Flat deck apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus for a deck includes a first frame member, and a second frame member. One of the first frame member or the second frame member has a spacing element thereon. The spacing element spaces the one of the first frame member or the second frame member with respect to the other of one of the first frame member or the second frame member. The spacing element includes a lip formed with respect to one of the first frame member or the second frame member. The spacing element can also a connector associated with at least one of the first frame member or the second frame member. A method for assembling a deck frame that includes placing a first frame member with respect to a second frame member, wherein one of the first frame member or the second frame member has a spacing device thereon; temporarily attaching the first and the second frame members; and permanently attaching the first and the second frame members.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for a deck comprising: 
 a first frame member:    a second frame member, one of the first frame member or the second frame member having a spacing element thereon, the spacing element for spacing the one of the first frame member or the second frame member with respect to the other of one of the first frame member or the second frame member.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus for a deck of  claim 1  wherein the spacing element includes a lip formed with respect to one of the first frame member or the second frame member.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus for a deck of  claim 1  wherein the spacing element includes a connector associated with at least one of the first frame member or the second frame member.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the lip is positioned so that when the first frame member is attached to the second frame member, a first surface of the first frame member and a second surface of the second frame member are substantially coplanar.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein one of the first frame member and the second frame member are provided with an adhesive adapted to attach the first frame member to the second frame member.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising at least one fastener for attaching the first frame member to the second frame member.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one fastener for attaching the first frame member to the second frame member.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the spacing element is attached to the one of the first and second framing members attached to a wall, wherein the spacing member is elongated and adapted to hold a plurality of joists, at least some of said plurality of joists spaced from some other of said joists.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of joists are made of aluminum.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of joists are made of wood.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the spacing element further comprises a plurality of spaced ledges, wherein the ledges are spaced to correspond to the spacing between the plurality of joists.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a flashing element attached to one of the first framing member and the second framing member, the flashing element attached an edge of the one of the first framing member and the second framing member most distant from the spacing element.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a flashing element formed integrally with one of the first framing member and the second framing member, the flashing element attached an edge of the one of the first framing member and the second framing member most distant from the spacing element.  
     
     
         14 . A ledger element comprising: 
 a first edge;    a second edge; and    a spacing element associated one of the first and second edge.    
     
     
         15 . The ledger element of  claim 14  further comprising: 
 a flashing element associated with the other of the first and second edge of the ledger board.  
 
     
     
         16 . The ledger element of  claim 15  wherein the flashing element is adapted for abutting a wall of an edifice.  
     
     
         17 . The ledger element of  claim 14  wherein the spacing element includes a built in pocket adapted to receive a joist.  
     
     
         18 . The ledger element of  claim 17  wherein the spacing element includes a support surface disposed between the first edge of the joist and the second edge of the joist, the support surface in a plane substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge.  
     
     
         19 . The ledger element of claim of  claim 17  wherein the spacing element includes a support surface located substantially coplanar with one of the first edge of the joist and the second edge of the joist.  
     
     
         20 . A method for further supporting an existing deck comprising: 
 placing a non-wood element below an existing wood ledger; and    attaching the non-wood element to the existing wood ledger and to a structural component to which the existing wood element is attached.    
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the non-wood element is made of aluminum.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the non-wood element further includes an extended lip that supports the existing wood ledger and a portion of at least one joist.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising the step of placing an aluminum sleeve over an existing post associated with the existing deck.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising the step of replacing an existing post of the deck with a non-wood post.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the non-wood post includes a non-wood post and a sleeve.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the non-wood post includes a flange on at least one end.  
     
     
         27 . A method for assembling a deck frame that includes comprising: 
 placing a first frame member with respect to a second frame member, wherein one of the first frame member or the second frame member has a spacing device thereon;    temporarily attaching the first and the second frame members; and    permanently attaching the first and the second frame members.