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| Woodworking is on the Rise with Women Recent marketing research by Rockler Woodworking and Hardware from Minneapolis, MN, reveals that one of the fastest growing trends in home improvement is women working with wood. A recent study by the Home Improvement Research Institute suggests that more American women would rather do a home improvement project than go shopping. Rockler Companies’ marketing research suggests that, nearly one third undertake the pastime to create furniture. And while most women woodworkers create a wide variety of items, of those interviewed: 21 percent create craft items such as picture frames; 19 percent build storage items such as custom cabinets or shelving; 17 percent complete home improvement projects such as adding custom crown molding to a room; and 9 percent make children’s items such as dollhouses and wooden toys. While a growing number of women are just starting out as woodworkers, Rockler Companies’ research suggests woodworking is a lifestyle, not just a hobby. In fact, more than 33 percent of those interviewed have been woodworking for more than five years. Research participants also indicated that, while nearly 24 percent of women who participated in the research said they first started woodworking as a way to improve their homes, yet found that they greatly enjoyed working with wood and power tools. 38 percent do woodworking at least once a week; 58 percent do woodworking at home in rooms or shops dedicated to woodworking; and 71 percent own their own tools, and the majority—42 percent—have spent more than $1, 000 to date. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women are the fastest growing group of home buyers and make up the second largest group of homebuyers after couples. According to the Association, the number of single female homeowners has doubled in the past 15 years. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Construction News :: home page |