The millwork industry is undergoing significant changes. In a candid conversation between Jacob Edmond and Sam Wall, they delve deep into the industry’s future, sustainability, and the challenges faced by millworkers.
About Our Guest:
Sam Wall started his career in the retail and building material industry, working at Ace Hardware and later at Home Depot. He then transitioned into the display division, where he excelled as a purchasing manager. Over time, Sam developed a passion for architectural millwork and joined USA Millwork. After the dissolution of USA Millwork, Sam ventured into sales and reached out to vendors for opportunities. He eventually connected with Wilson at the IWF show and has been with them since last October.
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Key Takeaways:
The Shift Towards Sustainability
- Sustainable Practices in Millwork:
- The industry is witnessing a growing emphasis on sustainability. Whether it’s through FSC specs for lead certifications or manufacturers narrating their sustainable sourcing stories, the focus is clear.
- “The industry is starting to become more apparent… in how the millwork is being built,” says Sam Wall, emphasizing the growing focus on sustainability.
- Wilsonart’s Commitment:
- Leading the way, Wilsonart prides itself on its sustainability efforts. With more recyclable post-consumer content than any other laminate manufacturer, they are setting the benchmark for others to follow.
- “We pride ourselves in our sustainability. We have more recyclable post-consumer content than any other laminate manufacturer,” Wall proudly shares about Wilsonart’s efforts.
The Evolution of Products in Millwork
- Real Wood vs. Laminate:
- The industry is getting adept at making plastic laminate resemble real wood. This shift might reduce the heavy reliance on real wood veneer in the future.
- “We’re getting very good at making plastic laminate look like real wood,” Wall observes, hinting at a potential shift away from real wood veneer.
- The Role of TFL:
- Thermally fused laminate (TFL) products, which are essentially melamine, offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative. With companies like Wilsonart producing both laminate and TFL in matching colors, the end product remains consistent in appearance.
- “On your vertical surfaces, you could have essentially a TFL product… because Wilsonart makes that same color, that same spec,” Edmond explains, highlighting the versatility of TFL.
Supply Chain Disruptions and Their Impact
- The Post-Pandemic Era:
- While the industry is slowly recovering from supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic, the pricing of building materials might remain elevated for the foreseeable future.
- “I personally don’t see the US getting back to pricing as it was prior,” Wall predicts, hinting at the long-term impact of the pandemic on the industry.
- The Shift to Domestic Manufacturing:
- Due to various laws and import taxes, there’s a potential shift towards more stateside manufacturing, benefiting the local economy.
- “I think we’re going to start seeing a lot more manufacturing Stateside,” Wall suggests, pointing to the potential benefits for the local economy.
The Role of Education in Millwork
- Understanding the Process:
- There’s a need for better education within the millwork community. From understanding how a skyscraper’s design flows from the owner to the architect and eventually to the shop, the entire process needs more transparency.
- “That whole process of how that kind of flows into eventually into the shop… I think is undereducated,” Wall points out, emphasizing the need for better education within the community.
- Empowering Millworkers:
- Millworkers should see themselves as subject matter experts. This involves not just adhering to specs but also educating clients and suggesting better alternatives when necessary.
- “Millworkers should see themselves as the subject matter expert in what we make,” Edmond believes, stressing the importance of not just adhering to specs but also educating clients.
Looking Ahead: Predictions for the Next 5-10 Years
- Product Evolution:
- The end products might look and function the same, but the materials and processes used could undergo significant changes.
- “The end product, I think, is going to function the same and look the same, but how we use those products… I think we’re going to transition into that,” Wall predicts.
- Sustainability at the Forefront:
- With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, sustainable alternatives to traditional materials might become the norm.
- “I think sustainability is starting to become more apparent,” Wall observes, hinting at a future where eco-friendly practices become the norm.
Conclusion
With insights directly from industry experts Jacob Edmond and Sam Wall, it’s clear that the millwork industry is poised for exciting changes. From sustainability to product evolution, the future promises innovation and growth.
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