Well-executed paved or decked spaces form the crowning glory of many public and private projects involving the transformation of open areas.
These suspended floors, supported by a system of pedestals hidden from sight, are a cost-effective solution with a number of benefits:
- they are quick and clean to install, with no requirement for sand, cement or heavy lifting equipment and no ground fixings required.
- they deliver finished surfaces that are perfectly flat even if ground levels vary, the site includes changes in height thresholds or there are immovable objects/features that need accommodating.
- small gaps between the paving/decking ensure the space drains efficiently and effectively.
- the void created beneath the surface is perfect for services, including electrical, heating, ventilation etc.
- they future proof projects, allowing easy access to the void for adding or accessing services, drains etc.
- some of the best systems allow for pedestal height to be fine-tuned post installation and offer Class A fire performance where compliance with Building Regulations, NHS HTM’s etc is required.
- the finished area is strong, hard-wearing and long-lasting, with paving or decking appropriately specified - for example non-slip or cool-to-the-touch in warm locations.
- MiniPad: the ultra low height solution suitable for paving, decking and rail systems with different headpieces. Its height ranges from 10mm to 40mm, with special grips allowing installers to adjust height whilst the slab is in situ. MiniPad is ideal for achieving exact levels between 10mm and 25mm. Clip-on 5mm extension plates provide additional height flexibility, particularly when the finished surface height is uncertain during the planning phase.
- Mega Balance: the ultimate one-stop solution with a weight tolerance of three tonnes and a height range of 25mm to 1025mm, Mega Balance offers unrivalled flexibility on site for paving, decking or the Wallbarn rail system. This self-levelling or fixed head pedestal reduces the need for multiple products, streamlining specification and installation. In addition, it can handle slopes of use to 5% and a ‘top key’ system allows in-situ height adjustments for paving.
- Mini Mega Balance: a game-changer pedestal system delivering an ultra heavy-duty pedestal accommodating 25mm to 75mm height requirements with no wastage. Suitable for paving, decking and rail systems.
- Balance: engineered to counteract unevenness, Balance has a telescopic stem twisted by hand to achieve the height required to millimetric precision, from 25mm to 392mm.
Specification is key to success, and that means understanding how the space will be used to ensure that the completed project is fit for purpose and strong enough to withstand the weight tolerances placed upon it long-term. This is especially important for public areas and if designers expect heavy use, planters, street art or heavy furniture on the suspended surface. Understanding usage lays the groundwork for selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective substructure to support the decking or paving chosen.
It must also be remembered that all elements of the paving/decking system must be suitable for exterior use, so only weatherproof and rot-proof solutions should be considered.
Choice
For the majority of applications, standard plastic pedestals offer the performance required for exterior applications at, or around, ground level. Look for a weight tolerance of around 680kg/pedestal and temperature tolerance of ‐40°C to +75°C to ensure a hard-wearing and long-lasting installation. If heavier traffic is anticipated, heavy duty plastic pedestals offer a weight tolerance of more than 1.5 tonnes each, with a breaking point of two tonnes. Standard metal pedestals can withstand two tonnes.
Market-leader Wallbarn offers both plastic and metal pedestals in fixed head and self-balancing systems, allowing any ground unevenness to be counteracted and imperfections, such as variations in paving slab thickness, to be smoothed out.
Wallbarn prides in having a pedestal system suitable for almost any project, from 25mm to 1m+ in both plastic and Class A metal. This wide choice allows contractors to cherry pick the precise heights and features they require, sourcing the entire system from one supplier with the benefits that delivers - one point of contact for customer support, site deliveries perfectly timed etc.
Systems include:
Wallbarn also offers the Class A rated MetalPad EX; fixed height pedestals (5mm to 17mm); the Universal range for paving and decking; rail system; accessories (including edging plates and slope correctors) plus a range of paving and decking finishes, including ExaDeck, cement fibre deckboards, and Bamboo Elegance.
Conclusion
Pedestal systems create stunning finishes for urban areas, patios/terraces, at-height podium decks and balconies. Not only do they look great, they facilitate the straightforward re-purposing of existing areas to increase a building’s usable space, creating versatile, low-maintenance spaces.
