US demand to rise 7.1% annually through 2016
Demand for fencing in the US is forecast to expand 7.1 percent per year to $8.3 billion in 2016, totaling 835 million linear feet. Growth will be driven by an expected rebound in building construction from a depressed 2011 base. In addition, advances will be supported by rising use of high-value fencing materials, such as ornamental metal and plastic and composite lumber. Consumers will opt for these materials because of their favorable aesthetic qualities and performance properties.
Residential fencing market to outpace nonresidential
The residential market accounted for the largest share of fencing demand in 2011 and will remain the market leader in 2016. Demand for fencing in residential building construction applications is forecast to increase at an above-average pace through 2016, fueled by a rebound in housing completions. Further growth will be supported by the large residential replacement segment, which will benefit from a recovery in improvement and repair spending. Nonresidential fencing demand will see strong gains through 2016. Increasing nonresidential building construction -- particularly in the office and commercial segment -- will stimulate demand. Fences are often installed around nonresidential structures to pro-vide security barriers and to demarcate property lines. Fencing demand in the nonbuilding and agricultural markets will rise modestly through 2016. Gains will be moderated by the prevalence of low-cost materials, such as wood and metal wire, in these markets.
Plastic, composite fencing to be fastest growing
Among fencing materials, plastic and composite lumber is forecast to see the most rapid growth in demand through 2016. Plastic and composite materials often resembles natural wood, but has minimal maintenance needs and has a longer lifespan than wood fencing. Plastic and composite lumber is also seen as being a "green" material because it is often made from recycled materials, such as reclaimed plastics and wood scraps. In 2011, metal fencing accounted for the largest share of the fencing market in both dollar value and linear feet. Chain link fencing is often used to mark boundaries and secure properties, while ornamental metal fencing is erected around houses and businesses to form an aesthetically pleasing barrier. Demand for metal fencing will increase in line with the industry average through 2016, with ornamental fencing fortifying gains. In addition to the rebound in housing activity, some business owners will opt for ornamental fencing to serve as an aesthetically pleasing alternative to chain link and wire fencing. Wood fencing demand will advance at a below-average pace through 2016. This material is most often utilized in the residential market because of its low cost and favorable aesthetics. However, demand for wood fencing will be checked by competition from plastic and composite fencing. Concrete and other fencing materials will see solid gains through 2016. Demand for concrete fences will be supported by strong interest in concrete and other materials for use in privacy fences. Moreover, concrete fencing offers a high degree of protection from damages caused by impacts and explosives.
Study coverage
Details on these and other key findings are contained in the upcoming Fencing. It presents historical demand data (2001, 2006 and 2011) plus forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by material, market and US region. In addition, the study assesses market environment factors, examines the industry structure, evaluates company market share, and profiles 36 competitors in the US industry.
