Flooring system

Abstract

A flooring system (1000) has at least two parallel rails (1006) defining outwardly extending flanges (1084, 1086), a baseboard (1008) having a constant baseboard cross section along a first baseboard axis The baseboard cross section has an upper wall (1140) defining an upper contact surface (1126) having a plurality of fastener receiving channels (1154), a first side wall (1132) and a second side wall (1134). The baseboard (1008) is supported on the flanges of the rails with the first baseboard axis extending perpendicular to the rails, such that the first side wall and second side wall are in contact with the flanges of the rails.

Description

Flooring systemTechnical Field

[0001] The present application is concerned with a flooring system. More specifically the present invention is concerned with an elevated flooring system for exterior use on patios, decks, building roof terraces and so on.Background Art

[0002] Raised flooring systems are commonly used in exterior design projects. Several pedestals are put into position onto which joists are placed which in turn support a flooring surface such as decking boards or paving slabs. Such systems are visually appealing, offer enhanced drainage and can level off uneven floor surfaces.

[0003] One such system utilises rails which are positioned on, and perpendicular to, the joists to form a lattice. The rails each define a central channel for receiving a spacer component, and side channels for receiving seals. Paving slabs are then supported on adjacent rails, supported by the seals and separated by the spacers. Such a system is disclosed in the applicant's earlier patent application WO 2020 / 165103.

[0004] Another such system secures decking panels (which tend to be elongate compared to paving slabs, and can be constructed from materials such as composites and aluminium) which are directly secured to the joists. Such a system is described in the applicant's earlier patent GB2582618.

[0005] Often it is desirable to attach items to the upper surface of elevated floor systems, for example planters. One way of providing such functionality is to provide a sub-floor which can receive e.g. fasteners or other attachment means and can support and distribute high loads.

[0006] Sub-floors have been proposed, and one such solution utilises formed sheet material. This is sub-optimal in terms of it ability to receive fixings and carry loads.

[0007] It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved sub-floor system for elevated flooring.Summary of Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flooring system comprising: at least two parallel rails; a baseboard having a constant baseboard cross section along a first baseboard axis, the baseboard cross section defining: an upper wall defining an upper contact surface having a plurality of fastener receiving channels; a first side wall; and, a second side wall; wherein the baseboard is supported on the rails.

[0009] By "constant cross section" we mean the baseboard has the same cross section from end to end, along the axis, and that any slice taken along its axis is identical. Advantageously this type of baseboard may be extruded providing something which, in combination with the rails, makes for a system well suited to attachment of e.g. planters and also able to take high loads. Unlike formed sheet components, extruded components can include strength enhancing features such as variable thickness sections and closed, endless loop sections.

[0010] Preferably the baseboard cross section defines a plurality of downwardly depending legs extending below the fixing channels.

[0011] Preferably at least one of the fastener receiving channels has a leg on either side thereof.

[0012] Preferably between each of the plurality of fastener receiving channels, there is provided at least one leg.

[0013] Preferably a leg is provided between every adjacent pair of fastener receiving channels in the baseboard.

[0014] The upper wall may define thread engaging projections on the underside of the upper wall opposite each channel.

[0015] The thread engaging projections may be parallel, offset walls.

[0016] The rails may define outwardly extending flanges, and wherein the baseboard is supported on the flanges of the rails.

[0017] The baseboard cross section may comprise a channel having a channel base, the channel base in contact with the flanges of the rails and attached thereto.

[0018] The channel base may be attached to the flanges of the rails with a screw.

[0019] The central channel may comprises outwardly extending foot portions in contact with the flanges of the rails.

[0020] Each side wall may define an inwardly projecting support foot in contact with the flanges of the rails.

[0021] The rail may define an upper surface, the upper surface of the rail being co-planar with the upper contact surface of the baseboard.

[0022] The rail may define a constant cross section along a first rail axis, the first rail axis perpendicular to the first baseboard axis.

[0023] The rail may define a spacer channel in the upper surface configured to receive a paving spacer.

