Strong trend for Swedish construction timber
Demand for timber remains strong in the Swedish construction market. Södra’s sales to the Swedish building trade have risen for the third consecutive year.
The use of wood as a building material is becoming increasingly popular in Sweden – for both large-scale residential construction and home DIY projects. Sales are partly seasonal, since both construction levels and sales are higher during the warmer months. 2017 began on a high note, despite the relatively cool weather, and May is looking very strong.
“We see a broad social trend. Wood is becoming increasingly popular as a building material for both private construction and multi-unit solutions,” said Fredrik Gustavson, Sales Director at Södra Wood. “There is a growing awareness that wood is by far the most climate-smart alternative for construction."
Stable and long-term increase
In the first quarter, Södra’s deliveries to the Swedish building trade rose 6 percent year-on-year. The increase for Swedish construction timber has remained stable since 2015. 2016 was a very strong year, and Södra delivered nearly 285,000 m³ of construction timber. The Swedish market is the largest single market for Södra’s sales of construction timber to industry and the building trade and accounts for approximately 30 percent of Södra’s total sales.
One trend, according to Fredrik Gustavson, is house extensions in wood, such as garages, car ports, balconies and decks. The high rate of house production is generating increased sales. The use of wood to build outdoor environments, in particular, has become increasingly popular.
“Spacious, high-quality outdoor areas are a growing trend,” said Fredrik Gustavson. “Many people see the double benefits of using a material that is both comfortable and aesthetic, as well as climate-smart. We are continuously looking into new solutions to meet these needs, and recently launched a new type of decking for exterior environments.”
For comments:
Fredrik Gustavson, Sales Director Scandinavia, Södra Wood,
Tel: +46 (0)72 2351 103
Södra’s Pressroom,
Tel: +46 470-890 90
Email:press@sodra.com
Södra was founded in 1938 and is the largest forest-owner association in Sweden, with a membership of more than 50,000 forest owners. We engage in modern and responsible forestry, and operate state-of-the-art mills in which we process our raw material. Through value-generating relationships and a long-term approach, Södra is leading the way for the next generation of forestry.
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