<![CDATA[FLORIDA BUILDING MATERIAL ASSOCIATION - Blog]]>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 20:30:55 -0700EditMySite<![CDATA[5 Exterior Siding Trends Every LBM Dealer Should Know in 2026]]>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:24:26 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/5-exterior-siding-trends-every-lbm-dealer-should-know-in-2026
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For years, stocking siding was pretty straightforward. Vinyl was the clear leader, becoming the go-to choice for builders across the country. At its peak in 2001, vinyl siding was used on nearly 40% of new single-family homes.

But that is no longer the case.

In 2026, the siding market looks much different. According to the latest data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), vinyl, stucco, and fiber cement are now competing closely for the top spot.

For LBM dealers, this shift creates both challenges and opportunities. With higher costs, changing builder preferences, and a slower new construction market, understanding what products are gaining ground can help dealers make smarter inventory decisions and protect profits.

The Big Three Siding Materials Are in a Close Race

The days of one siding material dominating the market are over.

For homes started in 2025, no single siding category captured more than 28% of the market. Instead, three major materials are now competing:

  • Vinyl Siding: 27.7%
  • Stucco: 24.1%
  • Fiber Cement: 22.6%
  • Brick / Brick Veneer: 16.8%
  • Wood / Wood Products: 5.9%

Vinyl still holds the top spot nationally, but the gap between materials has narrowed significantly.

For LBM dealers, this means a one-size-fits-all inventory strategy no longer works. Product demand depends heavily on location, home size, and the type of builders you serve.

Fiber Cement Continues to Gain Ground

One of the biggest long-term trends in exterior building materials is the growth of fiber cement.

Over the past 25 years, fiber cement has gained nearly 20 percentage points of market share as more builders and homeowners look for durable, low-maintenance options.

Why is fiber cement growing?

  • Larger Homes: Fiber cement is especially popular on larger homes, particularly those over 3,000 square feet.
  • Regional Growth: In some areas, fiber cement has moved ahead of traditional materials. In the Mountain region, it recently passed stucco with about 42% market share.
  • Durability: Builders are increasingly focused on products that can handle harsh weather, reduce maintenance, and meet stricter building requirements.

Location Plays a Major Role in Material Choice

National numbers only tell part of the story. Siding preferences can vary dramatically depending on where a dealer operates.

Vinyl Remains Strong in Northern Markets

Vinyl continues to dominate many northern and Midwest markets, especially for entry-level and mid-priced homes.

  • Middle Atlantic: 73% market share
  • New England: 72%
  • East North Central: 71%
  • West North Central: 47%

Stucco Leads in Warmer Regions

Stucco remains a major player, especially in higher-end housing markets.

  • Pacific Division: 65% market share
  • South Atlantic Division: 33%

It remains a popular choice for larger, more expensive homes in warmer climates.

Brick Remains Strong in the South

Brick has declined nationally over the years, but it remains a major player in certain regions.

In the West South Central region, brick and brick veneer still account for about 54% of homes.

This shows why local market knowledge is critical. A product that is slowing nationally may still be a top seller in a specific region.

Economic Conditions Are Changing Builder Decisions

Material trends are only part of the story. The current economy is also influencing what builders and homeowners choose.

Higher Freight Costs Matter

Transportation costs continue to impact heavier products like brick and stone. Rising fuel costs can make these materials more expensive to move and store.

Lighter materials may offer dealers and builders more flexibility when managing costs.

Builders Are Being More Careful

Higher mortgage rates and slower housing activity have made builders more cautious.

With fewer new homes being built, dealers are looking for ways to maintain sales and improve efficiency.

Remodeling Is Creating New Opportunities

While new construction has slowed, remodeling remains a bright spot.

Many homeowners are choosing to improve their current homes instead of moving. Exterior upgrades, including siding replacements, are benefiting from this trend.

For LBM dealers, remodeling contractors represent an important opportunity for growth.

How LBM Dealers Can Adjust Their Strategy

Match Inventory to Your Local Market

National trends are helpful, but local demand matters most. Dealers should focus inventory decisions on the builders, contractors, and homeowners they serve.

Help Builders Sell the Benefits

Contractors often need help explaining why one product is worth choosing over another. Providing sales tools and product education around durability, maintenance, and long-term value can help move higher-margin products.

