FAQ

SOLIDOR terrace pedestals are available from a build-up height of 3 mm.

• Fixed pedestals: from 3 mm, including the UP/C3/4T and other models from the Fixsol range.
• Adjustable Comfort pedestals: from 23 mm and extendable up to approximately 1 metre using extension pieces.

This is not recommended from a technical point of view, as it prevents water from draining away correctly and sufficiently. In these particularly critical edge zones, this can lead to water accumulation and, over time, even water infiltration.

Solution:

• Use the SOLIDOR wall finishing accessory. This accessory is bonded to the tile to maintain a sufficient open joint between the tile and the wall, while ensuring a clean and aesthetically pleasing finish.

To work as close as possible to a wall, round terrace pedestals are often cut on site. The reasoning is logical: to provide additional support along the edges of the terrace.

However, cutting a pedestal creates sharp edges. Under load and movement, these edges may eventually damage the roofing membrane or EPDM.

Solutions:

• Place a protective rubber pad underneath the cut pedestal.
• Use SOLIDOR half pedestals, specifically designed for installation against walls, such as our AK terrace pedestals.

A common mistake is applying silicone sealant to the top plates of the terrace pedestals beneath the last row of terrace tiles along the wall. This is intended to provide additional stability.

Although this may initially seem like a simple solution, silicone does not adhere reliably to the top plates over the long term. Exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations and other weather conditions can cause it to become brittle and lose its effectiveness quickly. As a result, the stabilising effect may disappear after only a few weeks or months.

Better solution:

Use self-adhesive Sticksol top plates, which remain permanently elastic. This solution:

• provides durable fixation of the terrace tile;
• reduces impact and walking noise;
• helps limit the risk of terrace tiles lifting in strong winds;
• retains its performance under changing weather conditions.

The self-adhesive Sticksol top plate also helps improve the stability of terrace tiles under heavy wind loads, up to Beaufort force 11, in accordance with the available technical test results.

Terrace pedestals can be installed on almost any stable, load-bearing surface, such as concrete, screed, tiles, a waterproofing membrane or a properly compacted foundation.

Loose sandy soil is not suitable, as the pedestals may sink or shift. Always ensure that the surface is level, stable and sufficiently load-bearing.

Ceramic terrace tiles should be at least 20 mm thick and suitable for installation on terrace pedestals. Thinner tiles have a higher risk of breakage and are therefore not recommended.

The number of terrace pedestals required depends on the surface area, the type of terrace finish, the size of the tiles or the spacing between the support profiles.

Quickly and easily calculate the required quantity using our SOLIDOR terrace pedestal calculator. Enter the dimensions and construction of your terrace to receive an immediate, accurate estimate.

Yes, a terrace installed on pedestals allows rainwater to drain quickly through the open joints between the tiles or decking boards. The water flows underneath the terrace and is then discharged via the slope, drainage system or waterproof substrate.

The tiles or boards themselves are usually not water-permeable. It is mainly the raised structure on pedestals that ensures efficient water drainage. Because the surface is not installed directly in mortar or adhesive, space remains underneath for drainage, ventilation and the possible routing of cables or pipes.

A terrace on adjustable pedestals is therefore particularly suitable for roof terraces, balconies and outdoor areas where effective drainage is important. To ensure proper drainage, the substrate must have a sufficient slope and all drainage points must remain unobstructed.

The load-bearing capacity of a pedestal depends on the type, height, materials used, and the complete terrace build-up. Adjustable pedestals can support high loads, but the maximum load capacity varies depending on the product and installation configuration.

SOLIDOR Comfort pedestals have a stated load capacity of up to 2,400 kg/m² with 500 × 500 mm tiles or a 500 mm joist spacing. With 400 × 400 mm tiles or a 400 mm joist spacing, the load capacity can increase up to 3,750 kg/m².

Certain Comfort pedestals have also been tested in a Zwick compression test up to 1,560 kg per pedestal. This test result should not be directly considered as the permissible load of the complete terrace structure.

The fire-resistant Firesol pedestals have a stated load capacity of 3,000 kg/m².

The strength of the pedestal itself is not the only determining factor. The spacing between the pedestals, the size, thickness and quality of the tiles or decking boards, the stability of the substrate, the use of any extensions, and correct installation all play an important role.

For a safe and durable terrace, the SOLIDOR technical specifications and installation guidelines should always be followed. For heavy-duty applications, such as public terraces, rooftop terraces or areas subject to additional loads, a project-specific load-bearing calculation is recommended.

For installation on terrace pedestals, we recommend tiles with a minimum thickness of 2 cm. Tiles that are 20 mm thick generally provide the strength and stability required for direct installation on pedestals.

Thinner tiles are usually not suitable for direct installation on pedestals, as they are more likely to bend or break. Always check the technical specifications and installation guidelines provided by the tile manufacturer.

Tile size, material, expected load and the number of support points also affect the stability of the terrace. For large-format tiles or projects exposed to higher loads, additional pedestals or an aluminium support system may be required.

Adjustable pedestals are not only suitable for ceramic tiles. Depending on the type of pedestal and the chosen system, they can also be used with several other types of terrace finishes:

• Ceramic tiles – one of the most common applications, typically using 20 mm thick tiles. Up to 60 × 60 cm, a standard installation is generally suitable. For formats larger than 60 × 60 cm, an additional pedestal is recommended.
• Natural stone – suitable when the slabs are sufficiently thick, dimensionally stable and strong.
• Concrete tiles – possible as long as the weight and dimensions remain within the load capacity of the pedestal system.
• Wood or composite decking planks – also possible, but the boards are never supported directly on the pedestal. An aluminium profile, such as LINUP or DEQSOL, or a wooden joist is installed on top of the pedestal.

