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If you are finishing a rooftop terrace in Toronto, you have probably run into two main options: pedestal paver systems (elevated on adjustable plastic pedestals) or interlocking deck tiles (sitting on integrated risers). Both approaches get you to a beautiful, drainable rooftop. The differences – in cost, installation time, and long-term maintenance — are significant, and most people only learn about them after they have already made the decision.
Here is the side-by-side comparison we wish every rooftop client got before they signed a quote.
How pedestal paver systems work?
Pedestal pavers are large-format porcelain or stone slabs set on adjustable plastic pedestals that screw up or down to level the surface. The pedestals compensate for the slope of the roof (which is designed to drain) and create a perfectly flat walking surface with open drainage underneath. They look beautiful, especially in commercial and high-end residential settings.
The catch is the price. Pedestal systems typically cost two to three times more per square foot than interlocking deck tiles, because you are paying for the pedestals themselves, specialized installation labour, and often premium large-format stone.
How interlocking deck tiles work?
Interlocking deck tiles already have risers built into the base of each tile. Instead of adjusting a separate pedestal to level the floor, quality installers contour the tiles to follow the slope of the roof while the risers keep water and air flowing underneath. The result is a finished, drainable rooftop — at a fraction of the cost.
This is the approach Designer Deck has refined since 1983. You get the drainage benefit of a pedestal system without paying pedestal-system prices.
Cost comparison
Per square foot installed, pedestal paver systems in the Toronto market typically land in the premium price band, while interlocking deck tiles — even in porcelain — come in meaningfully lower. On a 400 sq ft rooftop, the difference can be thousands of dollars. For exact pricing on your rooftop, request a free consultation.
Installation time
A 400 sq ft rooftop with interlocking deck tiles is typically finished in a day or two. A pedestal paver system on the same rooftop often takes three to five days because every pedestal must be adjusted individually, and large-format slabs require more precise layout and handling.
Drainage
Both systems allow water to drain freely underneath the walking surface. Pedestals create a larger air gap (often several inches), while deck tile risers create a smaller gap. For most residential rooftops, the deck tile gap is more than enough and in some cases preferable — less debris gets trapped underneath.
Weight
Pedestal systems with large porcelain slabs can exceed 30 lbs per square foot. Interlocking tiles are generally lighter per square foot, which matters on older buildings or balconies with weight restrictions. Always check your structural specs before either system.
Maintenance and repair
If a single pedestal paver cracks, you have to lift surrounding pavers to replace it. If a single interlocking deck tile fails, you pop it out and snap a new one in. Deck tiles are also easier to lift for rooftop membrane inspection — which every flat roof eventually needs.
Appearance
Pedestal pavers deliver a very specific aesthetic: large, flat, high-end stone. If that look is non-negotiable, pedestals are the way. Designer Deck’s porcelain tile line (Porsets) delivers a similar premium look at a much lower cost, while our WPC and natural wood options give rooftops a warmer, more residential feel.
When to choose pedestal pavers?
Pedestal systems make sense when you need very large-format slabs (24×24 inches or larger), significant elevation above the roof, or when the roof slope is severe enough that deck tile contouring cannot fully compensate. Commercial rooftops with heavy foot traffic also lean toward pedestal systems.
When to choose interlocking deck tiles?
For the vast majority of residential rooftop terraces in Ontario — private condo terraces, townhome rooftops, small commercial patios — interlocking deck tiles deliver the same visual and functional outcome at a much lower total cost, with faster installation and easier maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Are deck tiles and pedestal pavers equally durable?
Ans: Yes, when both are quality products. Designer Deck tiles come with full warranties and have been engineered for Canadian weather since 1983. The material choice matters more than the mounting system.
Ques: Can I switch from pedestal pavers to deck tiles later?
Ans: Yes. Pedestal systems lift out fully, and deck tiles can be installed on the same rooftop afterwards without damaging the membrane.
Ques: Which system handles Toronto winters better?
Ans: Both handle freeze-thaw cycles well if the products are rated for Canadian climates. Designer Deck tiles are manufactured in Ontario specifically for Canadian conditions.
