US demand to reach 22 billion square feet in 2009
The US market for carpets and rugs is projected to rise nearly two percent per year through 2009 to 22 billion square feet, accounting for 65 percent of the floor covering market. Demand will be supported by an acceleration in nonresidential construction activity, particularly in the office and commercial segment. Additionally, expansion of distribution channels, product innovations and material technology will aid growth.
Rugs, carpet tiles to grow the fastest
Through 2009, the US carpet and rug market will continue to be dominated by tufted products, including broadloom, scatter rugs and bath mats, modular carpet tile, vehicular carpeting and artificial grass. However, this segment will continue to face strong competition from hard surface flooring. Nevertheless, the scatter rug and bath mat and modular carpet tile segments will post solid gains. Rugs will benefit from the growing popularity of hard surface flooring, while carpet tiles will see accelerating growth from its penetration into the residential market and a rebound in nonresidential construction activity. Woven carpets and rugs will see faster gains than their tufted counterparts through 2009. This segment will be bolstered by increasing interest in highend woven rugs, which are often used to compliment hard surface flooring.
Nonresidential buildings show best prospects
The nonresidential building market is expected to provide the best opportunities for carpets and rugs, with demand rising more than three percent per year through 2009 to six billion square feet. This market will benefit from accelerating gains in new construction spending, particularly the office and commercial segment. Growth in the residential market will decelerate significantly, driven by a decline in new single-family residences and by consumer preferences towards hard surface flooring. However, gains in new multifamily and manufactured housing markets will support increases, as will replacement demand in all three housing segments. A rebound in transportation equipment production will bolster demand for carpets and rugs in motor vehicle, aircraft, recreational vehicle and boat markets.
Polylactic acid, polypropylene fibers to lead gains
Nearly 65 percent of materials used in carpet and rug production consist of face fibers. Of the fiber products, others -- such as environmentally friendly polylactic acid-based products -- will see solid gains through 2009 from a small base. Polypropylene will also post aboveaverage growth, due in part to its lower price and widespread use in the rapidly growing area and accent rug segment. Demand for lightweight backings will spur growth in the polyolefin-based primary and secondary backing segments. Consumption of adhesives will be limited by ongoing concerns regarding volatile organic compound emissions and indoor air quality.
Study coverage
This new Freedonia industry study, Carpets & Rugs, is priced at $4100. provides historical US demand data (1994, 1999, 2004) and forecasts to 2009 and 2014 by carpet and rug material, product and market. The study also presents company market share data and profiles 37 industry competitors. | 
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