Paving Pedestal Systems

There are plenty of reasons that a paving pedestal system might be the best choice for your garden or terrace. These include: 

• Allowing for drainage 
• Paving on structures with a lower weight-bearing capacity
• Giving ease of access to cables and other services
• Minimising freeze/thaw damage (as the paver is not directly in contact with the substrate)
• Enabling level paving over a sloped surface

Ensure that the paving pedestal you choose suits your needs.

• Fixed Pedestals are suitable for creating an elevated floor at a set height on an already flat surface.
• Adjustable pedestals are ideal when height adjustments are required
• Self-levelling pedestals are useful when paving on a surface with a slight slope, as the heads automatically tilt to ensure each paver is on the same level.

Each corner of each paver will need to rest on a pedestal. Placing a pedestal where the corners of four pavers meet helps to reduce the number of pedestals needed. However, some larger pavers may also require a central pedestal for stability.

Once you have your pedestals, dry lay your paving to plan where the pedestals would be best placed. Then, remove the pavers and place the pedestals, twisting each to the desired height. Now you can lay your pavers.

At RF, we are able to offer both fire-rated and non-fire-rated pedestals. Fire-rated pedestals are made from non-combustible materials and are particularly advised for commercial projects in multi-storey environments in order to fit with UK building regulations.

For standard 600x600mm porcelain paving slabs, you will typically need between 3.5 to 4 pedestals per square metre (roughly one pedestal at every slab intersection, plus edge supports). 

For larger formats like 600×1200 or 600×900, an extra central support pedestal is recommended to prevent centre-flex under weight.

Paving pedestals should not be placed directly onto soft soil or uncompacted grass, as uneven settling will destabilise the surface over time. Pedestals require a solid, stable base such as concrete, existing paving, asphalt, or a well-compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base with a stable bedding layer. If installing on ground level, ensure the sub-base is properly prepared before placing your pedestals.

RF Paving adjustable pedestals are engineered for high load-bearing capacity, with individual pedestals rated to support between 1,000kg and 1,500kg (1 to 1.5 tonnes) depending on the specific model. They easily accommodate heavy residential patio furniture, high-traffic commercial footfall, and heavy planters.

While pedestals are most commonly used with uniform 20mm outdoor porcelain tiles (which feature exact thickness tolerances and consistent strength), calibrated natural stone slabs can also be used, provided they meet structural load requirements and have a consistent thickness (typically 20–30mm). Avoid using uncalibrated stone, as variations in slab thickness will prevent a level finish.

Self-levelling pedestals feature a built-in tilting head mechanism that automatically compensates for ground slopes of up to 5% (3°). This allows the pedestal base to sit flat against a sloped substrate (such as a roof deck built for drainage) while keeping the top head – and your paved surface – 100% flat and level without needing manual shims.

Pedestals distribute the weight of the paving evenly across a wide foot surface area rather than concentrating the load in small spots. For added protection over delicate waterproof membranes (like EPDM or felt roofs), acoustic rubber anti-vibration pads can be placed beneath the pedestal base. This prevents puncture risks, dampens footstep noise, and allows rainwater to flow underneath toward outlets unobstructed.