Building Index (BMBI) report, published in December, total builders merchants sales were flat in October 2020 compared to the same month in 2019. However, timber sales shone over the same period.
Year-On-Year
Total year-on-year sales were only 0.2% higher, with only two product categories selling more, led by landscaping (+16.5%). Timber and joinery products (+5%) had its highest monthly turnover since BMBI data was first recorded in July 2014. Sales were driven by carcassing (treated and untreated), timber battens, softwood, hardwood, pre-cut timber, panels, planks, stud work, partitions, roof trusses and porches.
Quarter-On-Quarter
Overall sales in August to October were up 1.5% compared with the same three months in 2019, with one less trading day in 2020. Timber and joinery sales increased by 4.7%. Compared with the previous three months (May to July), total sales were up 10.9% with all but one category (landscaping) reporting better sales over this period.
Month-On-Month
Total merchants sales decreased by 1.8% in October compared to September. Five product categories sold more in October, including timber and joinery products (+1.3%). Three categories were weaker than merchants generally, including landscaping (-15.8%) and heavy building materials (-2.1%).
Index
October’s BMBI index was 126.4, with timber and joinery products strongest at 141.1.
