Abstract:
A deck system includes an interconnected subframe operable to engage a ground surface and provide an elevated substantially horizontal support surface. A subfloor is coupled to the subframe and defines a working surface. A masonry floor surface including a plurality of brick pavers, for example, is disposed on the working surface. The masonry floor surface provides the advantages of durability and low maintenance while the subframe and subfloor allow construction at an elevated location, such as a second story of a home.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/583421, filed on Jun. 28, 2004. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to decks and more specifically to an elevated deck system supporting a deck surface of masonry materials, such as brick pavers.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Decks are constructed on buildings to provide additional outdoor floor space for residential and commercial applications. Conventional decks are typically constructed of wood and are adapted to provide some degree of elevation relative to the ground. Often decks are arranged relative to a doorway such that convenient access between the building and the deck may be achieved. In some instances, a doorway may be provided on an upper level of a building whereby a deck is constructed having support structure consisting of vertical posts anchored in the ground and extending upward to the upper level to provide a raised deck surface.  
         [0004]     Occasionally, decks are constructed on homes having multiple levels and/or walk-out style basements. On such homes it is common to construct a deck accessible from a main level of the home, or even levels above the main level, such as those extending off a bedroom located on an upper floor of the home. Many times such a deck includes an elevated portion that provides useable space underneath. For example, a walk-out basement may be accessed by walking under an elevated deck. In such a configuration, useable elevated floor space is created on the deck above the walkout access.  
         [0005]     One alternative to constructing a conventional deck to increase outdoor living space includes laying a paver stone patio. Paver stone patios have become increasingly popular due to increased durability and reduced maintenance. Furthermore, paver stones provide a variety of color and pattern options available for personal customization.  
         [0006]     Laying a paver stone patio requires a smooth ground surface for providing a solid foundation for the paver stones. In some instances compacted sand or crushed stone is used to form a substantially flat bed to accept the paver stones on top. As a result, preparing the ground including digging out portions of dirt and/or adding portions of dirt can become time consuming, costly and labor intensive. In addition, paver stone patios conventionally have been limited solely to preparation and creation directly on a ground surface.  
         [0007]     In some instances retaining wall blocks have been used to provide a raised ground surface. However, such configurations tend to be cost prohibitive above two feet in elevation. Once a ground surface has been adequately prepared, the paver stones are arranged on top in a desired pattern. In many instances, the preparation of the ground surface accounts for a substantial amount of the overall installation time and expense.  
         [0008]     It, therefore, would be desirable to provide an elevated deck system while providing the durability and low maintenance advantages associated with a masonry surface such as a paver stone patio. Specifically, it would be desirable to provide such a system that is cost effective system at elevations.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     A deck system includes an interconnected subframe operable to engage a ground surface and provide an elevated substantially horizontal support surface. A subfloor is coupled to the subframe and defines a working surface. A masonry floor surface including a plurality of brick pavers, for example, is disposed on the working surface. The masonry floor surface provides the advantages of durability and low maintenance while the subframe and subfloor allow construction at an elevated location, such as a second story of a home.  
         [0010]     The subframe can comprise wood and have at least one support post extending in a generally vertical orientation between the ground and the horizontal support surface. Also, the subfloor can comprise a plurality of passages defined through the working surface. The subfloor, which may comprise plastic, can include a plurality of recess portions for accepting a fastener head in an installed position. The subfloor provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and is easily workable with conventional woodworking tools. The masonry materials are generally selected from readily available materials, such as brick paving blocks, cultured stone, natural stone, slate, fieldstone, marble and conventional brick. According to other features, the deck system may include a fascia arranged around a perimeter of the deck system. A semi-permeable barrier comprised of a fabric material can be disposed between the subfloor and the plurality of masonry materials to retain sand and enable moisture pass through.  
         [0011]     A method of constructing a deck includes assembling a subframe engaging a ground surface and presenting an elevated substantially horizontal support surface. A subfloor is attached to the frame structure. A plurality of paving blocks are arranged onto the subfloor.  