It is important to always match the pedestal system to the weight, dimensions and installation method of the terrace finish.

• Open joints and efficient water drainage
  Terraces installed on adjustable pedestals can be built on many different types of substrates, except loose ground such as sand. The pedestal system creates open joints between the tiles. SOLIDOR offers different top plates with various joint widths for tiled terraces.
  Rainwater can drain easily through these open joints, reducing standing water and frost-related damage. Unlike traditional bonded or screeded terraces, there are no cement joints that can crack due to freezing water. The pedestals can also be adjusted afterwards to maintain the required stability and level.
• Sustainability
  Choosing a terrace on adjustable pedestals contributes to a more sustainable construction method. SOLIDOR adjustable pedestals are made from 98% recycled plastics. The production process generates virtually no waste, and the pedestals can be dismantled and reused. Discover more about SOLIDOR’s sustainability approach via this link.
• Improved ventilation and thermal performance
  The air gap between the terrace surface and the waterproofing or insulation layer allows continuous air circulation. This also helps keep the underlying membrane accessible. If a leak or technical issue occurs, tiles or decking boards can easily be removed and reinstalled without damaging the terrace.
• Easy integration of cables and pipes
  An elevated terrace creates a useful open space underneath tiles, timber decking or composite planks. This space can be used to route electrical cables, drainage pipes or other technical services while keeping them easily accessible for inspection or maintenance.
• Simple installation and adjustment
  Adjustable pedestals are modular and make it easy to adapt the terrace height. Extension pieces can be added when greater heights are required. SOLIDOR slope correctors can compensate for uneven or sloping substrates, making installation faster and more accurate.
  The complete terrace can also be dismantled and the components reused. Installation videos are available on our website.
• High design flexibility
  Adjustable pedestals allow terraces to be installed at many different heights and make it possible to compensate for level differences. Combined with the SOLIDOR slope corrector, they can also be installed on sloping substrates.
  This makes it possible to create a nearly seamless transition between indoor and outdoor flooring, improving the sense of space and accessibility, including for elderly people and wheelchair users.
• Installation throughout the year
  A pedestal terrace is a dry installation system. Unlike traditional methods using screed, mortar or adhesive, installation is far less dependent on weather conditions. This means terrace projects can also continue during wetter periods, providing much greater flexibility in construction planning.
• Protection of the substrate and lower structural weight
  Pedestals prevent direct contact between the terrace surface and the underlying substrate, such as a waterproof membrane or flat roof. Loads are distributed across the different support points, helping protect the surface underneath.
  A pedestal system is also generally significantly lighter than a traditional screeded terrace, which is particularly beneficial for rooftop terraces, balconies and renovation projects.

A SOLIDOR pedestal consists of two parts that can be adjusted in height using a screw system. By screwing the pedestal in or out, the desired height can be set easily and precisely.

Fixsol - fixed pedestals:

• UP/CI3/4T => Height: 3 mm
• Dalsup => Height: 10 mm
• RC10 + CI0 => Height: 10 mm
• RC10 + CI3/4T => Height: 10 mm
• RC10 + CIP+ => Height: 10 mm
• RC10 + Sticksol => Height: 10 mm
• RC10 + CIPV+ => Height: 10 mm
• RC14 + CI0 => Height: 14 mm
• RC14 + CI3/4T => Height: 14 mm
• RC14 + CIP+ => Height: 14 mm
• RC14 + Sticksol => Height: 14 mm
• RC14 + CIPV+ => Height: 14 mm

Adjustable terrace pedestals:

• PV 2.3/3.5 => Range: 23 – 35 mm
• PV 3.5/5 => Range: 35 - 50 mm
• PV 5/8 => Range: 50 – 80 mm
• PV 8/11 => Range: 80 – 110 mm
• PV 11/14 => Range: 110 – 140 mm
• PV 14/17 => Range: 140-170 mm

Adjustable wall pedestals

• AK 3.5/5 => Range: 35-50 mm
• AK 5/8 => Range: 50 – 80 mm

With adjustable pedestals, many terrace dimensions are possible. The main limitation is not the total surface area of the terrace, but rather the size, thickness and weight of the chosen terrace finish.

For tiles, the tile size mainly determines how many support points are required. Larger formats may require additional support in the centre or a supporting structure with aluminium profiles to reduce deflection and point loads.

The weight of the terrace finish is generally not a problem for the pedestals themselves, as they can withstand high compressive loads. However, the complete build-up should always be considered: the number of support points per m², the installation height, the load-bearing capacity of the tile or wooden board, and the substrate on which the pedestals are installed.

In short: the larger and/or more flexible the terrace finish, the more important it is to ensure correct distribution of the support points and, where necessary, to use a profile system.

For direct installation on adjustable pedestals, we recommend terrace tiles with a minimum thickness of 20 mm that have been declared by the tile manufacturer as suitable for installation on pedestals. For large-format tiles, a supporting system such as Structusol by SOLIDOR can be used. The final suitability depends, among other factors, on the tile format, the quality and properties of the tile, and the chosen terrace construction.