A flooring system includes a flooring panel and a support element. The flooring panel has an outer periphery and defines an upper panel plane and a lower panel plane that is offset from the upper panel plane. The flooring panel includes a plurality of openings formed therethrough within the outer periphery. The support element extends lengthwise between opposing ends and includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The support element extends through and operatively connects with the flooring panel such that the upper edge is disposed in approximate alignment with the upper panel plane and the lower edge is disposed in offset relation to the lower panel plane in a direction opposite the upper panel plane. Methods of assembly are also included.