Build Relationships With Remodelers

New construction may be slower, but remodeling contractors are still active. Expanding relationships with exterior contractors and replacement specialists can create new sales opportunities.

Keep an Eye on Delivery Costs

Heavy materials can quickly eat into margins when freight costs rise. Review delivery pricing and make sure transportation costs are being accounted for properly.

The Bottom Line

The siding market is changing. Vinyl is still a major player, but it no longer controls the category like it once did.

Today’s LBM dealers need to think locally, understand regional trends, and stock products based on the builders and homeowners they serve.

The dealers who adapt to these changing preferences will be better positioned to grow sales, improve margins, and stay competitive in 2026.

]]><![CDATA[How Lumber Dealers Can Evolve Beyond Selling Materials]]>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:25:28 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/how-lumber-dealers-can-evolve-beyond-selling-materials
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The role of the lumber dealer is changing. Builders are facing tighter timelines, labor shortages, rising costs, and increasingly complex building requirements. Simply supplying lumber and materials is no longer enough to stand out.

The dealers finding success are becoming more than suppliers—they are becoming problem-solvers. By offering design support, using new technology, improving logistics, and helping builders navigate changing codes, LBM companies can create more value and build stronger customer relationships.

1. Stop Selling Lumber—Start Selling Complete Solutions

For years, the traditional lumberyard model was focused on supplying the materials listed on a builder’s plans. But as construction becomes more complex, builders are looking for partners who can help simplify the entire process.

The most successful dealers are getting involved earlier—sometimes before a project even reaches the jobsite. By helping with estimating, design, engineered components, trusses, wall panels, and complete material packages, dealers can become an essential part of the builder’s workflow.

This changes the conversation from price to value. Instead of competing over the cost of a 2x4, you’re helping builders save days or even weeks on a project. When a dealer can reduce mistakes, improve scheduling, and make a builder’s job easier, they become much harder to replace.

2. Use AI to Make Estimating Faster and More Accurate

Estimating has always been one of the biggest challenges for lumber dealers. It requires experienced employees who understand plans, materials, and construction methods—and those employees take years to develop.

As demand for custom projects increases, many estimating departments struggle to keep up. The answer isn't always hiring more people. Technology is allowing existing teams to work faster and handle more projects.

AI-powered estimating tools can analyze digital plans, automate material takeoffs, and help create more accurate quotes in a fraction of the time. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed much faster, allowing sales teams to respond quicker and pursue more opportunities.

For dealers, this means fewer bottlenecks, faster turnaround times, and the ability to compete for larger and more complex projects.

3. Prepare for the Investment Behind Manufacturing and Prefabrication

Many dealers are looking beyond traditional distribution and exploring manufacturing, prefabrication, and value-added services. While these opportunities can create new revenue streams, they also require significant investment.

Moving into areas like wall panels, roof systems, or engineered components means investing in equipment, technology, facilities, and skilled employees. Automated saws, truss equipment, software systems, and production capabilities all come with upfront costs.

There is also a major impact on cash flow. Unlike simply selling stocked inventory, manufacturing requires purchasing raw materials, producing finished components, storing them, and delivering them before payment is received.

Dealers considering this transition need a clear financial strategy and a strong understanding of how growth will affect their operations.

4. Upgrade Your Delivery and Logistics Capabilities

Delivery is becoming a bigger part of the customer experience. Moving a bundle of lumber is one thing—delivering oversized components like roof trusses, wall panels, or engineered systems requires a completely different approach.

Builders rely on precise timing. A delayed delivery doesn't just create an inconvenience—it can stop an entire jobsite and impact multiple trades.

Successful dealers are investing in better logistics, including specialized trailers, experienced drivers, route planning technology, and stronger communication with builders. The goal is simple: deliver the right materials, at the right time, exactly when the crew is ready.

In an increasingly competitive market, dependable delivery can become one of your biggest advantages.

5. Become a Partner in Code Compliance

Building codes are becoming more complex, especially as energy efficiency and performance standards continue to increase. Many builders are looking for suppliers who can help them meet these requirements without slowing down their projects.

This creates an opportunity for dealers to provide more than materials—they can provide expertise.

By offering solutions such as pre-assembled wall systems, integrated weather barriers, insulation packages, and other code-ready products, dealers can help builders reduce risk and simplify the construction process.

