When it comes to differentiating a home or other structure from others around it, trim and moulding can make all the difference. Our ancient ancestors realized this, and made good use of it. For example, the Great Pyramid of Giza鈥攖he only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence鈥攚as originally trimmed out in smooth, polished white limestone that gleamed in the sun, making it visible for miles around. It was also originally topped with a decorative trim piece called a pyramidion, which was likely covered in gold or a mixture of gold and silver called electrum.
While perhaps not as grandiose as the Great Pyramid, today鈥檚 homes make just as grand a use of trim and moulding to distinguish themselves from surrounding structures. And while the housing market may be showing continued signs of uncertainty, the trim and moulding segments remain strong players in an otherwise soft economy.
According to a recent report from Grand View Research, the U.S. residential remodeling market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.6% from 2024 to 2030, leading trim and moulding manufacturers to predict a strong forecast for the coming year. 鈥淭he trim and moulding segment is positioned for steady growth, aligning with the overall home remodeling market,鈥� says Steve Booz, vice president of marketing for Westlake Royal Building Products. 鈥淲hile the past year saw a slight dip in spending, projections show an uptick in home improvement activity through the middle of 2025, setting the stage for growth in this category.鈥�
Rick Kapres, vice president of sales and marketing for Versatex Trimboard, also sees a strong future for the trim segment, despite concerns over the housing market. 鈥淲hen you get into trim, whether it鈥檚 new construction or remodeling, and if the new construction market is not as strong as we might want it to be, we certainly expect the remodeling segment to be there,鈥� he explains. 鈥淭here鈥檚 some people that are trapped in their homes, but they have lower interest rates. And, you know, the price of housing and rates have jumped dramatically. So they are forced to do some remodeling. A lot of that involves aging housing, and that lends itself to new siding and new trim. And certainly, you know that investment with the exterior and a greater curb appeal does lend itself to a return on investment if and when they do sell. So, whether it鈥檚 new construction or not, we still think the trim market is going to be healthy.鈥�
Similarly, Jim Flickinger, group marketing director for Accsys (maker of Accoya trim), predicts strong trim demand, but also sees changing consumer interest as an additional driver as homeowners begin to navigate towards alternative options. 鈥淲e see the trim and moulding market continuing to experience steady growth next year as economic factors, such as interest rates, stay flat and possibly come down slightly,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his will drive segment growth in new construction, remodeling, and replacement activities. There is still a strong desire to invest in homes, and factors such as curb appeal, sustainability, durability, and diverse material options are key drivers of this segment.鈥�
鈥淲ood is still the preferred material for trim and moulding, chosen for its aesthetic appeal and real wood beauty, which is the most versatile substrate for craftsmanship,鈥� he adds. 鈥淲ith the growing interest in long-term value and durability, innovative materials are gaining traction, offering greater design freedom and robust performance.鈥�
Likewise, Kim Guimond, chief marketing officer for Modern Mill, also predicts consumer demand for alternative trim materials to be a driving growth factor. 鈥淚n 2025, the trim and moulding market can expect to experience steady growth, largely driven by the continued shift from wood to more durable, low-maintenance and sustainable materials,鈥� she explains. 鈥淕rowth in the trim market will also be supported by an optimistic economic outlook, driven by continued remodeling as homeowners 鈥榮tay put鈥� on account of their locked-in, low interest rates and continue to improve existing properties as well as an acceleration of the multi-family market.鈥�
Steve Conroy, president of Welco Lumber Corporation, also predicts strong demand in the trim and moulding segments, with multi-family construction adding to the growth rate. 鈥淚 see the trim and moulding segment growing in 2025, driven by strong demand in both the multi-family and residential renovation markets,鈥� he explains. 鈥淲e are forecasting single-family housing starts to remain steady to 2024 growth trends, supported by economic growth, favorable government policies (such as potential tax cuts and deregulation), and slightly lower mortgage rates. Increased home remodeling will be supported by rising home equity, while multi-family construction will continue to grow due to urbanization, housing shortages and affordability. I expect affordability challenges in the single-family market may push some people toward renting, which will drive even greater demand for purpose built multi-family housing. Demographic trends, such as population growth and household formation, will further drive demand for housing and building materials.鈥�
Bold colors, mixed textures
In the not-so-distant past, trim was available in any color, as long as you wanted white. Granted, trim could be painted, but that meant more labor and upkeep over the years. Today, homeowners are looking for trim options鈥攂oth in color and in style鈥攖hat differentiate their homes from that of the neighbors, say manufacturers, and 麻豆传媒 dealers need to be ready to provide them.
