New York State’s New Builder-Friendly Laws Could Be Model for Other States
They are not yet law, but a series of new legislations in New York State is designed to spur residential construction by builders. New York State is not always considered the most typical in the country, especially when it comes to what some view as archaic rules and regulations, particularly in building and development. But […]
Kitchen and Bath Group Projects Q3 and Q4 Rebound
Another optimistic outlook for the back half of this year for the building trade has been released by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. The rebound in the building and construction field has been predicted for some time, even if its start date keeps getting pushed back. The National Kitchen and Bath Association is now […]
Baltimore Bridge Collapse Could Impact Plywood and Veneer Shipments
While many consumer and industrial products are being affected by the tragedy, key wood products could be impacted the most. The late-March collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore harbor after it was struck by a giant container ship is only the latest in a series of supply chain issues including Panama Canal […]
Home Depot Doubles Down on Pro Business
The giant home improvement retailer’s latest acquisition makes a big statement on its focus on contractors and professional builders. Only a month after announcing four new distribution centers specifically focused on its pro customers, Home Depot made a huge purchase that strengthened its attention to the roofing, landscaping, and pool sectors of the professional building […]
Over Half of Homeowners Plan to Renovate in Next Five Years
The housing market may still be struggling but existing homeowners have big plans in store for renovations. A new, just-released study reports that 58 percent of homeowners say they plan to make renovations on their homes within the next five years, providing positive news for the building trade which remains stymied by the slump in […]
The Canadian Forest Wildfires of 2023 Could Be Coming Back
They had a devastating impact on both air quality and lumber supplies last year and now they seem poised to return this summer. Depending on where you live in North America, out-of-control wildfires in a number of Canadian forests created serious air quality issues last year but for the lumber industry, it was the devastation […]
Woodwork Career Alliance Sets Membership Record
The Woodwork Career Alliance – WCA registered a 40 percent increase in the number of credentials it issued last year. Proving the level of interest in woodworking careers and skills, the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America said it issued a record-shattering 1,359 credentials in 2023, nearly 40 percent more than the year before and […]
Seven of Top 25 Furniture Pieces of Last 100 Years Are of Wood
Furniture can be made of any number of materials but a new New York Times ranking shows products made of wood to be a dominant material. Granted it’s a subjective ranking, but a new New York Times survey of the 25 “most defining” pieces of furniture of the past 100 years should make those in […]
Multiple Signs Point to Good News for Housing Market
We’re still not back to the good old days in the housing business but a number of indicators are presenting good news going forward. It’s been a tough stretch for the housing business—and the people who build houses—but recent news from several directions suggests things are continuing to look up as the sector rebounds. New data on […]
Smaller Homes with Fewer Doors and Cabinets: How Builders Are Adapting
The American home has always been a moving target but that is more so as builders look for new ways to make them more affordable. It may be smaller, perhaps a little narrower and certainly it has fewer doors, windows and cabinets: Home builders are continuing to find ways to make new homes less expensive for […]