Builders merchant sales dropped 19.9% in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to a year ago, according to a Builders Merchant Federation Survey.
Sales dipped 17.5% from the preceding quarter, while sales for the whole of 2008 fell overall by 9.3%.
The BMF said its survey paints a consistent picture, with all regions reporting a significant fall in fourth quarter sales. The East Midlands (-27.9%) and East Anglia (-27%) fared worst, while London (-7.1%) and the south-east (-12.7%) performed comparatively better.
