Over the past four years, we have seen a marked increase in sales on our Mould IT range, which encompasses both small mouldings aimed at the DIY sector and our larger moulding range which comprise PSE, skirting and door sets which are aimed to provide a total “room solution” for the construction sector.
Demand for moulded softwoods and hardwoods has been boosted by the consumer’s desire to have matching timber accessories to go with solid wood flooring to provide an integrated look and high quality finish. This, coupled with a greater demand in the construction sector for light coloured hardwoods for refurbishment projects, particularly in inner city developments, has given rise to sustained growth.
Species-wise, the fashion barometer strongly favours light coloured hardwoods such as oak, ash and beech as the commercial favourites. This is followed by cherry and walnut that are bespoke machined to order. Oak is especially in demand because of its popularity in both domestic and commercial interiors on flooring, kitchen doors and furniture. It’s a warm, honest, nostalgic species that has cross-market appeal for contemporary and traditional design.
Wrapped mouldings
While decorative mouldings are a core product for us, we are also responding to market demand and are shortly due to launch an ex-stock range of wrapped products. MDF moulded products have gained a significant market share at the expense of softwood products in recent years This has been particularly evident in the construction sector where primed MDF products have replaced traditional timber and are now the product of choice for the housebuilder for traditional skirtings, architraves and window boards. Fast-track construction methods, coupled with skill shortages have greatly boosted the use of wrapped mouldings because they give fewer problems on site post-installation as regards splitting or movement. Overall, we are aiming to give our customers a more rounded offer of both wrapped and timber products to meet their needs.
Growing opportunities through China and the Far East to procure more cost-effective machined products has seen a shift towards this route for many companies across the UK. This even includes large manufacturers who traditionally would look to source through companies such as ourselves. We believe, however, ongoing investment is vitally important in plant and machinery, training and operational procedures because this is what delivers the solution that the customer needs for consistent product quality, continuity of supply, order flexibility and just-in-time delivery. It is important to balance the levels of product being sourced pre-machined from overseas with the ability to produce product to specific bespoke customer requirement just in time.
Modified wood
Looking ahead, there is a trend towards modified wood processes. This means that the properties of plantation-grown softwoods can be enhanced to mirror those of hardwoods, notably to provide increased strength and durability, as well as a superior machined finish and a more stable product. This will undoubtedly impact on the mouldings market, providing another dimension for solid timber.
There will also be an increased move to customers wanting pre-finished product, stained and lacquered available off-the-shelf, rather than taking raw product and finishing it themselves. This follows a parallel trend with the flooring market and it will make mouldings quicker and easier to install by taking out the finishing element on site. We have the facilities, capacity and operational infrastructure to move in the direction of this trend as it evolves.
