What Are Paving Pedestals?

If you have an unlevel outdoor area or simply need your patio raised to meet the height of an external door or threshold, paving pedestals offer a practical and flexible solution. Rather than laying your outdoor tiles on a fixed base, pedestals sit underneath each tile and can be adjusted to keep the surface level, even on uneven or sloping ground.

Paving pedestals are adjustable supports designed for elevated outdoor floors. They sit beneath 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles and can be raised or lowered to achieve a level surface across any solid ground. With a height range of 35mm to 60mm, extendable up to 500mm with additional extensions, they are suitable for a wide range of projects from simple patio raises to creating steps and changes in level.

The gradient adjustable head allows for better drainage across the surface, and the anti-noise rubber reduces sound when walking across the tiles.

Pedestals offer several advantages over a fixed installation. They are quick and easy to install with no skilled labour required, and because they are not a permanent fix, tiles can be removed and repositioned at any time. This makes them a particularly practical choice for renters or anyone who may want to take their outdoor tiles with them if they move.

The open structure of a pedestal system also allows water to drain freely beneath the tiles, making it a practical choice for areas where drainage is a consideration. Pedestals can withstand temperatures from -30°C to +75°C, making them suitable for use in all weather conditions throughout the year.

The number of pedestals you need depends on the size of tile being used. As a general rule, a pedestal should be fitted at each corner of every tile, shared between adjacent tiles. For larger format tiles such as 45x90cm or 60x90cm, an additional pedestal is required at the mid section of the tile to prevent bowing when load is applied. The distance between any two pedestals should never exceed 60cm.

It is also worth noting that the pedestal fitting system is not suitable for garages, driveways or other areas used by vehicles.

The maximum weight per tile varies depending on the height the pedestals are set at. As a guide:

Height of Pedestals (mm)	Maximum Weight per Tile (kg)
60mm	1061kg
85mm	928kg
110mm	1043kg
135mm	1013kg
500mm	992kg

To install paving pedestals, we recommend using pliers or nippers, a spirit level and pedestal extensions if required, which are available in 25mm and 50mm sizes.

For full step by step installation instructions, take a look at our guide on how to lay outdoor tiles on pedestals, which covers the fixed pedestal system, Uptec pedestal system and Uptec Joist Rail System in full detail.