Mass Timber’s Latest Benefit: It’s Antimicrobial

In addition to all the pluses of mass timber construction a new study finds it also is better when it comes to containing germs. The old cliché that wood construction was not hygienic, especially for structures in the healthcare field, is about to get turned upside down. New research coming out of the University of […]

Houzz Barometer Grows More Cautious

The uncertainties surrounding the national economy, especially in the home building sector, are turning pros more pessimistic. The new Q3 U.S. Houzz Renovation Barometer, a key metric for sizing up the overall state of mind of the professional building community, is out and it shows another decline in sentiment, the second consecutive quarter of such […]

Four Keys to Success in the Lumber Business

A new report from the Boston Consulting Group identifies a quartet of initiatives for getting ahead in the business. The lumber industry, like many in the country today, is a challenging one given all the complications from global supply chains, domestic construction trends and environmental considerations. So those trying to make a living working in […]

When Is the Housing Market Going to Get Better?

Forecasting the return of new home construction has been an ongoing struggle this year… and so far, most of the experts have been wrong. It’s been the big question throughout the building trade for much of the past year and despite informed predictions that a combination of lower mortgage rates, built-up demand and a slowdown […]

Sumitomo Completes Teal Jones Mill Acquisition

The deal will allow the company to launch its first mass timber manufacturing facility in the U.S. For Tokyo-based Sumitomo Forestry Co. Ltd, the purchase of Teal Jones Louisiana Holdings LLC gives it the capabilities to produce dimension lumber and other materials for homes and multi-family buildings in addition to being able to get into […]

New York City Gets Its First Completed Mass Timber Structure

Much of the rest of the country has been into mass timber for years but now the nation’s largest city is in the game too. It took the 2022 New York City Building Code to formally recognize CLT (cross-laminated timber) as a permitted building material but now a five-story apartment building in the Clinton Hill […]

Lowe’s and Home Depot Lead Texas Flood Relief

Adding to efforts by local businesses and organizations, the two big national chains are making big donations to help. The recent deadly floods in the Hill Country of central Texas have devastated the local area with the loss of life and property. As local groups start to roll out donations and programs to help the […]

Home Depot Doubles Down on Pro Market with $5.5 Billion Buy

In HD’s latest move to expand its contractor business, the big chain has bought building materials distributor GMS. It was a spirited fight but in the end, Home Depot was the winner. After private equity-backed dealmaker QXO, fresh off its acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply this spring, made an initial offer to buy Georgia-based Gypsum […]

California Reverses Itself, Exempting Projects from Eco Law

In a stunning turnaround in a state with some of the strictest environmental laws in the country, many construction projects will now be excluded from protectionist laws. The YIMBY — Yes In My Back Yard — faction has won a major victory in the country’s most populous state with the signing into law by Gov. […]

Nearly 60 Million Acres Opened for Timber Production

As part of the Trump administration’s efforts to cut back environmental regulations, restrictions have been lifted on 30 percent of U.S. national forests. The rescinding of the 2001 Roadless Rule will remove restrictions on timber harvesting, road construction and reconstruction on close to 59 million acres of the National Forest System, according to an announcement […]