DIY multiples had a £550m slice of the £7.8bn UK timber and glazing market during 2003, according to new research.

Cheltenham-based AMA Research Ltd said the DIY sheds’ involvement in the sector, which also includes uPVC windows and doors and composites, was primarily in doors and windows.

The overall timber and glazing market grew by around 3% on 2002, with sawn/planed timber accounting for 41% of products sold.

Timber and builders merchants had an estimated 25-30% of the total timber products channel.

AMA said the total timber market at merchant selling prices was worth more than £6bn in 2003, a rise of 6% on the previous year.

More details are available in the company’s newly-published reports “DIY Multiples Market UK 2004” and “Building and Home Improvement Products Distribution UK 2004”.