STA Annual Survey of UK Structural Timber Markets

The STA’s Annual Survey of UK Structural Timber Markets forecast continued growth within the sector as companies are taking advantage of market opportunities. These opportunities include factors such as advances in offsite construction supported by modern manufacturing systems and computerised technology. Here Andrew Carpenter discusses the findings and implications of the report.

Our latest Annual Survey focuses on an analysis of timber trends across 2016, with particular emphasis on the quality, value and growth in market share - together with demonstrating the capability and available capacity within the timber frame sector.

The sector has made good progress again during 2016 with housing volumes holding up and I am delighted to report that the market share for timber frame has increased to 28.4% - with housing starts up to 52,705 and forecast to continue on this upward trajectory. Confidence remains high for those companies reporting, with volumes expected to grow to 88,000 by 2021. This represents an ambitious year-on-year growth forecast of circa 10% for timber frame. 
This is impressive enough but if we add to this the other construction sectors that are currently using timber systems such as Structural Insulated Panel Systems, Cross Laminated Timber and Glulam -  it is obvious the whole sector is ‘on a roll’! We are currently compiling a report across these structural timber sectors which will be published at the end of the year and will provide robust detail to substantiate anecdotal evidence.  

The call for quick and sustainable solutions, particularly in respect of the current shortfall in housing stock - has also resulted in offsite timber construction being hailed as the key building method to meet the demand for quality homes.

Both the NHBC and LABC are reporting unprecedented levels of housing starts in structural timber and this looks likely to increase further. Scottish Government is working with SFHA, Homes for Scotland, Sottish Innovation Centre and the STA - in an effort to build 50,000 affordable homes in the lifetime of the current Parliament. 

In addition, the STA has been working with the UK Governments All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and the Welsh Government in promoting the benefits of timber frame for house building and the sectors ability to deliver any additional volumes required. 

This significant report has been developed to illustrate to Governments and the wider construction industry that our sector delivers quality structural systems and has the ability and willingness to upscale to meet market demand. This powerful message demonstrates that the timber industry has proven capacity and ability to deliver solutions to help alleviate the housing crisis - now and in the future. 

Following a highly successful launch at Timber Expo our Annual Survey of UK Structural Timber Markets Report for 2016  is now available to download.
This year we have had more member companies than ever contributing to the production of this report -  I would personally like to thank them for taking the time to respond and provide such valuable information.

To download the report go to www.structuraltimber.co.uk/library and select 'data' in the document drop down filter

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