FENCING

Abstract

US fencing demand to top $6.5 billion in 2010

Fencing demand (measured at the manufacturers' level) in the US is expected to rise more than two percent per year through 2010 to 970 million linear feet, with total value exceeding $6.5 billion. A strong outlook for nonresidential building and nonbuilding construction spending will drive demand for fencing. A brighter economic outlook will buoy gains in agriculture applications. In the large residential market, fortunes will be mixed. However, improvement and repair applications will provide better growth opportunities through 2010.

Plastic, concrete fencing to grow the fastest

Among the major types of fence products, plastic and concrete fencing are projected to post the fastest growth through 2010. Gains for plastic and wood-plastic composite fencing will be primarily at the expense of wood and ornamental metal fencing. Plastic materials can offer similar aesthetics to wood and metal with advantages in reduced maintenance costs. Vinyl will continue to account for the largest share of plastic fencing demand, with wood-plastic composites a much smaller, but quickly growing segment. Concrete fencing is available in styles that imitate wood, stone or brick. Precast concrete panels will provide the best growth opportunities in this segment because of ease of installation and the ability to mold, shape and color them to meet end user preferences. Concrete fencing provides a formidable barrier to intruders and helps reduce noise transmission, characteristics that will benefit demand.