First of all, you should familiarize yourself with the paver manufacturer's recommendations regarding laying them on terrace pedestals. Installation that is not in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions may result in loss of warranty. We are not aware of any clear-cut research or scientific studies confirming the validity of adding a fifth pedestal in the middle, under the paver, as additional protection against paver cracking. Based on our analyses and experience, adding a pedestal should be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the type of paver, the substrate under the terrace, and the intended use of the terrace. Recommendations may vary; it is important to consider a few issues before making a decision: The issue of paver strength and the material it is made of Pavers made of various materials are used for laying on pedestals, such as ceramic, stone, and concrete (pressed, vibrated, reinforced). Each of these materials has different properties, and manufacturers use different production technologies. For laying pavers on pedestals, we recommend using only the highest quality pavers from reputable manufacturers who anticipate point support. The issue of substrate hardness Raised deck terraces on pedestals can be laid on various types of substrate. These can be hard substrates, such as concrete screed, concrete slabs, etc., as well as soft substrates, such as XPS insulation boards, PIR roof boards, etc. It should be remembered that the proper substrate hardness, recommended at 300 kPa/m², and the minimum permissible at 200 kPa/m², affects whether the terrace will flex during use. An additional pedestal can help distribute the terrace load over a larger area. The issue of terrace load When determining the number of pedestals needed under a terrace paver, the anticipated terrace loads should be analyzed, and the total load per square meter of the terrace should be calculated. Based on the calculations performed, it can be determined whether the use of an additional pedestal in the middle of the terrace paver is recommended. See question 9 - What is the load capacity of the pedestals? If an additional pedestal is used in the middle, under the terrace paver, we recommend using pedestals with a self-leveling head to ensure perfect support of the paver with the entire surface of the pedestal's top cap. More information can be found in the article - See also: 5 rules to ensure terrace pavers on pedestals won't crack.