2009 Timber Frame Business Council Survey (for 2008 Business Cycle)

Aug. 25, 2009 - PRLog -- Summary of Results

•   There was a 21.3% increase in designated timber framing companies from 220 in 2007 to 267 in 2008.

•   The average total business sales revenue for 2008 increased by 1.8% over 2007.  (These dollars have been adjusted to reflect a -1.4% inflation rate.)  The estimated industry total increased by 25.1% but most of this increase stems from the increase in identified timber framing companies.

•   The average number of board feet of timber used in 2008 was 141,625, which was an increase of 3.3% over 2007.  The estimated industry total increased by 25.4%, but, once again, this increase is mainly due to the increase in identified timber frame companies.

•   The average number of square feet of SIPs sold in 2008 was 62,987, which was an increase of 53.5% over 2007.  The estimated industry total for 2008 increased by 86.3% over 2007—this includes the increase in companies, but it is still significant.

•   The yes/no questions involving SIPs showed a considerable decrease from last year in the percentage of companies installing but not selling SIPs.

•   Not surprisingly, the perceived trend in sales in the upcoming year has changed considerably from last year’s predictions. More than half of those surveyed are predicting sales to decrease slightly or significantly; whereas last year, 60.1% were predicting an increase (either slightly or significantly) in sales.  Unlike last year, this year’s predictions do not vary significantly from region to region.

•   A new question was added this year regarding employee starting salaries by the following categories:  experienced joiners/framers, apprentice joiners/framers, CAD designers, sales personnel, administrative personnel.  There was a significant relationship found between the location of the business headquarters and starting salary.   On average, companies in Western Canada are more likely to pay a higher starting wage than those in the Southeastern U.S., regardless of employment category.  

A full report is available at http://www.timberframe.org/architect.html (click on 2009 Timber Frame Survey Results to download the PDF).

Notes and Clarifications

•   All open ended responses have been included and have not been edited.
•   Percentages may not add to 100 due to rounding.
•   All charts and graphs refer to 2008 business cycle, except where specifically noted.
•   Comparisons between 2008 and 2007 and percent change have been included for all available questions.  Because of the change in the wording of Question 4 (building method), a comparison between 2008 and 2007 was not done.
•   Estimated industry totals were included for sales revenue, board feet of timber used and square feet of SIPs sold (see page 2 of the full report).

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The mission of the Timber Frame Business Council is to strengthen the timber framing industry through professional and public outreach, professional development, education, and major industry initiatives.

www.timberframe.org