Elevated terrace with ceramic pavers - 2 cm ceramic tiles

Porcelain pavers with a thickness of 2 cm are currently the most frequently chosen solution for raised deck terraces. They combine the aesthetics of ceramic tiles with the durability required for outdoor applications.

Why 2 cm porcelain tile works well on a raised deck terrace

2 cm porcelain tile used in raised deck terrace systems is applied both in private projects (on home terraces and balconies) and in large developer, hotel, or commercial investments.

In a raised deck terrace system, porcelain tiles are not permanently bonded to either the substrate or the pedestals. This is a key difference compared to traditional glued terraces, which translates into durability and safety of use.

The most important advantages of 2 cm porcelain tile in a raised deck terrace:

  • tiles are not glued to the substrate or to the pedestals
  • quick disassembly and reassembly of individual tiles is possible
  • the absence of mortars and grouts eliminates the most common sources of leaks
  • gaps between tiles allow for free water drainage,
  • low water absorption of porcelain tile protects the surface from degradation
  • no direct contact with the substrate protects the waterproofing
  • installations can be run under the tiles (lighting, cables, irrigation)

Thanks to this, a raised deck terrace with porcelain tile is a durable structure, resistant to weather conditions, and easy to service throughout its entire lifespan.

If you want to learn the basics of this technology:

See also: What is a raised deck terrace

Elevated terraces on adjustable pedestals on balconies in a multi-family building Adjustable pedestals solver under pavers on a raised deck terrace

Porcelain 2 cm vs. other terrace pavers

In raised deck terraces finished with pavers, various types of cladding are used:

  • concrete pavers
  • stone pavers
  • clinker
  • ceramic pavers (porcelain)

Each of these materials has its own application, but it is porcelain 2 cm that is most often chosen due to its price, ease of maintenance, low water absorption, high resistance to frost and UV radiation.

The most common format is 60 × 60 cm pavers with a thickness of 2 cm, which work perfectly with terrace pedestal systems.

Elevated terrace on adjustable pedestals with porcelain pavers with a sea view

Installation of 2 cm porcelain tiles on a raised deck terrace

Installation of porcelain tiles using raised deck terrace technology can be done in two ways:

Standard pedestals for porcelain tiles on balconies in a multi-family building Adjustable pedestals on a balcony in a raised deck terrace system support pads Finished raised deck terrace with 2 cm ceramic porcelain pavers on solver pedestals

On fixed pedestals

Used where the available installation height is very limited (e.g., balconies, terraces at door thresholds). The height of the pedestals is not adjustable, but they start at just 2 mm. The lack of height adjustment requires maintaining the slope of the substrate. This means that if the substrate has a 2% slope, the upper surface will also have a 2% slope.

On adjustable pedestals

Used in situations when:

  • the terrace requires a significant elevation of the level
  • we want to level out ground slopes
  • there are height differences (steps, ledges)
  • precise leveling of the surface is necessary

Adjustable pedestals allow the height to be adjusted at every point of the terrace, as well as installation against walls, corners, thresholds, and railings. Their bases can be cut (pedestals) or separated (support pads) to adapt them to project conditions.

Detailed installation guidelines are described here:

Laying pavers on a raised deck terrace

Installing terrace pavers on support pads

Laying terrace pavers on the terrace:

Support pads of fixed height for terrace pavers on the ground Construction of a raised deck terrace on the ground on pedestals with pavers in a backyard terrace Finished terrace with pavers on the ground laid on adjustable solver pedestals

Service, inspection and replacement of individual pavers

One of the greatest advantages of a raised deck terrace with porcelain pavers is the ability to fully service the structure without dismantling the entire surface.

In practice, this means that:

  • a single paver can be lifted at any time
  • the condition of the waterproofing can be inspected
  • installations under the terrace remain accessible
  • a damaged paver can be replaced pointwise
  • the area under the terrace can be cleaned

The lack of permanent connections eliminates the need for costly and invasive repairs, which are typical of glued terraces.

Renovation of an old terrace using 2 cm porcelain pavers

A raised deck terrace with porcelain pavers also works perfectly for modernizing existing surfaces. Old terraces made of paving stones, which over time lose their aesthetics due to dirt and moss growth.

It is enough to use terrace pedestals or support pads and porcelain pavers to create a new, aesthetic and durable surface without chipping away the old substrate.

What to pay attention to when choosing porcelain pavers for a raised deck terrace

When choosing porcelain pavers for a raised deck terrace, attention should be paid to:

  • paver thickness (usually 2 cm)
  • frost resistance
  • water absorption
  • resistance to stains and chemicals
  • quality and straightness of edges
  • load-bearing capacity

Ceramic tiles typically do not require additional impregnation and handle stains from terrace use well (e.g., grill, rain, mud). Unlike concrete pavers, they do not require regular surface sealing.

More information about renovations:

Remont tarasu i balkonu

Elevated terrace with pavers as a seaside restaurant garden Swimming pool being built on the ground with pavers laid on adjustable pedestals Finished pool with pavers around it laid on adjustable solver pedestals Adjustable pedestals renovation of a terrace from paving stones to a terrace with pavers on pedestals Laying a renovation terrace on old paving stones Installing a raised deck terrace on old paving stones on pedestals Finished raised deck terrace on old paving stones renovation Porcelain pavers on pedestals on a restaurant terrace garden

Summary

A raised deck terrace with 2 cm porcelain tiles is a solution that combines:

  • high aesthetics
  • long-lasting durability
  • easy maintenance
  • resistance to weather conditions
  • flexibility in design and modernization

If you already know the properties of porcelain tiles in a raised deck system, the next step is to learn the installation principles and the most common installation errors in detail:

See also: Most common mistakes during the installation of raised deck terraces