Installation of a raised deck terrace - step-by-step instructions : Solver

What does the installation of a raised deck terrace involve?

The installation of a raised deck terrace is a fast, precise process, and significantly simpler than in traditional adhesive systems. However, it is crucial to follow the technical principles that determine the durability of the entire structure.

The system involves:

point support of the surface (paver or joist)
the use of adjustable pedestals or support pads of fixed height
leaving expansion gaps to drain water
no bonding to the substrate

Thanks to this, installation is carried out "dry" and does not require mortars or grout.

If you are starting from the basics:

Step 1. Preparing the substrate

The first and most important stage for the safety and stability of the entire raised deck terrace.

The substrate must be:

stable
sufficiently hard (must not flex or sink)
constructed with a slope of 1.5–2% (except for terraces directly on the ground)

Depending on the substrate, it should be prepared as follows:

Ground:

removal of topsoil (20–30 cm)
compaction
stabilization (concrete slabs / blocks / gravel)

A detailed step-by-step description of installing raised deck terraces with various surfaces on the ground:

Concrete screed:

cleaning the surface
leveling (if necessary)
waterproofing protection

How to build a terrace yourself on concrete, gravel, or ground:

2. Placement of pedestals

Pedestals are arranged according to the paver format or the spacing of the joists.

Typical spacings:

60×60 cm - every 60 cm
120×60 cm - every 60 cm
90×90 cm - every 45 cm (also in the center of the paver)

The following must be taken into account:

loads (e.g., planters, jacuzzi)
paver manufacturer recommendations
critical zones (they are described in detail in the pedestal instructions)

3. Leveling the structure

Each pedestal must be adjusted to the appropriate height so that the head fully adheres to the paver/joist.

A spirit level or laser level is used for control.

In more advanced systems, the following are used:

self-leveling heads

Thanks to this:

the terrace surface is perfectly even
the slope remains in the sub-base layer

4. Laying the surface

Option 1: terrace pavers

We lay the terrace pavers directly on the pedestals, usually starting with a full paver, according to the design.
If the pedestal height is insufficient, we adjust its height so that the entire head fits flush against the paver.
We lay the next pavers on the pedestals and slide them up to the first paver, maintaining an expansion joint gap.

Video of laying pavers on a raised deck terrace

We lay the pavers with the appropriate joint width between them; we described how to choose it in detail here:

Gap or joint on an external terrace - how to choose the right width?

Option 2: decking boards (WPC / wood)

We lay the joists on the installed pedestals, and after laying them, we still adjust the height of the pedestal to achieve the required height.
Then we screw the joist through the adapter for joists located on the pedestal.
Finally, we lay the boards, which are screwed or mounted with clips.

Video of laying joists on terrace pedestals

5. Finishing details

After laying the surface in the most standard areas, we move on to the more demanding ones, which require cutting pavers, adding an extra joist, increasing the number of pedestals, or using special accessories.

These include areas such as: