58% of PVC-U windows are smooth white, reveals data from Framepoint®

Analysis of over 88,000 PVC-U casements quoted by installers via Tommy Trinder’s Framepoint® platform in 2021 underscores the decline of the ‘smooth white’ window; only 58% of PVC -U casements quoted in the year were un-foiled. Anthracite grey (8%) and white grain (6%) continued to prove popular colour choices in 2021, but on the whole the Tommy Trinder data paints a picture of a highly fragmented colour pallet with installers presenting a dizzying array of choices to homeowners.

“Long gone are the days when windows were white and handles were gold,” says Tommy Trinder’s CEO Chris Brunsdon. “The activity from Framepoint® users in 2021 suggests we have truly become a rainbow nation when it comes to fenestration; over 1,000 different colour combinations were quoted on PVC-U Casements during the year.”

Traditional woodgrains were largely in decline also. Only rosewood (4%) and golden oak (1%) made it into the top 10 most popular foils. Mahogany, an old favourite, was notable by its absence. And oaks such as Irish oak, English oak and natural oak whilst trending upwards, also failed to make the top tier.

“Such vast choice is wonderful for the homeowner, but it does mean great complexity for the installers,” says Chris. “Framepoint® users tell us that being able to touch and instantly show clients exactly how a window will look in a variety of colourways has become a vital part of their sales process. Modelling a window on the house in full photo-realistic quality, then backing that up with full colour, photo-realistic inside and outside views of the product on quotes and contracts not only wows customers, it also removes any room for error.”