Remembering Bernie Marcus’s Invention of the Modern DIY Retailer

The passing of the legendary co-founder of Home Depot earlier this month reminded the industry of his role in creating the biggest retailer in home improvement. When Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank were fired from the long-since-forgotten Handy Dan home improvement chain, it started a process that led to the creation of a $150 billion […]

Lumber Prices Surge Over 17% Year-Over-Year

Like just about every other building component the price of lumber has skyrocketed this past year. Even with a brief period of stability this past summer, the price of lumber is on the rise again and according to a new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders, it has jumped 17.2 percent from this […]

Outlook for Home Improvement Products Increases for 2025

Even as the rest of this year looks soft, the Home Improvement Research Institute is more optimistic for what’s ahead. The market for home improvement products should rebound and grow by 3.9 percent in 2025 according to a new market forecast from the HIRI. This will follow what is projected to be a 0.1 percent […]

The Great American Hallway Disappearing Act

It’s no secret that new homes in America are getting smaller but you might be surprised where the loss in space is coming from. The average American new home built in the first quarter of this year was 2,351 square feet. That’s down from a peak of 2,736 square feet during the early part of […]

Pytha Debuts Its 3D CAD Systems at Show

One of the leading software providers in the industry, Pytha made their IWF debut as an exhibitor in the 2024 show. Pytha’s state-of-the-art 3D CAD system was on display at the show this year, showcasing one of the leading systems for wood working, furniture design, commercial joinery, cabinet makers, high-end kitchen, exhibition planning, event design, […]