Materials designed for durability play a critical role in helping homes withstand the wide range of extreme weather conditions found across the U.S. From hurricanes and tornadoes to heavy snow, salt air, wildfires and earthquakes, resilient options such as reinforced concrete, metal roofing and fiber cement siding consistently perform well. These materials meet strict building codes, resist wind, fire, moisture and impact, and often last decades longer than conventional alternatives, making them especially valuable in high-risk regions. The best-performing systems are those tailored to local threats and installed to code,…
Read MoreDay: December 24, 2025
Existing-Home Sales
Recent existing-home sales data shows a mixed picture across the country. From one month to the next, sales rose in the Northeast and South, held steady in the West and declined in the Midwest. Compared with the same period last year, activity was flat in the Northeast and South but slipped in both the Midwest and West, highlighting ongoing regional differences in housing demand. According to NAR’s chief economist, the recent uptick in sales reflects the impact of lower mortgage rates in the fall, marking three consecutive months of improvement.…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Lifecycle of Building Materials
Understanding how building materials move from extraction to end of life is central to more sustainable construction in the U.S. The building sector uses a large share of raw materials and produces significant waste, much of which could be reused or recycled. Tools such as life-cycle assessments and reporting systems help designers and builders compare materials based on durability, carbon impact, and long-term performance. Choosing longer-lasting products and planning for reuse can reduce costs over time, lower environmental impacts and support compliance with programs such as LEED and federal environmental…
Read MoreNKBA’s 2026 Kitchen Trends Report
The NKBA 2026 Kitchen Trends Report shows that kitchens are increasingly shaped by wellness, smart technology, multifunctional design and personalized luxury, reflecting how central the kitchen has become to everyday life. Based on insights from more than 600 industry professionals, the report reveals that most trends are either growing or firmly mainstream, signaling long-term staying power rather than short-lived fads. Kitchens are expanding in size and influence, often absorbing space from formal dining rooms, while open layouts, abundant natural light and cohesive materials help connect them seamlessly to the rest…
Read More5 Sustainable Stone Ideas for 2026 Remodels
As sustainable luxury becomes a priority in home remodeling, designers and homeowners are rethinking stone materials to balance beauty with environmental responsibility. Instead of focusing solely on aesthetics, projects are increasingly guided by reduced carbon impact, durability and ethical sourcing. The guide highlights five forward-looking stone solutions for 2026, including reclaimed stone, locally sourced materials, recycled-content engineered stone, permeable surfaces and emerging bio-based alternatives. Together, these options show how high-end design can support circular economies, reduce waste, lower transportation emissions and work in harmony with natural systems, without sacrificing style…
Read MoreFlooring Industry 2025
The flooring industry faced a difficult but manageable year in 2025, shaped by tariffs, high interest rates, slower housing activity and cautious consumer spending. While overall demand remained soft and the market continued a multi-year downturn, many executives described conditions as stable rather than volatile. Companies that tightened inventories, streamlined product assortments and emphasized higher-margin or premium offerings were better able to offset rising costs and supply-chain uncertainty. Remodeling activity proved more resilient than new construction and higher-end consumers continued to support sales even as broader demand lagged expectations. Looking…
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