Adjustable Deck Pedestal Joist Support System

The Level.Up Adjustable Deck Pedestal System builds ground-level joist and plank style decks. Level.Up Pedestals can only be used for free-standing or floating decks and shouldn’t be attached to the home, structure or foundation.

Level.Up Pedestals are for installing ground-level decks only which are a maximum of 20 inches from the ground to the top of the decking material surface. The decks need to be a minimum of 8 feet x 8 feet to avoid tipping hazards. Any deck exceeding 200 square feet, per the International Building Code, may be required, per local zoning laws, for inspection prior to, during, and upon completion of the deck.

Yes, you can customize your deck design by using multiple Level.Up 12 Pedestal Kits together to create a larger deck. You can also add an additional joist or 16 inches of width to a Level.Up deck by using the Level.Up 2 Pedestal Deck Expansion Kit. Any deck exceeding 200 square feet, per the International Building Code, may be required, per local zoning laws, for inspection prior to, during, and upon completion of the deck.

Yes, you can build directly over stable, existing concrete slabs or pavers. There’s no need to demolish or remove old concrete slabs or pavers. Make sure that the build site is properly prepared by checking for and repairing any large cracks or breaks in the area that could cause the pedestals to set unevenly or not have complete contact. Always reference the installation guide for complete instructions.

Yes. The ground must be well-compacted, stable, not prone to soil erosion, not have standing water and be well-draining. All grass, sod, vegetation, mulch, large rocks or debris should be removed from the area. Rake the area so that the surface has no visible, uneven depressions and cover with weed barrier to prevent unwanted growth. Any uneven areas which could make it difficult for the pedestal base to make complete contact with the ground surface should have additional dirt, pea gravel or sand added. Use a tamper to compact and even out the area. Always reference the installation guide for complete instructions.

Coastal areas or regions subject to high winds usually call for additional ground support systems. Always check local building codes and ordinances for wind uplift restrictions. High wind zones are usually in coastal regions, high mountainous areas, or locations susceptible to high windstorms and/or tornados. High wind zone maps are available on the International Code Council website: www. Iccsafe.org in Chapter 3 Building Planning. If there is a risk that the deck will endure lateral force movements, meaning it could be jostled or hit from the side on regular basis, adding ground support is also an option. Ground anchors can be installed to anchor the deck if required. Please reference the Installation Guide for specific anchoring instructions.

Bison Level.Up Adjustable Joist Support Pedestals offer several clear advantages over concrete and plastic deck blocks. First, the joist is mechanically fastened to the Level.Up pedestal using built-in mounting brackets, providing stability and security. With the deck blocks, the post simply rests on top of the block and is not mechanically fastened, allowing for possible tipping. Level.Up pedestals can be easily adjusted for height and level by hand-twisting the pedestal or adding accessories. Deck blocks are static systems and only be adjusted for height and level via the size of the post or adjusting the ground. Finally, concrete posts are heavy, weighing around 40 lbs. each, and prone to breakage, while Level.Up pedestals are lightweight (2 lbs. each) yet can support up to 750 lbs. each.

No, the Level.Up Adjustable Pedestals are designed and tested for ground-level decks only.

Check to see if the deck surface is out of level or rocking. Look under the deck and check for pedestals that are loose or not making complete contact with the ground surface. Adjust the pedestals by twisting to raise or lower height as needed to make snug contact with the ground. Additional accessories such as Height Adjustment Couplers, Flexible Shims and/or Slope Levelers may be needed if significant settling has occurred. Be sure that a Floating Foundation Base is used underneath each pedestal to reduce settling or sinking. You can adjust pedestals with the decking boards intact. Decking boards may need to be removed for access. Check out this video on Managing Ground Movement and Frost Heave with the Level.Up Deck Pedestal System for more.

Annual maintenance of the deck and pedestals is required. Periodic inspection is recommended to check for ground erosion, sinking and overall pedestal integrity/damage. Also, check the lumber substructure for rot, severe water or insect damage.