Evaluating selected demographic factors related to consumer preferences for furniture from commercial and from underutilized species

Abstract

This technical note describes consumer preferences within selected demographic categories in two major Pacific Northwest markets for six domestic wood species. These woods were considered for construction of four furniture pieces. Chi-square tests were performed to determine species preferences based on gender, age, and income. Age and income were statistically significant (with a stronger effect for age); gender was not significant. Older respondents preferred oak while younger respondents preferred spruce. Cherry was preferred by respondents in higher income categories and oak by respondents in lower income categories. Maple was preferred by younger male respondents, while birch was preferred by lower income males. Lastly, red alder was found to have lower preference among females in higher income categories. Such information is useful for considering the role that species choice can play in the development of customized products by the domestic furniture industry.

Citation

Nicholls, David; Bumgardner, Matthew. 2007. Evaluating selected demographic factors related to consumer preferences for furniture from commercial and from underutilized species. Forest Products Journal. 57(12): 79-82.