Cleveland – April 23, 2009 -- Although demand for wood decking in the US is projected to advance less than one percent annually through 2013, demand for alternative decking will grow nearly ten percent per year, according to a study released by The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.

Demand for wood-plastic composite decking is forecast to rise 9.5 percent per year to 700 million lineal feet, while demand for plastic and other decking is projected to advance 9.7 percent annually to 135 million lineal feet in 2013. Overall, demand for decking will reach 3.6 billion lineal feet, valued at $5.2 billion.

Consumers will be attracted to alternative decking materials because of their long lifespans, minimal maintenance requirements, and imperviousness to degradation caused by general wear and tear and long-term exposure to moisture. In addition to its performance characteristics, gains in demand for composite decking will be encouraged by its close resemblance to natural wood, its ability to be cut like wood decking, and the perception that it is an environmentally friendly material, due to the use of reclaimed plastics in its production. Advances in demand for plastic decking will be driven by the high durability of this product, making it ideal for use in public parks, commercial spaces, and such facilities as dockyards and marinas.

Wood decking will continue to account for the majority of decking demand in volume and value terms. Demand for wood decking is forecast to rise less than one percent annually to 2.8 billion lineal feet in 2013. Advances will be restrained by heavy competition from other materials, although increasing consumer interest in tropical hardwoods, such as ipe, will offer some bright spots.

The residential market, which accounted for 61 percent of total decking demand in 2008, will continue to account for the majority of decking demand through 2013, posting 2.6 percent annual growth rates. Advances will be boosted by consumers adding amenities to their existing decks, such as outdoor kitchens, spas and hot tubs, and areas for other activities. Not only do these larger decks require deck boards, but many homeowners will install additional railings and other accessories to separate areas of the deck, in order to enhance the safety of their decks by preventing falls by small children or older adults. Further gains will be derived from an expected recovery in new housing construction from the low level in 2008.