British fencers have been hit by a national shortage of fences at the height of the DIY season with panels changing hands for up to four times their usual price on the black market. Source: The Telegraph (UK)
Prices have rocketed to record levels as a result of a “perfect storm” of severe winter weather and a house-building boom.
Many DIY chains and hardware stores have run out of traditional lap fencing, which is being offered for up to £80 a panel to panic buyers on the black market.
There has even been a spate of thefts of wooden fence panels from people’s gardens.
Industry experts say the crisis is worse than 2007 when severe gale-force winds last sparked such a huge surge in demand from homeowners needing to replace wrecked fences.
Forest Gardens, which supplies timber products to DIY and gardening stores nationwide, has taken on 100 new workers to try and meet a fivefold rise in demand for fence panels.
“We’re witnessing demand that is upwards of five times the normal level – and still increasing,” said sales director John Gomersall.
“The shortage is primarily due to insufficient raw material availability, caused by both the recent upturn in demand for construction timber and the unusual series of five major storm periods since November of last year, leading to a dramatic upturn in demand for replacement fence panels.
“The storms may have died down but the long-term implications are still being felt.
“Add to this the fact that spring marks the time of year when we’d normally be building stock levels ahead of the core gardening period and you can begin to understand the pressures that suppliers such as ourselves and retailers and trade outlets are currently dealing with.”
Streatham, south-west London based firm Premier Sheds & Fencing has posted a prominent warning on its website. It reads: ‘Due to high demand and shortage of fencing timber, prices are changing daily. Please phone for current prices.’
Prices for its six-foot fence panels have risen twice in a week – up 50% from £20 to £30 – and they are still out of stock.
Simone Gallen, editor of magazine Fencing & Landscaping News said that there are reports of DIY enthusiasts going to great lengths to grab any available timber as demand outstrips supply from sawmills.
“There is panic buying with prices soaring since the storms at the end of 2013,” said Gallen.
“Levels of demand are even higher than in 2007 and we are hearing the same stories of £20 fencing panels changing hands on the black market for up to £80.”
