GB2584725A

GB2584725A - Decking board

Info

Publication number: GB2584725A
Application number: GB1908556.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cavalier Lee
Original assignee: Dura Composites Ltd
Current assignee: Dura Composites Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-14
Filing date: 2019-06-14
Publication date: 2020-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-14
Also published as: GB2584725B; GB201908556D0

Abstract

The decking board 100 comprises a planar upper surface 102 supported by a web 106 and having an unsupported portion 114 which extends longitudinally along a first side of the board; the board comprising an open channel 122 extending longitudinally along a second side of the board; wherein when two decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the unsupported portion of one board covers the channel of the other; wherein the edge of the upper surface of the second side comprises an elongate ridge and the edge adjacent the first side is received under said edge of the upper surface, wherein the elongate ridge of one board overlies the received edge of the other board. Also claimed are starter and finisher decking boards for use with the decking board, comprising only an open channel and an unsupported portion, respectively. Also claimed is a decking kit, a method for manufacturing decking boards and a method for constructing decking.

Description

DECKING BOARD

The present invention relates to decking boards and to arrangements incorporating decking boards.

Decking is traditionally constructed from timber boards mounted on a support surface. However, over time, the timber boards can begin to deteriorate and may need repairing or replacing entirely. It is known to use wood-plastic composite boards in place of traditional timber boards. Decking formed of composite boards can be highly durable and extremely low maintenance. However, the known boards can be heavy and thus difficult to handle. The known boards are also usually held in place with visible mechanical fixings that pass through the full thickness of the board in order to penetrate the support surface below. Furthermore, the known boards are usually installed with significant longitudinal gaps between adjacent boards, through which matter, such as water and debris, can pass. The known boards also do not meet certain fire safety standards, such as those of high-rise buildings (e.g. BS EN 13501 A2 and above). These properties of the known decking boards can make them unsuitable for some applications, such as balconies of high-rise buildings. The importance of reaching sufficiently high fire safety standards has become even more apparent in recent years following the severe fire which occurred in June 2017 at Grenfell Tower, London.

It is desired to provide improved decking boards and improved arrangements incorporating decking boards. -2 -

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a decking board, the decking board comprising a substantially planar upper surface, the upper surface being supported by one or more webs and having a substantially unsupported portion which extends longitudinally along a first side of the decking board, the decking board further comprising an open channel which extends longitudinally along a second side of the decking board, wherein the decking board is configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the unsupported portion of one of the decking boards covers the channel of the other of the decking boards.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be used to construct decking without the presence of gaps between adjacent decking boards. In particular, the ability to overlap the channel of the decking board with the substantially unsupported (projecting) portion of another similar decking board means that there will be no gaps between the adjacent decking boards. Furthermore, any seepage of matter between the adjacent decking boards will enter the channel and can then drain away longitudinally along the channel rather than passing vertically through the decking. This can, for example, significantly reduce or avoid water and debris dropping from decking of a balcony onto lower surfaces directly below. Furthermore, the passage of smoke, flames and heat through the decking is significantly reduced, thereby increasing fire safety. Any mechanical fixings used to attach one of the decking boards to a support surface can also be provided through the base of the channel of that decking board and then covered by the unsupported portion of another similar decking board. This can help to improve the appearance of the -3 -decking, can help to avoid the need for separate specialised fixings, and can allow the decking to be installed easily and quickly. The channel can also be used as ducting for one or more service conduits (e.g. electrical cables, pipes, etc.,). Furthermore, since the decking board comprises an upper surface supported by one or more (e.g. plural) webs, rather than being substantially solid, the decking board can be relatively lightweight whilst still being sufficiently strong.

In embodiments, the decking board may be of unitary construction. The decking board may be formed of, and from, extruded material. The board may /0 have a substantially uniform cross-section in planes orthogonal to the first side and/or second side (the direction of extrusion). The decking board may comprise or be formed of a metallic material, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy. For example, 6063 T6 Grade aluminium alloy may be used. The decking board may have a (sand) powder coating. This coating can help to improve the anti-slip properties of the decking, provide UV protection and provide a matte finish. These embodiments can provide a decking board which is strong, lightweight, and durable, and which meets high fire safety standards (such as BS EN 13501 A2 s1 d0).

