Report Overview
10th Edition
This study analyzes US demand for decking by product, market, and region.
Decks are defined as unroofed, floored areas that are attached to the exterior of a structure. Typically, they are located at the rear of a building. This study encompasses deck boards, which are used to make the floor of the deck, as well as railing systems (consisting of a top rail, spindles, and bottom rail) and other built-in accessories, such as stairs, benches, and planter boxes.
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Scope and Summary
Decking products are broken out by:
wood
pressure treated wood (southern yellow pine, ponderosa pine, douglas and hemlock fir, and other treated wood, such as cypress, Siberian larch, birch, maple, and ash)
redwood
cedar
tropical hardwood – such as ipe, mahogany, teak, tigerwood, cambara, garapa, cumaru, balau, and meranti – and other wood species, such as untreated white oak and black walnut, as well as other types of oak
wood-plastic composite, which can be segmented by plastic type and surface treatment:
plastic type: wood-polyethylene and other combinations such wood-PVC and wood-polypropylene
surface treatment: capstock-coated and uncoated varieties. Capstock-coated composite decking is encapsulated with a plastic resin, usually either PVC or an acrylic compound
plastic and other materials:
plastic: vinyl, including both standard and cellular PVC; polyethylene; polystyrene; polypropylene; and laminated PVC membranes
other materials including fiberglass, aluminum and other metals, concrete, stone, and nonwood composites
The major market segments analyzed are:
new residential
residential renovation
new commercial
commercial renovation
new nonbuilding
nonbuilding renovation
The residential building market is further segmented by housing type (single-family, multifamily, and manufactured housing).
Commercial structures on which decks are usually installed include bars, restaurants, hotels, casinos, resorts, spas, and other entertainment facilities.
The nonbuilding segment encompasses decks that are not attached to a building. The majority of these decks are located in coastal or other waterfront areas and include boardwalks, docks, marinas, and piers. Nonbuilding decks also include walkways and platforms at national, state, or local parks; amusement parks; water parks; and playgrounds. In many cases, decks in these applications are built through municipal or other government contracts.
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US demand for decking is projected to increase 1.3% annually through 2023 to 3.6 billion lineal feet. Gains will be driven by the need to renovate portions of the largest existing pressure-treated lumber deck stock. Additionally, growth in single-family housing completions will support demand growth, as some of these builders include decks to improve the value and marketability of a home.
Key Findings in the Wood & Competitive Decking Study:
Wood to Remain the Most Used Decking Material Wood is the largest decking material segment in both lineal feet and value terms, and will account for the majority of decking demand growth through 2023. Wood is popular because of its relatively low cost, appealing aesthetic, and familiarity with homeowners and contractors. Additionally, wood decking has substantial maintenance requirements and is less durable than most other decking materials, which supports wood decking demand in renovation applications.
Residential to Remain the Largest Market The residential market accounted for 70% of decking demand in volume terms in 2018 and will account for the majority of demand gains through 2023. Growth in residential renovation spending will boost decking demand as a significant portion of existing decks will require renovation or outright replacement. Growth will also be supported by sustained gains in single-family housing construction and increases in average deck sizes. In addition to boosting the new residential market, construction of housing will aid the renovation market because decks are often added within the first year after a house is built.
Wood-Alternative Products to Increase Decking Share Alternatives to wood decking – particularly wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber – are expected to experience above average annual gains in demand through 2023, as these products require less maintenance than wood, which can make them less expensive in the long run.
Wood-plastic composite is gaining popularity because it provides durability while maintaining a wood-like appearance. Additionally, advances in product aesthetics and the use of capstock-coated decking – which provides enhanced protection against mold growth and premature degradation – will further boost wood-plastic composite decking demand. Plastic decking demand will be driven by the rising use of cellular PVC decking, which resembles natural wood and provides strong protection against the elements.
Study Coverage
This Freedonia study analyzes the US decking industry. It presents historical demand (2008, 2013, 2018) and forecasts for 2023 and 2028 by material (wood, wood-plastic composite) in lineal feet and dollars and by market (residential, commercial, nonbuilding) and region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) in lineal feet. In addition, the study analyzes company market share for competitors such as CPG International, Fortune Brands, Trex, and Westlake Chemical.
Key Findings in the Global Corrugated Boxes Study:
Wood to Remain the Most Used Decking Material Wood is the largest decking material segment in both lineal feet and value terms, and will account for the majority of decking demand growth through 2023. Wood is popular because of its relatively low cost, appealing aesthetic, and familiarity with homeowners and contractors. Additionally, wood decking has substantial maintenance requirements and is less durable than most other decking materials, which supports wood decking demand in renovation applications.
Residential to Remain the Largest Market The residential market accounted for 70% of decking demand in volume terms in 2018 and will account for the majority of demand gains through 2023. Growth in residential renovation spending will boost decking demand as a significant portion of existing decks will require renovation or outright replacement. Growth will also be supported by sustained gains in single-family housing construction and increases in average deck sizes. In addition to boosting the new residential market, construction of housing will aid the renovation market because decks are often added within the first year after a house is built.
Wood-Alternative Products to Increase Decking Share Alternatives to wood decking – particularly wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber – are expected to experience above average annual gains in demand through 2023, as these products require less maintenance than wood, which can make them less expensive in the long run.
Wood-plastic composite is gaining popularity because it provides durability while maintaining a wood-like appearance. Additionally, advances in product aesthetics and the use of capstock-coated decking – which provides enhanced protection against mold growth and premature degradation – will further boost wood-plastic composite decking demand. Plastic decking demand will be driven by the rising use of cellular PVC decking, which resembles natural wood and provides strong protection against the elements.
Study Coverage
This Freedonia study analyzes the US decking industry. It presents historical demand (2008, 2013, 2018) and forecasts for 2023 and 2028 by material (wood, wood-plastic composite) in lineal feet and dollars and by market (residential, commercial, nonbuilding) and region (Northeast, Midwest, South, West) in lineal feet. In addition, the study analyzes company market share for competitors such as CPG International, Fortune Brands, Trex, and Westlake Chemical.