Moulding & Trim

Report Overview

8th Edition

The moulding and trim materials considered are:

• natural wood, including stain-grade and paint-grade types
• engineered wood
• metal
• plastic, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, and other polymer blends such as polystyrene and polypropylene
• other materials, including precast concrete, synthetic stone veneers, fiber cement, wood-plastic composites, plaster, natural stone, and glass-reinforced

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Study Scope

Demand for natural wood is further segmented into hardwood and softwood, and demand for plastic is broken out by resin type (PVC, polyurethane, and other).

The product segments encompass:

• interior moulding, which:
  • includes baseboards, crown moulding, festoons, frets, medallions, pediments, pilasters, rosettes, and wainscotings
  • excludes columns, mantels, fireplace surrounds, ornamental grilles and registers, and interior shutters (these are consider “other” products for the purposes of this study)
• stairwork, which encompasses both complete staircases and separately sold stair components but not staircases that are an integral part of on-site building construction, such as poured-in-place concrete stairs. The separately sold parts included here are treads, risers, banisters, balusters, and newels.
• other moulding and trim products, which include decorative columns; exterior trim; fireplace surrounds; porch railings and components; trellises; and various other ornamental components such as mantels, interior columns and shutters, grilles, and cupolas

For the purposes of this study, “interior moulding” refers to interior moulding products used in conjunction with walls and ceilings, and “stairwork” refers to stair systems and components whether used in interior or exterior applications. Thus, “other products” consists of any interior moulding and trim products that would not fall into the above definition of “interior moulding” (e.g., fireplace surrounds, mantels, and interior columns) as well as a variety of moulding and trim products (excluding stairwork) used in exterior applications.

The major market segments analyzed are:

• new residential
• residential repair and remodeling
• new commercial
• commercial repair and remodeling

The residential building market is further segmented by housing type (e.g., single-family, multifamily, and manufactured housing).

The commercial building market is also broken out by building type (e.g., institutional, retail and lodging, office, industrial, and all other commercial buildings).

Additionally, demand for moulding and trim is analyzed by the following US geographic regions and subregions.

Demand for moulding and trim is forecast to rise 3.3% annually through 2024 to $10.3 billion. Gains will be driven by:

• rising construction of single-family homes, as new homes commonly incorporate these products to appear more high-end and improve their marketability
• increased spending on home remodeling projects, including the replacement of existing moulding and trim or the installation of new products
• the construction of new offices, restaurants, retail establishments, and healthcare facilities, as these buildings are most likely to use moulding and trim to impart a decorative and home-like atmosphere

Key Findings for Moulding & Trim:

Wood to Remain Dominant Moulding & Trim Material Despite Competition from Alternatives

Wood will continue to account for the majority of moulding and trim demand through 2024 and is expected to drive growth going forward. Gains will be supported by:

• continued popularity of the wood aesthetic, which will lead to ongoing widespread use in new homes and commercial buildings
• the need to replace wood more frequently than many other moulding and trim materials – especially in exterior applications – due to its lesser durability
• growth in the popularity of high-end hardwood moulding and trim products, which will boost value demand

However, consumers will increasingly specify moulding and trim products made from alternative materials that mimic the appearance of natural wood. Engineered wood product demand will be driven by the relatively low cost and minimal maintenance requirements of medium-density fiberboard and oriented strand board. Plastic moulding and trim will be increasingly specified due to rising consumer acceptance of the material because of its durability and improvements that have made it appear more similar to natural wood.

Aesthetics Support Use in Large Residential Market

The residential market accounts for the larger share of moulding and trim demand, as homeowners are more willing to purchase decorative moulding and trim products for their homes than commercial building owners, many of whom are not concerned with aesthetics so much as with functionality. Through 2024, demand will be supported by growth in single-family housing construction and an increase in the average interior wall space in new homes. Additionally, homeowners will increasingly opt for high-value products in renovation projects to improve the appearance and increase the value of their homes.