In embodiments, the decking board may also have a substantially planar lower surface, with the upper surface being separated from the lower surface by the one or more webs. The plane of the upper surface may be substantially parallel to the plane of the lower surface. The planes of the one or more webs may be substantially perpendicular to the upper surface and/or lower surface. In use, the upper surface and/or lower surface may be substantially horizontal. In -4 -use, the one or more webs may be substantially vertical. The decking board may have a substantially hollow structure defined by the upper surface, the one or more webs and the lower surface.

In embodiments, the decking board (e.g. the upper surface and/or lower surface) may be substantially regularly shaped. The decking board (e.g. the upper surface and/or lower surface) may be substantially rectangular (including square). The first and second sides may be substantially parallel to one another. The decking board (e.g. the upper surface and/or lower surface) may have a width (e.g. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first side and/or second side) in the range 100-200mm, for example in the range 125-175mm. The decking board (e.g. the upper surface and/or lower surface) may have a length (e.g. in a direction substantially parallel to the first side and/or second side) in the range 3000-4500mm, for example in the range 3500-4000mm. The board may have a height (e.g. distance from the upper surface to the lower surface) in the range 20-35mm, for example in the range 25-30mm. These dimensions can better replicate existing conventional decking boards and facilitate replacement of those decking boards. The features of the decking board (e.g. the upper surface, the lower surface, and/or the one or more webs) may each have a thickness in the range 1-3mm for example in the range 1.5- 2.5mm. The thickness of the features of the decking board may be substantially uniform along the longitudinal length of the decking board. When compared with conventional boards, these dimensions can mean that fewer boards are needed and/or greater spans (e.g. in the range 500-700mm) between support surfaces -5 - (beams) can be used, and this in turn can reduce the amount of time and materials needed, to construct decking.

It has been found that the above dimensions are generally suitable for most decking applications. The decking board may, however, be provided with other dimensions or shapes, or cut to other dimensions or shapes, depending on the particular decking, as desired. Indeed, the width of the decking board can readily be reduced by removing the first side of the decking board (and, e.g., one or more webs) whilst still leaving a further unsupported portion which may be used in a similar manner to the previously present unsupported portion.

/0 In embodiments, the decking board may be configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the upper surface of one of the decking boards is adjacent (e.g. contacts) the upper surface of the other of the decking boards. The upper surfaces of adjacent boards can provide the upper side of the decking with a substantially continuous decking surface.

In embodiments, the decking board may be configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the edge of the unsupported portion adjacent the first side of one of the decking boards is received under the edge of the upper surface adjacent the second side of the other of the decking boards.

In embodiments, the decking board may be configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the lower surface of one of the decking boards is adjacent (e.g. contacts) the lower surface of the other of the decking boards. The lower surfaces of adjacent boards can provide the underside of the decking with a substantially uniform, flush or "finished" -6 -appearance when viewed from below. The lower surface can also provide additional strength and acoustic damping. These properties can be particularly desirable in balcony applications.

In embodiments, the edge of the upper surface adjacent the second side 5 may comprise an elongate ridge which extends longitudinally along the decking board. The elongate ridge may extend substantially parallel to the first side and/or second side. The elongate ridge may have a height in the range 0.5-2mm. The elongate ridge may have a width in the range 2-8mm. The elongate ridge can help to define the edges of adjacent boards such that plural adjacent /0 decking boards have the appearance of separate decking boards rather than a continuous sheet. The elongate ridge may overlie a received edge of an upper surface of another decking board. The elongate ridge can help to accommodate the received edge of the upper surface of said another decking board.

In embodiments, the edge of the unsupported portion adjacent the first side of the decking board may have a first profile and the edge of the upper surface adjacent the second side of the decking board may have a second profile which corresponds to the first profile, the correspondence being such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the first profile engages and/or interlocks with the second profile.

In embodiments, the first profile may comprise a stepped profile. A step in the stepped profile may have a rise in the range 1-3mm. The second profile may comprise a (stepped) recess. These embodiments can help to hold adjacent boards together, for example with a friction fit and/or with a tortuous path being present between the adjacent boards to limit the seepage of matter, -7 -such as water, debris and/or smoke. In embodiments, the recess may be defined by the upper surface and a (substantially horizontal) portion of one of the webs (e.g. a web that partially defines the channel). The recess may be supported by a (substantially vertical) portion of one of the webs (e.g. a web that partially defines the channel). The recess can provide support to the edge of the unsupported portion of another decking board. The elongate ridge may overlie the recess.

