Low-height pedestal terraces: designing a reliable installation with Buzon solutions

In renovation projects, outdoor-space refurbishment or connections to an existing threshold, the limited height available beneath the finish is often a determining constraint. Balconies, existing terraces, patios, urban courtyards and technical areas: where the build-up height is restricted, the choice of installation system directly affects flatness, stability, water drainage and the quality of finishes.

For architects, installation companies, landscape architects and specifiers, Buzon offers several solutions suitable for low-height applications. The combination of accessories from the U range and the adjustable PB-0-S12 and PB-0-S18 pedestals makes it possible to address configurations ranging from a few millimetres to several centimetres, while retaining the benefits of a pedestal terrace.

Solutions suited to limited build-up heights

Not all terraces have sufficient height for a standard adjustable pedestal. In the lowest configurations, Buzon offers accessory combinations that create a stable support beneath the tiles, with an available height ranging from 3 to 17 mm.

The system combines three complementary components:

  • U-PAD-GROUND protective layers;
  • U-PAD, U-E10 and U-E20 cushioning pads;
  • U-TABS-FLAT flat spacer tabs.

The U-PAD-GROUND layers are made from rot-proof recycled rubber. They contribute to substrate protection, load distribution and finish stability. Combined with U-TABS-FLAT, they also help maintain consistent spacing between tiles.

This solution is particularly relevant where the available height does not allow the use of an adjustable pedestal, but the project still requires a level, stable and removable terrace.

Anticipating control points in a low-height project

Low build-up heights require especially rigorous preparation. As the adjustment range is limited, professionals must validate several parameters in advance:

  • the actual available height between the substrate and the finished level;
  • the flatness and condition of the substrate;
  • existing slopes and water drainage provisions;
  • the thickness and compatibility of the selected finish;
  • tile dimensions and their suitability for pedestal installation;
  • constraints at thresholds, edges and drainage points;
  • the layout plan and joint width;
  • any need for acoustic treatment or additional substrate protection.

A precise assessment of these elements helps avoid improvised on-site solutions and ensures installation consistent with expected performance.

Selecting the right combination for the available height

Accessories must be selected according to the height beneath the tile, the nature of the substrate, the format of the finish and the project’s finishing requirements.

The following configurations address the main low-height requirements:

  • Height of 3 mm: 3 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 2 mm U-TABS-FLAT;
  • Height of 4 mm: 3 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 3 mm U-TABS-FLAT + 1 mm U-E10;
  • Height of 5 mm: 3 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 3 mm U-TABS-FLAT + 2 mm U-E20;
  • Height of 6 mm: 6 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 2 mm U-TABS-FLAT;
  • Height of 7 mm: 6 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 2 mm U-TABS-FLAT + 1 mm U-E10;
  • Height of 8 mm: 6 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 2 mm U-TABS-FLAT + 2 mm U-E20;
  • Height of 9 mm: 6 mm U-PAD + 3 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 2 mm U-TABS-FLAT;
  • Height of 10 mm: 10 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 2 mm U-TABS-FLAT;
  • Height of 11 mm: 10 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 2 mm U-TABS-FLAT + 1 mm U-E10;
  • Height of 12 mm: 10 mm U-PAD-GROUND + 2 mm U-TABS-FLAT + 2 mm U-E20.

U-TABS-FLAT are available in 2 mm, 3 mm and 4.5 mm thicknesses. U-PAD-GROUND layers are available in 3 mm, 6 mm and 10 mm thicknesses. These combinations provide a precise response to build-up height constraints while maintaining joint regularity and installation quality.

PB-0-S12: an adjustable solution from 12 mm

Where the available height exceeds 12 mm, the PB-0-S12 is suitable for ultra-low configurations. Adjustable from 12 to 18 mm, it enables precise adjustment of the terrace’s finished level while limiting the space required beneath the finish.

This pedestal consists of two elements and has a head diameter of 170 mm and a base diameter of 197 mm. Its large bearing surface contributes to installation stability.

Made from copolymer polypropylene containing around 80% recycled material, the PB-0-S12 is designed and manufactured in Europe. It is designed to withstand weather conditions, sea salts, algae and a wide range of chemicals, within a temperature range from −30°C to +80°C.

For projects involving a sloping substrate, the U-PH5 slope corrector can be placed beneath the pedestal. This configuration provides an adjustment range from 26 to 32 mm, with slope correction from 0 to 5%.

PB-0-S18: greater adjustment range while maintaining a low height

The PB-0-S18 is designed for projects requiring a slightly greater build-up height. Its height is adjustable from 18 to 28 mm, making it possible to achieve the required finished level while remaining within a low-height configuration.

Like the PB-0-S12, this pedestal features a wide base, lateral reinforcements and an anti-unscrewing safety system at maximum adjustment. Its base also includes perforations that promote drainage.

Combined with the U-PH5 slope corrector, the PB-0-S18 can be adjusted from 32 to 42 mm and correct a slope from 0 to 5%. This solution makes it possible to address certain substrate defects without resorting to major remedial work.

A Buzon response to low-height constraints

Low-height terraces should not be considered secondary configurations. On the contrary, they require precise component selection to ensure finish stability, consistent detailing and the long-term performance of the terrace.

With combinations of U-PAD-GROUND, U-PAD, U-E10, U-E20 and U-TABS-FLAT, together with the adjustable PB-0-S12 and PB-0-S18 pedestals, Buzon offers solutions covering different height ranges and substrate constraints.

For professionals, this modularity makes it possible to design aesthetic, stable and durable terraces even where the available build-up height is particularly limited.