Demand for timber and semi-finishd timber products is forecast to increase each year between 2004-2008, according to a report from Manchester-based Market & Business Development Ltd.
In its UK Timber Distribution Market Development Report it predicts annual growth of between 1-2%, with the market expected to reach £3178m in 2008.
It says the environmental image of timber combined with the popularity of the “natural” look is likely to boost demand.
Builders’ carpentry and joinery should see an annual increase of between 1-2% and strong market growth is anticipated in the added-value sector.
MBD also believes that timber windows will gain market share over plastic, particularly in the new build housing sector, and that exterior timber doors will prove increasingly popular.
Timber frame housing also has potential for strong real term market growth, as does decking and wood based flooring.
The sawmilling and planing sector is forecast to grow by 4% by 2008 and the value of sales of semi-finishd timber products could increase by 6%.
MBD says MDF will do particularly well, but increasing production capacity is likely to affect prices which will slow the rate of market growth recorded in recent years.
