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The domestic decking and landscaping materials market was estimated
at approximately £920m in 2007 having experienced only moderate
rates of growth since 2004. The market has experienced more subdued
market conditions in 2006-08 than in the earlier years of the
current decade, mainly due to a combination of increasing pressures
on disposable incomes and particularly poor weather conditions
during the summer months of 2007-08.
The soft
landscaping sector accounts for around 45% of the domestic market
and has benefited from renewed consumer interest in growing plants
and particularly vegetables. However, increasing imports and a
wider range of distribution channels for soft landscaping products
has added to the competitive nature of the sector.
The hard landscaping sector has been affected by
constraints on consumer spending in the current climate and, in
particular, by the growing uncertainty within the housing market.
Larger-scale projects involving paving and decking are more likely
to be deferred and a major slowdown in housemoving will also impact
on the sector – though some homeowners will adopt the attitude of
‘don’t move…improve’ which will help underpin the market to some
extent. |
After a period of strong growth, the domestic decking
market has been more subdued over the last 2 years, partially as a result
of weakening consumer confidence, but also reflecting the growing maturity
of the market and the much lower TV and media profile in recent years.
Softwood products dominate with over 85% though wood / polymer composites
have gained wider consumer acceptance.
Personalisation of home and garden space is still a
significant trend, and ‘instant gratification’ and/or ‘instant effect ’
still motivate a high level of garden and outdoor purchases, Emerging
trends have included ‘grow-your-own’ fruit and vegetables, an emphasis on
functionality as well as style and appearance, plus a focus on ‘green’ and
wildlife-friendly gardening, energy and water efficiency, and sustainable
and ethical sourcing.
The supply and distribution of decking and landscaping
materials remains extremely fragmented given the wide range of products
involved, the growing impact of imports in key sectors such as plants &
decking, and the fragmented supply structure – particularly in the soft
landscaping sector.
The outlook for the market currently remains difficult
to predict given the economic uncertainty within the UK economy. The state
of the housing market is a key influence in the domestic decking and
landscaping market and indications are that the lack of confidence,
particularly in new housebuilding and housemoving, is likely to continue
into 2009 and possibly 2010. This is likely to lead to market decline to
2009, before a measure of recovery in 2010, followed by marginal annual
growth to 2012 as the market recovers when the market is expected to reach
around £950m.
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