In 2015, the UK market for bi-fold doors was estimated
to have grown by 12%, according to a new report by AMA Research, with similar
growth expected for 2016. Rising from a low installed base, bi-fold demand has increased
sharply in recent years driven strongly by significant growth in the home improvement
market – both new extensions and replacement -and changing tastes in favour of
opening up the home and garden area.
The bi-fold doors market is a relatively new and
expanding sector, worth over £70m at manufacturers prices – and much higher in
terms of installed value.
As indicated above, a key driver of market growth has
been consumer interest in bi-folds – with the residential market accounting for
over 50% of sales - while suppliers themselves have contributed to the growth
of the market through new developments in frame materials, styles, colours and
features. In terms of product mix, exterior bi-folds dominate the sector by
both volume and value due to residential use – although commercial interior
bi-fold doors account for a significant share of the market.
AMA’s report assesses the market by frame material and,
while aluminium is the dominant frame material, timber accounts for around 20%
of the market. Overall, the trend for maximising natural light has resulted in
increased glazing used for entrance and patio doors and internal doors. Home
extensions are a key market – with around 200,000 extensions per annum offering
good market prospects for manufacturers and installers alike with bi-folds
popular where homeowners are extending kitchens/living areas and want a more
open link to the outdoors.
In the commercial office sector, bi-folds have
increased in use as interior doors which offer natural light, but offer
flexibility by enabling rooms to be expanded or contracted easily. They are
also popular for car showrooms and similar businesses allowing easier movement
of vehicles and products. Bi-folds have also been in use for many years in the
leisure sector as exterior doors for restaurants and bistros, and internal
space dividers in the health & fitness sector. Within the leisure sector,
replacements feature importantly as older style bi-folds are changed for newer
styles and frame materials and more easily operating features.
“The supply
structure remains complex and fragmented, but increasingly competitive, as many
window and door companies now offer bi-fold doors” said Andrew
Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “A
number of companies that originally focused on single materials – eg.
aluminium, PVCu or timber – have extended product ranges to include alternative
material products in order to widen channel exposure. Bi-fold doors have also
seen wider distribution generally in recent years, particularly through retail
DIY/home improvement multiples and online.”
Current AMA forecasts indicate steady to good growth
into the medium-term with the bi-fold doors market growing by around 7% per
annum to 2020. Factors likely to have a positive impact on volume and value
growth include housebuilding completions, the house moving market, trend for
higher value replacements and steady levels of home improvement projects.
Bi-fold doors are likely to remain a key product sector for retail window and
door companies with second/third time replacements likely to impact on the
market in future years.
The impact of Brexit on the residential newbuild and
RMI sectors remains extremely difficult to forecast and implications are likely
to become clearer as the UK eventually begins the process of negotiation. However,
as a minimum, the uncertainty created by the situation may cause the market to
become more volatile and may lead to reduced levels of spending on home
improvements – though the appeal of bi-fold doors looks looks set to underpin
demand going forward.
The ‘Bi-fold
Doors Market Report – UK 2016-2020 Analysis’ report is published by AMA
Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within
the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and
can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling
01242 235724.
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