State of the Wood Flooring Industry 2002: Survey Results

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Cautious Optimism

Statistics in Hardwood Floors’ exclusive survey reveal that the industry has slowed but remains healthy. Here are the results from a random sampling of distributors and wood flooring contractors.

Distributors' Business in 2001...

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In 2000...

70 percent of distributors indicated that business increased

18 percent stayed the same

12 percent decreased

 

Contractors’ Business in 2001...

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In 2000...

• 57 percent of contractors indicated that business increased

• 38 percent stayed the same

• 5 percent decreased

Where Do They Buy?

Wood flooring contractors responded:

90% specialty wood flooring distributors

25% general floor covering distributors

20% big-box stores

30% direct from the manufacturer

At a big-box store, contractors say they are most likely to buy:

  1. installation tools
  2. finish
  3. adhesives
  4. wood flooring
  5. abrasives sanding equipment (tied)

Of the distributors surveyed, 60% said their business has been affected by big-box stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's; 40% said it has not.

Distributors say when their customers go to a big-box, they are most likely to buy:

  1. wood flooring
  2. installation tools
  3. finish
  4. adhesive
  5. sanding equipment
  6. abrasives

Finish Sold by Distributors

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In 2000, distributors said...

57% oil-modified

26% water-based

10% conversion varnish

5% moisture cure

2% wax

 

Finish Sold by Contractors

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In 2000, contractors said...

67% oil-modified

27% water-based

4% conversion varnish

2% moisture cure

1% wax

 

Species Sold by Distributors

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The distributor numbers in 2000 were....

50% red oak

22% white oak

10% maple

5% Brazilian cherry

4% other domestics (cherry, ash, birch, beech)

3% pine

6% other species

 

Species Sold by Contractors

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The contractor numbers in 2000 were....

68% red oak

13% white oak

7% maple

3% Brazilian cherry

5% other domestics (cherry, ash, birch, beech)

2% pine

3% other species

*Other domestic species: ash, birch, beech.

 

Distributors*are selling...

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Distributor numbers in 2000 were...

61% unfinished solid

18% prefinished solid

20% prefinished engineered

2% unfinished engineered

*88% of distributor respondents specialized inwood flooring, while 12% were general floorcovering distributors.

 

Contractors are selling...

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Contractor numbers in 2000 were...

76% unfinished solid

13% prefinished solid

10% prefinished engineered

1% unfinished engineered

 

What They Do

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In 2000, contractors divided their business,on average...

63% sanding/finishing/refinishing

37% wood flooring installation

 

Old vs. New

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In 2000, contractors divided their business, on average...

71% remodeling

29% new home construction

 

Under the Surface

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Contractors say they install over...

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