Kitchen and Bath Industry Faced Staffing Gaps
A new industry study shows that labor shortages continue to hinder growth for renovation businesses.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Should middle and high schools place more focus on trade and technical skills training?
The National Kitchen & Bath Association has released its 2026 Skilled Labor Workforce Study, highlighting ongoing staffing challenges. While reports of shortages have dipped since 2024, nearly half of surveyed businesses state that labor gaps still limit their project capacity.
Why it matters
Recruitment remains difficult as companies face a shrinking pool of applicants with the necessary technical skills. This shortage prevents firms in the $230 billion industry from meeting the rising demand for home renovation projects.
The NKBA industry study surveyed more than 500 professionals across the U.S. and Canada. Installers and carpenters are currently the most difficult positions to fill within the field.
The players
National Kitchen & Bath Association
This trade association represents nearly 55,000 member companies and professionals throughout the kitchen and bath industry.
The details
Employers are increasingly looking toward early education to solve hiring woes, with 90% favoring trade exposure beginning in middle or high school. More than two-thirds of industry leaders believe that integrating hands-on learning into the curriculum is essential to generate interest in these career paths.
Timeline
In 2024, 58% of businesses reported significant or moderate labor shortages.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association released its Skilled Labor Workforce Study in 2026.
Culture Shift
The push for earlier trade education reflects a broader cultural pivot away from the traditional four-year college track toward vocational training. This move acknowledges the necessity of practical skills in high-value sectors like home renovation as the industry seeks to professionalize trade work.
Homeowners may encounter longer wait times for renovation projects as contractors continue to struggle with limited capacity. Finding available skilled installers and carpenters will likely remain a significant challenge for those seeking timely kitchen or bathroom upgrades.
The takeaway
The ongoing labor shortage emphasizes the importance of early vocational exposure in closing the gap for skilled trade positions. Prospective homeowners should plan their renovation timelines well in advance to account for current industry capacity constraints.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of Home Renovation on our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kitchen & Bath Business.
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Should middle and high schools place more focus on trade and technical skills training?
