Apparatus and method for installing deck mounted faucets

A method for installing a deck mounted plumbing fixture comprising:

• creating at least one annular opening in a horizontal planar deck having top and bottom surfaces;
• attaching a backing plate to the deck bottom surface, the backing plate covering the annular opening in the deck bottom surface, the backing plate having an upper surface facing the annular opening;
• placing an installation plug through the opening in the deck so that it rests on the upper surface of the backing plate, the installation plug including an annular disc of approximately the same diameter as the annular opening and a cylindrical post with a diameter smaller than the annular opening protruding upwardly therefrom, the thickness of the annular disc being less than the thickness of the deck, whereby a resulting annular cavity in the deck has a depth that extends from the top surface of the deck to the top surface of the annular disc;
• attaching the annular disc to the backing plate;
• applying a planar member over the deck top surface, the planar member including at least a layer of liquid material, wherein the liquid material covers the top surface of the annular disc, surrounds a lower portion of the cylindrical post, and fills the annular cavity;
• allowing the liquid material to harden;
• removing the backing plate and the installation plug, thus creating an opening in the planar member having the diameter of the cylindrical post and extending through the planar member and also creating a recessed annual region below the planar member adjacent to the bottom surface of the deck;
• and
• installing a plumbing fixture in the opening in the planar member, such that the plumbing fixture is affixed to the top and bottom surface of the planar member and not to the deck.