In embodiments, the channel may be at least partially defined by an upstanding wall having a free edge. The decking board may be configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the unsupported portion of one of the decking boards is supported by the free edge of the upstanding wall of the other of the decking boards. The channel may be defined by the upstanding wall, the lower surface and one of the webs.

In embodiments, the decking board may be configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the unsupported portion of one of the decking boards is supported substantially mid-span by the free edge of the upstanding wall of the other of the decking boards. The unsupported portion may be unsupported for a lateral span in the range 20-70mm, for example in the range 30-60mm. The channel may have an open lateral span in the range 5-20mm.

In embodiments, the upper surface may comprise one or more anti-slip features, such as one or more elongate ribs which extend longitudinally along the decking board. It has been found that anti-slip features in the form of ribs can provide stronger decking than anti-slip features in the form of grooves. Ribs -8 -can also help to reduce heat transfer from the decking to the underside of the users' feet by reducing the surface area in contact with the users' feet. As will be appreciated, metallic items tend to absorb large amounts of heat when in direct sunlight. The one or more elongate ribs may extend substantially parallel to the first side and/or second side. The one or more elongate ribs may each have a height in the range 0.5-2mm. The one or more elongate ribs may each have a width in the range 0.5-2mm. Adjacent elongate ribs may be spaced apart by a separation in the range 10-15mm. It has been found that these embodiments are able to provide good anti-slip properties, particularly for metallic decking boards. The elongate ridge may have a height which is greater than the height of the one or more elongate ribs and/or may have a width which is greater than the width of the one or more elongate ribs. This can help the elongate ridge to define the second side of the decking board such that plural adjacent decking boards have the appearance of separate decking boards rather than a continuous sheet.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a starter decking board for use with another decking board as described herein in any aspect or embodiment, the starter decking board comprising a substantially planar upper surface, the upper surface being supported by one or more webs, the starter decking board further comprising an open channel which extends longitudinally along a side of the starter decking board, wherein the starter decking board is configured such that, when said another decking board is placed adjacent the starter decking board, an unsupported portion of said another decking board covers the channel of the starter decking board. -9 -

The starter decking board may have one or more of the features of the other decking boards described herein in any aspect or embodiment. For example, the channel of the starter decking board may be at least partially defined by an upstanding wall having a free edge. The starter decking board 5 may be configured such that, when said another decking board is placed adjacent the starter decking board, the unsupported portion of said another decking board is supported by the free edge of the upstanding wall of the starter decking board. However, the starter decking board may not have a substantially unsupported (projecting) portion as described herein. This can allow the starter /0 decking board to be placed substantially flush with a vertical surface such as a wall or balcony recess.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a finisher decking board for use with another decking board as described herein in any aspect or embodiment, the finisher decking board comprising a substantially planar upper surface, the upper surface being supported by one or more webs and having a substantially unsupported portion which extends longitudinally along a side of the finisher decking board, wherein the finisher decking board is configured such that, when the finisher decking board is placed adjacent said another decking board, the unsupported portion of the finisher decking board covers a channel of said another decking board.

The finisher decking board may have one or more of the features of the other decking boards described herein in any aspect or embodiment. For example, the finisher decking board may be configured such that, when the finisher decking board is placed adjacent said another decking board, the -10 -unsupported portion of the finisher decking board is supported by a free edge of an upstanding wall of said another decking board. However, the finisher decking board may not have an elongate ridge, recess, channel and/or upstanding wall as described herein. The finisher decking board may instead have a projecting lower surface through which a mechanical fixing can be provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a decking board, the method comprising forming (e.g. by extrusion) a decking board as described herein in any aspect or embodiment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a decking kit comprising plural decking boards as described herein in any aspect or embodiment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided decking comprising plural decking boards as described herein in any aspect or 15 embodiment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing decking from plural decking boards as described herein in any aspect or embodiment.

In any of these aspects and embodiments, the decking kit and/or decking may comprise one or more decking boards, starter decking boards and/or finisher decking boards as described herein in any aspect or embodiment. The decking may form part of a balcony. The decking boards may be positioned adjacent one another. Adjacent decking boards may be positioned in direct contact with each other as discussed above. Adjacent decking boards may be -11 -positioned in an engaging and/or interlocking manner as discussed above. The decking boards may each be fixed to one or more support surfaces (e.g. one or more support beams). The plural decking boards may each be fixed to one or more support surfaces with one or more mechanical fixings (e.g. screws or bolts). One or more mechanical fixings may be provided through the lower surface (of the channels) of one or more of the decking boards. One or more service conduits (e.g. electrical cables, pipes, etc.,) may be provided in the channels of one or more of the decking boards.

