Frequently Asked Questions
- Uptec
- Pave-el
- GatorBase
- Landmark Ceramics
- EasyClickBase
- Eterno
- Kronos
- Bison Innovative Products
- Paverdeck
- Paverdeck Plank
- SilcaGrate
- Silca SoilGrid
- Shipping
If your porcelain pavers have been installed correctly, it is unlikely they will chip once in place. It is essential to make sure the edges and corners are protected and that they are well-supported. Consider using a pedestal system beneath for ultimate stability and easy installation.
Many great landscaping designs involve curved edges. Kronos porcelain pavers can be cut on a curve with a handheld grinder and the correct blade
Porcelain tiles are extremely durable; however, there are a few things you should avoid when cleaning them. Never use harmful chemicals, bleach or acid-based cleansers, and avoid abrasive tools like steel wool or scrub brushes. You should also avoid oil-based cleaners for safety’s sake. Cleaning porcelain tiles is easy- give them a good power washing at the beginning of the season to restore them to their freshly installed good looks.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles can last a lifetime; however, ceramic is more prone to breaking or staining. Glazed tiles are more likely to show wear than unglazed. Porcelain tile is more durable and resistant to staining, making it the better long-term option.
If you install porcelain tiles with adhesive, you’ll need to wait for the adhesive to set. If you install your outdoor porcelain tiles using a pedestal system, you can immediately walk on your new raised floor.
To determine what Bison Pedestal would be suitable for your project, you first have to determine the surface material you plan to use. Each Bison Pedestal line offers different features including different height and weight capacities. Please contact us for help in determining what pedestal line would be most appropriate for your project.
Stairs and ramps are often required in renovation projects to accommodate existing elevations, duct and mechanical work and other obstacles to create unique terrace designs. Stand-alone pedestal paver installations require perimeter containment at every change in elevation or step. Bison recommends that step design and handrail attachments be designed by an architect or engineer to provide adequate containment of lateral forces and to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
A Paverdeck installation can be at any elevation below or above grade. You can sink the beams in the ground for at-grade decks or pool surrounds, or install the deck as a second floor balcony for walkout basements. Deck support columns are typically concrete (up to 54 inches from grade) and 4×4 steel HSS pipe (up to 20-feet).
You might need to dig as deep as 18 inches with traditional methods. When using EASYClickBase, digging is minimal – only a 3/4” to 1” screeded bedding layer is needed.
Jobs involving EASYClickBase are completed significantly faster. EASYClickBase helps you do away with all that digging, hauling, and refilling with aggregate, which is sure to save you hours of labour and the associated costs, including transportation and disposal.
Sure: EASYClickBase is lightweight and can be carried into the job site by hand. Consider it in any tight spot, including backyard projects, courtyards, or any area with limited access.
An angle grinder or quick cut saw with a steel abrasive wheel is the recommend method of cutting the panels.
The answer is NO. The steel is galvanized coated with zinc which provides cathodic corrosion protection to the underlying steel as well as any exposed edges from manufacturing and/or field cuts. This is the best type of corrosion protection, where the zinc coating will sacrificially corrode before the steel does. You may see a rust appearance over the cut edge but you can be confident that the steel will not corrode. This is in compliance with the industry specification AISI S200.
No, the screws we supply are top quality self-tapping ones. You will have no issues driving them in with a standard cordless drill.
Yes. Paverdeck components come with a 30 year manufactures warranty.
Yes. SilcaGrate come with a 20 year manufactures warranty.
- The patented locking system ensures the grid squares lock together easily and stay together.
- Superior weight load bearing – up to 800 tonnes/m2.
- It is engineered with expansion joints to minimize the effects of temperature change.
- The individual cells contain the fill ensuring no migration or compaction.
- It is a cost-effective alternative to traditional hardscape installation.
- It is high quality and durable in extreme temperatures; both hot and cold.
- 100% Recycle materials.
The installation of Silca SoilGrid is quick and easy. Silca SoilGrid comes pre-assembled in layers of 3 tiles x 4 tiles. Once the base is prepared, the layers of grid can be installed and used same day.
Yes, Silca SoilGrid can be installed on slopes approaching vertical. Silca SoilGrid can be easily installed for sloping driveways and pathways and the design of the grid ensures that the fill remains contained even on slopes.
