The Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) has released the WDMA 2024 U.S. Market Study for Windows, Architectural Interior Doors, and Patio & Entry Doors. This comprehensive study defines the industry’s historical, current, and projected market size. Drawing on direct industry input for product shipments in 2023 and supplemented by additional primary and secondary research, this report provides a thorough benchmark of market trends. The Farnsworth Group, a nationally recognized market research firm, conducted, analyzed, and prepared the study.

The 2024 market study includes:

• Analysis of the attitudinal drivers of homeowners and contractors.
• Key macro drivers in the residential and commercial markets.
• A gauge of overall shipment demand sentiment and industry expectations.
• Timely information on residential/light commercial windows, patio doors, residential entry doors, and interior architectural door market trends and product relationships.
• Historic data from 2021 through 2023 and forecast data for 2024 through 2026.
• National and regional data, along with detailed product shipment data for residential and non-residential construction.

Key Insights from the 2024 Market Study

Market Overview:

After experiencing several years of growth, the window and door market saw a slowdown in 2023, with a slight decline in shipments compared to 2022. Rising interest rates and the cessation of stimulus funds have shifted homeowner priorities towards smaller renovations rather than large-scale projects.

Regional Strengths:

Despite the overall national decline, certain regions demonstrated resilience. The South Atlantic region, buoyed by significant new home construction, recorded the highest volumes of window and door shipments.

Commercial Sector Trends:

The commercial sector faced challenges in architectural door shipments due to high interest rates and stricter lending practices, complicating developers' efforts to secure loans for new projects. The longer timelines associated with commercial and multi-family projects suggest that high interest rates will continue to impact project starts for the next 2-3 years. Although there is some concern about the potential oversaturation of the multi-family market, this is considered a less likely scenario.

Future Outlook:

Economic forecasts for 2024 indicate a gradual improvement, with continued low housing starts, lower GDP, and subdued residential investment. High interest rates will still pose challenges for high-budget projects. However, there are positive signs for 2025 and 2026, including potential interest rate reductions, easing supply chain constraints, stabilized material prices, and government initiatives to increase housing supply, which could contribute to a resurgence in demand.

The complete study is available for purchase online in the WDMA store under the Statistical Reports section for non-members. Individual market segments of the 2024 U.S. Market Study related specifically to residential windows, residential patio and entry doors, and architectural doors are also available for separate purchase.