A new report shows the timber frame industry lost some market share during 2009 but also suggests it will outgrow other forms of construction over the coming years.
The timbertrends market report, compiled on behalf of the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA), says timber frame’s share of the new homes market went down to 24.4% (2008: 25.8%).
The volume of timber frame housing units reduced by 25% to 26,037, while non-timber frame saw a 19.1% reverse to 80,713 starts.
The industry’s market share in Scotland fell to 67.8%, but rose in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to 17%, 21.6% and 10.1% respectively.
But the report also shows that the rate of loss of volume for non-timber frame social housing was double that of timber frame in the same period.
It also predicts that timber frame will grow faster than any other form of construction over the next two years – timber frame rising 32% by 2012, compared to 13% for other construction methods.
“This report signals the timber frame industry is expected to return to growth in 2011 and 2012, despite the housing market generally continuing to struggle,” said UKTFA chairman Geoff Arnold.
Mr Arnold said the government’s drive towards zero carbon new homes by 2016 and the ability of the timber frame industry to meet increasing demand for better quality homes were the two major factors which would contribute to the growth.
For more on this report see the next issue of TTJ
