After falling in value terms in 2012, the UK garden leisure market started to recover last year, reaching more than £500 million, says a new report from AMA Research.

 This equated to growth of 12% compared to 2012.

This estimate covers furniture and barbecues but excludes the commercial garden furniture market.

AMA say spending on garden leisure products has been volatile in recent years thanks to the combined influence of  factors such as consumer confidence, the economic climate, and the weather.

Garden furniture, the largest sector, accounted for more than 60% in 2013. Metal and plastic garden furniture gained share at the expense of wood as consumers moved away from traditional towards more contemporary styles. Plastic has been boosted in recent years by the popularity of rattan weave style furniture made from all-weather materials.

The barbeque sector has benefited from the trend to trade up from charcoal to gas, the increasing interest in dining outside and added value from product development, with 2014 a good year for the sector. Own brands dominate this sector, accounting for an estimated 45-55% share.

DIY multiples dominate the market overall with a market share of more than 40%. However, garden centres are losing share as the more recent trend towards greater internet sales continues – both from specialists and general retailers.

AMA say that although allowan ces should be made for the weather, estimates for the domestic garden leisure market for 2014 and beyond are for good underlying growth, given continued improvement in the economy. The trend for outdoor dining and use of the garden for socialising has benefited the garden leisure market and is likely to continue. 

Other factors driving growth in the medium to long term include a general interest in environmentally friendly products creating added value, continued media interest in the garden as an aspirational living space, continued product development and a trend towards higher quality/value products in both furniture and barbecues, though average prices for better quality products have fallen in real terms.

“Overall, the garden leisure sector is likely to remain a vibrant market, with plenty of suppliers and a wide range of products on offer.” said Andrew Hartley, director of AMA Research. “Future product developments are likely to be driven by fashion, demographics and housing/garden styles and sizes, and the ageing population will result in more people having time to spend in the garden – with older age groups also more inclined to use barbecues than 15-20 years ago.”