GROWING DEMAND

BUSINESS Forecasts call for 9.1 million units of wood windows to be shipped in 2014, approximately 18% of the total market. Long-range projections call for the total U.S. window and door market to reach $34.2 billion by 2016 and $223 billion for the worldwide market in 2017.

Growth in this segment is being attributed not only to the rebound in housing, but the demand for vinyl and fiberglass products as consumers seek more energy-efficient and maintenance-free options. However, forecasts also project a 10.2% per year gain for wood products, driven, in part, by mid- to high-end builders whose clients view wood doors and windows as value-added products.

2013 product launches meet consumer demand for energy-efficiency with the preference for wood, by offering affordable wood clad windows with ENERGY STAR ratings along with design and color options for finish and trim.

DESIGN Wood/plastic composites (WPC) in windows and doors can be worked like wood, but are durable and weather resistant. Their rising popularity has led to the development of specific industry standards.

QUICK STATS:

• Windows & doors are 50% of millwork's $238B revenue.
• Seven largest U.S. firms total $1 billion in sales.
• Modest growth anticipated in wood fiber windows.