The Timber Decking Association (TDA) has scotched claims made in a Daily Mail news report that timber decking is going out of fashion.
A recent article in the newspaper quoted a lawn care specialist Green Thumb survey (of 2,000 people) which found that the number of homeowners replacing wooden decks with grass was at an “all-time high”.
Green Thumb spokesperson said decking had been a “fad” and people had missed their lawns, while concerns over decks’ effects on wildlife had also made people change their minds.
But Steve Young, TDA operations director, said the suggestion of decking’s demise was “hugely misinformed”.
He said the timber decking market recovered in 2010 to a value of around £135m – the equivalent of the market peak in 2007.
And decking material suppliers which make up the TDA manufacturing sector were reporting growth in DeckMark quality-assessed materials for the first four months of 2011 which, if maintained, would see the market worth £140m by the end of 2011.
“The facts speak for themselves,” said Mr Young. “2011 is turning out to be an excellent year for the timber deck, demonstrating that demand for outdoor wood has held up well in the recent uncertain economic times.”
He said continuing low interest rates, good spring weather, the additional bank holiday for the Royal wedding and the trend to improve rather than move had all played a part in the growth. Product innovation and an expansion of material choice available – such as hardwoods from sustainable sources and modified woods – had also played a part.
The TDA estimated the market in 2010 was split roughly 55% domestic and 45% commercial, with the latter seeing strong demand for “enhanced grip” boards, where an anti-slip compound is inserted in board grooves.
Softwoods account for 80% of all decking consumed in the UK, with hardwoods at 17% and composite decks (wood/plastic) at 3%.
