Woodworking is on the Rise with Women -- According to a Rockler Woodworking and Hardware Trend Update
A recent study revealed that woodworking is becoming more popular with women. In fact, more women would rather work on their home than shop; and when it comes to home improvement projects, an increasing number of women are working with wood.
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) October 25, 2005 -- http://www.Rockler.com -- Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, one of the nation’s premier suppliers of specialty hardware, tools and other high-quality woodworking products, shares the findings of a recent marketing research study, revealing that more women would rather engage in a woodworking or home improvement project than ever before.
Put away the credit card and pick up the circular saw. That’s right. A recent study suggests that more women would rather do a home improvement project than go shopping. And when it comes to home improvement, a growing number of women are tackling woodworking by building custom cabinets, book shelves and tables. Recent marketing research by Rockler Woodworking and Hardware reveals that one of the fastest growing trends in home improvement is women working with wood.
“There are close to four million American women woodworkers today,” said LiLi Rockler Jackson, Rockler Companies spokesperson, a talented young woodworker who is also the granddaughter of the company’s founder, Norton Rockler. “It’s a trend that is quickly rising as more and more single women become homeowners. Our own research shows that the majority of women who started woodworking in the past three years say they want to create something with their own hands for their own home. Women are drawn to working with wood because it’s a creative outlet that provides a gratifying sense of accomplishment.”
“I’m making something original I can’t buy anywhere else,” explained one respondent. “I woodwork to create items designed to fit my needs and personal style,” said another woman. “I challenge myself by creating a functional design and then being smart enough and skilled enough to build it,” said yet another woman.
According to well known do-it-yourselfer and cable television host JoAnne Liebeler, the sense of accomplishment experienced by women woodworkers is much of what’s fueling this phenomenon. “Women are realizing they can use power tools and build something amazing,” she said. “They see me handling a circular saw, and they think, ‘hey, if she can do it, I can do it, too.’ The fear factor has been replaced with a sense of empowerment.”
Rockler Companies’ marketing research suggests that, nearly one third undertake the pastime to create furniture. And while most women woodworkers create a wide variety of items, of those interviewed:
21 percent create craft items such as picture frames;
19 percent build storage items such as custom cabinets or shelving;
17 percent complete home improvement projects such as adding custom crown molding to a room; and
9 percent make children’s items such as dollhouses and wooden toys.
While a growing number of women are just starting out as woodworkers, Rockler Companies’ research suggests woodworking is a lifestyle, not just a hobby. In fact, more than 33 percent of those interviewed have been woodworking for more than five years. Research participants also indicated that, while nearly 24 percent of women who participated in the research said they first started woodworking as a way to improve their homes, yet found that they greatly enjoyed working with wood and power tools.
38 percent do woodworking at least once a week;
58 percent do woodworking at home in rooms or shops dedicated to woodworking; and
71 percent own their own tools, and the majority—42 percent—have spent more than $1,000 to date.
“Woodworking is an especially fun hobby because it results in a functional item,” said Rockler Jackson. “And we’re creating a legacy by building something that can be handed down through the generations.”
Rockler Companies first noticed a growing trend of women participating in woodworking nearly four years ago when it launched womeninwoodworking.com. Since then, female visitors to the web site have jumped 27 percent. “Our retail sales also showed the growth of the female market. Women were coming to our stores asking for advice on how to build cabinets or tables,” said Ann Rockler Jackson, the company’s CEO. “We realized that women woodworkers approach the craft differently than men. Women sometimes hesitate to ask how or why in a mixed group or in a workshop, but jump right in asking questions when talking with other women woodworkers. For many they want to test the waters first before jumping in with both feet. We launched womeninwoodworking.com in direct response to what women woodworkers wanted. It’s fascinating to see its growth.”
The increase in women woodworkers visiting Rockler’s stores and website corresponds to a national phenomenon. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women are the fastest growing group of home buyers and make up the second largest group of homebuyers after couples. According to the Association, the number of single female homeowners has doubled in the past 15 years.
“Combine that statistic with the fact that sales of home improvement products continue to rise in record numbers and this is a significant trend,” said the younger Rockler Jackson. “We believe this trend has been pushed by the popularity of do-it-yourself programs. Women are seeing other women using power tools to make attractive and functional new home furnishings. Suddenly, the intimidation factor that held many women back disappears. In fact, nearly 47 percent of those interviewed stated that they most often work with portable power tools, like sanders, routers, drill drivers, and jig saws. Thanks to do-it-yourself programs, ‘no way’ has been replaced with a ‘can do’ attitude that has helped to drive this trend.”
About Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, a 51-year-old family run business, is one of the nation’s premier suppliers of specialty hardware, tools and other high-quality wood working products. Founded in 1954, the company now includes 34 stores in 20 states and extensive catalog and Internet operations. (http://www.rockler.com) Rockler also publishes Woodworker’s Journal, a leading publication dedicated to supporting wood workers of every skill level.
To learn more about Rockler Woodworking and Hardware visit:
Hardware: http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=11
Tools: http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=73
Wood Products: http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=74
Woodworking Plans: http://www.rockler.com/CategoryView.cfm?Cat_ID=75
New Woodworking Tools and Supply: http://www.rockler.com/new_items.cfm
Contact:
Kay Strait
763-478-8347
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