Following the upward trend in recent years, the indications are that Ireland’s decking and fencing market is set to grow again this year.
Recent statistics have shown that a third of homeowners will make improvements to their garden each year by either landscaping or adding fencing or decking. Added to this, homeowners look to renew patios and decking six times on average during their adult years. Research by Bord Bia has shown that Irish people spent €614 million on their gardens last year, up 22% since 2011, and, as trends in general would suggest, this will increase in 2016. Other research has shown that hard landscaping, including decking and fencing, accounts for a chunky 30% of total gardening spend. There is a massive opportunity for suppliers and merchants to benefit in the area of decking and fencing as Irish consumers start to spend more. In this commercial feature we will discuss some of the products you can stock in your store to drive summer sales.
THE NATURAL LOOK
Whiteriver Group has reported very positive sales growth for its composite decking range in 2015. This success has been built on service and being customer-orientated, together with offering the largest range of composite decking and accessories in the marketplace, according to Whiteriver’s Iain Wogan.
“Composite decking is for the homeowner who wants a decking product with a natural look, uniform colouration and will not need any annual oil treatment, like conventional wood decks,” Iain said. “Whiteriver composite decking is low maintenance and has a long lifespan, which saves time and money, now and in the future.”
Whiteriver composite decking was developed by Whiteriver Group to meet the exceptionally high standard required for outdoor living today. The Irish climate can be harsh on traditional wood decks and it is a constant struggle for owners to maintain and treat decking each year. “Whiteriver composite decking products are made using high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and wood, creating a revolutionary composite of improved, user-friendly material that outperforms other traditional pure wooden and plastic materials,” Iain said. “The resulting product is a deck with a natural look that will hold its colour and does not need any further treatment, apart from an occasional clean with a power washer or hose. There will also be three new, composite deck products launched for 2016, which will feature new design technology for the most realistic timber look. “Whiteriver composite decking is ideal for the construction of domestic and commercial decks, board walks, marinas, pool sides and other landscaping applications. It is environmentally-friendly and is 100% recyclable, perfect for the forward-thinking architect or local authority planner. The demand for composite decking is growing year on year and there is a great opportunity for hardware stores to add a product to their range which will increase their sales and margins.” Whiteriver says it plans to continue investing in its business, and its new website demonstrates this commitment.
TREATING TIMBER WELL
John Murphy (Castlerea) Ltd has unveiled a wide-ranging spring product offering. It is the
exclusive distributor to the retail trade in Ireland for Protim Wood Preservative, which comes in three colours – clear universal, green and brown – in 1-litre, 5-litre and 25-litre sizes. Protim is a solvent-based product used for the treatment of timber in the construction industry, decking, garden sheds and garden fencing, as well as general DIY situations. Protim requires only a one-coat application to protect timber against wood-destroying fungi, insect infestation and dry rot, according to John Murphy Ltd.
The company also distributes Bondex Wood Stain, available in clear and satin finish, in 750ml, 2.5-litre and 5-litre sizes in a range of colours. Bondex Wood Stain is used to protect timber doors and windows, timber decking and any other timber structure in the garden environment, and may also be used internally. Bondex Wood Stain has excellent penetration properties, no flaking or blistering along with UV and water protection, according to the distributor. John Murphy Ltd also distributes a wide range of garden tools and wire netting under its Allgrip brand. Included in this range is a selection of digging spades, digging forks, and lawn-care tools as in leaf and garden rakes, lawn edgers and hoes.
In the wire-netting range, John Murphy Ltd offers galvanised wire netting in 12mm, 25mm and 50mm dimensions, in 10-metre and 50-metre rolls.
A range of galvanised weld mesh and green PVC-coated weld mesh is also available in a range of different dimensions and roll sizes. John Murphy Ltd also distributes the all-in-one range of moss and algae remover along with fungicidal cleaner, concrete cleaner and PVC cleaner.
TOUGH ENOUGH FOR THE JOB
Ronseal has several tough-acting, easy-to-apply products to cover a range of outdoor areas, protecting everything from fencing to decking. The latest Ronseal fencing product, Ronseal Fence Life Plus, gives guaranteed protection for rough and smooth sawn wood for up to five years, according to the company.
“Its formula allows it to be applied on all types of woodwork and will be showerproof in just one hour – offering protection from the elements in all weather conditions.
Ronseal’s Ultimate Decking range keeps wood looking better for longer, and is available in a range of colours,” a spokesperson said.
