Construction Outlook For Flooring Contractors
Construction Outlook 2025–2027: Key Takeaways for Flooring Contractors
The Glenigan Forecast points to a cautiously optimistic outlook for UK construction, with growth expected to accelerate from 2026. For flooring contractors, this means preparing now to take advantage of future demand across commercial, residential, and public sectors.
1. Growth Sectors Driving Flooring Demand
Private Housing:
- Expected growth: +8% (2025), +10% (2026), +18% (2027)
- Key impact: Higher housing starts = increased demand for domestic flooring fit-out, especially in build-to-rent and new homes.
Industrial and Logistics:
- Growth of +4% to +9% across 2025–27
- Online retail and demand for light industrial space underpin logistics facility expansion, requiring durable, high-performance flooring.
Offices:
- Recovery: +14% (2025), +23% (2026)
- Driven by refurbishments for hybrid working and sustainability upgrades. Likely to boost premium flooring specifications and retrofit opportunities.
Retail and Hospitality:
- Short-term dip in 2025 but growth returns by 2026
- Refurbishment and shopfitting opportunities remain, especially in supermarkets and leisure fit-outs.
2. Public Sector: Opportunities in Education and Health
Education: Modest growth from 2026 (+4% each year)
- Ongoing RAAC remediation and school rebuilds offer opportunities in safety-compliant and rapid-install flooring.
Healthcare: Growth of +3% (2026) and +8% (2027)
- NHS capital funding to improve infrastructure could mean increased flooring demand in clinics, hospitals, and modular builds.
3. What Flooring Contractors Should Focus On
- Specification Readiness: Align offerings with higher sustainability standards and hybrid-use spaces.
- Refurbishment Expertise: Many opportunities lie in remodelling rather than new builds—agility is key.
- Workforce Planning: Anticipate capacity requirements from mid-2026 as project starts increase.
- Partnerships: Build early relationships with developers and main contractors active in logistics, housing, and education.
In Summary
While 2025 offers modest improvements, real acceleration in construction activity is expected in 2026 and 2027. Now is the time to be putting plans in action to secure future business.
