These problems often start beneath the finished surface. Around a fountain, the installer must deal with a curved edge, changing heights, constant moisture, and a drainage path that keeps water from pooling where it shouldn't.
Adjustable pedestals can help create a level, stable paved surface without relying on a thick mortar bed. They also provide access beneath the raised pavers for inspection and maintenance. However, the result depends on the substrate, the support layout, the paving material, and the way water moves around the fountain.
Here is how to approach the installation, from checking the substrate to laying the final pavers.
1. Check the substrate before placing any pedestals
Start by checking the surface that will support the pedestals. This may be a concrete slab, a terrace with waterproofing, or a properly prepared substrate intended for a raised paver surface.
The substrate must be suitable for the anticipated loads and the chosen pedestal system. Check for cracks, loose material, standing water, and areas that may shift under load. If the fountain is part of a new installation, confirm that the basin, surrounding structure, and waterproofing works are completed before covering this area.
Pay particular attention to the space directly around the basin. Splashing water can keep this zone damp for a long time, and maintenance work may require access to pipes, pumps, or electrical connections.
The substrate also requires a designated drainage path. The pedestal system creates a space beneath the surface, but this space does not automatically solve drainage problems. Water still needs somewhere to drain away, and the substrate must be designed to direct it to appropriate drains or outlets.
If the surroundings are above a waterproofing membrane, make sure the installation method is compatible with it. Apply appropriate protective layers where necessary and avoid drilling or fastening through the waterproofing unless the system has been specifically designed and approved for this purpose.
2. Establish a reference height around the basin
Before installing the entire system, decide where the finished surface should sit relative to the fountain.
The top edge of the basin is usually the most visible reference point. You may want the surrounding pavers to end slightly below the edge, align with a specific detail, or meet a separate finishing element. The right layout depends on the fountain's construction and how the water is meant to circulate.
Measure the available height at several points around the basin. For a round fountain, the distance between the substrate and the finished surface level may vary around the perimeter, even when the target surface is level.
And this is exactly where the pedestal's adjustment range matters.
A pedestal that works well on the main terrace may not have enough height adjustment range near a raised basin. Conversely, a tall pedestal may be unnecessary where the substrate is already close to the finished surface level. Before choosing a system, check the product's minimum and maximum installation height, including any required heads or support accessories.
As a manufacturer of adjustable pedestals, we recommend checking the actual height difference on the project rather than selecting supports based on a nominal average. If the required height falls outside the manufacturer-approved range, use an appropriate alternative support layout instead of forcing adjustment beyond its limits.
Pre-fit a few pedestals around the fountain and check the proposed finished surface level with a straightedge or laser level. This early check can prevent awkward cuts and uneven transitions later on.
3. Determine the pedestal layout matched to the shape of the fountain
After establishing the reference height, mark the surface layout on the substrate.
A square terrace is relatively straightforward. The surroundings of a fountain are often more complicated, because the surface follows a round basin, curved walls, or a combination of straight and diagonal edges.
Start with the actual dimensions of the terrace pavers. Mark the joints, paver edges, and intended support positions before spacing the pedestals. In the case of a round surround, work from the axis of the basin or a measured radius so that the surface follows the intended curvature.
The support layout will depend on the paver format and the required cuts around the basin. Whole pavers can use pedestals at the corners, while cut elements and narrow perimeter sections may require additional support or a different solution.
Do not assume that one pedestal at each corner is sufficient for every paver. Large-format porcelain, natural stone, and heavier terrace pavers have different strength properties. Follow the surface manufacturer's requirements regarding support positions, permissible overhangs, and maximum unsupported spans.
When several pavers share a single pedestal, check that the pedestal head and its accessories are intended for such a layout. Up to wall clips can help maintain even gaps, but they do not replace the need for adequate structural support.
For curved edges, some pavers may need to be cut into smaller sections to follow the basin precisely. Plan these cuts carefully. Narrow elements are more prone to movement and may require dedicated pedestals or a specially designed edge solution.
4. Selecting pedestals for load and installation environment
The pedestal layout must support the entire finished surface, not just the weight of a single paver.
Three main types of load must be taken into account:
- Surface weight: Porcelain gres, concrete and natural stone differ in thickness, density and weight. A thick stone paver can exert a much greater load on the support system than a lighter gres paver.
- People and furniture: An edge used as a walkway or seating area must withstand the expected foot traffic loads as well as any furniture or planters.
- Local loads: Heavy planters, decorative elements and maintenance equipment can concentrate weight on a small area.
Check the manufacturer's load capacity information and the surface supplier's support requirements. The design should account for actual use, including point loads and substrate condition. The pedestal's declared load capacity alone does not determine the load capacity of the entire assembled surface system.
Pedestal spacing is equally important. Reducing the number of supports to save money can leave pavers insufficiently supported, even if each individual pedestal has a high load capacity.
In our factory producing adjustable pedestals, we treat the support layout and the product specification as parts of the same decision. The right pedestal depends on the surface format, installation height, support configuration and design loads.
See also: MAX pedestal 150-350 mm with D3 for tiles
In a wet fountain environment, you should also check the material's suitability for prolonged exposure to moisture, the expected temperature range and any chemical exposure from water treatment agents or cleaning products. Do not assume that any plastic pedestal, metal component or accessory is suitable for every water installation.
5. Installation and leveling of pedestals
After setting out the layout, place the pedestals in the planned positions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the base, head, adjustment mechanism, and any required accessories.
