TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a floor panel for use in forming a graded floor or pathway and to methods of use thereof. In particular, the present invention concerns a preformed load bearing panel for use in forming a graded floor or pathway and to methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Proper drainage is critical in any construction project, particularly in the building industry. Improper drainage can quickly lead to deterioration of building elements and costly repairs.

[0003] For example, modern building and construction codes generally require that any wet area (e.g., bathrooms, laundries, en-suites and the like) be constructed so that water flows to a floor waste or drainage inlet defined in the wet area floor, without ponding or pooling of water. This is typically achieved by forming a graded wet area floor that permits drainage to the floor waste.

[0004] The forming of graded wet area floors generally involves forming a recessed area known as a "step down" in a slab in the location where the wet area is intended to be located. A graded wet area floor is then manually formed atop the step down with a dry mix of concrete. The wet area is formed to fall or taper towards the floor waste defined in the step down. Once formed, the floor is allowed to dry before being typically finished with water proofing and tiling.

[0005] Likewise, outdoor entertainment areas, such as, e.g., decks, patios and the like, and outdoor pathways are also usually constructed to be graded to permit drainage of water away from the areas or pathways, again without ponding or pooling.

[0006] As with the forming of graded wet area floors, the process typically includes manually forming the area or pathway to fall or taper away from the area or pathway, generally to a side of the area or pathway farthest away from any building structure.

[0007] Problems in general with the above processes are that they are time-consuming, tedious and labor-intensive, particularly the defining of a step down in a slab, the manual forming of the graded area, wet area or pathway and the time spent waiting for the area or pathway to set. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a preformed load bearing floor panel and methods of use thereof, which may minimize or overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above, or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a preformed load bearing floor panel for use in forming a graded floor, wet area or pathway, said panel having two opposed surfaces including a lower surface and an opposed upper surface, said opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edges including opposed end edges and opposed side edges, said panel tapering in thickness from a first of said opposed end edges to a second of said opposed end edges with a gradient ranging from about 0.1 % to about 2.0% permitting drainage of water or any other liquid atop the panel from the first of said opposed end edges to the second of said opposed end edges, wherein said panel is configured to be arranged next to at least one further like panel in a side edge to side edge arrangement to form the graded floor or pathway.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a preformed load bearing panel for use in forming graded decking, said panel having two opposed surfaces including an upper surface upon which decking is fastened and an opposed lower surface configured to be fastened to a support surface, said opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edges including opposed end edges and opposed side edges, said panel tapering in thickness from a first of said opposed end edges to a second of said opposed end edges with a gradient ranging from about 0.1 % to about 2.0% permitting drainage of water or any other liquid atop the panel from the first of said opposed end edges to the second of said opposed end edges, wherein said panel is configured to be arranged next to at least one further like panel in a side edge to side edge arrangement to form the graded decking.

[001 1 ] Advantageously, the floor panel of the present invention enables a graded floor, pathway, wet area or decking to be readily formed by simply laying, applying or fastening one or more of the panels atop a support surface in a side edge to side edge arrangement. The floor panels are particularly advantageous in quickly forming graded wet area floors as they obviate the need for a step down to be defined in the slab and the need to manually form a graded floor atop the step down with a dry mix of concrete. Moreover, being preformed load bearing panels, the panels of the present invention obviate the time required to apply formwork, pour concrete and wait for the concrete to cure. As such, a graded wet area floor can now be quickly formed with the panels by removing any delay in waterproofing and tiling the intended wet area while waiting for a manually formed graded floor to set, for example. [0012] As used herein, the term "floor waste" refers to a drain inlet defined in a floor surface.

[0013] As used herein, the term "step down" refers to a recessed area defined in a slab, usually in a location where a wet area is intended to be located. For example, step downs are typically defined in a slab where a bathroom, laundry or en-suite is intended to be located.

[0014] As used herein, the term "fall" refers to the gradient of a floor surface or part or portion thereof. Typically, the fall is a negative gradient that is directed in a desired location, such as, e.g., toward a floor waste, a drain or a desired edge.

[0015] As used herein, the term "load bearing" refers to the capacity of the preformed floor panel of the present invention to carry or support a load. Generally, the preformed floor panel will in use have a capacity to carry or support both a dead load and a live load. The dead load may include tiling or decking affixed atop the floor panel. The live load may include the weight of furnishings, people and other articles supported atop the floor panel but not permanently affixed to the floor panel.

