Cabinet demand expected to increase

Demand for cabinets in the U.S. is forecast to rise 6.6 percent annually to $16 billion in 2018, driven by a strong rebound in residential building construction, according to a study by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.

“Kitchen cabinets, which accounted for 81 percent of demand in 2013, are expected to see the fastest growth of all cabinet types, rising 6.8 percent annually to $13.1 billion,” analyst Matt Zielenski said.

Gains will be spurred by design trends that call for homes to have larger kitchens with such features as islands and breakfast bars. Many of these cabinets will feature value-added amenities that enhance convenience, such as light-emitting diode lighting, pull-out shelves, storage racks, and easy-to-open doors.

Demand for bathroom cabinets is forecast to rise to $1.9 billion in 2018.