Start with a few supports along a clear reference line or around the edge of the basin. Adjust their height to establish the intended surface level, then use them as reference points for the surrounding area.
Check that each support has full contact with the substrate. The pedestal should not rock, rest on loose debris, or bridge an unsuitable depression. If the substrate is uneven, correct the base condition using an approved method instead of relying on an unstable support.
Continue installing the remaining pedestals according to the set-out layout. Check heights on an ongoing basis, especially where the surface curves around the basin or approaches steps, walls, and drainage channels.
A laser level is useful for maintaining a consistent finished plane. However, a level surface does not always mean a properly drained surface. If the project requires a fall, the reference heights must reflect that fall rather than forcing every pedestal to the same height.
Before laying the pavers, check the entire pedestal layout. Make sure that each paver will have the required support and that the pedestal adjustment mechanisms remain within the approved range.
6. Laying pavers and checking every connection
Lay the surface elements carefully on the pedestal heads. Work gradually along the edge, checking alignment, joint width and target height after adding each paver.
Use a straightedge to check adjacent pavers for level differences when one edge is higher than the next. Even a small difference can be noticeable around a fountain, especially where water reflects the surface of the paving.
Check that the pavers rest stably on their supports and do not wobble. If a paver moves under light hand pressure, investigate the cause before continuing. The problem may be an incorrectly adjusted pedestal, inappropriate support positioning, debris under the support, or a paver unsuitable for the intended installation method.
Do not level unevenness by inserting improvised wedges or loose filler materials. Use only adjustment elements and installation methods approved for the given pedestal system.
Cut pavers around the basin only after confirming dimensions and the intended edge finish. Maintain the specified gap between the paving and the fountain structure. The gap must account for the designed joint, construction tolerances and any relevant movement requirements.
Do not assume that a rigid grout joint between the paving and the basin is appropriate. The fountain and the surrounding paving may move differently, so the perimeter detail should comply with the project specification and the recommendations of the relevant material manufacturers.
7. Plan the slope, drainage and air gap
Drainage requires particular attention around fountains, as this area is exposed to splashing, rainfall and regular cleaning.
The finished surface should drain surface water in accordance with the project design. Depending on the location, this may mean directing water to a linear drainage channel, an approved drainage outlet or another designated collection point.
The surface should not automatically be sloped toward the fountain basin. This may be appropriate for a specific fountain design, but it may also introduce dirty runoff, cleaning agents or contaminants into the water. Directing water away from the basin may be preferable if the surrounding drainage layout allows it.
The required slope depends on the surface material, drainage design, accessibility requirements and local building regulations. Follow the project specification rather than applying a universal slope to every fountain surround.
The space beneath the raised surface must also remain functional. The air gap can support ventilation and provide access for inspection, but it does not guarantee that the substrate will dry out or that water will drain properly. Waterproof surface materials such as porcelain do not make the entire system waterproof. Water can still penetrate through the joints and accumulate beneath the pavers.
This is why the underlying drainage layer, waterproofing and location of outlets are so important. Confirm that the substrate directs water to the appropriate outlet and that the pedestal layout does not disrupt the intended flow.
As a manufacturer of adjustable pedestals, we recommend checking the entire system, including the pedestal base and head, accessories, protective layers and drainage details, rather than treating the pedestal as an isolated component.
8. Check the finished surroundings before handover
After installing all the pavers, walk the entire perimeter and check for rocking, uneven joints, sharp cut edges and unwanted movement.
Test the water drainage system by using a controlled amount of water in the appropriate places. Look for persistent puddles and confirm that water reaches the intended drain without creating unwanted flow into the basin.
If the fountain is operational, check this area while the water is running. Splashing can reveal problems that are less visible in dry conditions.
Check that access to pumps, pipework and electrical components has not been blocked. In places where removable pavers are needed for maintenance, confirm that they can be safely lifted using the specified method.
Finally, document the pedestal model, adjustment range and installation details for future maintenance. This is particularly useful for commercial fountains or installations where the surface may need to be lifted for servicing.
Adjustable pedestals or fixed-height support pads: which makes more sense?
Adjustable pedestals are useful when the substrate has varying heights, the finished surface requires precise leveling, or the fountain surroundings include several levels. They can also facilitate a raised deck system with access underneath.
However, adjustment is not always necessary.
For a simple, flat, stable and well-drained surroundings, fixed-height support pads can be a practical solution if the substrate, surface and installation method are compatible with each other. They can reduce component costs and simplify installation when the required height is already determined.
Adjustable systems typically include more components and may require more time for initial setup. Fixed-height support pads can be positioned faster, but offer less flexibility if the substrate is uneven or the design changes.
Compare the total installation cost, taking into account the number of pedestals, cutting, drainage details, labor and future service access. The cheapest support is not necessarily the least expensive solution if it leads to an uneven surface or difficult repairs.
Determine the details before laying the first paver
A durable fountain edge starts with a suitable substrate, a clear height reference point, and a pedestal layout designed around the actual surface elements. The installer must also account for the curved edge of the fountain, the weight of the finished surface, and the path that water will take beneath and across the surface.
Before ordering pedestals, measure the height difference between the substrate and the planned finished surface at several points. Confirm the surface dimensions, anticipated loads, drainage layout, and access requirements. Then compare these details with the manufacturer's technical specification and applicable building requirements.
The most useful first step is to draw a simple cross-section through the fountain and the surrounding surface. Mark the basin edge, the finished surface level, the pedestal height, the substrate, the waterproofing, and the drain. This small drawing can reveal height conflicts and drainage problems before they become costly installation errors.