鈥淗omeowners and homebuyers are continuing to look for ways to break away from uniform, cookie-cutter houses, opting for eye-catching aesthetics that enhance curb appeal and create a distinctive look,鈥� says Westlake Royal鈥檚 Booz. 鈥淲hen it comes to a home鈥檚 exterior, trim plays a crucial role in defining a home鈥檚 character. By experimenting with a variety of styles, colors and finishes of trim, homeowners can achieve a customized, visually striking exterior that complements the home鈥檚 architectural style.鈥�
Builders are increasingly blending materials, he explains, using trim and mouldings as key elements to bridging different textures like wood, metal and stone. This approach creates unique, distinctive designs that enhance a home鈥檚 character. Trim products that complement a range of siding and roofing materials, such as vinyl and PVC trim, are gaining traction for this reason.
As to colors, whites, creams and neutrals still remain popular for exteriors, providing design versatility and a modern aesthetic that complements a range of architectural styles. However, many homeowners are starting to explore bolder, darker trim colors to add contrast and visual interest. 鈥淐ontrasting trim鈥攕uch as black framing around windows鈥攅nhances architectural details and creates a striking, dramatic effect,鈥� adds Booz. 鈥淥ther deep hues like charcoal, navy blue, forest green and rich brown are becoming more popular because they pair beautifully with trending exteriors like white board-and-batten or light stone facades. This trend extends indoors as well. Black trim on interior doors and windows is rising, offering a simple yet impactful way to elevate spaces with a sophisticated, high-end feel.鈥�
Versatex鈥檚 Kapres agrees with Booz鈥檚 view on color. 鈥淲e certainly are seeing color become a bigger factor. We manufacture a product that has a wood grain laminate on it, and we now have nine different colors in what we call the canvas series,鈥� he explains. 鈥淭he other thing that we鈥檙e seeing, and I don鈥檛 know how long this is going to continue but it鈥檚 held on longer than I thought it would, is black. People like black trim, black windows, and things like that. There鈥檚 always been a connotation with PVC trim that you can鈥檛 paint it dark colors, particularly black. And you know that is true, but we partnered with PPG, and they have a line of paints they developed that are heat reflective so that you can paint PVC trim black as well, provided you鈥檙e using the right paints from PPG with the heat reflective values.鈥�
Hand in hand with bolder colors is the growing use of wider profiles in exterior applications, experts say. Wider trim boards with clean, simple lines are growing in popularity, reflecting the trend toward contemporary architecture. Homeowners are using thicker trim to frame and accentuate key areas, creating bold statements, while reserving thinner profiles for more intricate, decorative details.
Interestingly, classic beadboard has made a strong comeback, say manufacturers, with its narrow vertical planks and signature bead detail. This timeless design trend is expected to continue in 2025, from kitchen backsplashes to wall trim. As Booz predicts, 鈥�2025 design trends include the resurgence of traditional paneling styles like shiplap, wainscoting and beadboard, which can add character, texture and dimension to homes. This trend reflects a broader demand for customizable, premium finishes in both renovations and new builds.鈥�
High performance, low maintenance
Along with the trend of bolder colors and styles, the demand for trim and moulding products that deliver heightened performance, especially in the face of rising severe weather events, remains a driving factor in product choice, say manufacturers.
