Fencing

Report Overview

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This study analyzes US demand for fencing by material, market, and region. Fencing demand is provided in value terms and in linear feet for materials and markets, and in value terms for regions.

Study Information and Summary

Fencing demand is segmented into the following material types:

• metal – including chain link, wire, ornamental, and pipe made from some such metals as steel, aluminum, and iron
• wood – including privacy, picket, post and rail, split rail, lattice, and worm – prefabricated or assembled on-site
• plastic and composite, including vinyl, HDPE, polypropylene, and other plastics, and composites
• concrete, including concrete blocks, precast concrete, and spray-in-place/poured-in-place concrete
• other materials, including stone, brick, bamboo, reed, and twigs

Fences constructed with more than one material (e.g., wire fencing with wood posts) are categorized by the primary material used to span the area between posts. For example, wire fencing with wood posts is considered to be metal fencing for the purposes of this study.

Also provided is US demand for gates, gate operators, and hardware (e.g., locks, latches, and hinges) in value terms, though these values are not included in the market totals.

Demand for fencing is forecast to increase 3.0% annually through 2024 to $9.0 billion. Though fencing demand is expected to fall in 2020 due to the drop in construction activity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, demand will return to growth in subsequent years, driven by:

• increased spending on commercial and residential improvement and repair projects
• the growing use of high-value fencing, including vinyl and ornamental metal

Key Findings in the Fencing Study:

Metal to Remain the Most Used Fencing Material, But Plastic Will Grow Most Quickly

Metal, which accounted for the leading share of fencing demand in 2019, is expected to drive the majority of demand gains through 2024. Growth will be supported by:

• advances in steel fencing, which will continue to be specified in both residential applications, where it appeals to cost-conscious homeowners
• growth in commercial applications, where the material’s durability supports its use as a security fence

Additionally, growth in metal fencing demand will be bolstered by the increased use of high-end aluminum ornamental metal fencing.

Despite the dominance of metal, demand for plastic fencing is expected to grow most quickly. Plastic is expected to gain share from wood fencing because of its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Further gains will be driven by:

• improvements to product design
• increased acceptance among building owners of the long-term cost savings provided by plastic fencing, particularly in the nonbuilding and residential markets

However, the wood and metal fencing markets will remain much larger due to concerns among some consumers over the high initial cost of plastic fencing.

Residential Market to Drive Gains

The residential market will account for the majority of fencing demand growth through 2024, driven by rising home renovation projects such as repairing existing fences or adding new fences. The majority of existing home fences is wood – among the least durable of fencing materials – and the upkeep and repair necessary on these fences will support demand. Value demand will be spurred by the increased adoption of high-end wood privacy and ornamental metal fencing.

Aesthetics & Product Improvements Leading Higher Value Products to Gain Share

The average cost per linear foot of all major fencing materials is expected to increase through 2024. Rising demand for a high-end lumber building products – including privacy fencing – will boost costs for wood products. In the plastic segment, innovations that improve product appearance and performance will cause costs to rise.