CLEVELAND (Nov. 8, 1:45 p.m. ET) — U.S. demand for decking is growing only 2.4 percent annually, but demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber versions will grow at double-digit rates, according to a new market study.

Wood decking will remain the market leader, accounting for 2.73 billion linear feet of material by 2016 out of a total U.S. market of 3.3 billion linear feet. But wood decking demand will grow only 0.9 percent annually between 2011 and 2016, according to the report, “Wood & Competitive Decking,” from Cleveland-based Freedonia Group Inc.

Plastic decking will see the most rapid growth, thanks in part to the availability of cellular PVC decking that better resembles natural wood. Plastic decking demand will grow 15.2 percent annually, reaching 150 million lineal feet by 2016.

Wood-plastic composite decking will grow 11.4 percent annually, reaching 420 million lineal feet by 2016.

The 366-page report costs $5,300.