[0016] The floor panel may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0017] Generally, the floor panel may have a polygonal shape suitable for tiling. Typically, the panel may be substantially rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal or oblong-shaped, or any variation or combination thereof. Preferably, the panel may be rectangular or square-shaped.

[0018] As indicated above, the panel has two opposed surfaces including a lower surface and an opposed upper surface. The opposed surfaces are interconnected by opposing edges including opposed end edges and opposed side edges with the panel tapering in thickness from a first said end edge to an opposed second said end edge with a gradient ranging from about 0.1 % to about 2.0% permitting drainage of water or any other liquid atop the panel from the first said end edge to the second of said end edge.

[0019] The floor panel may be of any desired length and/or width.

[0020] For example, the panel may have a length and/or width of at least 300mm, at least 350mm, at least 400mm, at least 450mm, at least 500mm, at least 550mm, at least 600mm, at least 650mm, at least 700mm, at least 750mm, at least 800mm, at least 850mm, at least 900mm, at least 950mm, at least 1 ,000mm, at least 1 ,050mm, at least 1 ,100mm, at least 1 ,150mm, at least 1 ,200mm, at least 1 ,250mm, at least 1 ,300mm, at least 1 ,350mm, at least 1 ,400mm, at least 1 ,450mm, at least 1 ,500mm, at least 1 ,550mm, at least 1 ,600mm, at least 1 ,650mm, at least 1 ,700mm, at least 1 ,750mm, at least 1 ,800mm, at least 1 ,850mm, at least 1 ,900mm, at least 1 ,950mm, at least 2,000mm, at least 2,050mm, at least 2,100mm, at least 2,150mm, at least 2,200mm, at least 2,250mm, at least 2,300mm, at least 2,350mm, at least 2,400mm, at least 2,450mm, at least 2,500mm, at least 2,550mm, at least 2,600mm, at least 2,650mm, at least 2,700mm, at least 2,750mm, at least 2,800mm, at least 2,850mm, at least 2,900mm, at least 2,950mm, at least 3,000mm, at least 3,050mm, at least 3,100mm, at least 3,150mm, at least 3,200mm, at least 3,250mm, at least 3,250mm, at least 3,300mm, at least 3,350mm, at least 3,400mm, at least 3,450mm, at least 3,500mm, at least 3,550mm, at least 3,600mm, at least 3,650mm, at least 3,700mm, at least 3,750mm, at least 3,800mm, at least 3,850mm, 3,900mm, at least 3,950mm or at least 4,000mm.

[0021 ] In some embodiments, the floor panel may be provided in one or more standard lengths and/or widths. For example, the floor panel may be provided in standard lengths of 1 ,800mm, 2,100mm, 2,400mm, 2,700mm, 3,000mm or 4,000mm. Likewise, the floor panel may be provided in standard widths of 600mm, 900mm, 1 ,200mm or 1 ,350mm.

[0022] In other embodiments, the floor panels may be formed to custom lengths and/or widths.

[0023] Likewise, the floor panel may be of any suitable thickness tapering from the first said end edge to the opposed second said end edge with a gradient of at least 0.1 %.

[0024] For example, the floor panel may have a maximum thickness (as measured at the first said end edge between the opposed surfaces) of at least 10mm, at least 15mm, at least 20mm, at least 25mm, at least 30mm, at least 35mm, at least 40mm, at least 45mm, at least 50mm, at least 55mm, at least 60mm, at least 65mm, at least 70mm, at least 75mm, at least 80mm, at least 85mm, at least 90mm, at least 95mm or even at least 100mm. Typically, the panel may have a maximum thickness of about 10mm to about 30mm, preferably about 12mm to about 25mm.

[0025] Typically, the panel may have any suitable gradient that permits the drainage of water atop the panel from the first said end edge to the second said end edge.

[0026] For example, in some embodiments, the floor panel may have a gradient of at least 0.2%, at least 0.3%, at least 0.4%, at least 0.5%, at least 0.6%, at least 0.7%, at least 0.8%, at least 0.9%, at least 1 .0%, at least 1 .1 %, at least 1 .2%, at least 1 .3%, at least 1 .4%, at least 1 .5%, at least 1 .6%, at least 1 .7%, at least 1 .8%, at least 1 .9% or even at least 2.0%.

