Estimating the number of pavers and pedestals required for an elevated deck starts with the size and shape of the project, but square footage alone won’t give you an accurate count. Whether you’re building on a flat roof or a sloped roof, paver dimensions, pedestal spacing, perimeter conditions, and changes in roof elevation all affect the final quantities and support heights.
For simple rectangular layouts, a basic calculation can provide a useful starting point. For larger or more complex projects, Archatrak’s online Pedestal & Paver Estimator helps determine paver quantities, pedestal quantities and locations, and the varying support heights needed to create a level deck surface over a flat or sloped substrate.
How Many Pedestals Do You Need Per Square Foot?
The number of pedestals required depends on the size and layout of the pavers. Each pedestal typically supports the corners of adjacent pavers, so simply multiplying the number of pavers by four will overestimate the quantity.
The number of pedestals required depends on the size and layout of the pavers. For example, a 4 x 4 arrangement of 24″ x 24″ porcelain pavers covers 64 square feet and requires 25 pedestal support positions, including the perimeter. On larger decks, adjacent pavers share supports, so the number of pedestals required per square foot generally decreases as the overall deck area increases.
Perimeter conditions, cut pavers, and irregular layouts can affect the final quantities, making a project-specific estimate the most reliable approach.
Archatrak Pedestal & Paver Estimator
Choosing the Right Pedestals for Your Elevated Deck
Once you’ve estimated the number of supports required, the next step is selecting the appropriate pedestal system.
The required support height is an important consideration, particularly on rooftops with sloped surfaces or varying elevations. Archatrak offers several options for different project conditions:
- Premier Adjustable Pedestals: Approximately 3/5″ to 16 1/2″ in height, with self-leveling heads that compensate for slopes up to 5%.
- NM Adjustable Pedestals: Approximately 1″ to 10 5/8″ in height.
- Incendio Steel Pedestals: Non-combustible steel supports with an adjustable height range of approximately 1″ to 19 1/4″.
Additional considerations include paver dimensions, anticipated loading, fire requirements, wind uplift conditions, and perimeter support.
For complex layouts or unusual site conditions, consult Archatrak’s technical team to confirm the appropriate pedestal system and support arrangement.
Get an Accurate Paver and Pedestal Estimate for Your Project
What You’ll Need Before Requesting a Paver and Pedestal Estimate
Whether you’re calculating quantities yourself or having Archatrak prepare an estimate, gathering a few key project details will help ensure accurate results.
- Deck dimensions: Measure all sides of the deck, including any irregular edges or changes in shape.
- Deck elevations: Measure the vertical distance from the top of the roof membrane to the finished paver surface at perimeter corners, ridges, drains, and other key locations. If exact measurements aren’t available, roof slope information and a known reference elevation may be used to determine the required pedestal heights.
- Non-paved areas: Identify the location and dimensions of any areas that won’t receive pavers, such as rooftop equipment, planters, or other obstructions.
- Paver specifications: Confirm the dimensions and thickness of the pavers you plan to use.
With this information, Archatrak’s technical team can prepare a project-specific estimate, including paver quantities, pedestal quantities, and pedestal locations. Our team can typically complete these calculations quickly and help account for project conditions that may affect the layout.
If you’d prefer to explore layouts yourself, you can also request access to our online Pedestal & Paver Estimator. Our team is generally able to complete these estimates more quickly and can help identify project-specific considerations along the way.
