Roof terraces, podiums and balconies are usually built with a slope so that rainwater runs to the drains. That slope is good for drainage but not for people. Raised floor pedestals solve the problem by supporting the finished floor above the slab, so the walking surface is level while the water still drains freely underneath.
How a pedestal system works
Each pedestal has a base that sits on the slab or protection layer, a threaded or stackable body to set the height, and a head that holds the corners of the pavers or the joists of a deck. Spacer tabs on the head keep the joints even.
Key benefits
- Level surface over sloping or uneven slabs.
- Fast drainage through open joints, with no ponding on the walking surface.
- Membrane protection, because the waterproofing is not damaged by mortar beds.
- Access for maintenance: pavers can be lifted to reach drains, cables or services.
- Lighter loads than screed-and-tile build-ups.
What to check before you specify
- Height range: from very low build-ups to several hundred millimetres, using extensions.
- Slope correction: self-levelling heads can compensate for falls in the slab.
- Load capacity for the intended use, whether residential, commercial or heavy planters.
- Finish type: porcelain pavers, stone, concrete slabs or timber and composite decking.
- Wind uplift on high-rise roofs, which may need paver clips or heavier pavers.
Do not forget the drains
Plan the roof drains and inspection points before the pedestal layout. Each drain should stay accessible through a removable paver or an access frame.
Pavers or decking?
Pedestals carry porcelain, stone or concrete pavers directly at their corners. Timber and composite decking sits on joists supported by decking risers. Many terraces combine both, levelled to one finished height.
Choosing the pedestal type
| Situation | Pedestal |
|---|---|
| Low build-ups, balconies | Low pedestal with tile tabs |
| Terraces and rooftops, sloping slabs | Screw-adjustable pedestal |
| Larger slabs, busier commercial areas | Wide-base pedestal |
| High raised floors and level changes | Extensions |
Layout tips
- Start the grid from a fixed edge or the main door, so cut pavers land at the edges.
- Put a pedestal under every paver corner, and add extra supports under large-format slabs.
- Keep paver joints open (2 or 4 mm) so water drains between them.
Edges and upstands
Plan the perimeter details at walls, parapets and thresholds early, and keep the pavers over drains loose so they can be lifted for access.
UAE conditions
Strong sun and heat suit durable polypropylene pedestals. On exposed high-rise roofs, use heavier pavers or paver clips against wind uplift.
Frequently asked questions
Can pedestals be used on a sloping roof?
Yes. Screw-adjustable pedestals level the floor over the slope while water drains underneath.
Do I need a pedestal at every paver corner?
Yes, and extra supports under large-format slabs.
Can the terrace be taken up later?
Yes. Every paver lifts out for access to drains, membranes and services.
Need a layout?
Send us your terrace plan with the slab levels and finished floor level, and we will propose the pedestal heights and quantities. See our raised floor pedestals.
Related products: Screw-Adjustable Pedestal · Low Pedestal with Tile Tabs · Wide-Base Pedestal · Decking Supports · Pedestal Extensions
Pedestals for GCC projects: Saudi Arabia · Oman