by Freedonia Industry Studies
December 3, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred many US consumers to spend more time outdoors. Not only does this minimize the spread of disease, but being outdoors has granted people the opportunity to have the gatherings of family and friends – birthdays, graduations, and other social events – that would have otherwise missed (even if in a limited and socially distanced capacity). Two recent announcements of plant expansions indicate that Americans will continue to embrace outdoor living for 2021.
One – an announcement by MoistureShield Composite Decking of an expansion of its Springdale, Arkansas, production facility – shows the continuing strength of the decking market. Freedonia experts have previously discussed the growing demand for decks in the US, which have been installed to provide space for social gatherings, outdoor dining, and play areas for children. Decks add living space to a home and simultaneously allow people to more safely gather in small groups.
The second announcement – by plastic furniture manufacturer Poly-Wood – reported that the company will construct a new and larger production center at its Indiana headquarters, boosting its capacity to make Adirondack chairs and other outdoor furnishings. As people add decks to their homes, they will also need chairs, tables, and other items to make them fully functional living spaces. Furthermore, homeowners with front porches and patios – or those who simply want to sit in the front yard – will also buy plastic chairs to provide all-weather seating that will not rot or require frequent care, as well commercial spaces hoping to expand outdoor seating for guests.
For more information and discussion of opportunities, see The Freedonia Group’s extensive collection of off-the-shelf research, particularly such studies as Fencing, Wood & Competitive Decking, Outdoor Furniture & Grills, Outdoor Kitchens, and WPC & Plastic Lumber. Freedonia also offers an expanding catalog of COVID-19 Economic Impact reports, which highlight how various industries are responding to the current crisis with a comparison to recent recessions. Freedonia Custom Research is also available for questions requiring tailored market intelligence.