Q1 2026 NKBA/ John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI)
The NKBA / John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) delivers a comprehensive quarterly snapshot of current market conditions and future expectations across the kitchen and bath industry. The 1Q26 KBMI study includes insights from 651 NKBA members representing four core segments: Design (26%), Building & Remodeling (30%), Manufacturing (20%), and Retail (24%).
This quarter’s report underscores a market holding steady amid ongoing uncertainty, with restrained growth expectations and continued pressure from elevated material costs. While some segments are showing resilience, particularly building and remodeling, the broader industry continues to navigate cautious consumer behavior and operational constraints. Rich with actionable data and forward-looking insights, the 1Q26 KBMI equips industry professionals with the intelligence needed to plan strategically in a complex environment.
Key Takeaways
- The overall KBMI score held at 55 out of 100 for the second consecutive quarter, indicating flat industry activity and steady sentiment.
- The industry is projecting low-to-mid-single-digit growth in 2026, with retailers the most optimistic (+6%) and manufacturers the most cautious (+1.8%).
- Building & remodeling was the only segment to report year-over-year sales growth, supported by increasing project backlogs.
- Consumer uncertainty remains the top constraint to growth (48%), while concerns around tariffs and labor costs showed modest easing.
Additional Insights
- Ongoing skilled labor shortages are limiting firms’ ability to fully capitalize on demand, with over half expecting moderate to significant impact.
- Pricing rose +4.3% year-over-year on average, as firms continue to manage elevated input costs despite some easing margin pressure.
- Entry-level demand remains soft, while midrange and luxury segments show more stability and resilience.
- A forward-looking outlook on demand drivers, pricing trends, and segment-specific performance heading into the remainder of 2026.
Packed with valuable data and strategic insights, the 1Q26 NKBA/John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index is an indispensable resource for professionals seeking to benchmark performance, identify growth opportunities, and navigate today’s evolving market landscape with confidence.
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