Designers and installers need flexible, high-performance support systems that can accommodate differences in the deck surface, handle different surface finishes, and withstand heavy traffic and loads.
The Rise of Outdoor Spaces and the Need for Reliable Support Systems
The pandemic has catalysed a shift towards making the best use of outdoor and public spaces. Businesses, organisations, and individuals are now actively seeking to transform these areas into vibrant, all-weather destinations for a wide range of activities. Whether it’s a restaurant terrace, a corporate event space, or a public plaza, these outdoor spaces are increasingly becoming integral to the overall user experience.
One of the key challenges in designing and constructing these outdoor areas is ensuring the underlying support structure is robust, adjustable, and capable of handling the various loads and finishes. Pedestals have emerged as a crucial component in achieving this, as they provide a stable and versatile foundation for paved, tiled, or decked surfaces.
Introducing Wallbarn: A Leader in Pedestal Innovation
Wallbarn, a leading UK manufacturer of pedestals, has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. Their commitment to safety, performance, and user-centric design has resulted in the creation of the Mega Balance, a self-levelling heavy-duty pedestal that is poised to revolutionise the way outdoor spaces are constructed and maintained.
The Mega Balance: Redefining Pedestal Performance
The Mega Balance from Wallbarn is a game-changing solution for paved, tiled, or decked areas that are subject to heavy loads. With its impressive weight tolerance of up to 2 tonnes per pedestal, the Mega Balance offers unparalleled safety and security, making it an ideal choice for public spaces and high-traffic areas.
Self-Levelling Headpiece: Accommodating Surface Variations
One of the standout features of the Mega Balance is its self-levelling headpiece, which can automatically adjust to accommodate differences in the deck surface. Capable of up to a 5% or 2.86° slope correction in all directions, the Mega Balance headpiece ensures a completely flat and uniform finish, regardless of the underlying terrain.
Furthermore, the Mega Balance offers the flexibility to lock the headpiece in a fixed position using a specially designed grey nut tool. This allows designers and installers to accommodate varying installation requirements across a project, all while using the same pedestal system.
Precision Positioning and Drainage
The Mega Balance headpiece is designed with four positioning lugs (or “fins”) arranged in a crucifix formation. These lugs create a 4mm drainage gap between the tiles or paving slabs, allowing for effective water runoff and preventing the formation of standing water, which can pose a safety hazard.
The lugs also help to separate the paving slabs or tiles, ensuring a uniform and visually appealing paving line. This attention to detail not only enhances the aesthetics of the finished surface but also contributes to the overall safety and functionality of the outdoor space.
Effortless Height Adjustment
The Mega Balance features a telescopic stem that can accommodate a wide range of heights, from 25mm up to an impressive 1025mm. This expansive height range allows the pedestal to be used throughout projects with diverse height requirements, streamlining the installation process and ensuring a seamless integration with the overall design.
Wallbarn has also incorporated a unique “yellow key” system, which enables post-installation height adjustments without the need to lift tiles or paving. If any tiles start to rock or the pedestals shift over time, users can simply insert the yellow key into the centre of the Mega Balance headpiece and twist the stem to make the necessary adjustments. This feature not only saves time and labour but also enhances the health and safety aspects of the installation.
Robust Construction and Durability
The Mega Balance is constructed from injection-moulded virgin fibre polypropylene, ensuring a robust and long-lasting performance. Tested to withstand temperatures ranging from +75°C to -40°C, the pedestal is designed to maintain its structural integrity and functionality even in the face of extreme weather conditions.
The 200mm diameter base plate of the Mega Balance effectively distributes the weight, preventing point loading and ensuring the stability of the overall system. Additionally, the fins running from the stem to the edge of the base plate guard against point loading, further enhancing the pedestal’s load-bearing capabilities.
Versatile Headpiece Fittings
The Mega Balance offers a range of interchangeable headpiece fittings to accommodate different applications. For decking projects, a special joist holder fitting is available to securely hold timber or composite joists. The Mega Balance Clip Head, on the other hand, is designed to work with Wallbarn’s profiled aluminium joists, providing a secure connection without the need for mechanical fixings.
Wallbarn is also set to introduce the “cross rail,” an improved comprehensive substructure system for both decking and tile applications, further expanding the versatility of the Mega Balance.
Streamlining the Design and Installation Process
To support designers and installers, Wallbarn offers the Mega Pro software design tool. This free tool generates a colour-coded laying pattern that details the correct height and position for each Mega Balance pedestal. From this, Wallbarn can provide a cost estimation and quantity schedule with ordering codes, simplifying the procurement and planning process.
Certified Performance and Quality Assurance
Wallbarn’s commitment to quality and safety is evident in the independent laboratory certifications obtained for the Mega Balance. These certifications ensure that the pedestal performs to the stated weight and temperature tolerances, providing designers and installers with the confidence that their investment will be recouped through on-site time and labour savings.
Versatility and Adaptability for Various Applications
The Mega Balance from Wallbarn is a versatile solution that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of outdoor projects, from paved terraces and decking areas to public spaces and commercial developments. Its ability to accommodate surface variations, handle heavy loads, and facilitate easy adjustments makes it a compelling choice for designers and installers who prioritise precision, safety, and long-term performance.
Conclusion: The Future of Suspended Deck Design
The Mega Balance from Wallbarn is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and user-centric design. By combining an ultra-heavy-duty pedestal with a self-levelling or rigid headpiece, the Mega Balance offers a future-proof solution that can be easily adapted to meet the evolving needs of outdoor spaces. With its range of connection options, height adjustability, and robust construction, the Mega Balance is poised to redefine the standards of suspended deck design, revolutionising the way outdoor projects are approached and executed.