As Westlake Royal鈥檚 Booz points out, 鈥淲estlake Royal Building Products recently released its 鈥楢nnual Trends Report: The Best in Home Design,鈥� offering a comprehensive look at the latest trends shaping the home design and remodeling industry. The experts at Westlake Royal found that the increase in frequency and severity of natural disasters are driving demand for high-performance, weather-resistant building products. Exterior products, in particular, serve as the first line of defense, making resilient choices essential for homes designed to withstand storms, fires and other extremes.鈥�
Alternative trim materials are increasingly being sought out for their resilient nature, says Accsys鈥� Flickinger. 鈥淢odified wood is trending in the market as demand for wood is strong, and performance is key. Products made for modified woods, like Accoya, are being utilized increasingly due to their resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage (including termites), backed by a 50-year warranty that further enhances the cost-effective performance.鈥�
Coupled with the increasing interest in resilient products is the continued demand for low-maintenance options. Contractors are looking for trim options that require less labor to install, and homeowners want products that don鈥檛 require constant maintenance. 鈥淧eople continue to want to find products that perform with lower maintenance and have greater
durability longevity,鈥� says Versatex鈥檚 Kapres. 鈥淪o we are seeing a market shift away from wood, which lends itself to more products like Versatex that are impervious to moisture and have little to no maintenance.鈥�
Booz shares Kapres鈥� viewpoint on the increasing demand for low-maintenance trim products. 鈥淢ore and more homeowners are seeking materials that deliver lasting beauty with minimal upkeep, maximizing ROI for renovations or new builds,鈥� he says. 鈥淒urable, low-maintenance products not only reduce replacement and maintenance costs but also align with sustainable building practices.鈥�
These alternative choices can create a challenge, however, for the homeowner and pro alike when it comes to understanding the unique benefits of each option. As Accsys鈥� Flickinger explains, 鈥淢any homeowners still prefer the natural look and feel of wood, and while wood is a traditional favorite, material alternatives like PVC, fiber cement, or composite materials have made that choice selection more difficult. Buyers are weighing in on selecting products with significant environmental impact, evaluating long-term performance and life span, and cost tradeoffs. Understanding all the material properties and impacts on the choices made is challenging. Products made from modified wood, like Accoya, can offer substantial benefits buyers are looking for. Not all modified woods deliver the same performance, so doing homework is crucial to the selection process.鈥�
Strategies to sell more
With so many available trim options, the question of how 麻豆传媒 dealers can be a better resource, and ultimately sell more trim and moulding, becomes harder to answer. One strategy manufacturers suggest is to take the time to slow down and closely and carefully listen to your customers鈥� needs, and then just as carefully explain the product options, focusing on their features and benefits.
鈥淢ake it a priority to listen to your customers, especially your contractors, to understand their challenges,鈥� recommends Welco鈥檚 Conroy. 鈥淔or example, many contractors struggle with finding cost-efficient labor, and that鈥檚 where SilvaPost comes in. SilvaPost simplifies installation by allowing it to be installed during framing, which eliminates the need for post-installation wrapping and finishing. This not only saves time and money but also helps avoid callbacks for issues like checked or cracked posts, leading to higher customer satisfaction.鈥�
To effectively suggest product solutions, it鈥檚 important for 麻豆传媒 dealers to be as informed as possible about the products they carry. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very helpful to be proactive,鈥� Westlake Royal鈥檚 Booz advises. 鈥淭his includes staying up on product knowledge to be a true resource to customers about materials, styles and installation strategies. Most manufacturers have a host of materials and resources to support training your sales teams and educating buyers. This also includes recognizing opportunities to sell and upsell: Trim and moulding are the ideal finishing touch for a room and for the exterior, but may not always be top of mind with buyers. Ensure trim is part of the product selection conversation and offer good-better-best solutions to help achieve the look they鈥檙e seeking within their budget.鈥�
It boils down to education, and 麻豆传媒 dealers need to remember they鈥檙e not in it alone; manufacturers stand ready to help with product knowledge. 鈥淭he first thing I think you need to do if you鈥檙e a dealer, is take advantage of the manufacturers training programs,鈥� Versatex鈥檚 Kapres points out. 鈥淲e鈥檒l do product knowledge training at your facility, but then if you really want to take it to the next level, we ask our dealers to send a couple of people to our plant to see all the products made, see all the different things that you can do with it, understand installation, understand value proposition, so that you can better articulate these things to your builders and contractors. The dealers that do that invariably see an increase in sales.鈥�
As well, manufacturers recommend 麻豆传媒 dealers stock products that are known sellers, whether because of price, product features, or performance benefits. 鈥溌槎勾� dealers can drive sales and foster customer loyalty by stocking brands that consistently deliver exceptional value to builders and homeowners鈥攚e call these fan-favorite products that people get 鈥榟ooked on鈥� like Trader Joe鈥檚 and Stanley water bottles that create a buzz and a 鈥榟it product鈥� dealers can be proud to stock,鈥� explains Modern Mill鈥檚 Guimond. 鈥淏y stocking these high-performing brands, dealers can position themselves as trusted suppliers of in-demand products, catering to both professionals and DIYers. This approach not only drives sales but also solidifies the dealer鈥檚 reputation as a go-to source for innovative and reliable building materials.鈥�
In the end, the best strategy for 麻豆传媒 dealers when it comes to trim and moulding is to adapt a customer-first mentality. Absorb as much product knowledge as possible, take the time to listen to your customers, and maintain inventory of popular trim products, and you鈥檙e sure to be on a proactive path to success with the category.
