Deck with recessed mat

Abstract

A deck is provided. The deck includes a plurality of joists disposed vertically on a surface and a plurality of decking disposed horizontally and secured to the tops of the plurality of joists. A cut out is formed through a portion of the plurality of decking forming a recess. The present invention further includes a rigid plate having a planar upper and lower surface. The rigid plate includes a plurality of weep holes therethrough to allow water to escape. The rigid plate is secured within the recess.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A deck comprising:
 a plurality of joists vertically disposed;   a plurality of decking horizontally disposed and secured to a top of the plurality of joists, wherein a cutout is formed through a portion of the plurality of decking forming a recess; and   a rigid plate comprising a planar surface and having a plurality of weep holes therethrough, wherein the rigid plate is secured within the recess.   
     
     
         2 . The deck of  claim 1 , further comprising a mat disposed within the recess and resting on the rigid plate, wherein an upper surface of the mat is flush with an upper surface of the plurality of decking. 
     
     
         3 . The deck of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of joists and the plurality of decking are made of at least one of a composite material and wood. 
     
     
         4 . The deck of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid plate is made of metal. 
     
     
         5 . The deck of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid plate further comprises a vertically disposed sidewall extending from a periphery of the rigid plate. 
     
     
         6 . The deck of  claim 1 , wherein an inner edge of the recess comprises a rectangular shape and the rigid plate a rectangular shape, wherein an outer edge of the rigid plate is within a close proximity to the inner edge of the recess. 
     
     
         7 . A method of forming a deck with a recessed mat comprising the steps of:
 securing a plurality of joists to a surface in a vertical position;   securing a plurality of decking to a top of the plurality of joists in a horizontal position;   cutting a portion of the plurality of decking forming a recess;   securing a rigid plate within the recess, wherein the rigid plate comprises a plurality of weep holes; and   placing a mat within the recess so that the mat rests on the rigid plate.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein an inner edge of the recess comprises a rectangular shape and the rigid plate a rectangular shape, wherein an outer edge of the rigid plate is within a close proximity to the inner edge of the recess. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein an upper surface of the mat is flush with an upper surface of the plurality of decking. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the rigid plate further comprises a vertically disposed sidewall extending from a periphery of the rigid plate.