In the past, installing a raised outdoor floor was a job best left to experienced professionals. After all, a raised floor needs to be safe, level, and efficient. A floating floor installation could be complicated with many steps.
Fast forward to modern times, and installing a raised outdoor floor is easier than ever, at least when you use a pedestal system to construct it.
Pedestal systems are the most practical way to create a raised floor or raise an existing one while ensuring it is perfectly level. Adjustable pedestals can help create an even foundation, even on sloped or uneven surfaces. They’re perfect for creating a raised floor or deck around the pool, walkways, or even a rooftop deck or patio. Atop the pedestals, you can choose from a variety of surfacing materials, including porcelain pavers, lumber, pre-cast concrete, composite decking, or even IPE wood tiles or artificial turf.
Choosing a ready-to-go surfacing material like porcelain pavers is probably the easiest way to build a raised outdoor floor with pedestals. Installation is straightforward, easy to understand and a great weekend project to tackle yourself.
Adjustable height pedestals come in a variety of styles and sizes for any project, including screwjack style, or the ever-popular PAVE-EL pedestals, which are non-screwjack style. Installation is fast, and few tools are required.
How to build an outdoor raised floor with pedestals by yourself:
Step 1. Gather any required tools and materials, including a saw for cutting tiles, a level, and wall spacers if necessary.
Step 2. Clean the surface of your project area. Sweep, mop and allow the surface to dry before getting started.
Step 3. Begin the grid planning around the perimeter edges and configure where your pedestals will be placed. This step is important because it is the system supporting your flooring.
Step 4. Position your first pedestal to support your first clean, dry tile. If you are using PAVE-EL pedestals, simply pop your tile into the slot. A PAVE-EL pedestal will support one corner of four separate tiles.
Step 5. Ensure the completed raised porcelain tile surface is level and plane. If it is not, don’t worry. The PAVE-EL system has the capability to correct up to a slope of 5 percent utilizing custom levelling plates (which can be stacked up to three plates of 1/8” each). If you discover any imperfections during the levelling process, adjust the affected pedestals to ensure a level surface, and place your porcelain pavers back into the pedestal’s slots.
Step 6. Gently walk across all parts of the raised outdoor floor. The porcelain pavers will not shake or wobble if everything is installed correctly. Should you discover an issue, simply remove the tile(s) in question and adjust the pedestals below before replacing them.
Pro Tip: Determining the height of your project is easy with adjustable pedestals. If you need to add height to your outdoor raised floor, most types of pedestals are either stackable or offer components to help increase height.
As you can see, yes, you can install a raised outdoor floor by yourself with a pedestal system. Installing a raised outdoor floor by yourself is easier than you think! Pedestal systems not only make the task easier and straightforward, but they allow you to cut out the middleman and save money. Pedestals can help you to transform your outdoor living space with ease and minimal skill without removing the existing surface.
