Whatts in store for decking in 20{5?

living products your builder and d-i-y customers will be demanding come spring and summer.

Living large outdoors

Outdoor living is really taking off, with more people turning their backyards into vacation spots. They're increasingly using decks for entertaining, not just relaxing. That means more amenities like outdoor kitchens, bars and fireplaces.

The growing popularity of outdoor living also means that in many parts of the U.S., especially the west, decks are getting larger and more complex. Many now feature well-defined areas for cooking, eating and socializing, with handrails, level changes and colors setting off each space. For dealers , this means opportunities to sell larger quantities of decking and railing, including multiple colors per job, to help accent various functional parts of the space.

ing in 20 15. The winter months are an ideal time to explore the design and product trends that will be popular with homeowners, so you'll be prepared to offer the decking and outdoor

In the Northeast, where many homeowners are still rebuilding from Superstorm Sandy, replacement decks tend to be smaller and more utilitarian to accommodate for smaller yard spaces and over-extended remodeling budgets. The demand for decking and railing is robust given the sheer volume of decks being replaced, so dealers in the Northeast should be prepared for strong decking orders to continue. Both small and high-end decks present an opportunity to sell complementary, functional items such as grills, shade systems, and outdoor seatins.

Deck design trends

In many parts of the U.S., deck designs are moving towards a more modern look. Custom decks increasingly f'eature accessories likc complementary colored handrails (white and black arc growing in popularity). altcrnative railings (such as rope and glass), and captivating lighting to illuminate the dcck and create visual interest. More manufacturers are off'ering lights exclusively designed fbr decks, with low voltage outputs. expanding design possibil ities.

For clcck boards and rails. exotic colors are trending, although browns and -grays continuc to be favrtred, as well. Decking manufacturers have responded with new colors that dealers can use to fulfill these homeowner preferences.

For example. in rccent months MoistureShield has addcd to its color palettc Brazilian Chestnut (a warm. golden brown with rich brunette streaks) and Bridle (a rich brown with a hue similar to fine leather).

Desire for durability

One outcome of the Great Reccssion is many homeowners are looking for horne improvements to deliver lasting value and be morc than a short-term amenity. For decking. this means a growing interest in prod- ucts that will hold up well no matter what nature throws at them. frorn harsh sunlight and heavy snowfall to soaking rains. In addition to favor.ing products with long-term durability, homeowners also want to minimize the timc required to maintain their home improvements.

A result of thesc two homcowner desires is increased demand for composite and plastic dccking. which is forecast to grow nearly l07o pcr year through 20 l13, according to a recent Freedonia murket study.

For many homeowncrs. the ultimate deciding factor whcn choosing decking products is still how good the boards look. The result is growing interest in exotic hardwoods like ipi. and composites that replicate the look of high-end woods. A decking's reputation fbr reliability and durability is still very important. though. so dealers stand the best chance for sales succcss when off'ering products that are both durable and beautiful.

Brtttt CrtLttttr'.r Lr rt l?lrrl t'ice ltrt.tident o.f sale.s & markctirtg .lor MoisttrreShieltl t ontltosite decking, and htt.s rnore than -10 year.r oJ e-rperien<.e in thc huiltling industy. Gwatney also .scrt'es ott the brnrd ol North Anericcut Dcck & Roiling Assotiatiort. Contact ltim at bgv'atner@ aerl .com

By Mark Brennan, U.S. Lumber, and Committee Member, North American Wholesale