[0024] The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a flooring system according to any preceding claim, the method comprising the steps of: extruding the baseboard; assembling the baseboard with the at least two parallel rails.

[0025] Preferably the method comprises the step of extruding the at least two parallel rails.

[0026] According to a second aspect there is provided a flooring system rail having a constant cross section along a rail axis, the cross section defining: an upper wall having a flooring support surface defining at least one channel for receiving a further flooring component; a first side wall having a first outwardly extending flange;a second side wall having a second outwardly extending flange; a recess between the flanges for receiving part of a further support component.

[0027] The recess may be a channel for receiving a screw for attaching a decking member on the support surface.

[0028] The recess may be a channel for receiving a paving spacer for spacing two paving members on the support surface.

[0029] The support surface may comprise at least one further channel for receiving a seal for a paving member on the support surface.

[0030] The channel for receiving a paving spacer may be defined in an inward projection from the upper wall, with two internal channels defined on either side of the inward projection for receiving respective projections of a further support component.

[0031] The invention also provides a flooring system comprising: a plurality of pedestals; a plurality of parallel, offset joists supported on the pedestals; a plurality of rails according to the second aspect, mounted perpendicular to the joists and secured thereto via the outwardly extending flanges.

[0032] The invention also provides a flooring system comprising: a plurality of pedestals; a plurality of parallel, offset rails according to the second aspect, mounted to receive part of the pedestals within the respective recesses.

[0033] The invention also provides a flooring system comprising: a plurality of pedestals; a plurality of parallel, offset joists supported on the pedestals; a plurality of rails according to the second aspect, mounted parallel to, and receiving each joist within the recess.

[0034] The first and second aspects may be combined.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a flooring system pedestal comprising: a support portion having a base and two spaced apart flanges, each flange defining an inwardly extending indentation.

[0036] The inwardly extending indentations may be coincident with openings in the flanges.

[0037] The inwardly extending indentations may form recesses for fastener heads on the outer surface of each flange.

[0038] The openings may be slots, and a plurality of indentations may be positioned along each slot.Brief Description of Drawings

[0039] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which:FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention;FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 3 is a side view of a pedestal of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 3a is a perspective view of a part of the pedestal of Figure 3;FIGURE 3b is a section perspective view of a part of the pedestal of Figure 3;FIGURE 4 is a side view of an assembly of a pedestal and joist of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 4;FIGURE 6 is an end view of a rail of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 7 is a plan view of a baseboard of the embodiment of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 8 is an end view of a baseboard of Figure 8;FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the first embodiment with parts of a planter installed;FIGURE 10 is a section view of a second embodiment of the present invention;FIGURE 1 1 is an end view of a third embodiment of the present invention;FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present inventionFIGURE 13 is an end view of an alternative baseboard design; and,FIGURE 14 is a detail view of region XIV of Figure 13.Description of the first embodiment

[0040] Figures 1 to 9 show a first embodiment of a flooring system 1000 according to the present invention.Configuration

[0041] The flooring system comprises a plurality of pedestals 1002, a plurality of joists 1004, a plurality of rails 1006 and a plurality of baseboards 1008.Pedestal 1002

[0042] The pedestal 1002 is shown in more detail in Figure 3. It comprises a base 1010 and a head 1012.

[0043] The base 1010 comprises a foot 1014 having a ground contact surface 1016. The foot 1014 is generally square having openings 1018 for mechanical fasteners. Atthe centre of the foot 1014 there is provided a shaft 1020 having an external thread 1022.

