Modular Decking System

Abstract

A modular decking system that includes prefabricated modular decking panels available in a variety of lengths utilized to build a separate deck to an individual's desired size and layout. The prefabricated modular decking panels are made of pressure-treated 2″×6″ lumber studs, deck-boards, joist hangers, and deck screws that are inserted into a frame made of previously installed posts and headboards. The modular decking system allows for quick installation and set-up. The modular decking panels are easily deconstructed and transported for use in multiple locations. In an alternate embodiment, an additional brace is used to support a 4″×4″ post to adapt the modular decking panels for use as a temporary on-location flatform. Multiple modular decking systems can be fastened together to customize an overall flatform needed at a specific location as well. The modular decking system includes a corresponding method for assembling.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A modular decking system, comprising:
 a plurality of prefabricated modular decking panels;   a plurality of evenly-spaced trusses disposed underneath the prefabricated modular decking panels to support the prefabricated modular decking panels;   a frame having a plurality of previously installed posts and a plurality of headboards;   a plurality of deck screws attaching the prefabricated modular decking panels to the frame;   a plurality of joist hangers disposed on the frame to support each of the trusses;   a plurality of corner brackets disposed on each corner of the frame to provide additional support at each corner of the frame; and   a plurality of instructions adapted to enable a person to self-assemble the modular decking system.   
     
     
         2 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , wherein the prefabricated modular decking panels are made of a plurality of pressure treated 2″×6″ lumber studs. 
     
     
         3 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , wherein the prefabricated modular decking panels are made of composite material. 
     
     
         4 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , wherein the trusses are made of material selected from the group consisting of wood, metal, or steel. 
     
     
         5 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes an inner frame and an outer frame that extends around an inner perimeter of the modular decking system for additional strength. 
     
     
         6 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , wherein the deck screws are inserted into a plurality of corresponding preset apertures disposed on top of the prefabricated modular decking panels to eliminate drilling into the prefabricated modular decking panels. 
     
     
         7 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , further comprising an additional brace used to support one of the previously installed posts to adapt the modular decking panels for use as a temporary on location platform. 
     
     
         8 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 7 , wherein the additional brace is a 4″×4″ post. 
     
     
         9 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , wherein the modular decking panels are easily deconstructed and transported to a location. 
     
     
         10 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 9 , wherein the modular decking system includes an additional one or more of the modular decking systems fastened together to customize an overall platform needed at the location. 
     
     
         11 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , wherein the modular decking system is installed on a stand. 
     
     
         12 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 11 , wherein the stand is a permanent stand or a temporary stand. 
     
     
         13 . The modular decking system, according to  claim 1 , wherein the modular decking system is a kit selected from the group consisting of the prefabricated modular decking panels, the trusses, the deck screws, the joist hangers, and the corner brackets with a plurality of instructions that is adapted to enable a person to self-assemble the modular decking system. 
     
     
         14 . A method for assembling a modular decking system, comprising the steps of:
 obtaining a modular decking system;   attaching a plurality of prefabricated modular decking panels from the modular decking system to a frame of a preexisting structure with a plurality of deck screws from the modular decking system; and   disposing a plurality of joist hangers on the frame to support a plurality of trusses.   
     
     
         15 . The method for assembling a modular decking system, according to  claim 14 , wherein the modular decking system is a kit. 
     
     
         16 . The method for assembling a modular decking system, according to  claim 15 , wherein the kit is selected from the group consisting of the prefabricated modular decking panels, the trusses, the deck screws, the joist hangers, and the corner brackets with a plurality of instructions that enable a person to self-assemble the modular decking system. 
     
     
         17 . The method for assembling a modular decking system, according to  claim 14 , wherein the prefabricated modular decking panels are made of composite decking. 
     
     
         18 . The method for assembling a modular decking system, according to  claim 14 , wherein the frame includes a plurality of previously installed posts and a plurality of headboards. 
     
     
         19 . The method for assembling a modular decking system, according to  claim 14 , wherein the frame is selected from the group consisting of a house, a patio, or a building. 
     
     
         20 . The method for assembling a modular decking system, according to  claim 14 , wherein the trusses are evenly spaced and are disposed underneath the prefabricated modular decking panels and a plurality of corner brackets are disposed on each corner of the frame to provide additional support at each corner of the frame.