When designing a raised deck or terrace, clients often focus on the finished look, opting for surface materials which balance aesthetics and longevity. But what often goes unnoticed is the structure that sits beneath.
Appropriate decking supports can enhance the performance of the decking or terrace by providing a stable foundation and can make installation simple and efficient.
What are decking supports and why are they important?
Decking supports are the adjustable or fixed elements that sit between the deck surface and the structural base beneath it. They create a level, stable platform for decking or paving, even when the substrate is uneven or sloped.
Getting the right decking support is important because it can prevent unwanted movement, enhance drainage, and discourage premature wear and tear. Aside from the immediate benefits of levelling out uneven surfaces and supporting the structure on top; decking supports enhance airflow, protect roof membranes, and create voids perfect for the running of services such as pipes and cables.
Types of decking supports and how to choose correctly
Decking supports is a very broad term which can include different types of products.
- Fixed height supports or cradles: these are a compact low-profile pedestal option for projects with limited build-up. Often stackable, these supports rarely have slope correction capability.
- Adjustable pedestals: these allow for precise height adjustment and often have slope correction functionality, making them ideal for locations that have a mix of datums or are laid to fall such as roof terraces. The method of slope correction can vary between suppliers, whether it is self-levelling or mechanically-fixed.
- Fire-rated pedestals: essential for high-rise and many large-scale projects where non-combustible materials are core to the specification.
With a myriad of options available, choosing the right support comes down to understanding the project location and application. This is particularly important in commercial settings where performance requirements and regulatory complaince are critical.
What features should you look out for?
When selecting decking supports, quality and engineering are key. We’ve previously written about key features to look out for with decking supports but in summary, there are four essentials to prioritise:
- Strength and stability: ensure the system has load test data and proven compression performance.
- Slope correction: look for integrated mechanically-fixed slope correction to achieve a perfectly level surface that won't rock or destabilise over time.
- Spacer functionality: reliable spacer tabs maintain perfect joint alignment and facilitate drainage.
- Fire performance: for high-rise or sensitive projects, Class A non-combustible options such as Buzon’s A-PED range are crucial.
Buzon’s decking supports
For over 30 years, Buzon has been at the forefront of adjustable pedestal technology. Each of our pedestal ranges are engineered to meet specific project requirements from low-build residential terraces to large commercial rooftops. Included in the range are:
PB pedestals: The Buzon PB range of paving and decking pedestals are perfect for creating commercial and residential spaces, especially as it now comes with BBA Certification. Fully adjustable from 12 to 955mm, PB decking pedestals are easy to adjust, enabling a quick, reliable and sturdy paving and decking installation.
DPH pedestals: BBA Certified, the Buzon DPH range of decking and paving supports come with integrated millimetre-precise slope correction capability. Adjustable between 12 to 1070mm, the reinforced polypropylene structure ensures durability even under heavy loads.
A-PED A1 fire rated pedestals: the first non-combustible paving and decking pedestal from Buzon. Made from recycled aluminium, the A-PED is Class A1 fire-rated, is adjustable from 24mm to 395mm and features integrated slope correction.
Whichever range you choose, all Buzon supports combine exceptional load capacity, weather resistance and adjustability to ensure a level, long-lasting foundation for your project. Explore our complete selection of decking supports to find the perfect solution or sign up for our RIBA approved CPD to find out more about pedestal support solutions.
