When it comes to commercial construction or landscaping projects, pedestals play a huge role in load distribution over the floor and in compensating for the uneven or sloped surface beneath. More specifically, these components are stationed between columns and footings in order to equalize the load distribution for each of them. 

These pedestals are vital contributors to the functionality and durability of commercial projects. They are added to serve the vital purpose of distributing the load or weight. These pedestals, such as column footing ones, increase a building’s overall durability, help transfer loads, and aid in the prevention of footing failure. They work well for different applications—from office spaces to outdoor decks to balconies to sloped areas. 

After these pedestals are added to the project, flooring materials like Porcea Stone porcelain tiles can be laid over them. Once finished, the flooring can boast of its evenness and sturdiness. However, before proceeding with this finished feature, it is important to ensure the structural readiness of the pedestal and floor. 

Given the purpose served by these structural members, pedestals’ significance can hardly be questioned. Let’s take a deeper look into the ins and outs of pedestals and what they offer for commercial construction and landscaping projects. 

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Why Are Pedestals Important? 

As mentioned earlier, pedestals help even out the load distribution for various columns and footings. This, in turn, boosts the durability of the structure. However, more than that, pedestals also serve the following purposes. 

• Help with avoiding contact between metal or wood elements and soil. 
• Creates a gap where fixtures and pipes can be placed
• Evens out flooring 
• Extends a roofing system’s lifespan 

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Pedestals Help Columns Avoid Contact With Soil  

Aside from evening out the load distribution, pedestals also offer elevation to decking, tiling, or pavers. As a result, the columns, tilings, or paving do not get into contact with the soil, which could eventually damage the columns. 

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Creates a Gap Where Fixtures and Pipes Can Be Placed

When pedestals are added, a gap is created between the membrane and the flooring. This gap may serve as a passage for systems and pipes to be inconspicuously kept and installed.

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Evens Out Flooring 

Uneven or sloped surfaces can be bothersome, but pedestals can address such issues. By adding pedestals, it becomes possible to compensate for small slopes or unevenness. Pedestals allow the decking, tiling, or paving over them to be evened out and flat.  

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Extends a Roofing System’s Lifespan

UV, wind, hail, and foot traffic can all cause damage and lead to the aging of a roofing membrane. By adding a pedestal system, this membrane can be safeguarded against damage and degradation. As a result, it could last longer. 

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Types of Pedestals 

Pedestals come in various types, with each one offering distinct construction and durability benefits. Here are some pedestal types to consider for decking and tiles in commercial spaces. 

• Fixed height
• Adjustable height
• Self-leveling
• Decking pedestals

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Fixed Height

Fixed height or fixed support pedestals can be easily stacked over each other until they reach the project’s desired height. Project leaders can opt for modifying the height by ¾ inch, ⅝ inch, or ½ inch, depending on the added pedestal.

Such pedestals are specifically crafted for areas that have height limits with restrictions and that are for decking or raising the surface. 

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Adjustable Height

Adjustable pedestals work well for areas where the floor or base is irregular and requires leveling to a specific height that is evened out. They can work well for outdoor porcelain pavers, concrete pavers, or even IPE deck tiles for leveling decks over sloped surfaces. 

Porcea now carries Porcea Adjustable Height Pedestals ranging in 5 different styles from 25mm to 270mm depending on your needs. These accessories are perfect for the precise and easy installation of outdoor porcelain tiles. The range of these adjustable height pedestals ensures that installation over different surfaces is seamless. It also enables multi-level decking or flooring systems that are elevated. 

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Self-Leveling 

Self-leveling pedestals, on the other hand, are designed to cater to the deck surface differences under the pedestal. They have the capacity to provide a floor that is perfectly leveled out. These additions can be screwed to make the floor perfectly flat and even, depending on the slope of the floor. 

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Decking Pedestals 

Decking pedestals, or risers, are plastic and adjustable supports that can be added under decking boards. These pedestals enable boards to be lifted off to the desired height. 

On top of simplifying the decking process, these risers also boost a deck’s lifespan and even out the surface without using wedges. 

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Pedestal Accessories

Accessories can also be added to pedestals in order to boost their effectiveness and resilience in outdoor projects and landscapes. These accessories may include the following. 

• Slope correctors
• Spacer tabs 
• Adjustment shims 
• Joist holders 

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Slope Correctors 

Slope correctors help with maintaining the base required angle. They are especially designed to suit sloped surfaces. By fixing them on top of pedestals, they can be used to correct slopes. 

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Spacer Tabs 

Spacer tabs help make ideal gaps for tiles that are irregular. They get fixed to the pedestal’s head and maintain the alignment of pavers. They may also help with the drainage of the decking. 

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Adjustable Shims 

These accessories make sure that no lips over the paving tile joints get noticeable. These shims help in maintaining the silence, stability, and uniformity of a pavement or tiling. 

They come in various forms that are tailored to meet specific purposes. The most common type of shim sits over the pedestal’s head and tends to be flexible and cushioning. 

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Joist Holders 

Joist holders are pedestal attachments that can be used for supporting aluminum, composite, steel, or timber bearers or joists. These accessories firmly secure joists to the pedestal. 

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Maximize Decking With Porcea Stone Pedestals 

All of these just go to show how important pedestals are when it comes to commercial construction and outdoor projects. They play a vital role in a flooring system’s durability and overall resilience by evening out the load distribution and serving other vital purposes. 

Now, if you are looking into multi-level decking or seamless outdoor porcelain tile installation, do consider Porcea Stone Adjustable Height Pedestals. Our pedestals will even out the surface and enable easy installation. We also offer height extensions upon request. 

‍Contact us to know more about how we can help you.