Timber decking hit the market with force at the turn of the century. Back then, the choice of materials from which to build your deck was relatively limited. The market is very different today.
For those specifying materials for a decking project, there’s bound to be some confusion. From a simple choice of softwood, we’re now facing an ever-growing variety of materials to consider, each of which with its own characteristics.
Decking is now manufactured in softwoods, hardwoods, modified woods and wood polymer composites (WPC) – and even bamboo, a grass, is entering the scene. And that’s before we consider the many different styles such as smooth, castellated or grooved, ribbed, reeded, grassed, gripenhanced, pre-coloured and charred.
From a retail perspective, commodity timber decking sales have been affected by the inroads of WPC, anti-slip has held its own and the premium solid timber decking market – particularly the high-end tropical hardwood market – is feeling the presence of WPC decking. American Softwoods reports a good year for sales of southern yellow pine (SYP) for decking and landscaping in general. The organisation added that WPC has had a fairly neutral impact on SYP sales, taking away from deck board sales a little but increasing
general demand for quality framing material. “With its 30-year rot and decay warranty it has certainly been the go-to sub-frame material for some of the larger composite deck installation teams and this trend looks set to continue in 2019,” said a spokesperson. So, is this a cost-driven trend? Not at all. The drive for innovation in the marketplace is due to the promise of better performance and less maintenance, coupled with the desire for different visual appeals. A stylish deck is a statement. End-users want more choice – and they’re getting it but not necessarily at the right quality.
TDCA members talk of the due diligence required in their decision-making process when it comes to WPC. Recent adopter, Timbmet, which signed up with Composite Prime last October, said its list of ‘must haves’ drastically limited its choice, but it eventually took the plunge with an option that “not only ticked all our own criteria, but surpassed our expectations”, according to Paul Holstead, commercial director (TTJ November 2018). Meanwhile, deck supplier, Gripsure, says it’s seen a rise in specifiers wishing to address environmental concerns. For this reason, the company has recently added Accoya to its range of options. Accoya decking boasts a service life of 60 years and is backed by a 50-year.
TDCA WIDENS MEMBERSHIP
It was a logical step for the TDCA to embrace new materials given that many existing members are starting to work with them in addition to wood. As a result, membership is now open to manufacturers and retailers of good quality WPC deck boards.
There’s a key benefit to this move by the Association. As an impartial authority for the decking market, the TDCA will help to maintain quality standards across a market that offers variable performance. The TDCA will help to drive standards and best practice, benefiting all parties. Outdoor decking is a considerable market for the timber industry and we don’t want performance issues to undermine the credibility of the product.
NOT JUST ABOUT THE BOARDS
Whilst it can be easy to think of decking as the boards alone, there are many interdependent components that come together to create a first-class deck.
Posts, beams, joists, noggins, fixings, fasteners, joist hangers, screws, nails and bolts all have an influence on overall performance both from a material perspective but also how they are installed – an experienced installer is a must.
When it comes to the sub-structure, timber continues to occupy the lion’s share of the market, thanks to its strength and durability in above and in-ground contact.
Some commercial developments are opting for a steel sub-structure. Clearly, there will be cost and environmental concerns around this.
Fixings are often the unsung hero of a deck and yet they are incredibly important. They need to be correctly specified and correctly installed to avoid problems developing over time. Innovation in fixings follows development in board materials and this is mainly down to aesthetics.
Fixings manufacturer, Simpson Strong-Tie, reports increased sales in fixings for WPC deck boards and said its stainless-steel fixings with colour-coded heads are doing particularly well. With fixings trends a good barometer for market trends, Simpson Strong-Tie is also being asked for WPC-to-metal fixings.
We’re seeing innovation in accessories too. Cheshire Mouldings now provides deck railing kits that can add a modern enhancement to existing or new decks. Whether it’s additional safety or individual styling, demand is increasing for options such as these.
TIMBER SET TO RAISE ITS GAME
Competition must always be a good thing and this is certainly the case in decking.
A team of TDCA members has developed a “think tank” to determine how the market might better communicate the positive attributes of timber – the original, natural decking material. Potentially extending the existing DeckMark quality scheme, timber is set to raise its game in the market.
Adam Pulfer, marketing development and technical director at Hoppings Softwood Products, is a great advocate for innovation. “Product development has been the key ingredient in maintaining the success of timber decking over the years,” he said, citing the company’s Q-Deck Shades range. Q-Deck Shades transforms exterior softwood timber with a translucent, colour-washed appearance, enabling the grain to remain visible.
The outcome of the TDCA think tank is yet to be known, but the sentiment is clear. It’s time to show resolve in a competitive marketplace. Product development is necessary for all decking materials – and that includes timber.
There’s certainly more to come. And now that the TDCA can embrace WPC decking, we can provide impartial guidance and advice on the material.
Consumer attitudes are going to have a big part to play in future trends. Our love of decking is not disputed. But which materials lead the pack will depend on many things.
From a practical point of view, service life and maintenance requirements will play a part. Life is busy and nobody wants to install something in their garden that will turn into another chore. Products that deliver on this factor will always win favour.
Aesthetics will continue to form trends. With decking an extension of our homes and personalities, we want to emulate the styles of the moment. And we want individuality. This comes down to choice at all levels – from boards to fixings and accessories.
Sustainability and environmental concerns are likely to become more prominent. Just look at the ever-growing drive to reduce certain waste materials to see what changing attitudes can achieve. Cradle-to-grave credentials for deck materials, whatever they are made from, must be carefully managed. Manufacturers and specifiers must also consider their potential for re-usability and recycling. In my opinion, waste will become a key driver of material choice.
So, successful deck manufacturers and retailers need to have their fingers on the pulse. And this is one way the TDCA helps its members. Poised to support and guide the entire market, we’re ready for the challenge.
