Builders, designers and woodworking companies are all relieved that the housing market showed signs of life in 2014. Optimism was widespread at this year’s top industry events, where the news of growing housing starts and rising trends in remodeling was welcome.

To gauge the business climate for next year, Timber Products Company recently polled its social media followers on Twitter and Facebook as well as Woodworking Network readers and asked them about their outlook for business in 2015. Here’s what they had to say:

Was 2014 a better year for business than 2013?

Yes                  81.6%

No                   18.4%

Are you expecting 2015 to be a better year for your business than 2014?

Yes                  71%

No                   5.3%

Not Sure          23.7%

Overall, the industry is looking forward to 2015 and expects business to be on the upswing.

In the coming months, Panel Talk will be exploring some of the pressing topics that could impact the 2015 woodworking business climate, such as housing starts, environmental regulations, economic indicators and more.

What do you see in your area that could influence your business in 2015?

Be sure to follow Timber Products on Twitter (@TimberProducts) and Facebook for industry news, company updates, reader surveys and additional photos.