As the Trump administration pledges financial relief for soybean farmers following the government shutdown, Kentucky’s hardwood lumber industry is also seeking aid after years of struggle tied to international trade tensions. At GreenTree Forest Products in Wallingford, a small family-run sawmill that employs 90 people, business has slowed dramatically. Falling lumber prices, reduced demand from homebuilding and bourbon industries and volatile trade policies have all cut into profits. Since 2018, when China imposed 25% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. hardwoods, exports have plummeted, devastating mills that relied heavily on overseas buyers.…
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California leans into the trades
California has approved $25 million in grants to fund 88 apprenticeship programs through the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP), aiming to train more than 22,000 workers in skilled trades. The initiative, supported by employer-paid taxes rather than the state’s General Fund, focuses on building long-term, high-quality careers in industries like construction. State leaders emphasized that apprenticeships are key to developing sustainable career paths and strengthening California’s economy. According to officials, these programs align directly with industry needs and will provide participants with the tools to secure stable, well-paying jobs that…
Read MoreResidential Interior Wood Doors Market
The global residential interior wood doors market is set for steady growth over the next decade, increasing from USD 19.05 billion in 2025 to USD 26.87 billion by 2035 at a 3.5% CAGR. This expansion is being driven by advances in automation, digital design and sustainable material innovation, which are transforming how doors are produced and customized. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting CNC and robotic technologies to enhance precision, reduce waste and meet growing demand for personalized designs. The rise of digital design and customization platforms is also reshaping customer engagement…
Read MoreHow construction companies can solve the workforce shortage
The construction industry faces a growing labor shortage that’s expected to intensify over the next two years. An estimated 439,000 additional workers will be needed in 2025—and nearly 500,000 in 2026—as construction spending rises. This shortfall threatens to slow project timelines, raise costs, and compromise safety and quality. The industry’s long-term health depends on attracting new talent, especially younger workers and career changers and investing in their training and mentorship. Building proficiency in the trades takes time, making early and sustained investment in workforce development essential. The shortage is most…
Read MoreBest-Paying States for Women in Construction
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. construction industry saw a surge in activity driven by strong housing demand and infrastructure investment. Between 2020 and 2022, private construction spending soared as new housing starts reached their highest levels in over 15 years before cooling off due to rising mortgage rates. As private activity slowed, public-sector construction spending grew, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, the industry now faces uncertainty from high interest rates, import tariffs and a softening labor market. Labor shortages remain a critical issue, with an estimated 439,000…
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 MoreWhy design-build is the key to building smart and stronger
In today’s ultra-competitive construction industry, design-build teams are seeing success that contractors alone typically are not finding. The advantage to this model is in its simplified operating plan of streamlined communication, control and speed without sacrificing quality. Leveraging the whole firm under a single contract drastically reduces the odds of things going wrong since the build is under one group. Compared to potentially playing a game of Telephone between designer, architect and contractor, collaboration is much easier under design-build. Aligning the whole process under one team keeps projects on schedule…
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 MoreA Complete Guide to Building Exteriors Using Cladding
Cladding acts as a vital layer that shields the framework like a windbreaker to maintain energy efficiency through better insulation and protect against weather conditions with durable materials. Different types of cladding suit different needs based on geographic location and aesthetic preference, but some common applications of materials are metal, wood and vinyl cladding. Depending on climate, budget or maintenance goals, using the right cladding can ensure a build or remodel retains lasting value long after the project is complete. Read More
Read MoreHomebuilders are slashing prices at the highest rate in three years
In response to the weakening demand from homebuyers in the current economy, 38% of homebuilders said they cut prices in the month of July. Alongside builders buying down mortgage rates, the average price reduction has steadily dropped since November as higher interest rates and poor affordability dampened the housing market through the first half of 2025. Nevertheless, confidence has momentarily rebounded thanks to the budget bill passed earlier this month, leaving it up to builders to take initiative in creatively maneuvering through a difficult market. Read More
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