Porcelain Pavers are an outstanding upgrade to completely transform your outdoor space without a removal of the existing surface. The raised porcelain paver systems are being installed high and low, across the country. Small projects on condo balconies, large hotel and restaurant expansions, roof decks in Manhattan and Los Angeles, you name it! Once your material has been purchased you have the luxury of hiring an installer to lend a helping hand, or the freedom of easily and properly completing the project yourself. Here is a guide of everything you'll need to know about what it takes to DIY a raised porcelain paver system. 

Gather any tools you will need to complete the project. Cleaning products, edge clips or wall spacers if necessary, a level for accuracy, pedestals, a saw for cutting etc.

Clean your outdoor surface. A light sweeping and mopping, allowing time for drying, is all the cleaning that is required. Also be sure of a great weather forecast, no rain or snow before or during installation.

Apply the insulating layer to the pedestals. This is the cushion between the pedestals and the pre existing surface and this is an optional step.

Begin the grid planning around the perimeter edges and configuring where all of the pedestals will be placed. This is an important step as this is the support system to your flooring.

Position a pedestal underneath the center of the slab for a perfectly safe, stable and long lasting application.

Position the clean, dry porcelain slabs on the pedestals. Everything should pop right into place unless a major mistake was made in the planning process of pedestal placement, which is an easy fix that shouldn’t require much time.

Ensure the completed raised porcelain paver surface is level and plane. Not only is a level floor safe, it also adds great value to the aesthetic of the project. The more even and plane your pavers are, the more expensive and high end your deck will look.

Regulate the pedestals if any imperfections are found during the leveling process and place your porcelain pavers back into the grid.

The final step is to gently walk across all parts of the deck ensuring a flawless installation. Porcelain pavers that are installed correctly do not shake or wobble.

Porcelain pavers are a cutting edge product seen throughout homes, patios, balconies, roof decks and commercial properties and are perfect for pedestal roof decks. However, the pavers were not always used for outdoor raised pedestal and exterior systems. The porcelain pavers were traditionally much smaller, thinner and only used for indoor applications or exterior balcony tiles. Through high quality manufacturing and engineering, the raised outdoor pedestal paving system was created utilizing 2cm or double thick porcelain. The outdoor pavers have a high level of manufacturing in this thickness and can wqithstand a tremendous amount of weight.  They are impervious to  quality and are created with the safety components that are required for outdoor flooring such as non slip technology and durability to last through rough and tough weather storms and conditions. The raised porcelain pedestals are also 100% recycled so you will have the pride of knowing you have also made an environmentally sustainable home improvement decision. They are zero mess, no fuss and also give your flooring the same height indoor and out with a seamless and level application. 

Porcelain Paver installation is easy to understand and a great weekend project to take on yourself. The rubber connectors will simply lock the porcelain pavers right into place. Installation is fast and only a limited number of tools are required.

Using adjustable height pedestals, determining the height of your pedestals is a just a few clicks away. If you are looking to add serious height, no problem, the pedestals are stackable. Not only do these versatile tiles exude class, quality, and style, you can install them yourself. Yes, YOU! Self Installation of porcelain pavers allows you to take control of your own project, cut out middle man costs from installers and limit the number of strangers allowed into your home.

Be a boss! Drink a nice coffee, enjoy your morning meditation and don't hesitate taking on your raised porcelain paver system all by YOURSELF!

Roof Decks in New York City and the heart of the green roof movement

Some photos I took from a rooftop, 

This is the typical roof deck with some old outdoor carpet and a few plastic adirondack chairs

OR

you can have this beautiful deck that utilized our Eco Deck 2x2 Ipe Deck Tile Pavers and pedestals.