Weinig Holz-Her USA Opens State-of-the-Art NC Facility

Weinig Holz-Her USA has opened its new 148,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Statesville, NC that it says “underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to growth and innovation in the industry.” A leader in solid wood and panel processing equipment solutions for the woodworking industry, Weinig Holz-Her USA says the new facility is mainly dedicated to its System […]

$25 Million Hardwood Research Bill Introduced

Two U.S. House representatives have introduced a bill that would call on the Department of Agriculture to step up hardwood research. The Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act has just been introduced into the House of Representatives by congresspersons Tom Tiffany (WI) and Ann Kuster (NH). The bill would “bolster domestic industry efforts and […]

Lowe’s Launches Loyalty Program for DIYers

In an effort to drive sales and buying frequency, big-box home improvement chain Lowe’s has launched its MyLowe’s Rewards program. The big home improvement chains, Lowe’s and Home Depot, continue to look for that right balance between professional builders and do-it-yourselfers and now Lowe’s has a new program for the latter: MyLowe’s Rewards. Launched in […]

Rates Remain the Big Question for the New Year

No single factor weighs heavier on the building and construction industry for 2024 than interest rates and how they impact the cost of mortgages. This past year may not have been the worst of times for the building trade but it was far from the best. New housing and commercial building construction was severely impacted […]

Color of the Year? Depends on Who You Ask

For those builders trying to decide what color kitchen cabinets, floor coverings and even interior paint to use this year, the color gurus have answers – and plenty of them.  The Color of the Year announcements that came out towards the end of 2023 have turned into high-profile affairs both for consumers looking to decorate […]

Mass Timber Structure Proves It’s Stronger than an Earthquake… Twice

The Mass Timber movement continues to gain momentum for its environmental and aesthetic appeal but a test structure proved that beauty is more than skin deep.  Earthquakes are among the most devastating and destructive forces of nature, especially to high-rise structures. Engineers and builders have worked for decades – even centuries – to find solutions […]

Have Building Material Prices Peaked?

New data from the Producer Price Index suggests that costs are coming down on things like softwood lumber as part of an overall decline in material costs. The wild ride up in construction materials in 2023 may have peaked as the year ended and going into 2024 we could see some declines in those costs, […]

NBMDA Announces Officers and Directors for 2024

The new slate for the leadership of the North American Building Material Distribution Association is now in place for the new year.  The North American Building Material Distribution Association has announced its board of directors for 2024 as well as its executive leadership. “Last year, NBMDA experienced significant growth through the introduction of new members, […]

New Study Shows Construction Costs Doubled Inflation Rate in 2022

A new NAHB study shows costs per square foot for single-family construction rose at more than twice the inflation rate last year. The Consumer Price Index rose 8% in 2022 but the median square foot price to build a new single-family detached home jumped 18%, more than double that rate. This is according to a […]

The Latest Hot Wood? How About Bamboo

Sometimes looked down upon by those in the trade, at least one expert sees bamboo potentially as important in building as concrete and steel. Bamboo may not get quite the respect in the building and construction industry as more widely used woods but its time may be coming. “Bamboo has a real part to play […]