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...
In 2000...
• 70 percent of distributors indicated that business increased
• 18 percent stayed the same
• 12 percent decreased
Contractors’ Business in 2001...
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:
- installation tools
- finish
- adhesives
- wood flooring
- 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:
- wood flooring
- installation tools
- finish
- adhesive
- sanding equipment
- abrasives
Finish Sold by Distributors
In 2000, distributors said...
• 57% oil-modified
• 26% water-based
• 10% conversion varnish
• 5% moisture cure
• 2% wax
Finish Sold by Contractors
In 2000, contractors said...
• 67% oil-modified
• 27% water-based
• 4% conversion varnish
• 2% moisture cure
• 1% wax
Species Sold by Distributors
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
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...
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...
Contractor numbers in 2000 were...
• 76% unfinished solid
• 13% prefinished solid
• 10% prefinished engineered
• 1% unfinished engineered
What They Do
In 2000, contractors divided their business,on average...
• 63% sanding/finishing/refinishing
• 37% wood flooring installation
Old vs. New
In 2000, contractors divided their business, on average...
• 71% remodeling
• 29% new home construction
Under the Surface
Contractors say they install over...
