This exclusive survey details the housing and construction industry’s impact on the woodworking industry.

Solid gains in single-family and multifamily housing production resulted in nationwide housing starts rising 12.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 954,000 units in December, according to newly released data from the U.S. Commerce Department.

Residential housing starts were up 28.1% percent in 2012, making it one of the best years since the housing crisis began, according to figures released Jan. 17 by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The number of metro areas showing signs of improved housing continues to grow, rising for a fifth consecutive month to 242 markets, according to the NAHB.