Decking balustrade manufacturers are optimistic for the year ahead after a slight slowdown in the second half of last year. Decking sales were very positive for Richard Burbidge,” said Paul Martin, group product and marketing manager at parent company Archwood Group.
“The poor weather conditions had a slight knock-on effect on the number of outdoor projects undertaken but on the whole we were very pleased with the results, given the challenging circumstances.
“The forecasts for 2018 are strong, so we are looking forward to a good year ahead.” Cheshire Mouldings had a similar experience.
“We were very busy for the majority of 2017 although we noticed that it quietened down around July,” said John Carney, managing director. “However, this year has started off particularly well, with our pallet deals [of spindles, newels or rails] being a huge success.”
Sales of the deck kits the company launched last year have “taken off”, he added.
In terms of design, Richard Burbidge expects the trend towards high-end glass, timber and metal decking balustrades that was evident in 2017 to continue throughout this year. Its Fusion system combines round hardwood handrails with aluminium rails and newels and it can be co-ordinated with softwood, hardwood or composite decking. “As the average house size shrinks, every inch of available living space is becoming more and more important to homeowners,” said Mr Martin. “We are seeing balustrades used more and more to create the impression of an ‘outdoor room’, adding to the feeling of spaciousness and blurring the boundaries between inside and out.”
As reported elsewhere in this issue, wood plastic composite (WPC) decking is on the march but balustrade manufacturers aren’t hurrying to jump on the bandwagon. “We are still looking at the composite market,” said Mr Carney. “It is important to find the right quality products to add to the range within a suitable price point. There is nothing planned for Q1 or Q2.”
Richard Burbidge is also keeping a close eye on WPC but while it recognises its growth it sees “far greater opportunities” with timber, metal and glass products.
“However, we have been promoting our balustrading range with composite decking systems,” said Mr Martin. “The reception to this has been good, so as the market grows we expect this solution to develop accordingly.” Richard Burbidge has a new leadership team in place (headed up by Tony Miles, chief executive of the Archwood Group) and has concentrated on developing a new strategy that places merchants at the forefront of the business.
It won’t elaborate on specific decking product plans just now but is promising “new processes in place to ensure an improved service and an increased range of products”. “This year we will be launching a new range of products and services that will broaden the offering for our customers,” said Mr Martin.
Meanwhile, Cheshire Mouldings has improved its Modern Deck range of aluminium decking.
“We are continually striving to create new products and develop our existing ranges to provide our customers with the best products we can,” said Mr Carney.
