GB2619642A

GB2619642A - A method of landscaping

Info

Publication number: GB2619642A
Application number: GB2313994.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mccaffrey Anthony
Original assignee: Macdeck Landscaping Ltd
Current assignee: Macdeck Landscaping Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-30
Filing date: 2019-05-30
Publication date: 2023-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-30
Also published as: GB2619642B; GB202313994D0

Abstract

The decking structure 100 comprises timber support framework of joists 10 and a panel 17 of man-made composite material affixed to the framework. The composite material may be glass fibre-reinforced plastic. The panel may have a grid of apertures or a latticework truss of interconnecting horizontal and vertical members. Also claimed is a method of installing said decking, which may include placing a barrier 13 or permeable membrane 14 between the framework and panels or over the joists. The barrier or membrane may be plastic or geo-textile terram. An aggregate material 18, such as soil, concrete or cement may be placed on top of the panel. A panel 21 of second material, such as timber, ceramic tiles or concrete slabs may be fixed to the framework or panel. Further barrier layers may be applied to the decking structure.

Description

LANDSCAPTNG & METHOD

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods of construction, 10 especially methods of timber construction and especially timber decking system construction.

Background to the Invention

Timber decking is often used in a domestic environment to create more usable space from ground which may be uneven, sloped, or in some way desirable to provide a more consistently horizontal surfaces for use.

They will often comprise one or more timber posts anchored into position by concrete bases, which support a timber framework structure, upon which timber decking floor panels are laid to provide a horizontal, substantially planar surface.

Timber decking is fairly straightforward to install and provides reasonable support for several users. Its main drawbacks are in that it is susceptible to environmental degradation and it lacks the strength and toughness of, for example, metallic or concrete structures.

Moreover, concrete is a material with an appreciable impact on the environment: it produces a large amount of carbon dioxide when being manufactured; has a large energy and water cost to mix and apply; and is a difficult material to remove and dispose of.

To form a level paved structure on uneven ground because of the weight of such surfacing materials, would ordinarily require a concrete foundation to be formed within a suitable portion of the uneven ground, a level surface formed in such a foundation, and concrete slab place over. This requires a vast amount of concrete or concrete-like materials such as paving-slabs to be produced to fill in this gap unnecessarily, simply to provide a level surface with different surface 10 finishes, uses, botany

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there 15 is provided a method of installing decking, comprising the steps of: forming a timber support framework from one or more joists; applying at least one panel of a man-made composite 20 material and fixing it to at least part of said framework.

By man-made composite it will be understood that this terms encompasses composite materials produced in industrial or manufacturing processes, and excludes natural composites such 25 as wood or bone.

The composite material may be fibre-reinforced plastic.

The composite material may be a glass fibre-reinforced 30 plastic.

The composite panel may be a rectangular panel sized to enable it to span joists of the framework.

The composite panel may be provided with one or more apertures in it.

The one or more apertures may provide a reduction in weight.

There may be a grid of such apertures.

A second material may be placed on top of the man-made composite panel.

The man-made composite panel may be positioned between the timber framework and the second material panel.

The man-made composite panel may be sufficiently dimensioned 15 to span successive joists of the framework.

The method may further include placing a harrier or membrane between the framework and the man-made composite panels.

The membrane may be a thin, permeable membrane.

The barrier or membrane may be a plastics material.

The barrier or membrane may be a geo-textile.

The barrier or membrane may be a geo-textile terrain membrane.

The method may further comprise the stage of adding an aggregate material on top of the man-made composite panel.

Such aggregate materials may include soil, concrete, cement, etc. The method may further comprise applying at least one panel of a second material and fixing it to at least part of said framework or to the man-made composite panel.

Such second materials may comprise timber decking panels, 5 ceramic tiles, concrete slabs, etc. The method may further comprise adding further barrier layers to the decking structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a decking structure comprising a timber framework, at least one panel of a man-made composite material affixed to at least part of said framework.

By man-made composite it will be understood that this terms encompasses composite materials produced in industrial or manufacturing processes, and excludes natural composites such as wood or bone.

The man-made composite material may be fibre-reinforced plastic.

The man-made composite material may be a glass fibre-reinforced plastic.

The man-made composite panel may be a rectangular panel sized to enable it to span joists of the framework.

The man-made composite panel may be provided with one or more 30 apertures in it.

The one or more apertures may provide a reduction in weight.

There may be a grid of such apertures.

The man-made composite panel may be sufficiently dimensioned to span successive joists of the timber framework.

