Are There Decking Supplies Issues Due to Covid-19?

The short answer is that, yes, there were decking supply issues this past summer due to Covid-19. Aside from the supply chain disruptions caused by mills shutting down in the opening days of the pandemic, there is another, more indirect cause: a simultaneous balloon in demand. Businesses are building decks and patios to accommodate life in the pandemic, and many homeowners have taken their cue.

The reasons to have built a deck this summer vary. Many would-be-vacationers found themselves burdened with a summer travel budget to reallocate—so they focused on backyard improvements instead. Some homeowners did it because they’re tempted by the idea of an outdoor social space. And some homeowners built a deck this summer for the simple reason that it’s been on their list and they finally had the free time to do so.

For the decking industry, winter offers a brief respite compared to the hectic summer rush. This will give suppliers a chance to bounce back and stock shelves in preparation for next summer. At this point, it’s hard to say whether we might have to spend another summer in quarantine, or if, hopefully, things will be a bit more like business-as-usual.

Regardless of what next summer brings, this past one taught us that the early bird gets the worm. This doesn’t mean to go hoard the entire local supply of pressure-treated wood—or toilet paper—though! Rather, it means that if you’re thinking of building or upgrading your deck/patio in the coming summer, start making inquiries today, and consider reserving materials and labour ahead of time.

Deck Experts, based in Surrey, BC, are professional deck builders with a long track record of success. We offer free estimates and long warranties and can build or fix any deck around.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about decks, please call us at (604) 626-7100.