How to Install Porcelain Pavers over Concrete Slabs with Rubber Pads

Rubber support pads are typically used when laying porcelain pavers over concrete, especially if the surface might be cracked or damaged, or to provide support at elevations below approx. 1 1/2” when building decks over sloping substrates. Follow the guidelines on how to install rubber supported pavers over concrete below.

Either single height rubber support pads can be used, where the finished deck will slope with the underlying surface, or pads can be stacked to create a perfectly level deck over a sloping substrate. The lowest height pad will provide a ground clearance of ¼” and pads can be stacked to a height of approx. 1 ½”.

On large decks where a greater height adjustment is required, stacked rubber pads are typically used up to a height of 1”, after which Archatrak ‘Prime’ self-leveling pedestals or ‘NM’ fixed head pedestals are installed, providing continuous height adjustment from 1″ to over 21″.

On rooftops and balconies, the area should be surrounded by a low retaining wall or other restraining structure to prevent lateral movement of the pavers over the concrete surface. For on-grade applications, a low height restraining barrier is normally recommended, but may not always be necessary because the frictional properties of the rubber pads can be sufficient to stop lateral movement of the pavers.

All surfaces should be solid, clean and constructed with a min. 2° slope pitched away from any building for drainage.

Installation Guidelines

01
Using chalk, draw the layout for the pads on the concrete patio at approx. 24” intervals (for 24” x 24” pavers) and optimize the placement of the pavers over the surface to avoid cuts on either side which would leave paver sections less than 8” wide.
02
Commence laying pads at the higher side of the deck area.
03
For pads placed along the perimeter, cut the pads in half to form semicircles. Retain the two tabs perpendicular to the wall, which provide ¼” gap for drainage.
04
At any internal right angle corners, cut pads into quadrants, leaving the two tabs positioned against the wall.
05
Lay a second row of pads approx. 24” from the first row and spaced approx. 24” apart (assuming you are laying 24” x 24” pavers). If the deck is to be perfectly level, either use a higher pad or stack a series of ¼” and 3/8” pads to give the correct height when checked with a spirit level.
06
Place the first row of pavers carefully over the pads, starting from the outermost row, ensuring each paver butts tightly against the spacer tabs. Check for level and absence of any rocking. Insert 1/16” LGH2 rubber shims between the paver and pads as required to adjust for any slight unevenness of the substrate and to correct any rocking. Shims maybe cut into quadrants as required..
07
Moving across the deck area, continue in a likewise manner, stacking ¼” and 3/8” high pads as required to maintain a level surface of the deck.
08
Avoid stacking pads higher than 1 ½”, but instead use our Eterno SE or NM series adjustable height pedestals.

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