For example, a first decking board may be fixed to one or more support surfaces with one or more mechanical fixings provided in the channel of that first decking board, then a second decking board may be positioned adjacent to the first decking board thereby covering the channel and the one or more mechanical fixings for the first decking board. The second decking board may then be fixed to one or more support surfaces with one or more mechanical fixings, e.g. in the channel of the second decking board. One or more conduits may be provided in the channel of the first decking board prior to positioning the second decking board adjacent to the first decking board.

This process may be repeated for one or more subsequent decking boards, with each subsequent decking board being positioned adjacent to the previous decking board thereby covering the channel and the one or more mechanical fixings for the previous decking board. The subsequent decking board may then be fixed to one or more support surfaces with one or more mechanical fixings, e.g. in the channel of the subsequent decking board. Again, one or more conduits may be provided in the channel of the previous decking board prior to positioning the subsequent decking board adjacent to the previous decking board.

The process may begin with fixing a starter decking board to one or more support surfaces with one or more mechanical fixings provided in the channel of that starter decking board. The process may continue by fixing one or more further decking boards to one or more support surfaces with one or more mechanical fixings provided in the channel of each of the one or more decking boards. The process may finish with fixing a finisher decking board to one or more support surfaces with one or more mechanical fixings provided through a projecting lower surface of that finisher decking board.

By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a decking board according to an 15 embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the decking board of Figure 1A; Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a starter decking board that can be used in conjunction with the decking board of Figures 1A and 1B; Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the starter decking board of Figure 2A; Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a finisher decking board that can be used in conjunction with the decking board of Figures 1A and 1B; -13 -Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the finisher decking board of Figure 3A; Figure 4A shows a perspective view of decking comprising the decking boards of Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B; Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the decking of Figure 4A; and Figure 5 shows a more detailed view of the engaged region of the decking boards of Figures 4A and 4B.

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a decking board 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The decking board 100 is of unitary construction and is formed of extruded 6063 T6 Grade aluminium alloy, which is sand powder coated. The decking board 100 accordingly has a substantially uniform cross-section in planes orthogonal to the direction in which the decking board 100 extends, i.e. the direction of extrusion. In this embodiment, the decking board is compliant to BS EN 13501 A2 s1 dO.

The board 100 has a substantially planar and rectangular upper surface 102 and a substantially planar and rectangular lower surface 104. The upper surface 102 is supported by webs 106, 108, 110, which space the upper surface 102 from the lower surface 104. In this embodiment, the width of the surfaces 102, 104 is approximately 150mm, the length of the surfaces 102, 104 is approximately 3660mm, and the overall height of the decking board is approximately 27mm. The thickness of the surfaces 102, 104 and webs 106, 108, 110 is approximately 2mm.

The upper surface 102 further comprises anti-slip features in the form of elongate ribs 112 (for clarity, only one elongate rib 112 is indicated). In this -14 -embodiment, the width of each rib is approximately 1 mm and the height of each rib is approximately 1mm. Adjacent ribs are spaced from one another by approximately 12.5mm.

The upper surface 102 further comprises an overhanging unsupported portion 114 which extends longitudinally along a first side of the decking board 100. In this embodiment, the lateral span of the unsupported portion 114 is approximately 45mm. The unsupported portion 114 has a stepped profile 116 which corresponds to a stepped recess 118 provided at a second side of the decking board 100. In this embodiment, the rise of the step is approximately /0 2mm. An elongate ridge 120 overlies the recess 118. The height of the elongate ridge 120 is the same as the height of the ribs 112. However, the width of the elongate ridge 120 is approximately 5mm, and thus is greater than the width of the ribs 112. The elongate ridge 120 visibly helps to define the edge of the decking board 100.

The decking board 100 further comprises an open channel 122 which extends longitudinally along the second side of the decking board 100. The channel 122 is defined by the lower surface 104 at its base, one of the webs 106 and an upstanding wall 124. In this embodiment, the channel 122 has a lateral span of approximately 10mm.

