American Softwoods forecasts a 15% rise in sales of timber decking in the UK this year.
Its prediction is in line with earlier projections from the Timber Decking Association of double-digit growth for 2003.
European marketing director for American Softwoods Eddie Pearce said: “Rising house values in the first half of the year combined with a long hot summer are two contributing factors, along with evidence that awareness and appreciation of timber decking is at an all-time high.
“Homeowners in America have long appreciated the aesthetic qualities of timber decking and the long-life peace of mind provided by treated southern pine, which is proven to be the world’s trongest softwood. The same is increasingly true in the UK, although decking didn’t really take off until the mid-1990s when it was popularised by television programmes such as Ground Force.”
