U.S. demand for decking is projected to advance 2.8 percent per year through 2009, according to a study by the Cleveland-based market research firm the Freedonia Group.
According to the study, composite decking will provide the strongest growth opportunities, posting 15 percent annual growth through 2009 to almost 900 million board feet.
The Freedonia study predicts that demand for composite decking will be fueled by its high durability and low maintenance requirements, as well as by product advances that provide a more realistic wood appearance. Other alternative decking materials such as plastic and aluminum are also predicted to show strong growth.
Despite significant competition from alternative decking materials, wood will remain the dominant material used to produce and repair decks in the United States, accounting for 81 percent of total decking demand in 2009. Pressure-treated wood in particular will continue to benefit from its lower price compared to other woods and alternative decking materials.
However, the Freedonia study predicts that demand for wood decking is forecast to expand only 1 percent annually through 2009, a significantly slower pace than the overall market.
According to the Freedonia Group, the U.S. decking market has seen a shift in product mix in recent years. In 1994, wood decking materials accounted for 97 percent of volume demand, with only minimal use of alternative decking materials. Between 1994 and 2004, the replacement of natural wood materials with alternatives accelerated significantly.
The full study, “Wood & Competitive Decking,” is available for purchase through the Freedonia Group at www.freedoniagroup.com.