If you have a flat rooftop on your residential or commercial building, you can use porcelain paving tiles to transform the otherwise-unusable outdoor space into a functional and beautiful rooftop deck.

This effect is easily achieved by creating a floating roof deck – a deck that doesn’t lay directly on the supporting surface but instead is placed atop a frame constructed on the rooftop. When it comes to floating decks, there are three primary types of sub-base, each with pros and cons:

1. Grid System

The grid system is an excellent choice for floating roof decks where water drainage is of high importance. In a grid installation system, grid tiles are placed directly on the roof’s surface and underneath the paving tiles, creating a drainage grid with space for water to flow through.

The grid system is ideal for rooftop pool decks, restaurants, bars or other areas where spills and splashes of water are expected. It’s also great for rainy climates that need enhanced drainage capabilities. Drawbacks of the grid system, however, include a lack of aesthetic appeal and long-term stability. 

2. Deck Frame

The deck frame is another popular method for building a floating roof deck. This method is slightly more laborious than the grid system, but it offers increased stability and a more finished look. 

The deck frame is built around the perimeter of the area and secured to the existing structure. Joists are then installed parallel to one another across the frame. Once the frame is completed, porcelain deck tiles are then secured to the joists for the finished look. While this process results in a more seamless appearance, it can make it challenging to repair individual tiles or sections due to the more permanent nature of the installation. It can also be one of the most labor-intensive installation methods.

3. Adjustable Pedestals

The third method for building a floating roof deck is the adjustable pedestal system. This sub-base system combines the best of both worlds for quick and easy installation with a seamless and hard-wearing final result.

With the adjustable pedestal system, roof pedestals are placed throughout the area at the corner of each porcelain paver. Each pedestal can be adjusted to the perfect height to achieve a level roof deck, even if your rooftop isn’t perfectly flat. Once the pedestals are in place and the height has been adjusted, each porcelain paving tile easily snaps into place to create a secure interlocking paving roof deck. 

Tile Tech’s deck pedestals are incredibly durable and long-lasting, and their snap-in-place design makes replacing individual tiles simple and quick. They also make it easy to access the space underneath your deck so you can use it for storage or wiring. They also aid in drainage for a dry and functional roof deck year-round. With easy installation, design versatility, self-leveling features, and customizable height adjustment, roof pedestals are often the best choice for residential and commercial floating roof decks.

Tile Tech is proud to be a leader in adjustable deck supports and deck pavers, manufacturing one of the easiest-to-use deck systems on the market. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including porcelain outdoor tiles and roof pedestals, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog or quote for your next project.