[0027] Generally, the floor panel may taper in thickness from the first said end edge to the opposed second said end edge with a gradient of about 0.1 % to 0.5%, preferably about 0.2% to about 0.45%.

[0028] Preferably, the gradient may be a negative gradient extending from the first said end edge to the second said end edge.

[0029] In some embodiments, the panel may taper in thickness from the first said end edge to the second opposed said end edge with a constant gradient. In other embodiments, the panel may taper in thickness from the first said end edge to the second opposed said end edge with a varying gradient, such as, e.g., an increasing or decreasing gradient.

[0030] In some embodiments, the panel may taper in thickness such that the second said end edge forms a single edge (i.e., the opposed surfaces meet). In other embodiments, the second said end edge may form an edge wall extending between the opposed surfaces.

[0031 ] Generally, the floor panel is formed from a durable and load bearing material. For example, the floor panel may be formed from metal, plastic, rubber, glass, fiber, concrete, stone and/or wood material and/or materials, preferably concrete material. In some embodiments, the floor panel may be formed from a mixture of magnesium oxide, at least one binding or filling agent (e.g., carbon fiber, cellulosic fiber, perlite and/or fly ash) and at least one reinforcing mesh positioned between the opposed surfaces.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, the floor panel may be formed from concrete or a cement- polymer composite material. The panel may or may not include at least one reinforcing mesh located between the opposed surfaces.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least one of the opposed surfaces of the panel may be textured to at least partially assist in fastening material to the panel, such as, e.g., water proofing, tiling, decking or the like. Preferably both of the opposed surfaces may be textured.

[0034] In some embodiments, the floor panel or at least part of the floor panel may be treated with a damp-proof or waterproofing coating, preferably pre-treated.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one of the opposed surfaces of the panel, preferably the upper surface may include one or more markings to assist in arranging materials atop the panel. For example, in one such embodiment, the upper surface of the floor panel may include markings to assist in the placement of tiles atop the panel. In another such embodiment, the upper surface may include markings to assist in the placement and/or spacing of deck boards atop the panel. [0036] Generally, the panel may be laid or applied atop and/or fastened to a support surface with one or more other like panels to form a graded pathway, floor, wet area or decking area. The panels may be arranged in any suitable way.

[0037] The support surface may be any suitable surface atop of which the panel may be laid and/or fastened. Typically, the support surface may be a portion or part of a slab, a step down area defined in slab, one or more horizontal support beams, such as, e.g., floor joists, or one or more other underlying floor panels (e.g., Scion™ Secura™ interior flooring panels or HardiePanel™ compressed sheet) supported atop one or more horizontal support beams.

[0038] Typically, each panel may be laid or applied atop or fastened to the support surface in a side edge-to-side edge arrangement with other like panels to form a graded surface. In some embodiments, the panels may need to be trimmed and/or mitered along one or both side edges to be suitably arranged. The side edges of adjacently positioned panels may or may not be joined together.

[0039] If joined together, the panels may be joined together by any suitable means.

[0040] For example, in some embodiments, the side edges may be joined together by one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may include one or more mechanical fasteners (such as, e.g., threaded fasteners) and/or one or more chemical fasteners (such as, e.g., a wet adhesive, a dry adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape).

[0041 ] In other embodiments, each side edge of adjacently positioned panels may be connected together by a connecting mechanism or a part of a connecting mechanism. For example, a portion of a side edge of a first panel may mate with or engage with a portion of a side edge of a second panel.

[0042] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, including interference fit (snap-fit) connections, for example. The connecting mechanism may include a male formation associated with a side edge of a first panel configured to be inserted into or coupled with a female formation associated with a female formation associated with a side edge of the second panel.

[0043] In some embodiments, a sealing member or sealing agent may be at least partially applied along a side edge of a panel to be joined with a side edge of an adjacently positioned panel.

[0044] Any suitable sealing member or agent may be used that may preferably provide a substantially water-tight seal between side edges of adjacently positioned panels. [0045] In some embodiments, the sealing member may be formed from any suitable material or materials, such as, e.g., closed foam, rubber, expanding resin or a like material suitably adapted to form a seal.

[0046] In other embodiments, the sealing agent may include a mastic sealant or any other like sealant suitably adapted to form a seal.

[0047] The panels may preferably be arranged or orientated on the support surface such that the fall of each panel is directed in a desired direction.

