On first glance, Archatrak ‘Prime’ paver supports look very much like our NM series of adjustable height paver supports. They have a similar base and head components and the height is adjusted on both by screwing the central column up or down. But there’s one very significant and important difference. And that is the concentric central column. Rather than just having a single column which screws into the base, Archatrak ‘Prime’ series pedestals have two columns, with the top column screwing into the lower column, which in turn screws into the base component.
So why is this such a big deal?
Exceptionally Broad Working Range
It means that just three pedestal models can cover the height range from 1 1/4″ to 16 1/2″ (PR1, PR2 and PR3) whereas the NM pedestal range for example needs five pedestal models plus an extension element to cover the same height range. The consequence of this unique feature of the Archatrak ‘Prime’ pedestal is not only that it reduces installation time when laying pavers, but more importantly, it resolves the frustrating and costly issue common with most multi-component pedestal systems.
As every contractor knows, all too often conditions on a job site are different from what was expected or shown in plans. So pedestals of specific heights and quantities ordered pre-installation on the basis of a previous site visit or plans, may in fact be incorrect for on-site conditions. This will then result in an urgent call to the supplier to arrange the return of any incorrect height pedestals and place an additional order for what is actually needed, to avoid any costly delays on the job in hand.
The particular beauty of the Archatrak ‘Prime’ series of pedestals is that the Model PR2 covers an exceptionally broad height range from 2 ½ to 6”, which covers the most common height range specified for elevated deck installations. Normally you would need 2 or 3 different pedestal models to cover this range. And beyond those heights, there is the PR3 model, which covers an exceptional height range of over 10 inches – from 6” to 16 ½”, which would normally also require three pedestal models and maybe an extension element as well.
For even higher elevations, you simply add extension elements to the PR3 model to build up the height. Add one extension to reach 24″, two extensions to reach 30″ or three extensions to reach 37″.
Self-levelling Heads: No Add-In Components Needed
Although the broad height range of each model is exceptionally useful for contractors, that’s not all that that the ‘Prime’ series pedestal has to offer. Self-levelling heads are a standard item with the ‘Prime’ series. There’s no need for any additional add-in levelers either placed on top of the pedestal head or under the base. These heads provide automatic slope adjustment up to 5° – no need to stack extension rings or add in slope adjustors or mess with bubble levels to make the required adjustment. And if you wish to switch to fixed heads, perhaps with lighter Ipe structural tiles for example, there’s a simple headlock component available which you simply twist into the top of the head.
Soft Rubber Surface and Spacer Tabs Inbuilt
‘Prime’ pedestal heads also have an inbuilt rubber surface for superior noise absorption and incorporate inbuilt spacer tabs which can be easily snapped off when not required. So again, you don’t need to add in any rubber shims or clip-in a spacer tab assembly – it’s just a single, comprehensive head component. In fact, all three models of ‘Prime’ pedestals are supplied as just two components – the base and two columns already assembled and the head with its inbuilt rubber pad and tile spacers. What could be more simple!
Pre-Cut Base for Quicker Installation Against Walls
And when laying a deck against a perimeter wall, there’s yet another labor saving feature incorporated in the ‘Prime’ series. One side of the base is pre-cut so the pedestal can sit as close to the wall as possible. No need to trim off the side. For corners, where you need to trim another section of the base, score lines are marked on the underside of the base to indicate where to cut.
With their unsurpassed range of working height, built in automatic slope compensation and single component heads with rubber face and spacer tabs also built in, it’s not hard to see why the Archatrak ‘Prime’ series pedestals are truly a game changer for contractors who want raised deck installations to proceed with as little hassle, delays, problems and unexpected added costs as possible.