42 | Sector Focus: Decking & Garden Products
KEBONY TAKES THE HEAT Kebony decking is featuring in the Middle East in projects large and small Jad Shamseddin and his family chose Kebony Clear wood
to deck the seating area located next to the swimming pool, which also features a hanging pergola to provide much- needed shade during the Dubai daytime. Traditionally, the intense heat of the Middle East has
Above: Poolside Kebony decking at a private residence in Dubai
been a barrier for using timber in poolside decking projects, due to the risk of wood splintering in intense, arid weather conditions. However, Kebony’s dual modification technology transforms sustainable FSC certified softwoods into durable and aesthetically beautiful timber products with the same, and in some cases superior, properties as tropical hardwood species. The bio-based process permanently alters the hardness of the wood, guaranteeing safety and longevity that can withstand the hot climate of the Middle East. “Kebony is a real wood, not a plastic wood composite
product,” said Mr Shamseddin. “It ages beautifully with the Dubai weather and even when it’s very hot outside, the decking is still comfortable to walk on. It’s the perfect combination of beautiful design and durability. Since the renovation, the first thing that everyone compliments is the beautiful decking.’’ Meanwhile, an earlier project in Qatar saw Kebony wood decking used for a 300m-long coastal boardwalk underneath the Lusail Plaza Towers, connecting Al Sa’ad Plaza towards the Lusail Marina Corniche from north to south. The pedestrian walkway was completed in 2021 as part of the first phase of Foster + Partners’ 1.1 million m2
Lusail Above: This Kebony boardwalk in Qatar is around 300m-long
Kebony modified timber may have been developed and produced in the cold climes of Norway but it’s finding favour in the heart – and heat – of the Middle East in projects both large and small. In Dubai, for example, a homeowner has completed a private pool project with Kebony wood decking.
Towers project, in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Today it remains an important pedestrian route to and from the commercial district of Al Sa’ad Plaza. Kebony established a dedicated Middle East sales office in 2023 in order to tap into “the growing emphasis on green building practices” in the region. “Kebony looks forward to working with more designers and constructors in the near future, helping to confirm the Middle East as a global centre for healthy, eco-friendly architecture,” said Mauro Affuso, sales manager for Kebony Middle East. ■
◄ “The market holds potential for renewed growth, particularly if stakeholders continue to promote wood’s environmental benefits and address key barriers,” said Janet Sycamore, director of the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA). By investing in sustainable forestry, enhancing durability through innovative treatments, and embracing modern design trends, timber can reaffirm its place as the preferred decking material for both residential and commercial projects. With organisations like the TDCA advocating for timber and an increasing focus on green building/carbon reduction policies, there is an opportunity to position timber decking not just as a
TTJ | March/April 2025 |
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visually appealing and functional choice but as a sustainable, low environmental impact material for the future.
MARKET CHALLENGES AND SIGNS OF RECOVERY The UK decking market has faced challenges in recent years, with demand remaining relatively flat. Economic pressures, shifting consumer preferences, and material shortages have all constrained growth. However, with a renewed focus on sustainability and evolving design trends, timber decking is well- positioned for a resurgence in popularity. The timber decking market is in part tied to the construction sector, particularly
residential building and renovation projects. The Construction Products Association (CPA) reported a 2.9% decline in construction output for 2024, primarily due to reduced private housing starts and repair activities. However, forecasts for 2025 are more optimistic, with an anticipated 2% growth as economic conditions improve and consumer confidence returns. The repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) sector is expected to grow by 3% in the second half of 2025 and by 4% in 2026, mainly driven by the resident. The TDCA is championing wood as the preferred material for decking, emphasising its environmental advantages over alternative,
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