No, Silca SoilGrid does not have to be installed by a special technician. Local contractors and landscapers can install Silca SoilGrid. Installation guides are available and we are happy to provide installation guidance. Silca SoilGrid is also a great product for the DIYer and can be installed by homeowners for parking pads, patios and pathways.
Yes. Silca SoilGrid comes with a 20 year manufactures warranty.
The Silca SoilGrid is specifically designed for on ground applications and comes with its own locking system. The Silca SoilGrid measures 13”x13”x1.18”, while the SilcaGrate measures 16”x18”x1.5” and is specifically designed to be attached to wood or steel framing.
An angle grinder or quick cut saw with a steel abrasive wheel is the recommend method of cutting the panels.
The answer is NO. Our steel is galvanized coated with zinc which provides cathodic corrosion protection to the underlying steel as well as any exposed edges from manufacturing and/or field cuts. This is the best type of corrosion protection, where the zinc coating will sacrificially corrode before the steel does. You may see a rust appearance over the cut edge but you can be confident that the steel will not corrode. This is in compliance with the industry specification AISI S200.
No, the screws we supply are top quality self-tapping ones. You will have no issues driving them in with a standard cordless drill.
Any stone can be used on this product.
Yes Paverdeck Plank panels come with a 20 year manufacturer’s warranty.
No. Wood and composite flooring traps water and moisture, creating an environment for mold and mildew. Wood and composite deck boards also warp and distort over a period of time, making an unacceptable surface for proper SilcaGrate installation.
PAVE-EL pedestals are the ideal rooftop solution, even on a sloped roof. Use them to create a rooftop deck, patio, or even a green roof. PAVE-EL pedestals can be used to support surface materials like outdoor porcelain tiles, turf, IPE wood tiles and more. They will not damage expensive roofing systems. In fact, Protected Roof Membrane Insulation Manufacturers recommend PAVE-EL and PAVE-EL pedestals are recognized and accepted for use by single-ply membrane manufacturers.
Simple and lightweight, PAVE-EL pedestals do not require heavy equipment or truck access. They’re light enough for installers to carry under their arm in tight places, and PAVE-EL pedestals won’t cost you a bundle in delivery fees. Manufactured in Canada, you’ll have no issues with quality or supply chains, and inventory is strategically warehoused across the country, meaning you’ll experience no product delays. Finally, PAVE-EL pedestals are priced more affordably than screwjack-style pedestals, adding to substantial savings.
The PAVE-EL pedestal system is perfect for installations that are 5/8” to 8” in height. No special tools are required, and they are easy and quick to install. PAVE-EL pedestals can be stacked, and levelling plates utilized to correct for slopes of up to 5%
No, Silca SoilGrid does not have to be installed by a special technician. Local contractors and landscapers can install Silca SoilGrid. Installation guides are available and we are happy to provide installation guidance. Silca SoilGrid is also a great product for the DIYer and can be installed by homeowners for parking pads, patios and pathways.
The system must be fully contained on all sides to eliminate the risk of shifting.
SE Series pedestals are rated at 2205 lbs (1000.171 kg) per support.
NM Series pedestals are rated at 3200 lbs. (1451.496 kg) per support.
When using the SE Series, the maximum height is 21.75”, while the maximum height for the NM Series is 39”.
Bison Deck Supports create adjustable deck support systems for rooftop decks, terraces, over cracked concrete and even in water features. These supports allow you to create unique deck designs with a variety of materials: wood tiles, natural stone, concrete pavers or wood planking over traditional wood stringers.
High Density polyproplene plastic. There is no water penetration, so they are resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and mold. The patented adjustable design allows precise deck leveling, even when pedestals are loaded.
Bison Deck Supports can create a beautiful deck in no time over compacted soil or cracked concrete or can sit directly over smooth or granular roof membranes without attachment.
Roughly one deck support for every 3-4 square feet of deck. Most concrete or wood tile decks will require about 1 pedestal per tile. For help with estimating, please contact us.
One Bison bottom leveler (Bison LD4) corrects for 1/4″ per foot slope. Two stacked together adjust from 0-1/2″ per foot slope. You can use up to four under one pedestal to compensate for a maximum of 1″ in height.
To determine what Bison Pedestal would be suitable for your project, you first have to determine the surface material you plan to use. Each Bison Pedestal line offers different features including different height and weight capacities. Please contact us for help in determining what pedestal line would be most appropriate for your project.