The man-made composite panel may comprise a latticework truss of interconnecting horizontal members and vertical members.

The method may further include placing a barrier or membrane between the framework and the man-made composite panels.

The membrane may be a thin, permeable membrane.

The barrier or membrane may be a plastics material.

The barrier or membrane may be a geo-textile.

The barrier or membrane may be a geo-textile terrain membrane.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a man-made composite panel for use with timber decking according to the first or second aspects of the present invention, the panel comprising a sheet of man-made composite

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by 30 way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an end elevation of a decking apparatus and method according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a detailed view of the joist section of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a detailed view of the decking apparatus of Fig, 1; Fig. 4 is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment according to the present invention; Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the framework of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the framework of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a sectional view of a third embodiment decking apparatus according to the present invention shown supporting a lawn; Fig. 8 is a detailed sectional view of the arrangement of Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 is a plan view of a composite panel according to a third aspect of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1, a timber/man-made composite decking apparatus or structure 100 is depicted.

The decking structure 100 comprises a framework 110, at least one panel of a man-made composite material 17 affixed to at least part of said framework 110, at least one panel of a second material and fixing it to at least part of said framework or to the man-made composite panel.

The decking structure 100 is installed by first forming a timber support framework 110 from one or more joists 10 and 10 applying at least one panel 17 of a man-made composite material and fixing it to at least part of said framework 110.

The man-made composite material may be any fibre-reinforced plastic, but in the present embodiment the man-made composite 15 material is a glass fibre-reinforced plastic.

The man-made composite panel 17 may he a rectangular panel sized to enable it to span joists of the framework. More specifically the man-made composite panel 17 of the presently described embodiment is a 2.4m long, 1.2m wide truss of interconnecting horizontal and vertical members, ideally formed in a typical forming process.

The composite panel 17 may be affixed to the timber framework 110 using mechanical fastening by way of washers 15 and wood-screws 16 as in the present embodiment (more specifically a 40mm diameter mild steel or stainless-steel washers and 60mm x 3.5mm mild steel or stainless-steel wood screws), although the skilled addressee will appreciate that any other suitable joining method may be used, be that adhesive, nut and bolt arrangements, tie straps, and so forth. The skilled addressee may determine whether to use mild steel or stainless steel washers 15 and screw 16 depending on the likely environmental exposure that these components may be subjected to depending on the innate placement environment and the options to cover the panel 17 as described below.

The man-made composite panel 17 is preferably provided with one or more apertures in it, the truss structure of the composite panel of the present embodiment provides circa 7000 such apertures. The grid structure enables a balance of weight and strength to be provided.

The framework 110 is constructed to fit with these dimensions, enabling the edges of the composite panel to be placed over the joists 10 of the framework 110 and then driving the screws 16 through an edge aperture and into the joists 10.

A polythene barrier 13 is placed over the joists 10 prior to mechanically fastening the panels 17 to the framework 110. Each joist 10 is preferably covered with an individual sheet of barrier material 13 which does not in the present embodiment span successive joists 10. The barrier material 13 provides some environmental protection to the timber joists 10, and mitigates moisture transmission to the joists 10. The barrier material 13 is stapled to the joists 10.

A thin permeable membrane 14 covers several successive joists 10 of the present embodiment, being placed on tip of the polythene barriers 13. The thin permeable membrane 14 may cover the entire framework 110, or simply a portion of the framework 110. Moreover, one or more sheets of membrane 14 may be employed to provide a desired coverage.

In the present embodiment, one large sheet of permeable membrane 14 covers the entire framework 110 and is attached to that by stapling. Other fastening methods are possible and envisaged as alternatives.

The composite panels 17 are attached over the framework 110, and in the present embodiment the composite panels span four joists 10 across its width (see Fig. 1) and seven joists 10 along its length, although it will be appreciated that this may be varied depending on application.

Framework 110 required to support the system comprises 150mm x 47mm pressure treated joists 10 are connected using 100x6.5 10 landscape screws 12 to create a 1.2m x 2.4m structure.

Three posts 11 are placed into the supporting ground by a known method. The posts 11 are 100mmx100mm square sections in the present embodiment. The joists 10 and posts 11 are similarly secured by landscape screws 12 Further joists 10 are then placed below the joists 10 (sub-joists) spanning across its width ( 1.2m) to provide additional strength to the framework 110.

Cement 18 and/or adhesive 19 is placed on top of panels 17 then paving 21 or tiles lain on top of cement/adhesive 18/19.

