Repair Systems — Drainage and Support
Pedestal systems — adjustable height — podiums and balconies
Technical product reference for adjustable height pedestal systems used on podium slabs, roof decks, and balconies. Covers height range selection, slope correction, load capacity, wind uplift retention, membrane protection, paver format compatibility, and Australian brand comparisons.
What are adjustable-height pedestal systems?
Adjustable pedestals create a raised, free-draining 'floating floor' of pavers, tiles or decking over a podium or roof membrane. They screw-adjust to a level finished floor over a falls-to-drain deck (some with a built-in slope corrector), protect the membrane, and let water drain freely beneath to the membrane and outlets. Pedestals are a support system — not waterproofing — so the membrane below still does the waterproofing. Selection turns on the height range, the load rating, slope correction, and a membrane protection pad under every pedestal.
Product Reference
Individual products — one card each — scroll to view all
Buzon / Pasco
Buzon DPH Series
Screwjack adjustable paver/decking pedestal with slope corrector
Buzon DPH is a screwjack adjustable pedestal with a built-in slope corrector, used to create a level raised floor of pavers, tiles or timber decking over a falls-to-drain podium or roof membrane (Pasco is the exclusive Australian distributor). Confirm the height range and load rating for the build-up.
Elmich Australia
Elmich VersiPave GP
Adjustable paver support pedestal
Elmich VersiPave GP is a height-adjustable paver support pedestal for raised, free-draining paved floors over podium and roof membranes (Elmich Australia / KHD). Confirm height range and load rating against the current Elmich data.
Keksia
Keksia NM / PR / Star.T Series
Adjustable pedestal range (paver & decking)
The Keksia NM / PR / Star.T series is a range of adjustable pedestals covering low to high build-ups for pavers and timber/composite decking over podium and roof membranes (Keksia Australia / TradieCart). Confirm the series and height range for the build-up.
Maximus
Maximus Pedestal Systems
Adjustable pedestal system (paver & decking)
Maximus Pedestal Systems are adjustable pedestals for raised paver and decking floors over podium and roof membranes. Confirm height range, load rating and accessories against the current Maximus data.
Moonbay
Moonbay POD Series
Adjustable pedestal (paver & decking)
Moonbay POD Series are adjustable pedestals for raised paver and decking floors over podium and roof membranes (TradieCart). Confirm height range and load rating against the current Moonbay data.
System Comparison
Adjustable pedestal systems — confirm all selections against the current manufacturer TDS before specifying.
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WIND UPLIFT RETENTION MUST BE SPECIFIED FOR EXPOSED ROOFTOP AND COASTAL LOCATIONS — STANDARD PEDESTALS RELY ON PAVER DEAD WEIGHT ONLY
Standard adjustable height pedestals support pavers by gravity — the paver rests on the pedestal head by its own weight and is not mechanically fixed. On exposed roof decks, elevated terraces, and coastal balconies where wind pressure beneath the paved surface can exceed the paver dead weight, this is a serious safety risk — pavers can be lifted and displaced by wind, creating a fall and projectile hazard for occupants and adjacent areas. Before specifying standard gravity-retained pedestal paving on any exposed or elevated location, confirm with the building engineer whether wind uplift retention is required. Where required, specify windproof pedestal heads with mechanical clips (Buzon fixing accessories, Elmich Versijack CP, Keksia windproof T-clips and L-clips) or adhesive paver retention systems. Do not assume that paver weight alone is sufficient on high-rise balconies, elevated terraces, or coastal locations.
THERE IS CURRENTLY NO AUSTRALIAN STANDARD FOR PEDESTAL PAVING — APPLY MANUFACTURER GUIDANCE AND ENGINEERING JUDGEMENT
AS/NZS 4452 governs masonry paving units but covers testing methodologies for pavers installed on a traditional solid base only — it does not address load capacity, paver span, pedestal spacing, or structural performance for pedestal-mounted paving systems. There is currently no Australian Standard that specifically governs paving installed on adjustable height pedestals. On commercial podium slabs, roof decks, and strata balconies, the pedestal spacing, paver thickness, load capacity, and structural performance must be determined by applying the pedestal manufacturer's technical guidance and, where loadings are significant or uncertain, by an engineer's assessment. Do not assume that any pedestal system is compliant with an Australian Standard for pedestal paving — no such standard currently exists.
CONFIRM MEMBRANE PROTECTION BEFORE PLACING PEDESTALS ON THE CURED MEMBRANE
Adjustable height pedestals are placed directly on or above the cured waterproofing membrane — either on the membrane surface itself or on a protection board above the membrane. The pedestal base must not damage, puncture, or abrade the membrane surface. On soft liquid-applied PU and hybrid membranes, placing pedestals directly on the membrane without a protection board can cause indentation or stress concentration at each pedestal base, potentially compromising the membrane at those points over time under repeated loading. Confirm with the membrane manufacturer whether a protection board or membrane protection mat is required between the membrane surface and the pedestal bases before placing pedestals. Refer to the Protection Boards page for compatible protection board options.
PEDESTAL PAVING PROVIDES MEMBRANE ACCESS — ADHESIVE-BEDDED TILE DOES NOT
A significant advantage of pedestal paving over adhesive-bedded tile on podium slabs and roof decks is accessibility to the membrane below. Individual pavers can be lifted off the pedestals without tools or breaking out, allowing the membrane to be inspected, flood-tested, or repaired after the paving is complete. This is particularly important on Class 2 strata podium slabs and roof decks where the membrane may need to be inspected for defects or repaired under warranty — and where breaking out and re-bedding adhesive-fixed tiles is prohibitively costly. Confirm with the building owner and strata manager whether membrane accessibility is a priority for the specific project before specifying either pedestal or adhesive-bedded paving.
Disclaimer
This page provides general technical information only. Final product selection must be confirmed against the current manufacturer technical data sheet, project specification, required height range, substrate fall, paver format and weight, load capacity requirements, wind uplift exposure assessment, membrane protection requirements, and structural engineer advice where applicable. There is currently no Australian Standard governing pedestal-mounted paving systems — apply manufacturer technical guidance and engineering judgement. Do not rely on this reference as a substitute for professional engineer or waterproofing consultant advice.