When a lumberyard helps ensure a project meets current standards, they are providing peace of mind. That added value allows dealers to compete on expertise and service rather than price alone.

The Future of LBM Belongs to Solution Providers

The lumber dealers that succeed in the future will be the ones willing to evolve. Builders need more than a place to buy materials—they need partners who can help them save time, reduce complexity, and complete projects more efficiently.

By embracing technology, expanding services, improving operations, and becoming a trusted resource for builders, LBM companies can create stronger relationships and new opportunities for growth.

The future of the lumberyard isn't just about selling products. It's about delivering solutions.

]]><![CDATA[5 Ways Florida Lumberyards Can Adapt to a Slower Housing Market]]>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:22:29 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/5-ways-florida-lumberyards-can-adapt-to-a-slower-housing-market
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Florida's home building market is slowing down, especially in parts of the state where builders are offering incentives just to sell homes. For Florida lumberyards, that means it's time to adjust. The good news is there are still plenty of opportunities if you're willing to shift your focus.

1. Focus on the Jobs That Are Still Moving

Not every part of construction is slowing down. Custom home builders are continuing to build high-end homes and are looking for quality materials and dependable service. Apartment and condo projects are still moving forward in many Florida markets, and more homeowners are choosing to remodel instead of move. By expanding your focus beyond production home builders, you can tap into markets that remain active and profitable.

2. Sell More High-Value Products

Competing on lumber prices alone can quickly squeeze profits when business slows down. Instead, consider promoting products that offer better margins and solve problems for your customers. Florida builders continue to prioritize storm-resistant and low-maintenance materials, making products like impact-rated windows and doors, waterproofing systems, composite decking, PVC trim, and fiber-cement siding valuable additions to your sales strategy. These products can help improve profitability while meeting customer demand.

3. Offer More Than Materials

Builders are dealing with labor shortages, tight schedules, and increasing pressure to complete projects efficiently. The easier you can make their jobs, the more valuable your lumberyard becomes. Offering installed products and services, providing pre-built roof trusses or wall panels, or helping contractors save time and labor on the jobsite can set your business apart. Becoming a solutions provider instead of simply supplying materials can strengthen customer relationships and create new revenue opportunities.

4. Help Builders Manage Their Cash Flow

Many builders are being more cautious with spending right now, which creates an opportunity for lumberyards to provide additional value. Offering staged deliveries so materials arrive only when they're needed can help reduce jobsite theft and keep builders from tying up cash in unused inventory. Helping larger customers manage inventory more efficiently can also improve project timelines and make your company easier to work with. Small services like these often lead to stronger customer loyalty.

5. Keep a Close Eye on Credit

As the market slows, protecting your cash flow becomes even more important. Make sure you're following up on overdue invoices quickly, reviewing credit limits regularly, and staying on top of the paperwork that protects your right to get paid. Supporting your customers is important, but protecting your business is just as critical during slower market conditions.

The Bottom Line

A slower housing market doesn't have to mean slower business. Lumberyards that adapt by targeting new opportunities, offering additional services, and strengthening customer relationships will be in a better position to succeed. The yards that thrive won't simply wait for orders to come in—they'll find new ways to provide value and become trusted partners for their customers.

]]><![CDATA[How Local Lumberyards Are Staying Competitive]]>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:58:36 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/how-local-lumberyards-are-staying-competitive
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For years, the local lumberyard has been more than just a place to buy materials. It's where contractors go for trusted advice, reliable service, and the products they need to keep jobs moving.

But the industry is changing.

Large national companies are buying up independent lumberyards across the country. Because they purchase huge volumes of materials, they can often offer lower prices and handle market price swings more easily than smaller, family-owned businesses.

That doesn't mean local lumberyards are disappearing. Instead of trying to win on price alone, many are focusing on what they do best—better service, specialized products, and stronger relationships.

Here are four ways independent lumberyards are staying competitive.

1. Stocking Products Contractors Can't Find Everywhere

Big suppliers focus on selling high-volume products like framing lumber, drywall, and shingles.

Local yards are standing out by carrying products that aren't always available at big-box stores or national chains, including:

  • Composite decking, siding, and trim that require less maintenance.
  • Specialty hardware and structural connectors that meet today's building codes.
  • Custom doors, trim, and millwork for remodeling and custom home projects.

