FDMC March 2026
In This Issue
If you love woodworking, pass it on
To keep this craft alive, we all need to take personal responsibility.
Toy making factory among those abruptly closing doors, and other top trending stories
Each month in FDMC Magazine, we feature the 'Notable Nine Online,' nine stories that were the most viewed and engaged with from WoodworkingNetwork.com over the past month. The following stories were chosen by our readers by what they were most interested in from January 14 to December 13.
By the Numbers: $187B, 60%, $21B
By the Numbers is a monthly column providing facts and figures on the woodworking industry. By the Numbers is sponsored by IMA Schelling Group.
Woodworking Industry 40 Under 40
Searching for woodworking's rising stars: 40 Under 40 nominations now open
Nominations are open through May 11 for Woodworking Network’s 11th annual Wood Industry 40 Under 40, which celebrates the next generation of industry professionals who are making an impact on wood products manufacturing in North America.
Cabinet trends come down to earth
More wood, less white, focus on function and feel highlight 2026 kitchen cabinet trends.
Muskoka Cabinet test drives real-time edgebanding defect detection system
The system, developed by Panevo, a Canadian clear technology and manufacturing analytics company, reportedly achieved approximately 97% detection reliability with minimal false positives of Muskoka’s edgebanded cabinet parts.
Strong conference sessions set for Wood Pro Expo Florida
Pricing workshop, technology backups, automation tips, a hands-on lean experience, and AWI program all on tap for Wood Pro Expo Florida.
Wright Architectural Millwork blends forward-thinking technology with craftsmanship
Wright Architectural Millwork has a goal in mind. “To be the number one commercial millwork company in New England,” said Jon Buell, company president and CEO.And, the already well-known, highly respected, award-winning manufacturer of high-end commercial architectural millwork has made numerous strides to reach that lofty goal.This included sophisticated equipment for more automation. “Not to eliminate people but to better utilize them.”
How to inspect incoming lumber
Characteristics of incoming lumber affect yield, processing costs, and ultimate quality of what you manufacture.
Andiroba: mahogany alternative in fine furniture, cabinets, flooring
Andiroba (Carapa guianensis) is found throughout Central and South America, from Cuba to Peru and Brazil. It is an extremely tall tree, reaching heights of 100 to 170 feet. Diameters are often 5 to 6 feet. The central stem is often straight and free of branches for 50 feet or more. As a result, clear lumber is common.
How stopping makes money
Learn to stop and fix to smooth not only production but also cash flow.
Design Portfolio 2026: Definitive guide to selecting sustainable, high-performance decorative products
The Design Portfolio highlights how these products support green building certifications and help the design and construction community achieve environmental and performance goals.
Design Portfolio: Choosing composite wood panels
Ideal for use in many residential and commercial applications, composite panels have excellent machining characteristics and can be fabricated with CNC and standard woodworking machinery. Tight tolerances can be achieved for value engineering.
Design Portfolio: MDF offers limitless design options, defined details
MDF is valued for its durability, uniform composition, affordability, and ease of fabrication. It supports intricate detailing and refined profiles, opening the door to limitless design possibilities.
Design Portfolio: Particleboard offers durability & project flexibility
Particleboard offers reliable structural performance and delivers consistent quality.
Design Portfolio: Perforated or plain, hardboard ideal for many projects
Hardboard delivers exceptional durability and versatility, with effortless machinability that supports producing furniture
components, wall paneling, perforated boards for home organization, and moulded door skins and underlayment.
Design Portfolio: EWST is engineered for the elements
Engineered Wood Siding and Trim delivers design flexibility and dependable performance for interior and exterior applications. Available in smooth and textured finishes across a wide range of widths and profiles, it delivers versatile design flexibility.
Design Portfolio: The creative power of decorative surfaces
Decorative surfaces provide an unlimited palette of colors, woodgrains, patterns, and textures that empower designers and fabricators to bring creative visions to life in residential and commercial spaces. They are engineered to ensure consistent color and pattern matching across components in any project.
Design Portfolio: TFL's textures & designs transform projects
TFL decorative panels are a go-to solution for furniture, cabinetry, closet systems, retail fixtures, and laminate flooring where performance and design meet due to their outstanding scratch, stain, and wear resistance. With highly realistic textures and exceptional visual consistency they can replicate any trending design.
Design Portfolio: Decorative papers' patterns & print quality set the stage
Light basis weight papers (LBWP) and Decorative Foils combine vivid colors, print clarity, and reliable performance to enhance furniture, shelving, and storage solutions. Balancing visual appeal, durability, and cost efficiency, these surfaces unlock endless possibilities to residential and commercial spaces.
Design Portfolio: 2DL, 3DL & films give laminated products an added dimension
Two-dimensional laminates (2DL), three-dimensional laminates (3DL), and films combine aesthetics, durability, and functionality in a seamless way to create commercial and residential spaces that are visually stunning and built to last.
Design Portfolio: High pressure laminates elevate everyday spaces
HPL brings together strength and style, creating surfaces that perform well in horizontal and vertical applications. It thrives in
high-traffic environments while delivering the performance and aesthetics homeowners seek.
Design Portfolio: Veneers add character to residential & commercial interiors
Veneers transform furniture, cabinetry, and casegoods into sustainable, high-impact statements with composite panel substrates.
Design Portfolio: Coatings add pizzazz & protection to products
Coatings enhance millwork and cabinetry while providing consistently flawless, defect-free finishes.
Design Portfolio: Adhesives deliver strong, reliable bonds
Adhesives provide durable, high-performance bonding for composite panels and decorative surfaces for any application.