Paint, Wallcoverings & Woodcare – 5 Key Facts

The Covid pandemic lockdowns caused a DIY boom in 2020 and 2021, further boosted by increased house moving in 2021 due to the stamp duty exemption.

The paint, wallcoverings and woodcare market increased by approximately £125m from 2019 to 2021. The paint and woodcare markets are dominated by five global corporations who account for 80+% of each. The wallcoverings market is markedly different, with around 20 companies accounting for 80%.

Here are our five key facts to give you a head start with the latest market intel:

1.  The total market rose 7.7% in 2020 and 4.2% in 2021 due to home improvement activity driven by a rise in disposable incomes during Covid dropped just 9% in 2020 (making it one of the better performing construction product sectors) and then rapidly regained market value with growth of 8% in 2021. Continued growth is expected at higher than pre-pandemic rates through to 2024.

2. Paint and woodcare demand soared in 2020 immediately after lockdowns began, with painting and decorating remaining an essential service.

3. The wallcoverings market saw a small decrease in value in 2020, before a large rise in 2021 as maximalist design trends took over. 

4. Click & collect, online delivery and other virtual services like consultancy have rapidly improved from both manufacturers and distributors to adapt to the ‘new normal’.

5. After a lockdown ‘perfect storm’ of market conditions, the cost-of-living crisis and reduced construction activity mean the market value will likely decrease in 2022 and 2023 before rising again from 2024 onwards.

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