When builders need something beyond the basics, they know where to go.

2. Offering Flexible Credit and Better Customer Service

Construction projects don't always follow a perfect payment schedule, and cash flow can be tight.

Many local lumberyards work directly with contractors to offer flexible credit terms and payment options. Since they know their customers personally, decisions can often be made much faster than through a large corporate office.

Many are also adding online tools that let customers:

  • Check pricing
  • Track deliveries
  • View invoices
  • Manage their accounts anytime

It's the personal service of a local business with the convenience contractors expect today.

3. Competing on Value, Not Just Price

Trying to match the lowest price isn't always the best strategy.

A cheaper order isn't really a bargain if:

  • Materials arrive late.
  • The wrong products are delivered.
  • Lumber is damaged or warped.
  • Crews are left waiting on the jobsite.

Local lumberyards are focusing on what matters most—accurate deliveries, quality materials, quick quotes, and dependable service. Helping contractors avoid delays often saves far more money than a small discount.

4. Expanding Beyond Residential Construction

When the housing market slows, many independent dealers are looking beyond single-family homes.

They're supplying materials for projects like:

  • Apartment buildings
  • Office buildings
  • Medical offices
  • Retail centers
  • Schools and municipal projects

This often means carrying products such as light-gauge steel framing, fire-rated building materials, and other commercial construction supplies.

Serving a wider range of customers helps create more consistent business throughout the year.

The Bottom Line

The construction supply industry is changing, but local lumberyards still have a big advantage.

While national chains compete on size and price, independent dealers compete with personal service, local relationships, dependable deliveries, and specialized products.

For many contractors, having a supplier they can count on is worth far more than getting the lowest price.

]]><![CDATA[How the Data Center Boom Is Reshaping the LBM Industry]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:26:28 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/how-the-data-center-boom-is-reshaping-the-lbm-industry

The rapid rise of data centers—driven largely by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital storage needs—is quietly becoming one of the biggest forces reshaping the construction and Lumber and Building Materials (LBM) industry. What used to be a relatively specialized segment of commercial construction has now turned into a massive infrastructure wave that is expected to grow another 15% or more in the near term.

For LBM dealers, contractors, and suppliers, this shift is not just another cycle in construction demand. It’s changing how materials move, how labor is allocated, what gets built first, and even what materials are in highest demand. In many ways, the data center boom is creating a parallel construction economy that is competing directly with residential and traditional commercial building.

Here’s what’s happening—and why it matters.

1. Labor is being pulled toward data centers, leaving residential builders behind

One of the most immediate impacts of the data center construction surge is the strain it places on skilled labor.

Data center projects are highly attractive to contractors because they are large, long-term, and financially stable. According to data from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), about 14% of contractors are now tied up in data center work, and those firms are sitting on backlogs averaging 11.6 months. In simple terms, their schedules are full and their revenue streams are locked in well ahead of time.

That sounds like a positive story—but only for those inside the data center pipeline.

For everyone else, especially residential builders and smaller commercial contractors, the situation is very different. Skilled labor is increasingly concentrated in these large industrial builds. Electricians, concrete crews, steel workers, and other trades are being pulled into data center projects where pay is higher and timelines are longer.

The result is a squeeze effect. Local builders and LBM dealers who serve them are seeing:

- Higher labor costs
- Longer project timelines
- More unpredictable contractor demand
- Reduced confidence among residential builders

Since residential contractors are the backbone customer for most independent LBM yards, this shift is creating real pressure throughout the traditional building supply chain.

2. A surprising opportunity: mass timber is entering industrial construction

While some materials are being squeezed, others are finding new opportunities.

Data center operators—especially major hyperscale companies—are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. Governments, investors, and corporate sustainability goals are all pushing for lower-emission construction methods.

This is where wood is making an unexpected comeback.

Organizations like the Softwood Lumber Board and WoodWorks are actively promoting mass timber systems such as:

- Structural wall panels
- Hybrid timber-steel systems
- Timber shear walls for industrial structures

Traditionally, data centers have been built with steel and concrete. But mass timber offers a lower-carbon alternative that still delivers strength and scalability.

For the LBM industry, this is significant. It opens up a new category of high-volume structural demand that didn’t exist in industrial construction at scale before. Instead of competing only in residential framing or light commercial builds, lumber suppliers now have a path into large institutional and industrial projects.

