FDMC December 2017: Wood Industry Almanac
In This Issue
Facts, figures, and forecasts
Our annual FDMC Almanac Issue gives you the data you need to get a clear picture of the woodworking industry.
Best natural wood for outdoor displays?
Q: We use natural wood in many of the outdoor displays. Which species are most resistant to water damage? What kinds of finishes can be used that will best protect outdoor wood?
The lean mindset, Part 1
Focusing on growth and learning is key to having a lean mindset.
Top 5 U.S. states for woodworking & how much the jobs pay
What are the top U.S. states for woodworking and how much can you earn in the different industries? Check out the three infographics for details, plus find more market data in December's FDMC Wood Industry Almanac.
Where are Canada's woodworking jobs & how much do they earn?
Where are the woodworking jobs in Canada, how much revenue are the industries generating and what are the average wages? Check out the infographics for details, plus find more market data in December's FDMC Wood Industry Almanac.
What's driving the cabinet & countertop industries? Trends & statistics
Kitchen cabinet demand in the United States is projected to grow 5.9% per year to $17.1 billion in 2021, according to the 10th edition of the Cabinets Market in the U.S. study by The Freedonia Group.
The fastest growing style, tall kitchen cabinets are projected to reach a value of $3.2 billion in 2021 on annual advances of 7.7%. Tall cabinets are rising in popularity due to their additional storage and they can make smaller kitchens appear larger.
Forecasting the contract furniture industry
North America continues to control the largest piece of the pie when it comes to the global contract furniture market, with consumption of office, education and healthcare furniture estimated at $18.41 billion in 2016, the most recent figures published by BIFMA/IHS Markit.
Residential furniture industry: Trends & analysis
Despite a slow start in 2017, the residential furniture industry continues to demonstrate steady signs of improvement, both in solid wood and panel-based products, with the latest year-to-date figures from Smith Leonard’s Furniture Insights showing a 6% gain in new orders over the first eight months of 2016, with shipments up 5%.
Positive outlook for retail fixtures industry as physical stores grow presence
Just ask Amazon and Google, both of whom have ramped up their retail presence with physical stores. The fact is, brick and mortar stores are here to stay.
Stay, but not be stagnant. In order to compete with their online counterparts, physical stores are evolving in the services and technology offered, as well as in the style, accessibility and feel/texture of the visual merchandising displays and fixtures used.
Better business ahead for architectural & custom woodworking
The architectural woodwork industry should experience improved operating margins in 2017 and into 2018 as business in the commercial and residential markets continues to show signs of strengthening, according to recent surveys by the Architectural Woodwork Institute and American Institute of Architects.
Growth opportunities in closets & home storage industry
The U.S. closets and home storage organization market is projected to grow 3.5% annually to $10.5 billion in 2019, according to research by The Freedonia Group. Closets and bedrooms continue to bel the most important areas for home organization products, with demand for closet storage outpacing that of other bedroom storage due to greater investment in modular units. Other storage products purchased for the bedroom (not including closets) includes shelves and bins, baskets, and totes.
Growth forecast for window & door industry
Overall, window and door sales are projected to rise 4.8% annually through 2021, driven in part by the strength in new housing activity and commercial building construction, according to the Windows and Doors Market Forecast by The Freedonia Group.
Wood and laminate flooring forecasts & analysis
Overall, the wood and laminate flooring markets continue to increase their share of the floor coverings market as residential and commercial buyers’ preference for these durable and design-oriented products continues to grow. According to Catalina Research, the hardwood flooring market rose 5.9% in 2016, reaching $3.64 billion. Laminate flooring, which faces greater competition from low-cost imports, showed minimal gain last year, less than 1%, to reach $956 million.
Wood components market drivers foretell industry growth
The wood components market is inherently tied to the other wood secondary products industries and as such, it also looks to be on a generally upward growth trend. This market encompasses a variety of products, including those used in the cabinetry, furniture, home storage, architectural and millwork industries.
Positive outlook seen for 2018
Industry leaders optimistic about business prospects but offer some cautionary advice.
FDMC/CMA annual benchmark survey shows optimism
Shop owners hopeful for continued economic improvement as they look forward to 2018.
Beyond plywood: Creativity & ingenuity get the job done
We had a client on Long Island that commissioned us to build a small bench out of white oak, with metal bars joining the legs, and recessed pockets on the faces of the legs and top to accept 1/4″ thick antique mirrors.
Editors’ picks: 2017 top products show innovation
Technology plays a big role in the standout woodworking products of the year.
The top stories of 2017
Home Depot, massive plywood, and fractal burning were just a few of the topics that dominated traffic this year at Woodworking Network. Take a look at the year's top nine stories.
Industry machines in place for MiLL training center
The MiLL welcomed industry partners, educators and students to see the rapid progress of the training center at a special open house event that demonstrated the industry’s support.
Return to Lancaster planned after successful Wood Pro Expo
A variety of equipment, supplies and services exhibitors met with local woodworkers and makers of cabinets, furniture and millwork at the Lancaster Host exhibit hall east of Lancaster.
2017 Best In Wood winners announced at Wood Pro Expo
Winners of the 2017 Best In Wood competition were announced during a presentation at the 2017 Wood Pro Expo.
Holly beautiful, but toxic
The Wood Doctor describes the properties of American holly.
What’s the fashionable woodworker wearing?
Trying out European work pants from Helly Hansen and work boots from Danner.