All Hands on Deck.

By Nick Bajzek, Products Editor

Composite and cPVC decking manufacturers have begun nibbling away at traditional pressure-treated lumber's market share.

Wood-plastic composites are chipping away at pressure-treated lumber's lead as the primary material used in decking, U.S. Department of Commerce research shows. The housing slump is likely also a factor.

'I see the demand for composite decking increasing 1 to 2 percent in the next few years,' says Chris Fox, marketing manager for Universal Forest Products. 'Alternative decking material, which includes composites, will reduce the overall market share of pressure-treated decking.' Fox also says he believes more homeowners will consider composite decking for its low-maintenance attributes.

Factors to Consider

TimberTech's Kevin Brennan, senior vice president of sales and marketing, echoes Fox. He's seen composite brands that have experienced a steady 7 to 12 percent annual growth at the expense of wood products. TimberTech estimates that in spite of the current economic climate, this trend will continue. 'Every year manufacturers are doing a better job meeting consumer demands by offering better performing products that are more aesthetically pleasing,' he says.

Pricing pressure to keep the existing market share and volume has in fact kept the wood-plastic composite price point steady. The pricing scale along with the number of manufactures competing will force some consolidation and closures, says Mark E. Lipsius, director of sales, building products, for Deceuninck. The company is responsible for, among other brands, Kodiak composite decking and railings.