The decking industry’s rapid growth shows no signs of relenting, with the Timber Decking Association (TDA) reporting a 200% increase in enquiries between January and the end of May compared to the same period in 2001.

Howarth (Timber Importers) Ltd has also stepped up production of its Arbordeck decking range after April sales were double the expected figure.

Extra shifts have been laid on at the company’s New Holland plant to cope with demand after sales exceeded 2,500m3 in April, against a forecast of 1,250m3. A sales increase for Contemporary smooth deck boards was particularly noticeable.

Arbordeck business manager Terry Blackwood said: “Business is booming. We forecast a significant increase in sales this year, but it seems the consumer demand for decking is still growing at an amazing rate.”

Steve Young, secretary of the TDA said the growth does not surprise him.

&#8220Enquiries from consumers to the Timber Decking Association are running at record levels.”

Steve Young, Timber Decking Association secretary

He said: “Enquiries from consumers direct to the TDA are currently running at record levels. Between January and the end of May 2002, requests for information about sources of quality assessed decking components or TDA registered installers have increased by 200% over the corresponding period in 2001.”

Meanwhile, The Deck Supply Company, also reports brisk business for its Canadian western red cedar decking.

Managing director Nick Taylor said: “May was our best month ever and was 50% up on our previous best month.”

The firm recently moved from Ealing to the Wyevale Garden Centre at Osterley, Middlesex, where it has its own garden display area and can help customers with design guidance. Its decking has featured on the BBC‘s Home Front in the Garden programme.