Woodworkers focus on training, sales to navigate housing headwinds
| Authors: | Matt Bumgardner, Urs Buehlmann, Karen Koenig |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Magazines or Trade Publications |
| Station: | Forest Products Laboratory |
| Source: | FDMC Magazine |
Abstract
What are some key drivers for woodworkers in construction-based sectors, and the investments being made to advance their capabilities?
For perspective, the total value of U.S. private construction was $1.65 trillion in 2025, down 2.6% from 2024 based on U.S. Census Bureau figures. This was driven by declines in all sectors except residential improvements. Specifically, 2025 spending decreased for single-family housing (-3.4%), multi-family construction (-9.1%), and nonresidential construction (-3.2%). In contrast, spending on repair and remodeling increased by 1.2%.
The number of single-family housing units started in 2025 was 939,700, a 7.2% decrease from 2024 and the lowest volume since 2020. Multi-family starts were 416,100, up 17.5% from 2024 despite spending being down by 9.1%.
Against this backdrop, the 17th annual housing market study was conducted in early 2026 to assess market conditions for secondary woodworking manufacturers involved in construction-based and related sectors. Information is provided on the status and current activities of manufacturers, as well as an analysis of what has changed since last year.