Wood products used in residential repair and remodeling in the United States, 2014

Abstract

The repair, remodeling, and renovation of existing residential structures and properties has been, and continues to be, a vital market for the use of wood products in the United States. This market is either the first or second largest market (alternating with new residential construction) for a number of wood products including softwood lumber, engineered wood products, and wood-based sheathing. In 2014, an estimated 13.5 billion board feet of softwood lumber, 4.2 billion board feet of hardwood lumber, 0.1 billion board feet of engineered lumber, 3.8 billion ft² (3/8-in. basis) of structural panels, and 2.1 billion ft² (3/8-in. basis) of nonstructural panels were used for all repair and remodeling activities. More than 90% of all these wood products were used for repair or remodeling of owner-occupied houses, with the remainder being used for renter-occupied dwellings. As shown by similar studies conducted in 2003 and 2006, usage of all wood products in 2014 was down by about 5% compared with 2003 and 20% compared with 2006.

Citation

Elling, Joe; McKeever, David B. 2018. Wood products used in residential repair and remodeling in the United States, 2014. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-256. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 36 p.