Elevated Deck Support Options
Pedestal systems are exceptionally useful for constructing elevated decks on rooftops and other locations where a level surface is essential or where the deck needs to cover pipes, cables or ductwork. Typically used with porcelain or concrete pavers, when used to support fiberglass grating, the range of applications expands to included artificial turf decks, planter tray supports for green roofs, natural stone or clay paver surfaces and access walkways.
At the lowest elevations, fixed height rubber support pads are normally used since the ground clearance can be as low as 1/4″ but still ensuring water drains freely underneath the pavers. These pads can be stacked to build the height up to 1” to 1 ½”, the lowest height a screwjack type adjustable height pedestals can be effectively used.
For higher deck elevations, the choice of pedestal depends on various factors – cost, speed of assembly, number of pedestal models required, slope adjustment, fire-resistance etc. For this reason, Archatrak offers a broad range of adjustable height pedestals. Our range includes fixed height pads, non-combustible pedestals, automatic slope compensating pedestals, pedestals to support wood bearers, pedestals to reduce wind uplift of pavers and pedestals to support steel or aluminum grid systems.
To assist in selecting the most appropriate raised deck support for a specific project, we have summarized the main attributes for each decking support system offered by Archatrak below.
'Prime' Adjustable Height Deck Supports
With the Archatrak ‘Prime’ series adjustable height pedestals, just three sizes of pedestals cover the height range from 1 1/4″ to 16 1/2″, compared with 7 sizes for the Archatrak ‘NM’ series and 12 for the ‘SE’ series. This unique design feature of ‘Prime’ pedestals not only minimizes installation time, but more importantly, resolves the frustrating and costly issue of accurately estimating pedestal height requirements pre-installation and dealing with unexpected deck height variations on site.
The concentric screwed columns are easily adjusted either from below or above with a special tool inserted in the head.
Self-leveling, rubber faced heads with inbuilt spacer tabs offer automatic slope adjustment up to 5° – no add in slope adjustors required. Switch to fixed heads with just a simple add-in headlock.
'NM' Adjustable Height Deck Supports
Archatrak ‘NM’ adjustable height pedestals feature a wide central column for maximum stability and load bearing capacity, an anti-slip, noise reducing rubber head and the ability to make minor height adjustments from above, even after complete installation of the deck. No extra rubber shims, head tabs or pads are required, thus permitting rapid installation.
Four models cover the working range 1” to 10 5/8”. Add-in extension elements can extend the height to approx. 30”. Slope adjustment is achieved by adding slope compensation rings to the pedestal head – each ring 1% max.
Eterno ‘NM’ pedestals are generally our most cost-effective and versatile pedestals for building raised decks in the working range 1″ to approx. 12″, lacking only the convenience of a self-levelling head.
'Incendio' Non-combustible Deck Supports
Our solid steel, adjustable height pedestals offer a totally non-combustible solution for constructing raised decks in locations where the use of plastic pedestal supports is prohibited.
Eight models cover the working range 1” to 20”. The clip-on plastic head with in-built spacer tabs is slightly narrower than our plastic pedestal range and does not include any specific slope compensation. Use of a buffer pad under the square steel bases is generally recommended over waterproof membranes.
Pricing does not vary significantly across the height range so these pedestals are in fact more economical than both ‘Prime’ plastic pedestals at elevations above about 16”.
These steel pedestals are the only pedestals currently available that are totally fire resistant and non-combustible.
Fixed Height Rubber Support Pads
Archatrak stackable, solid rubber support pads are typically used for laying pavers directly over concrete or to provide support at the lowest elevations before adjustable height deck supports can be used. Inbuilt spacer tabs ensure accurate spacing and alignment.
These rubber pads offer much superior sound absorption, enhanced shock protection and significantly greater slip resistance than plastic support pads. Pads are normally used up to approx. 1 1/2″.
Vertical Closure Clips
Used to extend and enhance elevated deck applications.
Vertical closure clips enable a vertical face such as the riser of a short step to be installed along the outside edge of an elevated deck.
Perimeter Spacer Clips
Perimeter spacer clips spaced around the perimeter of an elevated deck maintain a consistent gap between the outside edge of a paver and a parapet wall and assist in preventing any movement of the pavers.
Sound Absorbing Pads
Sound absorbing pads placed under the base of pedestals reduce noise transmission from the pedestals to the subs
Pedestals for Wood Bearers
Pedestals with wood bearer mounting brackets enable elevated decks to be constructed with traditional wood planks attached to pedestal supported wood bearers.
Pedestal Estimator
Our online pedestal estimator quickly and easily calculates both the number and size of pedestals and pavers irrespective of the shape, size or slope of the area. Quickly check different laying configurations, different starting positions, different angles of laying across the area, insert multiple drainage points and print or save the calculated configuration showing the quantity of each pedestal required.
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