Stairs and ramps are often required in renovation projects to accommodate existing elevations, duct and mechanical work and other obstacles to create unique terrace designs. Stand-alone pedestal paver installations require perimeter containment at every change in elevation or step. Bison recommends that step design and handrail attachments be designed by an architect or engineer to provide adequate containment of lateral forces and to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
Gator Base is ideal for outdoor applications like patios or walkways, constructed with natural stone, concrete pavers or outdoor porcelain pavers. You’ll find it especially useful in projects where speed of completion is essential, in areas that are difficult to access or in zones where materials cannot be stored on the street.
Ipê, Cumaru and Massaranduba are species of hardwood coming from South America. They are exceptionally durable outdoor hardwood decking materials and proven to withstand the elements (think Atlantic City Boardwalks). They all have excellent resistance to mold, termites and decay and over time, all weather to a gray patina. They can be used in a variety of applications from hotel rooftop pool decks to boardwalks, shared condo terraces, outdoor dining spaces for restaurants and bars and more. While there are slight variations in their Janka rating and grain, the differences really comes down to initial color and aesthetics.
The Paverdeck platform is likely the strongest and safest deck system available. The nesting nature of the deck provides a complete structural subfloor that has been tested to over 560 lbs per square foot without collapsing – greatly surpassing the limits of the building code. Unlike other steel deck systems, we use higher strength steel than the building codes and our competition.
Gator Base is resistant to Canadian freeze & thaw cycles. Its R-Value of 3.6 per inch offers protection against Canada’s extreme temperatures. Each Gator Base panel interlocks with the next through a tongue and groove system. Pavers set on top of Gator Base thus form a single unit with better load transfer.
“The ease of installation was amazing. But the proof was going to be how it handled a winter in Upstate New York. When I visited the site the following spring, I was very pleased to see that it was just as it was the day we installed it. I was thrilled to see that the Gator Base held up so well. It felt like a brilliant move. We had a smooth installation, and I plan to use it in future projects with tough access and tough ground. And I won’t hesitate.” – ICPI-Certified Installer David Orsini
Unlike other steel deck systems that rely on a paint layer for protection, we add 50% more zinc galvanizing for longer corrosion protection than our competition and the building codes require. We are the only deck system to offer anodes to provide an indefinite lifespan to our deck structure. Our structures are not susceptible to fire or termites.
A Paverdeck foundation can be: (a) floated on-grade using concrete footing pads or concrete block; (b) installed below the frost line on concrete sonotube columns using a Bigfoot or other footing form; or (c) installed below the frost line on steel helical piles. Check with your local building office for limits.
A Paverdeck installation can be at any elevation below or above grade. You can sink the beams in the ground for at-grade decks or pool surrounds, or install the deck as a second floor balcony for walkout basements. Deck support columns are typically concrete (up to 54 inches from grade) and 4×4 steel HSS pipe (up to 20-feet).
Gator Base is not intended to be used for vertical applications. Instead, it is the ideal material for patios, walkways and pool decks. Gator Base is perfect in hard-to-access areas or places that cannot accommodate large trucks or equipment.
The galvanized steel deck pan can span 14-feet between beams (12-feet preferred) for a residential deck, and can cantilever 39 inches over a beam – more than any wood structure can do.
Installation is straightforward for a DIY project or your own contractor. We generally use a gasoline abrasive cutoff saw (12″ or 14″) or angle grinder to cut the metal. You can also use an electric circular saw with appropriate metal cutting blade. Make sure to follow all safety instructions, including using protective gloves, eye and face protection.
Gator Base can be used directly on top of a concrete pad, but only if the concrete is sound. This means the concrete pad cannot be uneven or cracked. It also must have a pitch of at least 1.5%, drainage holes, and the edge restraint must allow for the free escape of water, and Gator Base must be securely anchored to the pad to prevent movement.
Our deck structure is the only decking system with anode corrosion protection technology, which will provide for an effective unlimited lifespan in your deck investment. Anodes are inexpensive and simple to install, and require inspection every 10-15 years. Installation is straightforward for a DIY project or your own contractor.
Uptec is a universal, adjustable pedestal for outdoor raised floor installations, allowing it to
accommodate a range of heights and angles.
In Canada, the PAVERDECK™ system is suitable for use as an exterior or interior platform for residential and commercial buildings, in compliance with CSA S136-07 as referenced in the building codes. In the United States, the PAVERDECK™ system is suitable for use as an exterior or interior platform for residential and commercial buildings, in compliance with AISI S100-12 – North American Specification For The Design Of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, as referenced in the sections 2210 and 2211.5 of the International Building Code, and sections R301 of the International Residential Code.
