W.M. Coffman
A Legacy Brand Losing Its Footing in the Stair Parts Market?

With a rich history in the stair parts industry dating back to 1874, W.M. Coffman, also known as Woodmark Coffman, has long been a trusted name for builders and homeowners alike. However, in recent years, the company has faced growing criticism for its lack of innovation and a perceived decline in customer service, casting a shadow over its once-sterling reputation.

Industry insiders have noted that W.M. Coffman’s product lines have remained largely stagnant, with few new designs or innovative features being introduced. This has led to concerns that the company is falling behind its competitors, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of stair part design and functionality.

Moreover, reports of declining customer service have surfaced, with customers citing difficulties in reaching support representatives and experiencing delays in issue resolution. This has eroded some of the goodwill the company had built up over the years, leaving customers questioning their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Despite these concerns, W.M. Coffman continues to offer a wide range of stair parts through major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s, making their products easily accessible to consumers.

These recent developments have raised questions about W.M. Coffman’s future in the ever-evolving stair parts market. While their legacy of quality and craftsmanship remains, the company must address the concerns regarding innovation and customer service to maintain its relevance and appeal to a wider audience.

PROS:

  • Established Reputation: W.M. Coffman boasts a long-standing legacy in the industry, known for their commitment to quality and traditional designs.
  • Wide Range of Products: They offer an extensive catalog of stair parts, including both wood and iron options, catering to various styles.
  • Available at Major Retailers: W.M. Coffman products are readily available at major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers.

CONS:

  • Lack of Innovation: Recent product launches have been criticized for lacking originality and relying heavily on tried-and-true designs.
  • Decline in Customer Service: Some customers report difficulties reaching customer support and experiencing delays in resolving issues.
  • Generic Designs: While their selection is broad, many designs lack unique character and feel similar to other brands on the market.

Facts About W.M. Coffman

The following information is not opinion based, but actual facts pulled from the internet. This info is current as of July 6, 2024.

Authentic Reviews

Outside of the Lowes & Home Depot retail store, they don’t have many online reviews.

  • Home Depot – 4.3  out of 5 stars with 1800+ reviews
  • Lowes– 4.3 out of 5 stars with 600+ reviews

Brands Stocked

  • W.M. Coffman (or Woodmark Coffman) is a well-established brand in the stair parts industry.

  • While W.M. Coffman doesn’t explicitly advertise “custom” stair parts on their main website, they do have a degree of flexibility within their standard offerings:

    Wood:

    • Species: They offer parts in various wood species (Red Oak, White Oak, Poplar, Hard Maple), which can be considered a form of customization as you choose the look and feel.
    • Length: Some dealers (like Millwork City) mention that W.M. Coffman can accommodate custom lengths, but it’s not universally advertised.

    Iron:

    • Finishes: They have a few standard finishes for their iron balusters, but no indication of bespoke color options.
    • Designs: All iron baluster designs are pre-determined, with no mention of custom forging or modifications.

    It’s Worth Noting:

    • Their website emphasizes working with a dealer to find the right parts. This may mean more customization is possible through direct discussion, but it’s not guaranteed.
    • Reviews sometimes mention “custom stair parts” from W.M. Coffman, but it’s unclear if this is dealer-specific modification or factory-level.

    Recommendation:

    If custom work is essential to your project, directly contact W.M. Coffman or a specific dealer carrying their products to inquire about their capabilities. This will give you the most accurate information.

Shipping

  • Shipping varies depending on the retailer where products are purchased.

Pricing

  • They do not have public published B2B pricing however their retail pricing which can be seen on various ecommerce stores makes us believe they have very low pricing and very low margins for dealers.

Final Words

W.M. Coffman’s legacy as a reliable stair parts manufacturer is undeniable. However, their lack of innovation, decline in customer service, and reliance on generic designs raise concerns about their relevance in today’s evolving market. While their products might still appeal to those seeking traditional styles and easily accessible parts, those looking for unique designs and exceptional customer service might find better options elsewhere.

For homeowners and contractors considering W.M. Coffman, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully and compare their offerings with more innovative brands in the market.