ONLY 59% OF PVCU WINDOWS ARE SMOOTH WHITE

Analysis of over 270,000 PVCu casements quoted by installers via Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® platform in 2022 underscores the decline of the ‘smooth white’ window; only 59% of PVCu casements quoted in the year were un-foiled. Grey, in many shades, continued to dominate in 2022 with Anthracite (10%) and Agate (6%) still topping the charts. But overall, the Tommy Trinder data paints a picture of a highly fragmented colour pallet with installers presenting a dizzying array of choices to homeowners.

“Long gone are the days when windows were white and handles were gold,” says Tommy Trinder’s CEO Chris Brunsdon.

“The activity from Framepoint® users in 2022 suggests we have truly become a rainbow nation when it comes to fenestration; a mindblowing 1841 different colour combinations were quoted on PVCu Casements during the year.”

Traditional woodgrains continued their decline with only Rosewood (4%) seeing significant volumes. Mahogany, an old favourite, was notable by its absence. Oak was trending upwards during the year lead by Golden (1%) and Irish (1%) and with others coming onto the radar such as Amaranth, English, Natural, Coriander and Cinnamon.

“Such vast choice is wonderful for the homeowner, but it does mean great complexity for the installers,” says Chris.

“Framepoint® users tell us that being able to touch and show clients exactly how a window will look in a variety of colourways has become a vital part of their sales process. Modelling a window on the house in full photo-realistic quality, then backing that up with full colour, photo-realistic inside and outside views of the product on quotes and contracts not only wows customers, it also removes any room for error.”

The Tommy Trinder survey also highlights the growing popularity of flush casements; In 2022 around a quarter of PVCu windows quoted by installers on Framepoint® had flush sashes. Smooth White was even less popular as a finish on PVCu Flush Casements accounting for just 19% of all windows quoted.

21% of all flush casements were foiled white or cream. And Agate Grey (15%) was more popular than Anthracite (12%) in the more traditional window form.

Commenting on the scope and accuracy of the data, says Chris: “Use of the app is growing rapidly. We have over 400 window firms using the app so it’s solid representation of the market. However, it’s likely that our typical subscriber’s product mix is somewhat skewed towards the top end. Upselling occurs naturally when it’s quick and easy to show off premium features, such as foils, dual colours, dummy vents, mechanical joints, flush casements, surface mounted bars etc. It stands to reason that Framepoint® users will sell more of these value-added products.”

Looking at the Tommy Trinder data, has Chris got any insights to trends tip for 2023?

“My money is on the ongoing rise of various oak finishes,” he says. “And probably fifty more shades of grey!”

To find out more about the platform and its benefits visit the main site www.tommytrinder.com.