[0044] The head 1012 comprises a U-shaped support portion 1024 connected to an open shaft 1026. The support portion 1024 is shown in more detail in Figures 3a and 3b. It comprises a base 1028 and two upstanding flanges 1030, 1032 at either side forming a U- shape. Each flange 1030, 1032 defines a respective opening in the form of a slot 1038, 1040. The slots 1038, 1040 are elongate and extend parallel to the base 1028. Three circular, indented portions, 1034, 1036 respectively are provided at either end and midway along the slots. The indented portions are made inwardly with respect to the flanges 1030, 1032 (i.e. the portions of flange 1030 are made towards 1032 and vice versa). The indentations form three (per flange) inwardly extending, circular contact regions 1 162, 1 164. As will be explained below, the support portion is configured to fit within some components and configured to receive other components. Typically, those components need to fit in or around the support portion. It should be noted that the relationshipbetween an inner width IW and an outer width OW of the support portion is typically determined bythe thickness t ofthe material used to form the support portion flanges 1030, 1032. Specifically, if the flanges are undeformed, IW = OW - 2t. The present embodiment allows IW < OW - 2t. This is because the inner width IW is determined by the distance between the contact regions 1 162, increasing the wall thickness to t'. This avoids the need to increase t (using more material, and making the component more expensive and heavier).

[0045] The shaft 1026 comprises a grip portion 1042 distal to the support portion 1024. The shaft 1026 has an internal thread (not visible).Joist 1004

[0046] Referring to Figure 4, the joist 1004 is an extruded component (constructed from aluminium) having a constant cross section. Referring to Figure 4, the joist 1004 is a regular quadrilateral in shape having a lowerwall 1044, an upper wall 1046 and two sidewalls 1048, 1050 defining a cavity 1052. The upper wall 1046 extends past the sidewalls 1048, 1050 to define two tabs 1054, 1056. A fastener receiving groove 1058 is positioned in the centre of the upper wall 1046 and two thread receiving tabs 1060, 1062 extend downwardly towards the lower wall 1044 from the upper wall 1046.

[0047] Where the sidewalls 1048, 1050 meet the lower wall 1044, there are provided recesses in the form of channels 1064, 1066. The channels 1064, 1066 are formed by inwardly extending portions 1068, 1070 of the sidewalls. The sidewalls 1048, 1050 taper towards each other at an angle. The lower wall 1044 however extends past the inwardly tapered ends of the sidewalls 1048, 1050 and extends to the plane of the parallel portions of the respective side walls 1048, 1050. Thus, tabs 1072, 1074 are formed.Rail 1006

[0048] The rail 1006 is similar in profile to the rail described in applicant's previous application WO 2020 / 165103. The rail is an extruded component (constructed from aluminium) having a constant cross section extruded, or extending, along a rail axis RX.

[0049] The rail 1006 is generally rectangular in section having a lower contact surface 1076 in three parts (central part 1076a and distal parts 1076b,c) and an upper contact surface 1078 in two parts (1078a, b).

[0050] The rail 1006 is generally symmetrical about a central rail plane CRP, parallel to the rail axis RX. The rail 1006 defines two outer walls 1080, 1082, each of which has an attachment flange 1084, 1086 defined at a lower, free end. The underside of each flange 1084, 1086 defines the distal parts 1076b, c of the lower contact surface 1076. Each flangeI 084, 1086 defines a central groove 1088, 1090.

[0051] Atthe upper end of each ofthe outer walls 1080, 1082 there are inwardly projecting upper rail members 1092, 1094. Each member 1092, 1094 defines a respective part 1078a, b of the upper contact surface 1078. The members 1092, 1094 extend toward each other but do not meet, forming a central spacer mouth 1096. Each member 1092, 1094 defines a respective seal channel 1098, 1 100. Each channel 1098, 1 100 has an openingI I 02, 1 104 to the surfaces 1078a, b.

[0052] A central rail portion 1 106 is provided extending downwardly from the members 1092, 1094 defining a closed section with sidewalls 1 108, 1 1 10 and base 1 1 12, defining the central part 1076a of the contact surface 1076 (i.e. in-line with the flanges 1084, 1086). An upper wall 1 1 14 of the portion 1 106 is provided, spaced partway along the sidewalls 1 108, 1 1 10 to define a spacer channel 1 1 16 and a closed area 1 1 18 of the central rail portion 1 106. At the centre of the upper wall 1 1 14 there is provided a guide channel 1 120 having a semicircular end 1 122.

