Location: Ireland
Type of property: private single-family house
Scope of works: construction of a raised deck terrace and walkways
Surface: large-format ceramic pavers 60x60x2 cm
Mounting system: adjustable terrace pedestals
Additional elements: pergola, planters, structural posts, and installation zones
The Challenge – One Surface Amidst Many Elements
At a private house, a spacious raised deck terrace was built with light ceramic pavers. The surface combined several functions: a dining area under the pergola, a passage between parts of the building, and a convenient exit directly to the garden.
Adjustable terrace pedestals made it possible to create a level surface despite the varying ground levels and numerous elements requiring precise fitting. The system also allowed the pergola posts, wooden planters, building walls, and side technical zones to be integrated into the terrace layout.
The terrace was designed in a space bounded by the building walls, garden structures, and the pergola construction. The investor wanted a single, orderly surface that would serve as a natural extension of the interior while also connecting the house with the garden.
The terrace layout required adapting the surface to:
- several exits and glazing,
- structural pergola posts,
- wooden planters and small architectural elements,
- irregular edges along the walls,
- lowered technical zones,
- a passage leading toward the garden.
It was also important to maintain regular joint lines despite numerous corners, narrowings, and areas requiring individual cutting of pavers.
Solution – ceramic pavers on adjustable pedestals
The surface was laid on adjustable pedestals, which allowed the height of each support point to be set individually. This enabled the contractor to level out differences in the substrate and achieve a uniform plane across the entire terrace surface.
The pedestals were installed without permanently fixing the pavers to the substrate. The dry-lay system allowed the level, joint width, and position of successive elements to be checked on an ongoing basis.
The large number of support points, visible in the space beneath the surface, ensured the stability of the large-format pavers both in the central part of the terrace and at the edges, walls, and planters.
Precise fitting around pergolas and structures
The pergola is the main element organizing the lounge area. Its posts have been integrated into the paving layout, and the pavers were precisely cut around the structure.
Similar fitting was required for the wooden planters placed along the terrace. They serve a decorative function, organize the space, and create a natural separation of functional zones.
Adjustment of the pedestals made it possible to maintain the proper level of the pavers also in areas where the surface meets:
- the building facade,
- terrace doors,
- wooden edging,
- side cladding,
- the pergola structure.
Connecting the terrace with the garden
The terrace is not limited to the space directly adjacent to the building. The surface has been extended towards the garden, creating a convenient walkway and a smooth transition between the living area and the green zone of the property.
The light pavers contrast with the dark facade and wooden furnishing elements. Thanks to this, the entire space has gained a modern yet natural character.
The pergola allows the terrace to be used even during intense sunlight, while the open side facing the garden maintains a visual connection between the relaxation area and the greenery.
Installation without gluing or wet work
The pavers were laid without the use of glue or mortar. This installation method reduced wet work and avoided permanently bonding the surface to the substrate.
If necessary, a selected paver can be lifted to access the space beneath the terrace. This is especially important in areas where cables, garden installations, or drainage elements are routed.
The side section of the structure visible in the photos was additionally prepared using a substructure, which allowed the terrace layout to be adapted to the different geometry and technical conditions of that area.
Effective Water Drainage
The terrace is partially covered, but its outer sections remain exposed to rain. The open joints between the pavers allow water to quickly pass beneath the surface.
The water is then drained away over the layer below the pavers. This means the usable surface does not need to precisely mirror the slopes of the substrate, and the paving lines remain even and orderly.
The absence of rigid joints also reduces the risk of them cracking due to temperature changes and the natural movement of the structure.
Project Execution
The work included:
- checking the height of the substrate and thresholds at the building,
- determining the target level of the terrace,
- planning the layout of the pavers and joint lines,
- positioning the adjustable pedestals,
- adjusting the support points at walls and edges,
- making cutouts around pergola posts,
- laying pavers around planters and built-in elements,
- preparing the lateral structural zones,
- final height adjustment and stability check of the surface.
The ability to repeatedly lift the pavers and correct the pedestal settings made it easier to complete the details without having to dismantle larger sections of the terrace.
Leveling an uneven substrate
Each pedestal could be adjusted independently, which made it possible to achieve an even surface without creating a thick leveling layer.
Precise fit for any structure
The system has proven itself with pergola posts, facades, planters, and irregular terrace edges.
Free water drainage
Water passes through the gaps between the pavers and is drained below the surface.
Access to the technical space
Selected pavers can be removed without damaging them, which facilitates inspection of installations and the substrate.
Clean installation without adhesive
Dry technology reduced the scope of wet work and enabled precise correction of the surface during implementation.
Result – a cohesive space for relaxation and everyday use
The outcome of the project is a modern terrace that connects the building, pergola, and garden into one functional space. The even surface ensures comfortable movement between rooms, the dining area, and the green part of the property.
Light ceramic pavers brighten the space surrounded by a dark facade and wooden structures. The regular joint layout organizes the surface, and the hidden support structure does not disturb the minimalist aesthetics of the design.
The project shows that a raised deck terrace works not only on large, open surfaces. The system can also be used in extensive residential zones where the surface must be adapted to pergolas, planters, installations, and existing architecture.