         [0012]     According to still other features, assembling the subframe can include arranging at least one support post in a generally vertical orientation between the ground surface and the horizontal support surface. Alternatively, the subframe can be attached to an upper level of a building through a cantilever arrangement. Attaching the subfloor includes driving a fastener through the subfloor whereby a distal end of the fastener nests into a recess defined on the subfloor. A fascia is subsequently arranged on at least a portion of a perimeter of the deck, if desired. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of showing a partially constructed deck system according to the teachings of the invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a building including exemplary deck systems constructed according to the invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the deck system of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged, partial perspective view of a subfloor of the deck system of  FIG. 1  according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0018]     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0019]     With initial reference to  FIGS. 1A-2 , a deck system according to the present teachings is shown and identified generally at reference  6 . The deck system  6  generally includes an elevated substructure  8  and a masonry deck surface  10 . The elevated substructure  8  includes a subframe  12  and a subfloor  14 . The masonry deck surface  10  includes a plurality of paving blocks  20 . A semi-permeable barrier  22  is disposed between the subfloor  14  and the paving blocks  20 . Fascia segments  26  are arranged around a periphery of the deck system  6 .  
         [0020]     As will become appreciated from the discussion herein, the deck system  6  provides an improved alternative to traditional decking or paving block patios. The deck system  6  provides the low maintenance advantages associated with paving blocks while providing a substructure for locating the paving blocks at elevation. The deck system  6  also provides considerable assembly advantages. In one advantage, a level working surface necessary for accommodating paving blocks may be constructed with less time and expense as compared to the ground surface preparation associated with traditional brick paver patios.  
         [0021]     With reference to  FIG. 1B , exemplary deck systems  6  are shown associated with a portion of an exemplary building B. The building B includes access doors D 1 , D 2  and D 3 . In the exemplary building B, the access doors D 1 -D 3  correspond to respective stories or floor levels of the building B. As shown, the deck system  6  associated with the access door D 2  is arranged above the access door D 1  (such as in a walk-out style basement configuration). Of note, the deck system  6  associated with the door D 3  is shown in a cantilever arrangement attached directly to the building B. It is appreciated that the posts  30  shown associated with the deck system  6  arranged adjacent to the door D 2  may additionally be provided on the deck system  6  arranged adjacent to the door D 3 .  
         [0022]     The subframe  12  generally includes a series of interconnected horizontal support members  28  and vertically disposed posts  30 . The horizontal support members  28  collectively define various beams and joists. The posts  30  are configured to be recessed and secured into the ground G according to conventional methods to provide foundational support. As is readily appreciated, the posts  30  may vary in length to compensate for uneven terrain. In an installed configuration ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ), the subframe  12  as a whole defines an elevated substantially horizontal support surface  32 . The subframe  12  is made from a durable weather resistant material such as, but not limited to, pressure treated lumber. Of course other materials such as synthetic or composite materials, may be utilized.  
         [0023]     While not specifically shown, traditional hardware such as joist hangers, screws, nails, bolts and nuts may be employed to operatively interconnect the horizontal support members  28  and posts  30  of the subframe  12  in a secure manner with the appropriate load bearing capacity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the subframe  12  may be constructed according to conventional construction techniques with conventional woodworking tools. As a result, the size and shape of the subframe  12  may present complex shapes, as desired, and is not limited to any constrained dimensional specifications.  
         [0024]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1A-2  and further reference to  FIG. 3 , the subfloor  14  will be described in greater detail. The subfloor  14  is adapted to securedly rest on the support surface  32  of the subframe  12 . The subfloor  14  defines a working surface  36  and a plurality of passages  38  ( FIG. 3 ). While the passages  38  of the subfloor  14  are represented as having a generally rectangular shape, the passages  38  may define other shapes such as, but not limited to circular, triangular and honeycomb.  
         [0025]     The working surface  36  provides a level template for positioning the paving blocks into a desired pattern. A plurality of recessed screw pockets  40  are arranged across the working surface  36  (as best viewed in  FIG. 3 ). The screw pockets  40  provide a recess for accommodating fasteners such as fasteners  44 . In this way, a head  46  of the fastener  44  nests within the screw pocket  40  so as to maintain a smooth working surface  36 . A distal end  48  of the fastener  44  passes beyond the subfloor  14  to threadably engage the subframe  12  ( FIG. 3 ). It is appreciated that a greater or lesser amount of screw pockets  40  may be arranged in any pattern or variation across the subfloor  14 .  
