Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
A new report by MRA Building Market Reports estimates the value of the UK market for decking materials at £174m in 2025, at Manufacturers’ Selling Prices (MSP).
This is a substantial increase compared to its pre-pandemic level. Following an inevitable spike in demand in the early stages of the pandemic, when lockdowns, outdoor socialising and good weather caused homeowners to spend more time in their gardens, volume sales have been broadly flat.
Positive factors driving market growth include an ongoing interest in ‘outdoor living’ and use of living space, new garden trends, weather and social media trends, as well as a shift to higher quality and higher value products across all market sectors.
Mike Rigby, director of MRA Reports, comments: “Our forecasts indicate a slight decline in value in 2026, reflecting lower volume sales and RMI activity, but higher material prices for timber decking as well as for PVC-U and aluminium. Forecasting is difficult at any time and it’s particularly so at present. Consumer confidence is low, but we are experiencing a hotter-than average spring season with people spending more time in the garden, and decking boards are more pleasant and attractive than a concrete patio when the weather is hot. This is a market with good long-term prospects.
“In normal economic circumstances, consumers have shown an increasing willingness to spend more on high quality garden products or upgrading to higher end, reduced maintenance materials. But some segments are price-sensitive, and if the Middle East war goes on for much longer, oil price increases, shipping problems and shortages could affect price differentials in the short term, and the materials mix.”
