Steel Pedestals vs. Other Materials: Choosing the Right Support for Your Rooftop Terrace

When designing a rooftop terrace, selecting the right pedestal support system is crucial for ensuring durability, stability, and aesthetics.

Among the various options available—such as steel, plastic, aluminium, and concrete —each material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

In this blog, we’re going to compare steel pedestals vs other materials and take a close look at their advantages and disadvantages.

Steel Pedestals for Your Rooftop Terrace

Steel Pedestals Pros:

1. Durability: Steel is renowned for its strength and durability. Steel pedestals can support substantial weights, making them ideal for heavy decking materials and furniture.
   
2. Stability: The rigidity of steel ensures a stable platform, reducing the risk of movement or sagging over time.
3. Weather Resistance: When properly coated (e.g., with galvanisation or powder coating), steel pedestals are highly resistant to corrosion and weathering, making them suitable for outdoor use.
   
4. Longevity: Steel pedestals have a long lifespan, often outlasting other materials. This makes them a cost-effective option in the long term.
   
5. Sustainability: Steel is recyclable, and many steel products are made from recycled materials, contributing to environmental sustainability.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the pros of steel pedestals, check out our blog The Advantages of Steel Pedestals for Your Roof Terrace.

Steel Pedestals Cons:

1. Weight: Steel pedestals are heavier than alternatives like plastic and aluminium, which might complicate installation.
   
2. Cost: Initially, steel can be more expensive than some other materials, although its longevity often offsets this cost over time.

Raaft® Steel Pedestals

Raaft ®’s steel pedestals offer numerous benefits, including durability and slope for versatile use in various environments. They are made from fire and corrosion-resistant steel, ensuring durability and robustness. 

The modular Raaft® terrace system is customisable and easy to install without screws or fixtures, providing a seamless and quick setup. These lightweight pedestals come in a range of adjustable heights and are manufactured using sustainable materials, making them a reliable and eco-friendly choice for any terrace project.

Plastic Pedestals for Your Rooftop Terrace

Plastic Pedestals Pros:

1. Cost-Effective: Plastic pedestals are generally less expensive upfront than steel.
2. Lightweight: Easy to transport and install due to their low weight.
3. Weather Resistance: High-quality plastics are resistant to moisture and most chemicals.

Plastic Pedestals Cons:

1. Strength: Plastic pedestals are not as strong as steel and may not support heavy loads as effectively.
   
2. Environmental Impact: Not all plastics are recyclable, and production often involves non-renewable resources.

Raaft® Plastic Pedestals

Raaft®’s plastic pedestals for rooftop terraces offer adjustable height and slope for use in various environments, and they are configurable with a modular Raaft® terrace system that can be customised to meet specific requirements. 

These pedestals are easy to install without screws or fixtures, available in adjustable heights from 5-365mm, and designed for seamless construction.

Aluminium Pedestals for Your Rooftop Terrace

Aluminium Pedestals Pros:

1. Corrosion Resistance: Naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, even without coatings.
2. Lightweight: Easier to handle and install than other materials.
3. Aesthetic: Provides a sleek, modern look that can complement contemporary designs.

Aluminium Pedestals Cons:

1. Strength: Aluminium is not as strong as steel, limiting its load-bearing capacity.
2. Cost: Can be more expensive than other materials.
3. Thermal Expansion: Aluminium can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially affecting stability.

Concrete Pedestals for Your Rooftop Terrace

Concrete Pedestals Pros:

1. Stability: Extremely stable due to their weight, making them less likely to move or shift.
2. Durability: Resistant to weather and wear, with a long lifespan.
3. Fire Resistance: Concrete is non-combustible, adding an extra layer of safety.

Concrete Pedestals Cons:

1. Weight: Very heavy, making them difficult to transport and install.
2. Cost: Can be expensive due to the material and labour involved in installation.
3. Aesthetics: Generally, not as visually appealing as other materials and may require cladding or additional treatments

Steel Pedestals vs Other Materials

While each material has its merits, steel pedestals stand out for their unparalleled strength, stability, and longevity. 

Despite their heavier weight and higher initial cost, their durability and resistance to weather conditions make them an excellent investment for rooftop terraces.

When looking for a balance between performance and sustainability, steel pedestals offer a robust, reliable, and eco-friendly solution that can enhance the safety and aesthetics of any rooftop space.

Steel Pedestals from Raaft®

Investing in steel pedestals ensures that your rooftop terrace remains sturdy and beautiful for years to come, providing peace of mind and enduring value.

As a leading UK designer and manufacturer of roof terrace and planter systems, roof decking and tiles, Raaft® can assist you at every stage of the design, specification, and installation process. To discuss your ideas for a roof terrace, contact the experts at Raaft® today. We’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.