[0053] The separation between the central rail portion 1 106 and the two outer walls 1080, 1082 provides two downwardly facing channels 1 128, 1 130. The upper ends of each channel 1 128, 1 130 are curved (due to the outer surface of the channels 1098, 1 100), the inner parts of each channel 1 128, 1 130 extending further than the outer parts.Baseboard 1008

[0054] Turning to Figures 7 and 8 there is provided a baseboard 1008. The baseboard 1008 is an extruded component (constructed from aluminium) having a constant cross section extending along a baseboard axis BBX. The baseboard 1008 is of much higher width than the joist 1004 or rail 1006, forming a board configured to span a wide area as will be described below.

[0055] The baseboard 1008 is generally rectangular in section having a lower contact surface 1 124 in three parts (central part 1 124a and distal parts 1 124b, c) and an upper contact surface 1 126 in two parts (1 126a, b).

[0056] The baseboard 1008 comprises two vertical outer walls 1 132, 1 134 having inwardly projecting feet 1 136, 1 138 at a lower end. The feet define the distal parts 1 124b, c of the lower contact surface. An upper wall 1 140 extends between the outer walls 1 132, 1 134. The upper wall 1 140 is in two parts 1 142, 1 144 with two central walls 1 146, 1 148 defining a central channel 1 150 therebetween. At the bottom of the walls 1 146, 1 148 there is a channel base 1 152 defining the central part 1 124a of the lower contact surface 1 124 (i.e. it is in line with the feet 1 136, 1 138). The channel base 1 152 extends outwardly from the walls 1 146, 1 148.

[0057] The walls 1 132, 1 134 and the central channel 1 150 provide the baseboard 1 108 with an elongated, inverted "W" shape.

[0058] In the upper surface of the upper wall parts 1 142, 1 144 there are provided three equally spaced, inwardly tapered, fastener channels 1 154. The fastener channels each has a central groove 1 155. Opposite the fastener channels 1 154 (on the underside of the upper wall parts 1 142, 1 144) there are provided two spaced-apart thread receiving stub walls 1 156, 1 158.Assembly

[0059] A plurality of pedestals 1002 are positioned in a grid formation- i.e. a plurality of parallel rows, each row having the U-shaped heads of each pedestal aligned to receive a joist 1004. The pedestals 1002 may be adjusted to a consistent level by rotating the head 1012 relative to the foot 1014. The threaded connection between the head and the foot alters the height with rotation.

[0060] Joists 1004 are then positioned within the heads 1012 as shown in Figure 4. The inwardly projecting indented portions 1034, 1036 bear against the outer surfaces of the joist 1004. As shown in Figure 5, the joist 1004 is secured to each pedestal 1002 with screws. This provides a plurality of parallel, co-planar, supported joists. The slots in the pedestal heads allow the fasteners to be positioned in a plurality of positions, or any of the three positions defined by the recesses.

[0061] The rails 1006 are then positioned perpendicular to, and in contact with, the upper surface of each joist per Figures 1 and 2. This forms a lattice structure. The rails 1006 are secured to the top of the joists by securing a fastener (typically a self-tapping screw) throughthe flanges 1084, 1086 into the channel 1058 of the joists. The fastener is held by the thread receiving tabs 1060, 1062.

[0062] The baseboards 1008 are then inserted between the rails 1006, resting on each of the attachment flanges 1084, 1086. The baseboard 1008 height is selected such that the upper surface 1 126 thereof is parallel to, and level with, the upper surface 1078 of the rails 1006. In other words, the height of the baseboard 1008 is slightly less (by the thickness of the flanges 1084, 1086) than the height of the rail 1006. The baseboard axes BBX are normal to the rail axes RX.Use

[0063] The baseboards 1008 and rails 1006 form an underfloor surface that can be used to receive and spread significant loads, and also for fastening. The baseboards 1008 are provided with the fastener channels 1 154 which can receive screws to secure other components such as planters and the like to the flooring system 1000. Referring to Figure 9, planter members 1200 are secured to the baseboards 1008 with fasteners 1202.