As will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the decking board 100 is configured such that, when two of the decking boards 100 are placed adjacent and engaged with one another, the stepped profile 116 of the unsupported portion 114 of one of the decking boards 100 is received in the recess 118 of the other of the decking boards 100 so as to provide a continuous decking surface. The unsupported portion 114 is also supported mid-span by a free edge of the upstanding wall 124 of the other of the decking boards 100 and covers the channel 122 of the other of the decking boards 100. There is therefore no gap between adjacent decking boards 100 and little or no passage of water, debris or smoke through the decking. Any seepage of water from the upper surface 102 that does occur will enter the channel 122, run along the channel 122 and out of the end of the decking, rather than dropping on surfaces below the decking. The channel 122 can also be used as ducting for cables, pipes, etc.. Mechanical fixings such as screws or /0 bolts can also be provided through the base of the channel 122 so as to fix the decking board 100 to an underlying support surface, such as a beam, and those fixings can be hidden from sight by the unsupported portion 114 of an adjacent decking board 100. The lower surfaces 104 of the adjacent boards also provide the underside of the decking with a continuous and substantially uniform, flush or "finished" appearance when viewed from below.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a starter decking board 200 that can be used in conjunction with the decking board 100 of Figures 1A and 1B. The structure and configuration of the starter decking board 200 is substantially the same as the structure and configuration of the second side of the decking board 100, and so a lengthy description of that structure and configuration will not be repeated.

Briefly, however, the starter decking board 200 has a substantially planar and rectangular upper surface 202 and a substantially planar and rectangular lower surface 204. The upper surface 202 is supported by webs 206, 208 which space the upper surface 202 from the lower surface 204. The upper surface 202 again further comprises anti-slip features in the form of elongate ribs 212. The starter decking board 200 further comprises a stepped recess 218 which corresponds to the stepped profile 116 of the decking board 100. An elongate ridge 220 again overlies the recess 218. The starter decking board 200 further comprises an open channel 222 which extends longitudinally along the side of the starter decking board 200. The channel 222 is defined by the lower surface 204 at its base, one of the webs 206 and an upstanding wall 224.

As will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the starter decking board 200 is configured such that, when the decking /0 board 100 is placed adjacent and engaged with the starter decking board 200, the stepped profile 116 of the unsupported portion 114 of the decking board 100 is received in the recess 218 of the starter decking board 200 to provide a continuous decking surface. The unsupported portion 114 is also supported mid-span by a free edge of the upstanding wall 224 of the starter decking board 200 and covers the channel 222 of the starter decking board 200. Mechanical fixings such as screws or bolts can again be provided through the base of the channel 222 so as to fix the starter decking board 200 to an underlying support surface, such as a beam, and those fixings can be hidden from sight by the unsupported portion 114 of the decking board 100. The other side of the starter decking board 200 can be placed adjacent to a vertical surface, such as a wall or balcony recess.

Figures 3A and 4B illustrate a finisher decking board 300 that can also be used in conjunction with the decking board 100 of Figures 1A and 1B. The structure and configuration of the finisher decking board 300 is substantially the same as the structure and configuration of the first side of the decking board 100, and so a lengthy description of that structure and configuration again will not be repeated. Briefly, however, the finisher decking board 300 has a substantially planar and rectangular upper surface 302 and a substantially planar and rectangular lower surface 304. The upper surface 302 is supported by a web 310 which spaces the upper surface 302 from the lower surface 304. The upper surface 302 again further comprises anti-slip features in the form of elongate ribs 312. The upper surface 302 further comprises an overhanging unsupported portion 314 which extends longitudinally along a side of the /0 finisher decking board 300. The unsupported portion 312 has a stepped profile 316 which corresponds to the recess 118 provided at the second side of the decking board 100.

