Carpet builds share over hard flooring
August 29, 2024
Carpet has reversed to rise of hard flooring in terms of UK consumer preference over the last three years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The ONS' annual family spending survey asks consumers what they spend their income on and it segments flooring purchases by type.
Analysis of the data by The Furnishing Report shows that the preference for hard flooring versus carpet has declined by 5% since 2021.
Market share between carpet and hard flooring (vinyl, wood, laminate) is disputed with analysts varying in their calculations, but hard flooring is estimated to have at least 55% of current UK sales.
Unfortunately, the same survey showed consumers were buying less of either type – soft or hard – however. In 2023, families spent an average of £166 on floorcoverings, down from £187 in 2022.
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