Lee Heitzman, Trex Regional Sales Manager at Arbor Forest Products, looks at the changing demand in the decking market and how merchant businesses can capitalise.
While it may not have been the summer many of us had planned, at Arbor Forest Products we’ve seen that decking installers have continued to be busy throughout the traditional season – with many homeowners still keen to install a deck.
People being at home more due to coronavirus-related restrictions has led to a much-reported increase in home improvements being made, both inside and outside, which has of course included homeowners deciding to install and upgrade decking in order to make the most of their gardens.
And it’s not just homeowners interested in decking installations: restaurant and bar owners, who are having to adapt to new social distancing guidelines as they reopen, are looking at ways to maximise their available space and custom decking may be the solution.
But how will this increased demand for decking – including different styles of decking – impact merchants?
Choices, choices, choices
For those wanting to carry out home improvements and adapt businesses to fit within new guidelines, it’s been the ideal time to think of exactly how this can be done in ways which perfectly complement the space available.
One of the ways to create a unique decking space is through specialist products like the Trex CustomCurve™ oven, which allows for a flexible design that can fit around existing spaces thanks to not being limited to the square and rectangular shapes previously associated with decking.
Having the option to create a decking area which perfectly complements and maximises the space available may encourage homeowners and hospitality business owners to finally take the plunge and install a new deck. We’ve seen first-hand this rising popularity of requests for unique decking installations through the Arbordeck Awards – with many entries from installers featuring custom designs to suit customer tastes and lifestyles.
And of course, the more decking installations sold due to flexible designs being available means more orders for materials will be placed through merchants.
Extraordinary times
The continuous upward trend for decking installation since the 1990s indicates that it’s one of the first things people think of when they want to improve their homes – and as socialising in the garden due to restrictions has become the new normal, it’s no surprise that installers have seen their books fill up quicker than ever during this decking season.
Merchants have of course played a key role in allowing decking installers to cope with the increased demand; with installers relying heavily on their local merchant to have the required materials available as and when they need them.
It’s also been great to see installers helping each other out in a number of ways during these unprecedented times, including sharing skills and equipment such as the Trex CustomCurve™ oven in order to meet customer requirements as the interest in unique, non-traditional decking shapes continues to grow. With only two of these specialist ovens currently available in the UK – although this number is set to increase as the demand for customised decks rises – those with the product have been curving boards for other installers in order for them to take on projects they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
Merchant expertise
Installers don’t just rely on their local merchant for stock though: they also rely on the team’s product knowledge, which is why it’s so important for merchants to keep up-to-date with the latest materials and wider industry developments, particularly during this challenging time.
As the trend for unique decking and specialist products which allow this to be achieved continue to grow, so does the demand for merchants to provide installers with the materials and advice they need. A knowledgeable and well-informed merchant can advise against the type of corner-cutting that could result in a disappointing finished project and recommend the best associated products such as lightings and railings too.
Where merchants can support their decking installer customers in as many ways as possible, they’ll be more likely to see repeat business throughout this particularly busy period and beyond.
Click here for more about Trex decking products from Arbor Forest Products
Main image: A deck installed by Simon Thomas Deck and Design using a Trex CustomCurve oven.