SilcaGrate is a subflooring grid that spans the space between floor joists to provide a super strong substructure for deck flooring.
Yes, the Uptec pedestal system is designed to withstand outdoor weather conditions, such as wind, rain,
snow, and extreme temperatures. The system will also protect underlying structures, like deck framing
and expensive roofing membranes from the elements.
Your deck flooring options are almost limitless: natural stone pavers, travertine, blue stone, brick pavers, slate, marble, granite—in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.
If you have an existing framed deck or are looking at new construction involving any elevated heights, multi-tyres or building over or around obstacles – SilcaGrate will save you both time and money. Typically converting an existing wood or composite deck to a stone deck would involve full demolition, excavation, poring footings and/or sub-slabs, fallowed by full construction of the new stone structure. Based on current pricing, typical Interlock Decking runs between $18-20 per sq ft. When you take into account concrete footings or a sub-slab the price increases to $25-35 per sq ft and these prices do not include the cost of demolition and debris removal. SilcaGrate will typically run between $10-15 per sq ft, depending on the style of stone you choose and any additional framing that may be required.
Generally, yes. The Uptec pedestal system is designed to accommodate a variety of surface types, such
as concrete, wood, metal, and other materials. While the surface must be stable, it need not be level,
thanks to the system’s easy adjustability.
SilcaGrate is an American-made, UV stable product. The durable SilcaGrate grids are designed to withstand freezing temperature and the harsh effects of the sun. Unlike deck boards which are known to warp, crack, distort, split, fade, and promote mold/mildew, natural stone and brick pavers are easily maintained and durable. SilcaGrate enables you to install these heavy-duty materials on your deck, eliminating the need for the time-consuming labor and expense of sealing and staining a wooden deck.
Center the SilcaGrate on the floor joist and fasten down with three-inch deck screws coated for pressure treated lumber. Make sure the screws are placed into the holes at the edge of the grate.
Yes, pedestal systems are a highly effective and reliable way of providing support to paving materials in
an open-jointed system. When the pedestals are correctly installed, the system provides excellent
structural integrity and load-bearing capability.
Yes. For customized cuts around posts, railings or other obstacles, use a circular saw, table saw, jig saw or sawzall.
No. Wood and composite flooring traps water and moisture, creating an environment for mold and mildew. Wood and composite deck boards also warp and distort over a period of time, making an unacceptable surface for proper SilcaGrate installation.
Pavers are naturally designed to fit together without moving. Their rough edges, when placed side-by-side, create tension, locking the pavers in place. With that built-in design and the finished edge of your deck, your pavers will remain permanently placed. If you are using polymeric sand between pavers, the sand will harden like concrete, giving you extra insurance that your deck flooring won’t go anywhere. For places where you can’t edge and want to insure that your pavers won’t move, use a construction adhesive.
You can glue the pavers you used for the deck flooring around the edge, or you can use pressure treated lumber, cedar, composite, or vinyl as edging.
SilcaGrate are based on the hexagonally structure of beehives and manufactured from engineered polymers into grids that are 1 ½” thick
SilcaGrate, received an evaluation report ESR# 3748 from ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), providing evidence that the SilcaGrate meets code requirements. Building officials, architects, contractors, specifiers, designers and others utilize ICC-ES Evaluation Reports to provide a basis for using or approving SilcaGrate in construction projects under the International Building Code.
In Canada, an independent engineering company was retained to provide Signed & Sealed Engineering documents for each province, ensuring Provincial Building Codes were adhered to. See the SilcaGrate resources section for full details.
Yes. SilcaGrate can be installed in conjunction with Bison Pedestal Products, providing a structural surface for stone, brick pavers, or astro-turf
Yes. Silca Grates can be installed in conjunction with Bison Pedestal Products, facilitating easy installation and leveling.
Your order can either be picked up or delivered. Depending on the size of the order – we will either package it in cartons and ship it Courier or for larger orders, stack it on a pallet and ship by LTL Freight.
One of the many advantages of Kronos porcelain pavers is their longevity. When properly installed, high-quality porcelain pavers can sometimes last up to 50 years.
Because porcelain pavers have been precision engineered to resist breakage, thus improving their durability, they are also incredibly strong. Porcelain pavers can withstand loads over one ton!