Are you using vanilla? If you're using a pack that comes with it's own set of raws, there's a chance the owner may have missed pedestals by mistake.
Re-download vanilla 44.02, don't add anything and try again. Still no pedestals?
(Also, confirm if the tools tags posted above are present in your dwarf raws - pedestals and display cases are seperate).
Just tried an LNP 0.44.02-r02 embark and found both display case and pedestal both in the careful embark preparation menu and in the carpenter shop (the preparation had them in metal and stone as well as wood). I think, however, the pedestal was missing from the carpenter shop in my first embark attempt with 0.44.01, but it can be a case of simply not seeing it (the display case was there, in red, as I had no glass windows).
If it's missing from a vanilla embark a report on the bug tracker and a save on DFFD would be a good idea.
That's about my only thought left before I report a bug. I'm using PeridexisErrent's alpha Lazy Newb Pack for 44.02, and am wondering if he missed the pedestal in the raw. I started fresh with a clean install of the latest one last night, that includes Dwarf Therapist (not that I use that part of it). I believe it's the 44.02r02 one that Patrick mentioned, but mine has no pedestals in any of the workshops.
For anybody saying "Look under XXX workshop"... I've looked. No pedestals, just display cases.
When I get home tonight I'm going to grab vanilla 44.02 and test. If that works, I'll let PE know to check his pack. If it's not showing up in Vanilla, I'll be providing a save and bug tracker report. I'll keep ya'll posted I guess, we've come this far. It's going to be about 9 hours before work lets out to try again though.
Shonai_Dweller, which file specifically should I be looking in for the tags, btw?
Edit: Off topic, but the fort I started in the clean install last night, I had elf visitors coming right after I embarked, visiting my wagon to relax. Seemed... premature. Unless they were aggressively idling while my dwarves busted their asses trying to get dug in.