Gains will be driven by performance advantages such as minimal maintenance requirements
and resistance to stains, impact, moisture, and other damage caused by wear and tear.
US demand to rise 6.3%
annually through 2016
Demand for cast polymers in the US is
forecast to increase 6.3 percent per year
to 251 million square feet in 2016. In
most applications, cast polymers offer
performance advantages such as
minimal maintenance requirements and
resistance to stains, impact, moisture,
and other damage caused by wear and
tear. Further advances will be restrained
by competition from other surfacing
options, including granite and laminates.
Engineered stone to remain
fastest growing products
The market for cast polymers underwent
a significant transformation over the past
decade with engineered stone rising
from a niche product to controlling over a
quarter of sales. Demand for engineered
stone grew rapidly from a small base
during the 2001-2006 period due to its
significant performance advantages over
competitive products. Engineered stone
continued to gain market share during
the downturn, buoyed by sales to higherend
customers who were less impacted
by the weak economy. While growth will
continue to be above average, increases
in demand will decelerate, tempered by
the material’s high price, limiting further
market penetration.
After declining significantly during the
2006-2011 period due to a weak economy
and fierce competition from engineered
stone products, solid surface will
register healthy gains based on its well
established market presence and high
degree of durability. Solid surfaces are
positioned as a mid level material in
terms of pricing and performance.
Demand for gel-coated composites will
rebound strongly through 2016 from the
significant losses during the previous five
years. Gel-coated composites registered
the biggest declines during this time due
to their heavy use in new construction.
Going forward, gel-coated composites
will benefit from the recovery in new
housing construction, as well as design
trends featuring a greater number of and
more elaborate bathrooms in homes
since gel-coated composites are primarily
installed in bathrooms.
Residential improvements
and repairs to remain
largest application
Following the declines of the 2006-2011
period, gains will be driven by a sharp
rebound in housing completions from
depressed 2011. The residential improvement
and repair segment will
continue to account for the majority of
cast polymer demand, so an upswing in
residential remodeling activity and
greater credit availability will also support
gains. Sales of cast polymers will be
further aided by a recovery in office and
commercial, and institutional construction
through 2016 -- the two nonresidential
segments where cast polymers are
most likely to be installed.
Study Scope
This study analyzes the US cast polymer industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011, and forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by material (e.g., marble, resins), product (solid surface materials, gel-coated composites, engineered stone), end use (e.g., countertops) and US region. The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles industry players.
