Kitchen and Bath Labor Shortages Have Persisted
Homeowners may face longer project wait times as industry firms continue to struggle with staffing shortages.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The National Kitchen & Bath Association released its 2026 Skilled Labor Workforce Study, revealing that staffing gaps remain a persistent challenge for the $230 billion industry. Nearly half of businesses report that these labor constraints are actively limiting their ability to accept new residential renovation projects.
Why it matters
Persistent labor shortages can lead to significant delays for families planning kitchen or bath remodels, as firms struggle to find enough qualified installers and carpenters. Because recruitment is hindered by limited applicant pools and insufficient technical training, project timelines remain impacted.
While the share of firms reporting labor gaps dropped to 40% in 2026 from 58% in 2024, installers and carpenters remain the hardest roles to fill. The National Kitchen & Bath Association represents nearly 55,000 member companies navigating these ongoing staffing challenges.
The players
National Kitchen & Bath Association
An organization serving nearly 55,000 member companies and professionals that sets standards and provides workforce data for the remodeling industry.
The details
Businesses are facing recruitment hurdles due to a lack of applicants and a deficit in technical skill development. Consequently, nearly half of firms have been forced to turn down or defer new residential projects to manage their existing capacity. The industry is currently exploring educational strategies, with 90% of employers advocating for trade exposure in middle and high school to address these long-term labor gaps.
Timeline
58% of businesses reported significant or moderate labor shortages in 2024.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association released the Skilled Labor Workforce Study in 2026.
The Home Front
This labor shift occurs as the home renovation industry continues to grapple with long-term gaps in trade expertise that complicate residential project timelines. The findings follow a documented pattern of recruitment difficulties within the trades that the National Kitchen & Bath Association Skilled Labor Workforce Study tracks annually.
When planning your next renovation, expect to encounter extended lead times for finding qualified carpenters and installers. It is advisable to solicit project quotes well in advance to account for potential labor-related scheduling constraints.
The takeaway
The remodeling industry is currently navigating a period where workforce limitations can delay your home projects. Plan for longer wait times by speaking with contractors early and allowing extra flexibility in your project calendar.
Further reading
For more on managing expectations during home improvements, visit Home Renovation.
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?