[0064] Traditional flooring surfaces such as paving can be mounted to the rails 1006 surrounding the planter by using spacer components such as those described in the applicant's earlier patent application WO 2020 / 165103. Seals are installed in the seal channels 1098, 1 100 to provide vibration damping. It will be noted that if required, the baseboards 1008 only need to be installed in areas where additional load capacity and / or fastening are required. In other areas, flooring members such as paving slabs can simply span adjacent rails 1006 without baseboards 1008 provided thereunder.Description of the second embodiment

[0065] Figure 10 shows a second embodiment of a flooring system 2000 according to the present invention.Configuration

[0066] The flooring system 2000 comprises a plurality of pedestals 1002, a plurality of rails 1006 and a plurality of baseboards 1008. No joists 1004 are provided.Assembly

[0067] Referring to Figure 9, the rails 1006 are installed directly onto the pedestals 1002. The inner width of the rail 1006 between the outer walls 1080, 1082 is the same (or very slightly larger) than the outer width between the flanges 1030, 1032 of the pedestal 1002. Therefore the rails 1006 can be placed over the pedestals 1002 such that the head 1012 is received in the underside of the rail 1006. The lower surface 1076a of the rail 1006 central portion abuts the upper surface of the base 1028. The rail 1006 and pedestal 1002 are therefore engaged, mated or interdigitated such that lateral movement is restricted. Longitudinal (axial) movement of the rail 1006 relative to the pedestal is prevented by attachment with fasteners (self-tapping screws) through the walls 1080, 1082 into the flanges 1030, 1032.Use

[0068] The baseboards 1008 and other flooring members (such as paving slabs) are installed as described with respect to the first embodiment. The difference between the first and second embodiments is that the second embodiment is an inherently lower height single layer (as opposed to dual layer / lattice) system.Description of the third embodiment

[0069] Figure 1 1 shows a third embodiment of a flooring system 3000 according to the present invention.

[0070] The flooring system 3000 comprises a plurality of cleats 3002, a plurality of rails 1006 and a plurality of baseboards 1008. No joists 1004 are provided.

[0071] The cleat 3002 are generally U-shaped components comprising a base 3004 and two upstanding sides 3006, 3008. The base 3004 extends outwardly ofthe sides 3006, 3008 to form attachment flanges 3010, 3012. The sides 3006, 3008 each comprise shallow fastener attachment channels 3014, 3016 adjacent upper, free ends 3018, 3020.Assembly

[0072] Referring to Figure 10, the rails 1006 are installed directly onto the cleats 3002. The inner width of the rail 1006 between the outer walls 1080, 1082 is the same (or very slightly larger) than the outer width between the side walls 3006, 3008 of the cleat 3002. Thereforethe rails 1006 can be placed over the cleats 3002 such that the cleat 3002 is received in the underside of the rail 1006. The rail 1006 and cleat 3002 are therefore engaged, mated or interdigitated such that lateral movement is restricted. Longitudinal (axial) movement of the rail 1006 relative to the cleat is prevented by attachment with fasteners (self-tapping screws) through the walls 1080, 1082 into the side walls 3006, 3008.Use

[0073] The baseboards 1008 and other flooring members (such as paving slabs) are installed as described with respect to the first and second embodiment. The difference between the first and third embodiments is that the third embodiment is an inherently lower height single layer (as opposed to dual layer / lattice) system. It is also less complex (cleats are not adjustable in height).Description of the fourth embodiment

[0074] Figure 12 shows a fourth embodiment of a flooring system 4000 according to the present invention.Configuration

[0075] The flooring system 4000 comprises a plurality of pedestals 1002, a plurality of joists 1004, a plurality of carriers 4002 and a plurality of baseboards 1008 (not shown in Figure 1 1 ).

[0076] The rails 1006 shown in earlier embodiments are configured for supporting flooring members in the form of paving slabs. The spacer channel and seal channels facilitate this. In the fourth embodiment, the system 4000 is designed for mounting flooring members in the form of decking members, which are elongate and do not require spacers.

