixed pedestal, more economical, suits low heights on an already level substrate.

Which height should you choose?

Measure the height between your substrate and the desired finished level, slab included. Our pedestals are sorted by range: 8 mm, 40/60 mm, 50/80 mm, 80/140 mm and 140/230 mm.

Our experts' tip: place a pedestal at each slab corner — it is shared by four slabs — and add a central support for large formats. Keep a 1 to 2% fall toward the outside and an expansion gap of 8 to 10 mm around the perimeter.

Our ranges

• Self-leveling pedestal
• Adjustable and self-leveling pedestal
• Fixed pedestal
• 8 mm pedestal
• 40/60 pedestal
• 50 80 pedestal
• 80 140 pedestal
• 140/230 pedestal

Frequently asked questions

What are the advantages of a terrace on pedestals?

Dry laying with no concrete or glue, a perfectly level surface even on uneven ground, drainage and ventilation under the slabs (no more standing water), cables and drains hidden under the terrace, and fully removable slabs to reach utilities or replace a piece. It is quick, clean and reversible.

How do you choose terrace pedestals?

You choose according to the height to make up (fixed pedestal for a low height on an already level substrate, adjustable pedestal to fine-tune to the millimeter, self-leveling pedestal for a sloping substrate), the size and weight of the slabs, and the load to bear. For 20 mm porcelain stoneware, an adjustable pedestal with a wide head is the most versatile choice.

Is a terrace on pedestals sturdy?

Yes. Quality pedestals each bear several hundred kilos. The whole structure easily takes furniture, heavy foot traffic and heavy loads when you add more pedestals under the areas concerned. Strength mainly comes from a well-prepared substrate and even support.

How do you lay a terrace on pedestals?

Prepare a stable, free-draining substrate (concrete slab, screed, existing tiles or a bed of compacted gravel on geotextile), place the pedestals at the slab corners, set their height to level, then lay the 20 mm slabs on the heads with spacers for even joints. Adjust the level as you go and finish the edges. No glue or bedding is needed.

Can you build a terrace on pedestals anywhere?

Almost anywhere, on one condition: a load-bearing substrate that is level or can be leveled, and free-draining (concrete, existing tiles, compacted gravel). Avoid laying directly on loose soil or grass without preparation, because of settling. On a sloping substrate, self-leveling pedestals take up an incline of up to about 5%.

How long does it take to lay a terrace on pedestals?

For a careful DIYer, allow about a day for 15 to 20 m² once the substrate is ready. Dry laying is much faster than a bedded terrace: most of the time goes into preparing the ground and checking the level.

Is it difficult to lay a terrace on pedestals?

No, it is one of the easiest installation methods: no concrete, minimal tools (level, adjustment key) and pedestals you adjust by hand. The key point remains a well-prepared substrate and regular level checks. An adjustable or self-leveling pedestal forgives small defects.

How can you build a terrace on a budget?

Choose fixed or adjustable pedestals (YEED, Jouplast Essentiel), a 60x60 slab size that limits the number of pedestals, an existing substrate (slab or tiles) to avoid foundation work, and lay it yourself. Since porcelain stoneware is durable and maintenance-free, the investment stays economical over time.

How do you lay a new terrace over an old one?

Pedestal installation is ideal for renovation: the pedestals sit directly on an old concrete slab or existing tiles, with no demolition. Adjusting the pedestals makes up for defects in the old substrate and the new slabs hide the existing surface. Simply check that the substrate is sound and drains properly.

Can I put a hot tub on a terrace on pedestals?

Yes, under certain conditions. A filled, occupied hot tub is a heavy load, often more than 1 ton per m². You need many more pedestals under its footprint, high-capacity pedestals and suitable slabs, ideally over a concrete substrate. A load calculation is recommended before installation.

What pedestal height do I need for my terrace?

Measure the distance between your substrate and the finished terrace level, minus the thickness of the slab. Then choose the adjustment range that includes this value, avoiding working at the top of the range: a slightly higher range set near its minimum will be more stable.

How many pedestals do you need per square meter?

It depends on the slab size: one pedestal goes at each corner and is shared by four slabs, with an extra central support for large formats. The easiest way is to use our quantity calculator, which applies a 5% safety margin.

Can you lay pedestals on old tiles?

Yes, provided the substrate is sound, stable and correctly sloped. It is actually one of the main advantages of pedestal installation: you do not need to remove the old surface, and no glue or leveling compound is required.