Higher disposable income levels and rising consumer confidence bode well for the estimated $17 billion retail environments sector, according to IBISWorld.
New residential furniture orders remaining ahead of last year’s figures, with increases in 25 out of the past 26 months, according to the November issue of Furniture Insights.
Overall flooring sales grew 6% last year, to $21.83 billion, with the hardwood market accounting for $3.35 billion and laminate flooring $935 million, according to Catalina Research.
The U.S. office furniture industry is expected to grow 4.0% to $10.2 billion, and to hit $10.4 billion in 2016, according to the latest industry projections from IHS Global Insight/Business & Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Assn.
Architectural woodworkers are seeing improved operating margins as the commercial and residential markets continue to strengthen and business improves.
In 2014 Canada exported more than $31 billion in forest products to nearly every nation on the planet. The advanced secondary wood manufacturing sector is a major contributor to the country's economy.