[0077] As such, a carrier 4002 is provided, which is an inverted U-shaped member having a lower contact surface in two parts (4076a, b) and an upper contact surface 4078.

[0078] The carrier 4002 defines two outer walls 4080, 4082, each of which has an attachment flange 4084, 4086 defined at a lower, free end. The underside of each flange 4084, 4086 defines the parts 4076a, b of the lower contact surface. Each flange 4084, 4086 defines a central groove 4088, 4090.

[0079] Atthe upper end of each ofthe outer walls 4080, 4082 there is an upper rail member4092. The member 4092 defines a central channel 4098.Assembly

[0080] A plurality of pedestals 1002 are positioned in a grid formation- i.e. a plurality of parallel rows, each row having the U-shaped heads of each pedestal aligned to receive a joist 1004. The pedestals 1002 may be adjusted to a consistent level by rotating the head 1012 relative to the foot 1014. The threaded connection between the head and the foot alters the height with rotation.

[0081] The joist 1004 is secured to each pedestal 1002 with screws. This provides a plurality of parallel, co-planar, supported joists.

[0082] The carriers 4002 are then positioned parallel with, over and in contact with, the upper surface of each joist. Each joist 1004 enters the inverted U of each carrier such that the top surface of each joist is in contact with the underside of the member 4092 of the carrier 4002. The flanges 4084, 4086 project outwardly, part way down the walls of the joists 1004.

[0083] The baseboards 1008 are then inserted between the carriers 4002, resting on each of the attachment flanges 4084, 4086. The baseboard 1008 height is selected such that the upper surface 1 126 thereof is parallel to, and level with, the upper surface 4078 of the carriers 4002. In other words, the height of the baseboard 1008 is slightly less (by the thickness of the flanges 4084, 4086) than the height of the carrier 4002.Use

[0084] The baseboards 1008 and carriers 4002 form an underfloor surface that can be used to receive and spread significant loads, and also for fastening. The baseboards 1008 are provided with the fastener channels 1 154 which can receive screws to secure other components such as planters and the like to the flooring system 1000.

[0085] Traditional flooring surfaces such as decking members can be mounted to the carriers 4002. It will be noted that if required, the baseboards 1008 only need to be installed in areas where additional load capacity and / or fastening are required. In other areas, flooring members such as paving slabs can simply span adjacent rails 1006 without baseboards 1008 provided thereunder.Description of the fifth embodimentBaseboard 4000

[0086] Turning to Figures 13 and 14 there is provided an alternative baseboard 5000. The baseboard 5000 is an extruded component (constructed from aluminium) having a constant cross section extending along a baseboard axis (into and out of the page). The baseboard 5000 is of much higher width than the joist 1004 or rail 1 006, forming a board configured to span a wide area as will be described below.

[0087] The baseboard 5000 is generally rectangular in section having a lower contact surface 5124 in eight parts (51 24a-h) and an upper contact surface 5126.

[0088] The baseboard 5000 comprises two vertical outer walls 5132, 51 34 having inwardly projecting feet 5136, 51 38 at a lower end. The feet define the distal parts 51 24a, h of the lower contact surface. An upper wall 5140 extends between the outer walls 51 32, 5134 and extends slightly outboard of each to define two edge flange portions 5133, 5135.

[0089] In the upper surface of the upper wall 5140 there are provided seven equally spaced, inwardly tapered, fastener channels 51 54. The fastener channels 51 54, one of which is shown in Figure 14, each has an inwardly tapered central groove 51 55 with walls angled at an internal taper angle TA. Each channel 51 54 has a flat base 51 55 with a V- shaped fastener receiving channel 51 57 at the centre thereof. Opposite the fastener channels 1 1 54 (on the underside of the upper wall 5140 there are provided two spaced- apart thread receiving stub walls 51 56, 51 58.

[0090] Extending downwardly from the upper wall 5140 (opposite to the upper contact surface 51 26) there are provided a plurality of six support legs 5500a-f. The support legs 5500a-f extend normal to the wall 51 40 and each terminates in a respective foot 5502a-f which define parts of the lower contact surface 51 24b-g.

