Closet and garage upgrades are in high demand
Gladiator Garage Works, Closets

Photo By Gladiator GarageWorks

The 2019 State of the Industry study commissioned by Closets & Organized Storage magazine found that closet accessories, from shoe cubbies to jewelry inserts are in high demand. Garage upgrades from hanging racks, flooring, lockers and overhead bins are also in demand.

Here’s a quick summary of the survey:

Closet Upgrades: Helping with price increases is consumer thirst for add-ons. Accessories and hardware are key to closing sales by personalizing the space and maximizing revenue for each project. Many different upgrades were requested by buyers in 2018. Soft-close hardware (41%), accent lighting (31%) and drawers (29%) were the most requested, with growth in every single category. Show cubbies/shelf racks, full-extension drawers, jewelry inserts, and islands were all also in high demand.
 
Closet prices have risen from an average of $3,500 five years ago to an average today of $8,731. High-end closets average around $35,000.
 
Garage Upgrades: While garage prices have not increased to the level of closets and other rooms, they still have seen a jump from $4,000 to $6,661 in the last five years. Garage projects also have experienced growth in upgrades with cabinets (47%), workbench (34%), shelves (27%) and slatwall (24%) leading the pack. Hanging racks, flooring, lockers and overhead bins were also in demand.
 
Materials and Colors: When it comes to materials and color, the overwhelming majority indicate they use melamine/laminates in home organization projects. Approximately 75% use melamine or laminates, 45% solid wood/veneer, 8% wire and 18% are using a combination of materials.
 
While white is still dominant at 59%, solid colors, textures or patterns, and light woodgrains are sharing the spotlight with dark woodgrain bringing up the rear.
 
Looking for more details? Publisher Laurel Didier will present results from the entire study, July 16 at the AWFS Closets Symposium at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Register now.
 

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About the author
Michaelle Bradford | Editor

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.