In the embodiment depicted in Figs 1 to 3, a standard sand/cement mix 18 is applied over the panels 17. As can be seen, the cement aggregate material 18 flows into the apertures of the panels 17, creating a form of laterally reinforced concrete, but in a relatively thin layer. Membrane 14 retains the material 18 adjacent the panel 17 whilst it cures and prevents run-off of material 16 into the environment.

Paving slabs 21 are then applied, preferably onto the still wet mixture of cement 18 to form a paved structure (see Fig. 1 I0 to 3) . In an alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the structure is similar, albeit that the cement aggregate mixture 18 has been replaced with an exterior tile adhesive 19, and tile, specifically porcelain tiles 22 has been used instead of paving slabs 21. this provides a tiled surface to the apparatus 100.

An alternative option to reduce weight, if required, is to fix tiles on to composite panels 17 using flexible sealant, which secures tiles in place but allows for slight movement under foot pressure.

Figs. 7 & 8 depicts the apparatus of Figs 1 to 3 supporting a lawn 26.

A standard cement/sand aggregate layer 18 is applied over the composite panel 17 as with the first embodiment.

A geo-textile terram membrane 24 is applied over the composite panels. This takes the form of a relatively strong, permeable fabric layer which allows drainage through it to take place, as well as providing a degree of separation, filtration, reinforcement, protection and drainage.

A suitable layer of soil 25 is then applied over the membrane 24, on top of which lawn turf 26 may be applied.

Approximately 100mm of soil 25 is spread over area of panel 17 30 and compacted.

The Geo-textile terram membrane 24 prevents any loss of soil. Lawn 26 is then placed on top of soil as with normal practice and compacted down on to soil.

An alternative embodiment may comprise a framework 110 constructed similarly to the method described above, with composite panels 17 again fixed to the timber framework 110 5 with stainless steel washers 15 and screws 16.

Geo-textile terram 24 is placed over top of the panel 17 surface(s).

Bark or any style of decorative aggregate such as stone chips are then spread over the surface area, similar to the Fig 7 & 8 arrangement.

Rain may pass through surface area to ground below.

The weight of the bark/aggregates 23 may be sufficient to hold down the Geo-textile terram, meaning additional fixing may not be required.

To combine any variation of landscaping platform on the timber structure the joist system has to be lowered or raised, to suit the material to be placed on top.

The composite panel 17 in the described embodiments is 14 mm thick, if a 9mm tile was to be placed on top it would require an approx. bed of 10mm exterior tile adhesive -thus a total from joist to door level would be 33mm approx. above the joist frame.

If the area around the tiled deck was a 28mm deck board then the joist structure would be adjusted accordingly.

If a tiled patio off a raised deck was to lead on to a lawned deck then the timber structure of the lawned deck would be reduced approx. 120mm to allow for 100mm of soil and 20mm of lawn.

The structures of the deck frame are just adjusted in height 5 to suit the materials placed on top.

The apparatus and method described allow any multitude or combination of landscaping material to be placed on a timber structure. For example, the method and apparatus allow an 10 uneven garden to have a decking structure that provides: (a) more lawn area; (h) vegetable plots; (c) flower beds; (d) water features; (e) paved/tiled surfaces on which to place furniture; (f) surfaces to place structures such as sheds/garden room.

Cr indeed combinations of different types of these decked areas to provide multiple use areas either on the same framework 110, or in a plurality of separate frameworks 110, potentially installed with different height posts 11, and or on different elevations/slopes of ground to provide such different areas.

Furthermore, once different embodiments are installed, for example a lawn surface, the apparatus and method allow for this to be more readily replaced and repurposed by, for example, removing the turf 26 and soil 25 and replacing with a cement 18 and paving 18.

A strongly built timber structure with the man-made composite panels placed on top provides a strong, stable platform, enabling any landscaping material to be placed on top, behaving in the same manner as its previous purpose.

A timber deck would have to be removed and replaced with a 5 concrete structure to create a paved patio.

Using the described system a paved patio can now be removed several years later and replaced with a garden lawn, or a gravel path.

Using the described system a timber structure can now encompass the complete range of landscaping requirements in an everyday garden.

For example, a paved patio outside the door of a house, can lead on to a lawn area, with a chipped path border leading to a smaller paved patio at the other end of the garden -all on a timber structure.

The volume of materials required to make a raised paved patio is drastically reduced.

Concrete (sand/cement) for foundations, Concrete blockwork, brickwork, type 1 infill, excavator, plant, fuel and power -all the standard building work involved in creating the same platform drastically reduced.

