Talk on tariffs affecting materials across the construction industry has taken over the past few months. This discussion is now a reality. On Oct. 14, the additional 10% tariff on softwood lumber and timber imports took into effect. This increases the current tariffs on Canadian lumber to a total of 45%. While duties on wood products from the UK will not exceed 10% and imports from European Union and Japan will not exceed 15%. Currently, up to 85% of all U.S. lumber imports hail from Canada. New rates will apply to…
Read MoreCategory: Building Materials
Stucco No Longer Most-Used Exterior Wall Material
For the first time since 2018, vinyl siding has reclaimed its spot as the most commonly used exterior wall material for new homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 Survey of Construction. Vinyl or vinyl-covered aluminum siding was used on 26% of homes started that year, edging out stucco at 25% and fiber cement at 23%. While vinyl’s market share has hovered around a quarter for the past decade, it once dominated at 40% in 2001 before declining in the mid-2010s. Meanwhile, stucco’s popularity surged from 17% in 2010…
Read MoreHoliday-Ready Kitchen Remodel Ideas
The holidays in Chicago turn the kitchen into the heart of the home—a space for family gatherings, storytelling and shared meals. Yet, preparing large feasts often highlights a kitchen’s limitations: cramped layouts, lack of counter space or outdated appliances. Remodeling in the fall allows homeowners to fix these pain points before the busy holiday season. Upgrades like double ovens, expanded counters and organized pantries can transform the cooking experience from stressful to seamless, ensuring you have the space, tools and flow to host effortlessly. IRPINO Construction highlights five key updates…
Read MoreConstruction Materials Market to Cross USD 3.90 Trillion by 2034
The global building and construction materials market, valued at USD 2.19 trillion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 3.90 trillion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.95%. Growth is being propelled by accelerating urbanization and infrastructure expansion worldwide. The market encompasses traditional materials such as concrete, steel and cement alongside emerging sustainable alternatives like engineered wood, recycled composites and low-emission cement. Government initiatives promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility are reshaping industry standards, while digital technologies, including AI, BIM and modular construction, are improving project efficiency…
Read MoreLumber prices level off
As we head into the fall months, lumber prices remain stable. Throughout the year the market saw swings up and down as construction increases in the summer months then softens in winter. While the swings are not volatile, additional news of impending tariffs lends concern to the future. While the prices of lumber is relatively stable, closely matching how it was in 2023, many key professionals say this is due to decreased supply. Western-SPF in Canada and Eastern-SPF purchasers voiced their supply concerns not matching the construction demand. “In the…
Read MoreNew tariffs on building material and cabinet imports
The U.S. Commerce Department released a notice that they are implementing a 10% tariff on all timber and lumber imports and an additional 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets and furniture. They announced that imports of these materials and products pose a national security risk. The tariffs go into effect on Oct. 14. The tariffs on furniture products are expected to rise to 30% on Jan. 1, 2026. The kitchen cabinet levies are scheduled to double to 50% on the same date. Lumber America does not produce enough soft lumber to…
Read MorePrices for home remodeling outpaced inflation in the second quarter
Home repair and remodeling costs are climbing faster than inflation, according to Verisk’s latest Repair and Remodeling Index, which showed a 3.4% annual increase in the April–June quarter compared to a 2.7% rise in consumer prices overall. The index, which tracks more than 10,000 products, also rose 0.6% from the prior quarter. Much of the increase is being driven by higher labor costs, with the most labor-intensive projects, such as tile replacement and bathroom remodels, seeing the steepest quarterly gains. While tariffs on imported goods were expected to push costs…
Read MoreFraming Lumber Price Declines
Framing lumber reaches its lowest level in more than a year. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) recent study on material costs give insight of the behaviors within the U.S. framing lumber market. Summary of the week-to-week lumber prices and plywood prices for the week ending on Sept. 19, 2025: The framing lumber composite price was down 1.6%(-6.5% YoY). The price of lumber futures was up 4.6% (+11.5% YoY). The lumber futures price is down 5.4% from a month ago. The structural panel composite price was down 0.9% compared to…
Read MoreLow Carbon Construction Materials Market Overview 2025
The global market for low-carbon construction materials reached about US$259.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$394.38 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8.8%. This growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable building products, stricter environmental regulations and greater emphasis on lowering the carbon footprint of new construction. Key material types in this space include green concrete, mass timber, low-carbon bricks, recycled metals, green tiles and plastics (recycled or bio-based). The market is segmented by application (residential, commercial, industrial) and…
Read MoreSafe and Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is offering an exclusive discount on a special program. The Safe & Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program by J.J. Keller & Associates is specially available to NLBMDA members. The ELDT Certification Program allows trainers the flexibility and knowledge to optimize driver training to prevent accidents and reduce liability. The Certification Program includes preparation for online courses, classroom instruction, range and road experience to be provided to trainees. Evaluation at the end of the program gives advice to trainers on…
Read More