In short, the data center boom is not just consuming materials—it is reshaping which materials are even considered “standard” in large-scale construction.

3. Supply chains are tightening as metals and core materials get crowded out

Another major impact of the data center surge is pressure on raw material supply chains, especially metals.

Modern data centers are extremely resource-intensive. They require massive amounts of:

- Steel for structural frameworks
- Copper for electrical systems and connectivity
- Aluminum for infrastructure components

As demand spikes, prices follow. Industry projections show structural steel shapes increasing by roughly 18.6%, while reinforcing bar (rebar) is expected to rise around 11.4%.

For LBM dealers who carry commercial-grade materials, this creates several challenges:

- Higher inventory costs due to price volatility
- Stricter supplier allocations
- Reduced availability of key structural products
- Increased difficulty locking in project pricing

Even when dealers are not directly supplying data center projects, they still feel the ripple effects. When large-scale buyers absorb supply, smaller regional projects often get pushed to the back of the line or face higher costs.

In effect, the data center sector is crowding out traditional construction demand in certain material categories.

4. Prefabrication and modular construction are becoming the new standard

Speed is everything in the data center world.

Every delay in construction means delayed computing capacity, and in today’s AI-driven economy, that translates into lost revenue. To solve this, developers are increasingly shifting toward off-site prefabrication and modular construction methods.

These methods allow components of data centers to be built in controlled factory environments and then assembled on-site. The result is dramatic efficiency gains—project timelines can be reduced by 30% to 50%.

This shift is also changing how LBM companies operate.

Instead of primarily supplying materials to job sites, many distributors are now:

- Selling in bulk to prefab manufacturing plants
- Supporting component fabricators instead of general contractors
- Supplying engineered assemblies rather than raw materials

This is a major structural change for the industry. The traditional model of “yard to job site” is gradually being replaced by “yard to factory to site.”

For LBM businesses that adapt, this creates opportunities for more stable, high-volume contracts. For those that don’t, it risks losing relevance in a rapidly evolving supply chain.

5. Construction volume is rising—even if material mix is changing

One of the most misunderstood aspects of data center construction is how material usage actually breaks down.

While data centers require heavy foundations and reinforced structures, their overall cement intensity is actually lower than traditional multi-story office buildings. According to data from the Portland Cement Association (PCA), data centers use about 66% of the cement intensity of a comparable office structure.

However, that does not mean lower demand overall.

The key difference is scale.

Data center campuses often span more than 200 acres, and construction happens in phases over multiple years. The cumulative effect is massive. Total cement consumption across large projects can reach an estimated 860,000 metric tons over time.

So even if each individual building is more efficient, the sheer volume of continuous construction keeps demand for heavy materials consistently high.

For suppliers, this means steady, long-term consumption rather than short spikes tied to traditional commercial cycles.

The bigger picture for the LBM industry

What’s happening with data centers is not a short-term trend—it’s a structural shift in construction demand.

For the LBM industry, the implications are clear:

- Labor is being reallocated toward large industrial projects
- New materials like mass timber are gaining entry into heavy construction
- Metal supply chains are tightening and becoming more expensive
- Prefabrication is replacing traditional on-site material delivery models
- Construction volume is increasing, but material usage is becoming more specialized

The winners in this new environment will be companies that can adapt quickly—those that understand not just what is being built, but how it is being built differently.

In many ways, the data center boom is doing more than reshaping construction. It is redefining the role of the LBM industry itself.

]]><![CDATA[Top 4 LBM Material and Product Trends for 2026]]>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:07:56 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/top-4-lbm-material-and-product-trends-for-2026

The lumber and building materials (LBM) industry is evolving rapidly. Contractors are facing labor shortages, rising costs, and stricter building requirements, creating demand for products that are faster to install, more durable, and easier to maintain.

Here are four material and product trends that are changing the industry today.

1. Low-Maintenance Outdoor Living Systems

Homeowners continue to invest in outdoor living spaces, and builders are looking for products that offer long-term performance with minimal upkeep.

Many dealers are now offering complete outdoor living systems that include:

  • Composite decking
  • Steel framing
  • Hidden fasteners
  • Integrated lighting

Manufacturers are also introducing matching siding, cladding, and fencing products that help create a seamless, modern exterior design.

