Stairs step up as trimts lastest climbing product

Qrarnwonr wrLL Posr the biggest L)gains among all moulding and trim products in the U.S.'s $5.4-billion-ayear market, rising 1 1.37o annually through 2016, according to a new Freedonia Group forecast.

Because most stairwork is installed in new structures, rebounding new construction spending will spur increases for such components as banisters, risers and treads.

The two most commonly used materials in stair parts and systems are wood and metal, due to their strength, durability and beauty. Wood dominates the residential market, while metal accounts for the larsest share of non-residential demand. In general, stairwork is more frequently used in non-residential. where structures with more than one story must incorporate stairs as safe alternatives to elevators in case of fire or power outage. Nonetheless, residential wood staircases are generally more expensive than non-residential metal stair systems.

In recent years, the value of metal stairworks overtook wood in the overall moulding industry, due to the low level of residential building and the low price of wood. Going forward, however, Frcedonia expects wood stairwork demand to rise at an average pace, reaching $955 million by 2016. With residential construction rebounding, many builders and homeowners will opt to install more decorative stairways, such as those with intricately carved railings and balconies, to improve the appearance and value of their homes.

Overall U.S. demand for moulding and trim is forecast to rise nearly I 17o per year to $9.0 billion in 2016, driven by a sharp rebound in housing and building construction. Engineered wood will be the fastest growing material , primarily for residential moulding and exterior trim.

Demand for interior moulding in the new non-residential market should rise 8.4Vo a year though 2016 to $790 million. Such structures as restaurants, hotels, resorts, casinos, high-end retail sites, and office buildings install chair rails, mouldings, baseboards, casings and other components for both aesthetic and practical reasons. For example, owners of restaurants may use engineered wood or plastic chair rails to prevent damage to a wall surface.

Non-residential improvement and repair demand for interior mouldings will climb 3.37o per year to $290 million in 2016-the slowest growth rate of all markets. Few building owners and managers replace interior mouldings for aesthetic reasons, onlY installing new products when the old trim has become damaged or worn.