         [0026]     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable technique may be used to secure the subfloor  14  to the subframe  12 . In this way, while threaded fasteners are shown to be utilized for securing the subfloor  14  to the subframe  12 , other fastening methods may be employed such as, but not limited to, chemical adhesives or other mechanical fastening methods. Alternatively, the subfloor  14  may be held in a secure relationship with the subframe  12  by way of locating members (not shown) such as vertical posts or pegs extending upward from the subframe  12  and adapted to locate through one or more of the passages  38  ( FIG. 3 ). The subframe  12  and subfloor  14  of the elevated substructure  8  are configured to meet or exceed the local building codes for load bearing.  
         [0027]     The subfloor  14  may comprise a durable material such as, but not limited to, plastic. The material and configuration of the subfloor  14  provides a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is contemplated that the subfloor  14  is available in preformed segments such as, but not limited to, 4 foot by 8 foot sheets. The material of the subfloor  14  is suitable for use with conventional woodworking tools. Because the subfloor  14  is made of material suitable for conventional tools, the subfloor  14  may be easily manipulated and/or cut into preferred dimensions on-site to accommodate a variety of desired deck geometries.  
         [0028]     The semi-permeable barrier  22  ( FIG. 2 ) may comprise any suitable material such as, but not limited to, a fabric material or a plastic sheet. The semi-permeable barrier  22  is adapted to pass moisture through while retaining filler material, such as sand disposed between the respective paving blocks  20 . The semi-permeable barrier  22  is also workable with conventional tools such that any desired shape may be easily cut or otherwise created to place over the subframe  14 , as desired.  
         [0029]     The paving blocks  20 , while represented in the drawings as brick paving blocks, may similarly comprise other masonry materials. By way of example, cultured stone, natural stone, slate, fieldstone, marble, conventional brick or other units of various natural or artificial mineral products may be used.  
         [0030]     The fascia  26  may comprise a plurality of segmented longitudinal members. The fascia  26  may be attached to the frame  12  and/or the subfloor  14  by any suitable method, such as conventional threaded fasteners for example. In an installed configuration ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ), the fascia  26  not only provides pleasing aesthetic properties to the deck system  10 , but may also facilitate lateral retention of the paver blocks  20  in a secure position atop the subfloor  14 . In one form, the fascia  26  is comprised of synthetic material for reduced maintenance. The fascia  26  may also comprise conventional materials such as pressure treated lumber or other woods.  
         [0031]     While the deck system  6  illustrated in the drawings provides a fascia  26  for decorative purposes, a deck system  6  may alternatively be backfilled around at least portions of a perimeter thereof. Such a configuration would provide a raised paver stone patio supported by an elevated substructure while having at least portions of the perimeter accessible from a ground surface.  
         [0032]     A method of constructing a deck according to the present teachings will now be described. At the outset, a plan is determined that satisfies functional and aesthetic goals as well as local building codes. One exemplary building code requires a structure suitable to accommodate at least 40 pounds per square foot, live load. First, the proper size of the horizontal support members  28  are determined based on the on-center (OC) spacing between the horizontal support members  28  and the overall length, or span, of the support members  28 . In one example, 4 inch by 4 inch posts, 8 foot OC are utilized with 2 inch by 12 inch beams and 2 inch by 10 inch joists, 16 inches OC to provide a live load of 94 pounds per square foot.  
         [0033]     Conventional paver blocks weigh approximately 28 pounds per square foot. As a result, it is appreciated that a variety of frame configurations may be engineered and constructed to support the paver blocks while still meeting or exceeding applicable building codes. Once the appropriate materials have been selected, the subframe  12  is engineered and constructed to meet code. Next, the subfloor  14  is suitably attached to the subframe  12  as described above. It is appreciated that portions or all of the subfloor  14  may be configured, as necessary, to fit appropriately across the horizontal support surface  32 .  
         [0034]     The fabric barrier  22  is then placed over the working surface  36  of the subfloor  14 . At this point, the paver blocks  20  are laid on the fabric barrier  22  in the desired pattern. It may be necessary to cut portions of the paver blocks  20 , such as those located at a perimeter or border. Optionally, sand may be applied to fill any gaps between adjacent paver blocks  20 . As previously noted, the fabric barrier  22  facilitates the sanding process by retaining the sand above the subfloor  14 . The fascia  26  are then attached to the frame  12  and/or subfloor  14  as desired.  
         [0035]     While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims.