Regional Markets
The bulk of the market is located east of the Mississippi, with growing popularity the further east and north the markets are. “Cellular PVC trim originated in the Northeast as a low-maintenance alternative to wood trim, and the style of architecture in that region lent itself to this style,” explains Ply Gem’s Short. Labor costs also are higher, so customers were willing to pay more to avoid having to replace pieces. Royal’s Booz agrees. “PVC products are pretty well understood, if not used, by most builders. There’s less usage west of the Mississippi.”
In every region, the styles and pieces used most often can vary. Dealers have to stay current with what architects and homeowners are seeking. “Crown mouldings are very popular,” says Versatex’s Kapres. “We offer more variety in that category to meet the growing demand. Rakes also are popular, especially imperial rake mouldings. They provide a stately, high-end feel to a home.”
Boral’s Zimmerman reports that brick moulds are most popular with his customers. “They’re a popular transition piece and they often have contact with the ground, which our material can handle.” Other popular pieces, he notes, are “drip caps, which are a challenge because they are constantly wet, and crown mouldings.” Thicker pieces are popular, he notes. “Our 2x products are used to provide the proper dimensions. The thicker products are milled into thicker, more substantial crown mouldings.”
“Larger styles are growing in popularity,” agrees KOMA’s Sinks. “Customers want bigger sills and built-up crown mouldings. They also want to match historic looks more often.” Bigger versions of those products were introduced to the line for 2016, he notes. “The trend definitely is to larger, beefier pieces. That’s what is more desired today.”
The simpler Craftsman-style home that has gained popularity has impacted moulding choices, notes ECM’s Delbridge. “It means more use of plainer moulding, including square styles or 1×4 or 1×6 flat applications. It jibes with the furniture styles that are becoming popular, with straight legs, etc. It doesn’t lead to less use of mouldings, it’s just a change in style.”
Fypon’s Nesper says she agrees. “More mouldings are being used on Craftsman-style homes, they’re just not as ornate as you might find in a Colonialor Georgian-style home. It has been good for us, because we have so many items in those styles—brackets, corbels, rafter tails, etc.”