Every home or business can benefit from a beautiful and relaxing outdoor oasis for guests and residents to enjoy. From a pool deck to a patio to a bustling plaza, porcelain deck pavers are an economical solution that can be enjoyed by all. However, many property owners think that just because they have sloped terrain, they can’t install a paver deck. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Thanks to the innovative adjustable pedestal system, any terrain can be easily and affordably transformed into a perfectly level outdoor deck. It takes as little as one day and can be done by a contractor or even a first-time homeowner! If you’re installing porcelain pavers on a sloped surface for the first time, here are three key steps to help you install them successfully.

Calculate the Area

The first step is to calculate the area where your needed deck will go. Before beginning the installation, you’ll need to determine the size of the area you’re working with so you can determine how many pavers and adjustable pedestals you’ll need.

Mark the area, both sloped and non-sloped, with chalk or string. Take note of the width and length of the space and multiply them to calculate the area. If you have an irregularly-shaped area, break it into smaller squares or rectangles to calculate their areas and then add them together. When in doubt, round up, as you can always cut down these tiles later.

Prepare the Surface

Once you’ve measured the area and you have all the necessary materials, you’ll need to prepare the surface for installation. Specifically, you’ll need to prepare the drainage that will need to run underneath the pavers. This should be done prior to installation because the slope of the terrain is required to aid the process and avoid any stagnant water. The general rule of thumb is a 2 percent slope.

You also want to ensure that your substrate is smooth and clean. Remove any debris and fill in any deep holes. Depending on the terrain, you may also need to compact some areas and smooth them out to prepare for the placement of your adjustable pedestals.

Lay Out the Porcelain Deck Pavers Beforehand

Once the surface is prepared, you can lay out your pedestals and pavers to get an idea of how your new deck will look. This allows you to spot any issues, play around with patterns, and get feedback before everything is fully installed.

When you’re ready to install your pavers, place the adjustable pedestals along the perimeter and then at the intersections where the pavers will lay. Each corner of your paver will snap into one of the adjustable pedestals, so you’ll need to have a pedestal placed at the corner of each tile’s placement.

With Tile Tech’s adjustable pedestal system, outdoor deck installation is a breeze, even on sloped surfaces. Tile Tech is proud to be a leader in deck pavers and adjustable pedestals, manufacturing one of the easiest-to-use paver systems on the market. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including paver trays 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.