Outlook for the UK Floorcoverings Market to 2029

The floorcoverings market has struggled over the past two years, having declined in line with difficult market conditions, and seeing the closure of Carpetright – the UK’s largest floorcoverings retailer.

However, in the 17th edition of Barbour ABI’s UK Floorcoverings Market Research Report, we anticipate a gradual return to growth as the wider UK economy is expected to strengthen. This market could grow by as much as 9% by 2029, although current turbulence in the global political and economic environment does increase the level of uncertainty currently facing the UK built environment.

Market subsectors analysed in the report

The report includes forecasts and detailed analysis for the following product areas:

• Carpets
• Vinyl flooring
• Wood floor coverings
• Floor tiles

Carpets continue to dominate – with the largest share of the market. This is followed by vinyl products, which is increasing in value, then wood flooring. This market is highly dependent on imports, so is particularly affected by global trading agreements and exchange rates.

Floorcoverings market report overview

The report covers floorcoverings for new build and RMI, in both residential and non-residential (contract) applications. Key non-residential sectors include offices and entertainment and leisure.

Activity in the office sector has remained strong, despite the increases in people working from home. Part of this is driven by organisations creating improved workspaces, to encourage people back into the office, and a focus on wellbeing at work.

This report examines these sub-sectors and product categories in detail, including size, trends and influences, market prospects, major suppliers and distribution channels. It contains historical data for the 2020-2024 period and provides forecasts to 2029.

Floorcoverings market amidst uncertain times

The current instability in the global trading environment creates uncertainty for the economy as a whole, and for the built environment. However, the UK does have trade agreements in place with many countries and is establishing new ones, which is particularly important for the floorcoverings market.

However, the weak UK economy and subdued housing market, are key factors in constraining growth in floorcoverings. We anticipate the UK economy and housing market returning to growth, in response to government stability and reforms, but the turmoil caused by the sweeping introduction of high import tariffs by the USA, could slow this recovery.

Market innovations and trends

In terms of innovations and trends in floorcoverings, technological advances in digital design, printing and embossing techniques have enabled manufacturers to reproduce wood grain and other effects in vinyl flooring, which has increased its popularity.

Regulations, like the Disability Discrimination Act, affect the type of floorcoverings that are installed. And manufacturers are striving to use responsibly sourced materials, recycled content and renewable energy sources, to reduce their impact on the environment. These include initiatives and schemes that specifically affect the floorcovering market.

Major manufacturers across the main product categories include: 

Carpet: Victoria plc (Abingdon, Westex, Victoria and others), Greenwood & Coope Ltd, Brintons Carpets Ltd and Ulster Carpet Mills Ltd.

Vinyl: Polyflor Ltd, Karndean International Ltd, The Amtico Company Ltd and Forbo Flooring Ltd.

Wood floor coverings: This sector is very fragmented, but there are a small number of major players, including: Mohawk and Beaulieu, and Egger and Kronospan.

The UK floorcoverings market remains extremely fragmented, with both the domestic and contract sectors each comprising many suppliers and wide ranges of products. Channels include:

• Floorcovering multiples
• Independents
• Home improvement / DIY outlets
• Online
• Furniture / furnishings multiples
• Discount and variety / department stores
  Builders / timber merchants
• Floor covering contract suppliers
• Floor covering contractors

Discover the full contents and even more insight in our latest edition of the Floorcoverings Market Research Report.