[0048] For example, when forming a graded wet area floor having a floor waste, the panels may typically be arranged or orientated on the support surface such that the gradient or taper of each panel directs water or any other liquid towards the floor waste.

[0049] For example, when forming a graded pathway, decking area or floor without a floor waste, the panels may typically be arranged or orientated in a same or similar orientation on the support surface in a side edge-to-side arrangement such that the gradient or taper of each panel directs water or any other liquid in a desired direction, usually away from any adjacent structure. For example, when forming a graded deck, each panel may be orientated to direct water away from an adjacent structure.

[0050] The panels may be fastened to the support surface by any suitable means. Typically, each panel may be fastened to the support surface by one or more fasteners, such as, e.g., one or more mechanical fasteners and/or one or more chemical fasteners as described above.

[0051 ] Preferably, the panels may be fastened to the support surface with a chemical adhesive, such as, e.g., a cement-based tile adhesive.

[0052] In some embodiments, the panel may be trimmed or shaped to fit around an adjacent structure. For example, the second opposed said end edge of a panel may be trimmed or shaped to snugly fit about a floor waste.

[0053] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a graded floor including a plurality of the panel of the first aspect arranged in a side edge to side edge arrangement and orientated such that the gradient of each panel directs water of any other liquid in a common desired direction.

[0054] The graded floor may include one or more characteristics or features of the floor panel as hereinbefore described. [0055] Typically, the common desired direction may be toward a drain or floor waste.

[0056] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a graded wet area including: a floor waste; a plurality of the panel of the first aspect arranged around the floor waste in a side edge to side edge arrangement and orientated such that the gradient of each panel directs water of any other liquid towards the floor waste; and waterproofing material and tiling applied atop the plurality of the panel.

[0057] The graded wet area may include one or more characteristics or features of the floor panel as hereinbefore described.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a graded pathway including a plurality of the panel of the first aspect arranged to form the pathway in a side edge to side edge arrangement and orientated such that the gradient of each panel directs water or any other liquid towards a common desired side of the pathway.

[0059] The graded pathway may include one or more characteristics or features of the floor panel as hereinbefore described.

[0060] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a graded decking including one or more of the panel of the second aspect arranged in a side edge to side edge arrangement atop a supporting surface and orientated such that the gradient of each panel forms a desired fall; and decking fastened atop the plurality of the panel to form the graded decking.

[0061 ] The graded decking may include one or more characteristics or features of the panel as hereinbefore described.

[0062] Generally, the graded decking may include more than one panel. Typically, the graded decking may include a plurality of panels. For example, the decking may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or even at least 10 panels arranged in a side edge to side edge arrangement atop a support surface and orientated such that the gradient of each panel forms a desired fall.

[0063] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a graded floor or pathway, said method including:

applying one or more of the preformed load bearing floor panel of the first aspect atop a support surface such that the gradient of each panel directs water or any other liquid in a desired direction. [0064] The method may include one or more characteristics of the floor panel as hereinbefore described.

[0065] The applying may include fastening the one or more floor panels to the support surface with one or more mechanical fasteners or chemical fasteners, typically the latter.

[0066] For example, in embodiments in which a graded floor is being formed, each panel may be fastened to the support surface with a chemical adhesive, such as, e.g., a cement-based tile adhesive.

[0067] In other embodiments, such as when forming a graded pathway, the applying may include placing or laying each panel atop the support surface.

[0068] Typically, the applying may include applying more than one preformed load bearing panel. For example, the applying may include applying a plurality of panels. The applying may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or even at least 10 panels atop the support surface.

[0069] Generally, the applying may include aligning or orientating each panel relative to one another in a side edge-to-side edge arrangement with each panel orientated such that the gradient or taper of the panel directs water or any other liquid in a desired direction.

[0070] For example, when forming a graded floor, each panel may be orientated such that the gradient or taper of the panel directs water or any other liquid towards a floor waste or drain inlet defined in the support surface.

[0071 ] When forming a graded pathway, each panel may be orientated in the same or a similar orientation such that the gradient or taper of the panels directs water or any other liquid towards and/or over a common side of the pathway, preferably a common side associated with a drain.

[0072] In some embodiments, the placing may further include trimming and/or mitering one or more of the panels along one or both side edges of each panel to enable the panels to be suitably arranged around a structure, such, as, e.g., floor waste or drain inlet.

[0073] The method may further include fastening a floor surface atop the one or more floor panels. The floor surface may include decking or tiling, for example.

