Demand for fencing in the US is forecast to grow at 2.9% annually up to 2014 when it will reach 850m linear feet, with the market worth USD 8.3 bn (EUR 6.1 bn), according to a recent study – “Fencing” – by US market researcher Freedonia (Cleveland, Ohio; www.freedoniagroup.com).

Plastic and composite fencing is expected to see the most rapid growth in demand in the period, with annual increases of 7.2% forecast and reaching 102m linear feet in 2014, compared with 72m linear feet in 2009. The materials require less maintenance and are also seen as environmentally friendly. Wood fencing is the most popular material choice in the residential market but wood will lose some share of the residential market to plastic and composite fencing, Freedonia said.

Residential buildings are the largest fencing market and the recovery in residential construction is expected to boost demand over the forecast period, with the residential market accounting for about 60% of the forecast USD 1.1 bn increase in fencing demand up to 2014. The new housing segment is expected to experience the most rapid advances.