Due to the lifespan of the composite panels, whatever Landscaping base was put on top may be removed and replaced years later -eg. A lawned deck for children's play can be replaced five years later to provide a tiled or paved patio using the existing structure due to the flexibility of the system and protection of the timber structure.

There may also be a reduction of man-hours required from the standard method to create the same structure.

The apparatus and method may be used on its own or mixed with the standard softwood decking or new composite decking, allowing the combination of wood, stone, lawn, composite decking, gravel etc -all encompassed on the same timber structure but the opportunity to combine or use on their own.

Benefits/uses may include: (a) Putting a patio on a timber structure without movement of paving (b) Putting a lawn on a raised, self draining timber structure (c) Tiles on a balcony providing lightweight alternative (d) Creating a tiled/paved balcony without movement of tiles or paving (e) A tiled or paved deck around pool or hot tub (f) A patio or lawn over a redundant pond (g) Lift a garden above a constantly wet lawn (h) Lift a garden above flood levels (1) Level sloping gardens (j) A stone floor in cabin/summerhouse (k) Reclaiming redundant space/land (1) Access ramps paved to blend in with house and patios (m) Turn an old pond into a Patio (n) No requirement for any heavy machinery or plant (o) No requirement for a concrete structure (p) No requirement for tons of soil/typel to build up ground (q) No requirement for foundations or retaining walls (r) Making basement and lower ground level areas more usable & natural outdoor spaces.

(s) Creating non slip elevated surfaces, whatever the conditions.

(t) Gardens can now be placed at any height off the ground.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore 10 described, but may be modified in both construction and detail.

Drawings key 10. 15cm x 47mm pressure treated timber joists 11. 10cm x 10cm pressure treated timber posts 12. 10cm x 6mm landscaping screws 13. Polythene barrier 10 14. Thin permeable membrane 15. 40mm diameter mild steel & stainless-steel washers 16. 60mm x 3.5mm mild steel & stainless-steel wood screws 17. Man-made composite panel 18. Standard sand/cement mix 15 19. Exterior tile adhesive 20. Exterior sealant 21. Indian sandstone paving 22. Porcelain tiles 23. Dark/Decorative Aggregates 20 24. Geo -textile terram membrane 25. Soil 26. Lawn turf 100. Decking apparatus 110. Framework

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of landscaping, to form a level structure on uneven ground, comprising the steps of: a) forming a timber support framework from a plurality of joists; b) placing a membrane over the framework so that the membrane spans several successive joists, and fixing at least one panel of a man-made composite material onto the timber support framework, wherein the man-made composite panel is provided with a grid of apertures; and c) adding a layer of concrete, cement or adhesive on top of the man-made composite panel, so that uncured concrete, cement or adhesive passing through the apertures in the panel is retained by the membrane.
The method of claim 1 wherein the composite material is a fibre-reinforced plastic.
3. The method of claims 1 or 2 further including placing a barrier over one or more joists of the framework, wherein the membrane is placed over the barrier.
The method of any preceding claim further comprising the stage of adding further barrier layers to the decking structure.
5. The method of claims 1 to 4 wherein the membrane covers the entire timber support framework.
6. The method of any preceding claim wherein concrete or cement is laid on top of the man-made composite panel and paving is laid on top of the concrete or cement.
7. The method of claims 1 to 5 wherein adhesive is laid on top of the man-made composite panel.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein tiles are laid on top of the adhesive.
9. The method of claim 9 wherein the tiles are ceramic or porcelain tiles.
10. A structure comprising: a) a timber support framework comprising a plurality of joists; b) at least one panel of a man-made composite material affixed to at least part of said framework wherein said man-made composite panel is provided with a plurality of apertures; c) a thin, permeable membrane between the framework and the composite panel, the membrane spanning several successive joists; and d) a layer of cement, concrete or adhesive on top of the man-made composite panel.
11. The structure of claim 10 wherein the man-made composite material is fibre-reinforced plastic.
12. The structure of claims 10 or 11 wherein the man-made composite material is a glass fibre-reinforced plastic.
13. The structure of any of claims 10 to 12 wherein wherein the membrane covers the entire timber support framework.
14. The structure of any of claims 10 to 13 wherein concrete or cement is laid on top of the man-made composite panel and paving is laid on top of the cement or concrete.
15. The structure of any of claims 10 to 13 wherein adhesive is laid on top of the composite panel and tiles are laid on top of the adhesive.
16. The structure of claim 14 wherein the tiles are ceramic or porcelain tiles.