[0074] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a graded wet area, said method including: fastening a plurality of the preformed load bearing panel of the first aspect in a side edge to side edge arrangement atop a support surface and around a floor waste defined in the support surface such that the gradient of each panel forms a desired fall towards the floor waste; and

applying waterproofing material and tiling atop the plurality of the floor panel.

[0075] The method may include one or more characteristics of the floor panel as hereinbefore described.

[0076] As with the method of the fourth aspect, the fastening may include fastening the panels to the support surface with one or more mechanical fasteners and/or chemical fasteners, preferably a chemical adhesive, such as, e.g., a cement-based tile adhesive.

[0077] The fastening may further include aligning each panel relative to one another in a side edge-to-side edge arrangement with each panel orientated such that the gradient or taper of the panel directs water or any other liquid toward the floor waste.

[0078] In some embodiments, the fastening may further include trimming and/or mitering one or more of the plurality of panels along one or both side edges to enable the panels to be suitably arranged around the floor waste.

[0079] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming graded decking, said method including:

fastening one or more of the preformed load bearing floor panel of the second aspect to a support surface such that gradient of each panel forms a desired fall; and

fastening decking atop the one or more of the panel.

[0080] The method may include one or more characteristics of the floor panel as hereinbefore described.

[0081 ] As with the methods of the fourth and fifth aspects, the fastening may include fastening the one or more floor panels to the support surface with one or more mechanical fasteners and/or chemical fasteners.

[0082] Generally, the fastening may also include aligning each panel relative to one another in a side edge-to-side edge arrangement with each panel orientated such that the gradient or taper of the panel directs water or any other liquid in a desired direction.

[0083] Typically, each panel may be orientated such that the gradient or taper of the panel directs water or any other liquid towards a common side of the graded decking, preferably toward an adjacent drain or away from an adjacent building.

[0084] The fastening may typically include fastening more than one preformed load bearing panel. For example, the fastening may include fastening a plurality of panels. The fastening may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or even at least 10 panels to the support surface

[0085] The fastening of decking atop the one or more panels may further include locating markings on an upper surface of the one or more panels and aligning each individual deck board relative to the markings prior to fastening the deck board to the upper surface of the one or more panels.

[0086] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0087] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0088] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0089] Figure 1 is a side view of a floor panel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 2 is building floor plan showing wet areas in typical residential dwelling in which a plurality of the floor panel shown in Figure 1 are installed to form graded wet area floors;

[0091 ] Figure 3 is a sectional side view showing a plurality of the floor panel shown in Figure 1 located atop a step down defined in slab for forming a graded wet area floor; and

[0092] Figure 4 is another sectional side view also showing a plurality of the floor panel shown in Figure 1 located directly atop a slab for forming a graded wet area floor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0093] Figure 1 shows a floor panel (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The floor panel (100) has an upper surface (102), an opposed lower surface (104), opposed side edges (105) and opposed end edges, including a first end edge (106) and an opposed second end edge (108). The panel (100) tapers in thickness from the first end edge (106) to the second end edge (108) with a gradient of at least 0.1 %. The gradient is a negative gradient configured to direct water or any other liquid towards the second end edge (108).

[0095] The floor panel (100) has a rectangular or square shape and is formed from concrete or plastic material and/or materials.

[0096] The panel (100) is provided in standard lengths of 1 ,800mm, 2,100mm, 2,400mm, 2,700mm, 3,000mm or 4,000mm extending between the opposed end edges (106, 108), and standard widths of 600mm, 900mm, 1 ,200mm, 1 ,350mm or 1 ,500mm extending between the opposed side edges (105).

[0097] Likewise, the panel (100) can have a maximum thickness, as measured at the first end edge (106) between the upper surface (102) and the lower surface (104), of about 25mm to about 12mm.

[0098] As mentioned, the panel (100) tapers from the first end edge (106) to the second end edge (108) with a negative gradient of at least 0.1 %.

[0099] Generally, the panel (100) is intended to be laid atop or fastened to a support surface such as, e.g., a concrete slab or one or more floor joists, for forming a graded floor, a graded pathway, a graded wet area floor or a graded decking area.

