Using Pedestals with Decking and Joists

Rooftop patios have become a coveted amenity in modern living, offering urban dwellers a private sanctuary amidst the city buzz. These elevated spaces provide the perfect opportunity to relax, entertain, and enjoy stunning views. However, decking and joists can have issues with uneven surfaces and weight restrictions.

This guide will explore how adjustable pedestals can revolutionize your rooftop patio construction, offering a versatile and sustainable solution. We'll delve into the benefits of using pedestals, the installation process, and essential design considerations.

Understanding Adjustable Pedestals 

A pedestal system is a modular support structure that raises your deck off the ground. It typically consists of three key components:

• Adjustable pedestals: These are the workhorses of the system, allowing you to precisely level your deck, even on uneven terrain. Bison offers a variety of pedestals like ScrewJack, Versadjust, and Level.It to suit your specific needs. 
• Joists: These create the framework for your deck, supporting the decking material. Bison offers a revolutionary aluminum joist system that we'll discuss later.
• Decking planks: This is the surface you'll walk on, and can be made from various materials like wood, composite, stone, or FRP grating.

Pedestal systems are used extensively in both commercial and residential settings, from rooftop terraces to poolside patios.

Enhanced Decking Joist Stability and Durability with Pedestal Systems

Pedestal systems offer many benefits for your decking project, including:

Pedestals distribute the weight of your deck evenly across the entire support structure, minimizing stress on individual components like joists and the underlying surface. This ensures a more stable and durable deck, reducing the risk of sagging, warping, or other structural issues.

With adjustable pedestals, you can create a perfectly level deck surface, even if the ground beneath it is uneven. This eliminates the need for extensive ground preparation, saving time and resources. Moreover, a level deck provides a safer and more comfortable outdoor space.

The gap created by the pedestals elevates the deck off the ground, reducing direct contact with moisture. This helps prevent rot, mildew, and other moisture-related issues, extending the lifespan of your deck. For rooftop decks, pedestals protect the roof membrane from damage during installation and future maintenance.

Uplevel Your Decking and Joists with Pedestals

Beyond their structural advantages, pedestal systems offer a range of benefits that contribute to the overall health and longevity of your deck.

Improved Drainage and Ventilation:

• Prevents Water Damage: The elevated design of a pedestal system allows for efficient water drainage, preventing water from pooling and causing damage to the decking material or the underlying structure. This is especially important for rooftop decks, where water pooling can lead to leaks and structural issues.
• Reduces Moisture Buildup: The gap between the deck and the ground promotes better airflow, which helps to reduce moisture buildup. This, in turn, can help prevent mold, mildew, and rot, ensuring a healthier and more durable deck.
• Protects Against Pests: Proper ventilation can also deter pests, such as termites and carpenter ants, that are attracted to damp conditions.

Unleashing Design Creativity with Pedestals

Pedestal systems aren't just about functionality; they open doors to a world of design possibilities:

• Creative Layouts and Patterns: With pedestals, you're not restricted to a traditional grid layout. You can create unique patterns and designs with your decking material, adding a touch of personality to your outdoor space.
• Simplified Installation and Modification: The modular nature of pedestals makes installation and future modifications a breeze. You can easily adjust the height of individual pedestals or even remove decking planks for maintenance or repairs.
• Material Versatility: Pedestal systems work seamlessly with a wide range of decking materials, so you can choose the perfect option to match your style and budget. Whether it's wood, composite, or even stone pavers, you have the freedom to create your dream deck.

For those looking for a traditional joist and plank deck installation on pedestals, Bison offers joist saddle attachments that work seamlessly with our pedestals. 

Long-Term Savings and Sustainability

Pedestal systems might seem like a higher initial investment compared to traditional deck construction. However, this cost is often offset by significant long-term savings. Here's why:

The improved drainage, ventilation, and protection from moisture offered by pedestals translate to less frequent maintenance needs. With proper drainage, you won't have to worry about water damage requiring repairs. The ventilation reduces moisture buildup, preventing the growth of mold and mildew that necessitates cleaning or replacement of decking materials. Additionally, the reduced contact with moisture extends the lifespan of the entire deck structure, minimizing the need for costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Furthermore, Bison is committed to sustainability. Many of our pedestal systems are made from recycled and eco-friendly materials, allowing you to create a beautiful and durable deck with a conscience. By choosing a Bison pedestal system,you're not only investing in your outdoor space but also making a positive impact on the environment.

Introducing Bison's Innovative Aluminum Decking Joist System

Bison is proud to offer a revolutionary aluminum deck joist system that takes the benefits of pedestal decks to the next level. This innovative system offers several key advantages, including:

Enhanced Design Flexibility:

• Reduced Pedestal Count: One of the most significant advantages of using aluminum joists is the ability to reduce the number of pedestals required for your deck. This is particularly beneficial when working with smaller pavers, as it allows for a more open and aesthetically pleasing design.
• Versatility with Paver Sizes: Aluminum joists are compatible with a wide range of paver sizes, giving you greater flexibility in creating unique patterns and layouts. This empowers you to customize your deck's appearance to match your personal style and preferences.
• Easy Access and Maintenance: Unlike traditional joist saddle systems, aluminum joists allow for easy removal and replacement of individual pavers. This simplifies maintenance tasks and provides greater flexibility in modifying your deck's layout.

Additional Benefits of Bison's Aluminum Joist System:

• Ease of Installation: Our aluminum joists are designed for quick and efficient installation, saving you time and effort.
• Durability and Longevity: Aluminum joists are highly durable and resistant to corrosion, ensuring a long-lasting and low-maintenance deck.
• Sustainability: Our aluminum joists are made with 90% North American aluminum, supporting local economies and reducing the environmental impact.
• Safety and Compliance: Our joists are independently tested for wind uplift and comply with Aluminum Association standards, ensuring a safe and reliable deck structure.

By incorporating Bison's aluminum joist system into your deck construction, you're not only enhancing its durability and sustainability but also unlocking a world of design possibilities.

Decking and Joists Made Easy With Bison

By incorporating adjustable pedestals into your rooftop patio construction, you can create a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. With their versatility, ease of installation, and long-term benefits, pedestal systems are an excellent choice for modern rooftop decks.

Contact Bison Innovative Products today to learn more about our pedestal solutions and how we can help you bring your rooftop vision to life!