As will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the finisher decking board 300 is configured such that, when the finisher decking board 300 is placed adjacent and engaged with a decking board 100, the stepped profile 316 of the unsupported portion 314 of the finisher decking board 300 is received in the recess 118 of the decking board 100 to provide a continuous decking surface. The unsupported portion 314 is also supported mid-span by the free edge of the upstanding wall 124 of the decking board 100 and covers the channel 122 of the decking board 100. Mechanical fixings such as screws or bolts can also be provided through a projection of the lower surface 304 on the other side of the finisher decking board 300 so as to fix the finisher decking board 300 to an underlying support surface such as a beam.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate decking 400 comprising a starter decking board 200, two decking boards 100a, 100b, and a finisher decking board 300. The decking 400 is constructed by fixing the starter decking board 200 in place with mechanical fixings 402 provided in the channel 222 of the starter decking board 200. Next, the decking board 100a is positioned adjacent to the starter decking board 200 thereby covering the channel 222 and mechanical fixings 402 for the starter decking board 200. Next, the decking board 100a is fixed in place with mechanical fixings 404 in the channel 122a of the decking board 100a. Next, the decking board 100b is positioned adjacent to the decking board /0 100a thereby covering the channel 122a and mechanical fixings 404 for the decking board 100a. Figure 5 illustrates the joint between the decking board 100a and decking board 100b in greater detail. Next, the decking board 100b is fixed in place with mechanical fixings 406 in the channel 122b of the decking board 100b. Next, the finisher decking board 300 is positioned adjacent to the /5 decking board 100b thereby covering the channel 122b and mechanical fixings 406 for the decking board 100b. Finally, the finisher decking board 300 is fixed in place with mechanical fixings 408 in the projecting lower surface 304 of the finisher decking board 300. It will be appreciated that different shapes and sizes of decking can be provided with different numbers and lengths of decking boards.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A decking board, the decking board comprising a substantially planar upper surface, the upper surface being supported by one or more webs and having a substantially unsupported portion which extends longitudinally along a first side of the decking board, the decking board further comprising an open channel which extends longitudinally along a second side of the decking board, wherein the decking board is configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the unsupported portion of one of the decking boards covers the channel of the other of the decking boards.
2. A decking board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the decking board is of unitary construction.
3. A decking board as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the decking board is formed of a metallic material.
4. A decking board as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the decking board /5 is formed of aluminium or aluminium alloy.
5. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decking board is powder coated.
6. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decking board has a substantially planar lower surface, with the upper 20 surface being separated from the lower surface by the one or more webs.
7. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decking board is configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the upper surface of one of the decking boards is adjacent the upper surface of the other of the decking boards.
-20 - 8. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decking board is configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the edge of the unsupported portion adjacent the first side of one of the decking boards is received under the edge of the upper surface adjacent the second side of the other of the decking boards.
9. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decking board is configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, a lower surface of one of the decking boards is adjacent a lower surface of the other of the decking boards.
10. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge of the upper surface adjacent the second side comprises an elongate ridge which extends longitudinally along the decking board.
11. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the edge of the unsupported portion adjacent the first side of the decking board has a first profile and the edge of the upper surface adjacent the second side of the decking board has a second profile which corresponds to the first profile, the correspondence being such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the first profile engages and/or interlocks with the second profile.
12. A decking board as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first profile comprises a stepped profile
13. A decking board as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the second profile comprises a recess. -21 -
14. A decking board as claimed in claim 13, wherein the recess is defined by the upper surface and a portion of one of the webs.
15. A decking board as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the recess is supported by one of the webs.
16. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel is at least partially defined by an upstanding wall having a free edge, the decking board being configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the unsupported portion of one of the decking boards is supported by the free edge of the upstanding wall of the other /0 of the decking boards.
17 A decking board as claimed in claim 16, wherein the decking board is configured such that, when two of the decking boards are placed adjacent one another, the unsupported portion of one of the decking boards is supported substantially mid-span by the free edge of the upstanding wall of the other of the decking boards.
18. A decking board as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface comprises one or more anti-slip features.
19. A decking board as claimed in claim 18, wherein the one or more anti-slip features comprise one or more elongate ribs which extend longitudinally 20 along the decking board.
20. A starter decking board for use with another decking board as claimed in any one of claims 1-19, the starter decking board comprising a substantially planar upper surface, the upper surface being supported by one or more webs, the starter decking board further comprising an open channel which extends -22 -longitudinally along a side of the starter decking board, wherein the starter decking board is configured such that, when said another decking board is placed adjacent the starter decking board, an unsupported portion of said another decking board covers the channel of the starter decking board.
21. A finisher decking board for use with another decking board as claimed in any one of claims 1-20, the finisher decking board comprising a substantially planar upper surface, the upper surface being supported by one or more webs and having a substantially unsupported portion which extends longitudinally along a side of the finisher decking board, wherein the finisher decking board is /0 configured such that, when the finisher decking board is placed adjacent said another decking board, the unsupported portion of the finisher decking board covers a channel of said another decking board.
22. A method of manufacturing a decking board, the method comprising forming a decking board as claimed in any one of claims 1-21.
23. A decking kit comprising plural decking boards as claimed in any one of claims 1-21.
24. Decking comprising plural decking boards as claimed in any one of claims 1-21
25. A method of constructing decking from plural decking boards as claimed in any one of claims 1-21.