Claims

Claims1. A flooring system comprising: at least two parallel rails; a baseboard having a constant baseboard cross section along a first baseboard axis, the baseboard cross section defining: an upper wall defining an upper contact surface having a plurality of fastener receiving channels; a first side wall; and, a second side wall; wherein the baseboard is supported on the rails.

2. A flooring system according to claim 1 , wherein the baseboard cross section defines a plurality of downwardly depending legs extending below the fixing channels.

3. A flooring system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the fastener receiving channels has a leg on either side thereof.

4. A flooring system according to claim 3, wherein between each of the plurality of fastener receiving channels, there is provided at least one leg.

5. A flooring system according to claim 4, wherein a leg is provided between every adjacent pair of fastener receiving channels in the baseboard.

6. A flooring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper wall defines thread engaging projections on the underside of the upper wall opposite each channel.

7. A flooring system according to claim 6, wherein the thread engaging projections are parallel, offset walls.

8. A flooring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the rails define outwardly extending flanges, and wherein the baseboard is supported on the flanges of the rails.

9. A flooring system according to claim 8, wherein each side wall defines an inwardly projecting support foot in contact with the flanges of the rails.

10. A flooring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail defines an upper surface, the upper surface of the rail being co-planar with the upper contact surface of the baseboard.1 1. A flooring system according to any preceding claim, wherein the rail defines a constant cross section along a first rail axis, the first rail axis perpendicular to the first baseboard axis.

12. A flooring system according to claim 10 or 1 1 wherein the rail defines a spacer channel in the upper surface configured to receive a paving spacer.

13. A flooring system according to claim 12, comprising a paving spacer engaged with the spacer channel.

14. A method of manufacturing a flooring system according to any preceding claim, the method comprising the steps of: extruding the baseboard; assembling the baseboard with the at least two parallel rails.15 A method of manufacturing a flooring system according to claim 14, comprising the step of: extruding the at least two parallel rails.

16. A flooring system rail having a constant cross section along a rail axis, the cross section defining: an upper wall having a flooring support surface defining at least one channel for receiving a further flooring component; a first side wall having a first outwardly extending flange; a second side wall having a second outwardly extending flange; a recess between the flanges for receiving part of a further support component.1 7. A flooring system rail according to claim 16, wherein the recess is a channel for receiving a screw for attaching a decking member on the support surface.

18. A flooring system rail according to claim 16, wherein the recess is a channel for receiving a paving spacer for spacing two paving members on the support surface.

19. A flooring system rail according to claim 18, wherein the support surface comprises at least one further channel for receiving a seal for a paving member on the support surface.

20. A flooring system rail according to any of claims 18 to 19, wherein the channel for receiving a paving spacer is defined in an inward projection from the upper wall, with two internal channels defined on either side of the inward projection for receiving respective projections of a further support component.

21. A flooring system comprising: a plurality of pedestals; a plurality of parallel, offset joists supported on the pedestals; a plurality of rails according to any of claims 16 to 20, mounted perpendicular to the joists and secured thereto via the outwardly extending flanges.

22. A flooring system comprising: a plurality of pedestals; a plurality of parallel, offset rails according to any of claims 16 to 20, mounted to receive part of the pedestals within the respective recesses.

23. A flooring system comprising: a plurality of pedestals; a plurality of parallel, offset joists supported on the pedestals; a plurality of rails according to claim 16, mounted parallel to, and receiving each joist within the recess.

24. A flooring system according to any of claims 1 to 13, combined with the flooring system of any of claims 21 to 23.

25. A flooring system pedestal comprising: a support portion having a base and two spaced apart flanges, each flange defining an inwardly extending indentation.

26. A flooring system pedestal according to claim 25, wherein the inwardly extending indentations are coincident with openings in the flanges.

27. A flooring system pedestal according to claim 26, wherein the inwardly extending indentations form recesses for fastener heads on the outer surface of each flange.

28. A flooring system pedestal according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the openings are slots, and a plurality of indentations are positioned along each slot.

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