44 | Sector Focus: Decking & Garden Products
◄ effort, but they require stronger timber supply chain support.
Key initiatives that could drive positive change include:
• Industry training programmes: Comprehensive training for contractors
and suppliers to reinforce best practices in material selection, installation, and maintenance.
• Stronger regulations and compliance checks: Stricter guidelines and independent
inspections to ensure materials meet safety and durability standards.
• Awareness campaigns: Educating industry professionals and consumers on how to
identify appropriate materials and make informed purchasing decisions.
• Collaboration across the supply chain: Encouraging manufacturers, suppliers, and
retailers to work together in promoting transparency and adherence to quality benchmarks.
STEPS TOWARDS IMPROVEMENT To safeguard the future of timber decking in the UK, industry stakeholders must take
collective action. The following strategies could help reverse the trend of declining quality: 1. Strengthening industry standards: Raising awareness about correct specifications, developing clear and accurate information to describe decking products and expanding the network of DeckMark independent third-party accredited sources.
2. Supporting the TDCA: Providing funding and resources to expand educational initiatives and quality assurance programmes.
3. Encouraging ethical business practices: Holding suppliers accountable and discouraging practices that prioritise short- term gains over long-term sustainability.
4. Investing in sustainable and durable timber solutions: Promoting responsibly sourced timber that meets or exceeds durability expectations.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
Industry experts express cautious optimism for 2025. The TDUK National Softwood
Division (NSD) projects a 5% increase in softwood consumption, and the CPA anticipates a 2.5% rise in overall construction output. These projections suggest potential growth opportunities for the timber decking market, contingent on broader economic conditions and the successful implementation of sustainability initiatives. In summary, while economic fluctuations and import dependencies pose ongoing challenges, the UK’s timber decking market is poised for steady growth. A recovering construction industry, increased focus on sustainability, and efforts to boost domestic timber production are expected to drive the market forward in 2025 and beyond. The timber decking industry must act now to restore confidence and ensure its long-term success. Education, improved ethical choices on materials, and stricter quality control of compliance with British Standards will be critical in growing the market. By investing in higher standards today, the industry can secure a sustainable future and reaffirm timber as a top choice for decking solutions in the UK. ■
GARDEN SHOWCASE Accoya and Accoya Color were selected for the
National Autistic Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
Above: Accoya and Accoya Color were integral to the design of the National Autistic Garden PHOTO: TAMMY MARLAR PHOTOGRAPHY
Accoya and Accoya Color were integral to the design of the National Autistic Garden, a Silver Gilt medal-winning exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year. Designed by Dido Milne of CSK Architects and landscape designer Sophie Parmenter, the garden aimed to raise awareness of autism, particularly the concept of autistic masking. The garden featured a range of timber structures that created distinct spaces, reflecting various types of social interaction.
TTJ | March/April 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
A standout feature of the garden was its boardwalk, constructed using Accoya Color, selected for its exceptional durability and weather-resistant properties. This was especially important given the garden’s relocation following the show, to Catrine Bank, an area known for its wet conditions, near the River Ayr in Scotland. Accoya Color is warrantied for 25 years in ground and freshwater, ensuring it will not rot or decay, even in high-moisture environments. With its high resistance to moisture, UV degradation, and wear, the boardwalk will maintain its functionality and aesthetic appeal even in challenging weather conditions. In addition to its durability, Accoya Color’s slip-resistant qualities made it a safe and practical choice for the garden, further enhancing the experience for visitors. Natural Accoya was used for the garden’s pavilions, chosen for its tactile appeal and eco-friendly credentials. Left sawn and lightly sanded, the timber’s velvety texture added a sensory dimension to the space. With its prestigious Cradle to Cradle Full Scope Gold Certification, Accoya’s sustainable lifecycle complemented the garden’s overarching theme of inclusivity and environmental consciousness. Accoya’s superior performance in terms of sustainability, longevity, and aesthetic value made it the perfect material for a garden meant to inspire and educate. Its use in the National Autistic Garden showcased its versatility in both functional and decorative roles, from the tactile pavilions to the weatherproof boardwalk, helping to create a truly memorable space at the Chelsea Flower Show. ■
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