Adjustable Deck Joist Support

You have read that headline correctly.

A new adjustable deck pedestal joist-support system is designed to transform how ground-level decks are built.

The Level.Up Adjustable Pedestal System from Bison Innovative Products eliminates the need to dig, pour, and level concrete footers and posts. This reduction in labor makes building ground-level decks a much faster and easier process.

“We are excited to introduce the Level.Up Adjustable Deck Pedestal Joist Support System as an industry game-changer that addresses the common pain points in building ground-level decks,” says Jennifer Johnson, business development manager at DAP. “This innovative solution allows for a fast and easy deck build. It’s ideal for the professional deck or hardscape installer, as well as the do-it-yourselfer looking to transform their outdoor living spaces.”

The Level.Up Adjustable Deck Pedestals attach to wood joists to build plank decks. They can be installed over existing stable concrete slabs or pavers, without the need to demolish and remove them, as well as over compact soil or gravel.

Contractor Insights

Kyle Davisson of Davisson Construction Services, who recently completed a project in Blacksburg, Virginia using the Level.Up system, notes the labor-saving benefits. “This pedestal system from Level.Up saves a lot of time by reducing the need to dig footers, pour concrete, wait for it to cure, set your posts. Everything for this comes in one box, and it’s adjustable,” says Kyle.

“You don’t have to break ground with the system like you would with digging traditional concrete footers, and this comes in handy when you have underground utilities like water lines or electrical lines that you're trying to avoid contact with,” he adds. “Also, this system allows you to build a freestanding deck. There’s no need to attach it to the house with a ledger board.”

Kyle Davisson constructs a freestanding deck using the Level.Up Pedestal System in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Because the system requires no concrete footers or deep digging, it’s beneficial in sites where traditional footings would be difficult or messy to install, such as in high-density urban areas, protected landscapes, or areas with utility lines close to the surface.

The system consists of four components that stack and nest together to support the deck’s joist substructure. The telescoping Adjustable Pedestal can be easily raised or lowered by twisting by hand to adjust for height. Each deck pedestal can adjust from 2-1/2 inches to 5-1/2 inches in height.

The pedestals can also be adjusted to compensate for up to a maximum of 8-percent ground slope on compact or solid surfaces by using the Slope Leveler component. One Slope Leveler compensates for up to 2-percent slope (1/4-inch per foot) and up to four Slope Levelers can be stacked under each Pedestal.

“A tip for people utilizing this system—just make sure your site conditions are a good fit,” notes Kyle. “You want to start with a fairly flat area. This system will compensate for up to an 8-percent slope, but anything beyond that, and you’ll have to adjust your existing grade.”

The deck’s construction site should be free from erosion risks and be well-compacted. For soil installations, a weed barrier can help maintain stability.

Kyle installed the decking with fasteners that remain concealed between the boards.

”Make sure you’re setting these pedestals on well compacted soil, gravel, or an existing concrete pad,” says Kyle. “You wouldn't want to put this system on existing turf. If your site has existing turf, look into removing that first and compacting either the native soil or importing an aggregate and compacting that aggregate before placing these pedestals.”

Accessories to the system are available and sold separately to provide additional height, leveling, or deck expansion. They include 1-1/2 and 4-inch Height Adjustment Couplers, Slope Levelers, 1/2-inch Fixed Height Pedestal, Flexible Shims, and a Two-Pedestal Expansion Kit that allows the user to add an additional joist or 16 inches of width to the deck.

The system meets IRC requirements for low-rise decks, which often means fewer permitting hurdles and faster approvals for smaller projects, especially in areas with specific regulations.

The individual adjustment of the pedestals makes it easy to level joists for an even surface.

Manufactured from heavy-duty engineered polymer, the Adjustable Pedestal and Fixed Height Pedestal hold up to 750 lbs. per pedestal. They are weather-, freeze-, and mold-resistant, offering long-lasting performance in many environments. Level.Up is available in a 12-Pedestal Kit, which builds an 8-foot wide x 10-foot long deck using 2x6 nominal lumber. One or more kits may be used for a customizable deck design.

Kyle marks and cuts the deck boards to the same length.

The Level.Up Adjustable Deck Pedestal Joist Support System (other than Flexible Shims) is backed by a 10-year limited warranty.  It is currently available nationwide at The Home Depot.com and on Amazon.com, as well as at selected TAL Building Centers in the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit www.level-updecking.com and check out the video.

A mitered fascia board concealing the rim joists provides a finishing touch for the Blacksburg, Virginia deck project.

Before / After