Interlocking Platform Panels and Modules

A prefabricated interlocking platform module for a deck, floor, wall, ceiling, or roof, the platform module comprising:

• a plurality of complementary male members and female recesses disposed along an outer perimeter of the platform module to interlock the platform module with an identically-configured and identically-oriented modular surface platform module;
• a plurality of vertical mounting holes or pockets disposed in the complementary male members for positively fastening the platform module to a supporting substructure;
• and
• a plurality of mounting holes or pockets disposed around the outer perimeter of the platform module for positively fastening the platform module to a supporting substructure;
• whereby the platform module is configured to be interlocked with an adjacent platform module and is operable, whether trimmed or untrimmed, to be fastened to the supporting substructure.

A modular surface platform panel adapted to be coupled to a plurality of identically-configured modular surface panel platforms and installed over a joist substructure, the modular surface panel platform comprising:

• a structural platform sized to span two adjacent parallel span joists of the joist substructure;
• the structural platform having a pair of complementary panel-coupling sides along opposite sides of the platform panel;
• and
• a decorative top layer supported on top of and concealing substantially all of the structural platform with the exception of one or more exposed platform sections along one or both of the complementary panel-coupling sides;
• and
• a plurality of fastening holes or pockets in one of the exposed platform sections for fastening the modular surface platform panel to one of the span joists;
• wherein the exposed platform sections are adapted to be concealed by the decorative top layer of an identically-configured and identically-oriented modular surface platform panel that is installed adjacent to the platform panel.

A modular surface platform panel comprising:

• a decorative top layer;
• and
• a structural platform that supports the decorative top layer;
• wherein the decorative top layer is secured to the structural platform via adhesive, some of which penetrates through apertures in the structural platform and mushrooms against a bottom side of the structural platform.

A method of manufacturing a composite modular platform panel comprising:

• placing a decorative top surface element into a mold;
• placing resin for forming a structural substrate for the platform panel into the mold;
• allowing the resin to cure;
• whereby the process forms a composite modular platform panel with a decorative top surface element mechanically attached to a structural substrate.