Decking manufacturer Arbordeck has reported “unprecedented” interest in its timber products from organisations and companies looking to meet the new Disability Discrimination Act.

The New Holland-based firm said it enjoyed big demand throughout the past year, particularly during the summer months, as organisations raced to meet the legislation’s October 1 deadline. The law is designed to ensure disabled people have proper access to facilities.

Arbordeck said managers of specialist premises have discovered decking can solve their access issues and site challenges in a new way.

&#8220Despite the cynics who claimed this TV makeover show-inspired trend wouldn’t last, decking is still big business ”

Arbordeck business manager Terry Blackwood

Business manager Terry Blackwood said pubs, leisure clubs and schools had found decking to be cost-effective, easy to install and ideal for use on steep, sloping sites. He said the company’s anti-slip Aggredeck board, designed for busy public areas, had been well received since its May launch.

Mr Blackwood added: “Despite the cynics who claimed this TV makeover show-inspired trend wouldn’t last, decking is still big business, and we have noticed a definite shift in our customer base as the commercial sector acknowledges the benefits consumers have been enjoying for the past five years.”