[00100] For panels (100) intended for forming a graded wet area or floor over a slab, the panel (100) has a thickness at the first end edge (106) of about 12mm and a thickness at the second end edge (108) of about 4mm. Thus, the panel (100) has a negative gradient of 0.44%, 0.38%, 0.33%, 0.30%, 0.27% and 0.2% at the respective standard lengths of 1 ,800mm, 2,100mm, 2,400mm, 2,700mm, 3,000mm and 4,000mm.

[00101 ] For panels (100) intended for forming a graded wet area or floor over one or more 12 floor joists, the panel (100) has a thickness at the first end edge (106) of about 22mm and a thickness at the second end edge (108) of about 15mm. Thus, the panel (100) has a negative gradient of 0.39%, 0.33%, 0.29%, 0.26%, 0.23% and 0.18% at the respective standard lengths of 1 ,800mm, 2,100mm, 2,400mm, 2,700mm, 3,000mm and 4,000mm. [00102] For panels (100) intended for forming a graded decking area or pathway, the panel (100) has a thickness at the first end edge (106) of about 25mm and a thickness at the second end edge (108) of about 10mm. Thus, the panel (100) has a negative gradient of 0.83%, 0.71 %, 0.63%, 0.56%, 0.50% and 0.38% at the respective standard lengths of 1 ,800mm, 2,100mm, 2,400mm, 2,700mm, 3,000mm and 4,000mm.

[00103] The upper and lower surfaces (102, 104) of the panel (100) are textured to at least partially assist in fastening material to the upper surface (102) of the panel (100), such as, e.g., water proofing, tiling, decking or the like, and for fastening the lower surface (104) of the panel (100) to a support surface.

[00104] Figure 2 shows the panel (100) of the present invention being used to form graded wet area surfaces (220) atop a slab (210) in a building (200).

[00105] As shown, a plurality of the panel (100) are used to form each wet area surface (220) in the bathroom (230), laundry (240), en-suite (250) and in the showers (260) located in the bathroom (230) and en-suite (250).

[00106] To form each wet area surface (220), the panels (100) are fastened atop the slab (210) in a side edge (105) to side edge (105) arrangement with the first end edge (106) of each panel (100) located against an outer perimeter of the wet area surface (220) and the second end edge (108) located adjacent the floor waste (280) defined in each wet surface area (220) such that the gradient or taper of the panel (100) is able to direct water or any other liquid towards the floor waste (280) for drainage.

[00107] The side edges (105) of the panels (100) are mitered to allow them to be suitably arranged around the floor waste (280) in each wet area surface (220). Likewise, the second end edge (108) of each panel (100) is trimmed and/or shaped to snugly fit about the floor waste (280).

[00108] Each panel (100) is fastened to the slab (210) with a chemical adhesive, such as, e.g., a cement-based tile adhesive.

[00109] Figures 3 and 4 show sectional side views of a plurality of the panel (100) being respectively fastened atop a slab (210) for forming a graded wet area surface (220).

[001 10] Figure 3 shows the panels (100) fastened atop a step down (310) defined in the slab (210) where the wet area is intended to be located.

[001 1 1 ] In contrast, Figure 4 shows the panels (100) being fastened directly atop the slab (210) without a step down being defined in the slab (210).

[001 12] A method of forming a graded wet area surface (220) using a plurality of the panel (100) of the present invention is now described in detail with reference to Figure 2.

[001 13] The method includes an initial step of preparing the support surface by cleaning the slab (210) where the wet area is intended to be located.

[001 14] At least four of the panels (100) are then arranged around each floor waste (280) defined in the slab (210) where an intended wet area is to be located. The panels (100) are arranged in a side edge (105) to side edge (105) arrangement and orientated such that the first end edge (106) of each panel (100) is located near or against an outer perimeter of the intended wet area and the opposed second end edge (108) is located near or against the floor waste (280).

[001 15] The side edges (105) of each panel (100) are mitered to enable the panels (100) to snugly fit side edge (106) to side edge (106) about the floor waste (280). Likewise, the second end edge (108) of each panel (100) is trimmed and shaped, if needed, to snugly fit about the floor waste (280).

[001 16] Each panel (100) is then fastened to the slab (210) with a chemical adhesive, such as, e.g., a cement-based tile adhesive.

[001 17] In wet areas including a shower (260), such as, e.g., a bathroom (230) or en-suite (250), one or more panels (100) forming the graded wet area surface (220) of the bathroom (230) or the en-suite (250) are further trimmed to fit about or around the intended wet area for the shower (260).

[001 18] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[001 19] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00120] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.