Shortage in garden fences, say DIY stores

Firm 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.

Its sales director John Gomersall said: "We're witnessing demand that is upwards of five times the normal level - and still increasing.

"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 per cent 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.

She said: "There is panic buying with prices soaring since the storms at the end of 2013.

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Shortage in garden fences, say DIY stores