Pedestals & Raised Floor Systems Buyer's Guide — TradieCart
Create level, accessible outdoor surfaces over sloped substrates, drainage falls, and concealed services. Our pedestal range covers heights from 10mm to 420mm (extendable to 930mm), supporting porcelain pavers, natural stone, timber decking, and composite decking for balconies, rooftop terraces, pool surrounds, and commercial outdoor areas. We stock Keksia (by Eterno Ivica), Moonbay, and Mapei pedestal systems.
Popular Products
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Keksia New Maxi (NM) Series (NM0–NM5, 15–270mm) | The go-to pedestal for standard raised paving — rubber top reduces noise and vibration, 4mm spacer tabs included. Most popular range on TradieCart |
| Keksia PR Series — Self-Levelling (PR0–PR3, 30–420mm) | Balconies and terraces with drainage falls — the self-levelling head auto-compensates slopes up to 5%. Telescopic design covers 30–420mm with just 3 products |
| Keksia Star.T (10–15mm) | Ultra-low profile for renovations with minimal clearance — the thinnest pedestal system available |
| Keksia Wood Deck System | Timber or composite decking — pair Woodeck or Al Joist heads with NM or PR pedestals to support bearers and joists |
| Moonbay POD Series (POD-A to POD-F, 19–320mm) | Budget-friendly adjustable pedestals — 2000kg+ compressive strength, UV resistant, 10-year guarantee |
| Moonbay MB-X2 (49–138mm) | New all-in-one pedestal with lock system — height adjustable from the top with key, no disassembly needed |
| Mapei PP Level Duo Maxi (S–XL, 28–150mm) | Dual-mode pedestal — switches between fixed and self-levelling head in one product. New to TradieCart |
| Mapei PP Level Mini (10–15mm) | Low-profile fixed-head pedestal for minimal-height applications — patios and rooftops with tight clearance. New to TradieCart |
Quick Recommendation Guide
- Standard balcony or terrace on a flat slab → Keksia NM Series — choose your height range (NM0 for 15–25mm through to NM5 for 175–270mm)
- Sloped substrate or drainage falls → Keksia PR Series — self-levelling head keeps pavers flat on slopes up to 5%
- Renovation with minimal clearance → Keksia Star.T at just 10mm minimum height
- Timber or composite decking → Keksia NM or PR pedestals + Wood Deck or Al Joist heads
- Budget-conscious project on a flat surface → Moonbay POD Series — reliable and cost-effective
- Wind-exposed rooftop or coastal location → Keksia NM or PR + Windproof XLW heads with T-Clips and L-Clips
How to Calculate Pedestal Coverage
Pedestals per m² = Multiplier ÷ (Tile Width in m × Tile Length in m)
Total Pedestals = (Area in m² × Pedestals per m²) × (1 + Wastage %)
| Tile Size | Multiplier | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Both edges ≤ 600mm | 1 | Corners only |
| Square 600–750mm | 2 | Corners + centre |
| Rectangular, any edge > 600mm | 2 | Corners + mid-points on longer edges |
| Both edges > 750mm | 4 | Corners + centre + mid-points on all edges |
Always add 5–15% wastage for cuts, perimeter adjustments, and site variables.
Common Questions
What is the difference between fixed-head and self-levelling pedestals? — Fixed-head pedestals (like the Keksia NM Series) are more cost-effective and ideal for flat substrates. Self-levelling pedestals (like the Keksia PR Series) have a tilting head that auto-compensates slopes up to 5% — essential for balconies and terraces with drainage falls.
How many pedestals do I need per square metre? — It depends on your paver size. For standard 600 × 600mm pavers, approximately 2.78 pedestals per m² (corners only). Larger pavers need additional mid-point and centre supports — see the coverage table above.
What is the minimum paver thickness for raised paving? — 20mm for porcelain pavers, 30mm for natural stone. The substrate must be solid — concrete slab, screed, or waterproofing membrane over concrete.
Do pedestals damage waterproofing membranes? — No. Pedestals are non-penetrating — no screws, nails, or adhesives needed. They protect the membrane by shielding it from foot traffic and UV exposure while promoting air circulation underneath.
Do I need windproof clips? — For ground-level patios and sheltered balconies, the weight of 20mm porcelain pavers is sufficient. For rooftops, elevated terraces, and wind-exposed locations, use windproof heads with retaining clips.
Brands We Stock
Keksia (by Eterno Ivica) is our preferred pedestal brand — 70 years of Italian engineering with patented features including self-levelling heads, post-installation height adjustment, and bi-material anti-noise technology. We also stock Moonbay for budget-friendly projects and Mapei (Profilpas PP Level range) for dual-mode fixed/self-levelling capability.