2. Labor-Saving Products

With skilled labor in short supply, contractors are prioritizing materials that reduce installation time and simplify projects.

Popular labor-saving solutions include:

  • Direct-to-stud wall systems
  • Prefabricated roof trusses and wall panels
  • Self-adhering weather and moisture barriers

These products help crews work more efficiently while reducing waste and installation errors.

3. Sustainable Building Materials

Sustainability is becoming a bigger factor in purchasing decisions for builders and homeowners alike.

Growing product categories include:

  • Hemp and natural-fiber insulation
  • Recycled-content building materials
  • Low-carbon concrete products
  • Sustainably sourced wood products

These materials help meet environmental goals without sacrificing performance or durability.

4. Weather-Resistant Building Products

As building codes become stricter and severe weather events become more common, demand is growing for products designed to withstand the elements.

Some of the fastest-growing categories include:

  • Fiber-cement siding
  • Impact-resistant exterior products
  • Treated engineered wood
  • Advanced structural systems designed for high-wind and storm-prone areas

These materials help builders create stronger, longer-lasting structures while meeting evolving code requirements.

The Bottom Line

Today's contractors need products that save time, improve performance, and stand up to real-world conditions. LBM dealers who focus on labor-saving, sustainable, and weather-resistant materials will be better positioned to meet customer demand and stay competitive in a changing market.

]]><![CDATA[Florida's New Building Code Is Coming. Here's What LBM Dealers Need to Know.]]>Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:05:56 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/floridas-new-building-code-is-coming-heres-what-lbm-dealers-need-to-know
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The 9th Edition Florida Building Code takes effect on December 31, 2026, and it could have a big impact on lumber and building material suppliers, manufacturers, and dealers across the state.

The new code adopts updated national building standards, including the 2024 International Codes and ASCE 7-22 structural requirements. In simple terms, some products that meet code today may no longer qualify after the deadline.

Any permit application submitted on or after December 31, 2026, must comply with the new code. That means suppliers and manufacturers should start preparing now to avoid inventory issues and missed sales opportunities.

1. More Areas Will Require Impact-Rated Products

One of the biggest changes is the expansion of areas that require impact-resistant building products.

What Changed?
New homes built within five miles of coastal waters in certain high-wind areas, or anywhere with design wind speeds of 160 mph or higher, will need impact-rated windows, doors, or approved shutter protection.

What It Means for LBM Dealers
Demand for impact-rated windows, exterior doors, and garage doors is expected to increase, especially in coastal markets. Dealers should review their service areas and begin planning for higher demand on these products.

2. New Wind Load Requirements

Florida is adopting the ASCE 7-22 standard, which changes how wind pressures are calculated on buildings.

What Changed?
The updated standard increases pressure requirements in certain parts of a structure, especially roof edges, corners, and wall sections that experience higher wind forces.

What It Means for LBM Dealers
Fasteners, sheathing, roofing materials, and siding attachment systems may need different specifications than before. Manufacturers should update product approvals and installation instructions, while dealers should make sure sales teams understand the new requirements.

3. Higher Energy Efficiency Standards

The new code also raises energy-efficiency requirements.

What Changed?
Windows, doors, insulation, and wall assemblies will need to meet stricter thermal performance standards.

What It Means for LBM Dealers
Builders will increasingly look for higher-efficiency products such as low-E windows, continuous insulation systems, advanced house wraps, and other energy-saving materials. Products that barely meet today's standards could become harder to sell as the deadline approaches.

4. Product Approval Updates Could Cause Delays

Florida requires many building products to have State Product Approvals.

What Changed?
Manufacturers will need to update approvals and testing documentation to show compliance with the new code.

What It Means for LBM Dealers
Testing labs and approval agencies could become overwhelmed as manufacturers rush to update certifications. Dealers should start asking suppliers now whether their products are on track for 2026 compliance. Waiting until the last minute could lead to shortages and supply chain disruptions.

What Should LBM Businesses Do Now?

1. Review Your Inventory

Identify products that may not meet the new code and develop a plan to reduce inventory before the deadline.

2. Educate Your Customers

Host lunch-and-learns, contractor events, or training sessions to help builders understand the upcoming changes. Becoming a trusted resource can strengthen customer relationships and generate new business.

3. Verify Your Suppliers

Talk with manufacturers now about their compliance plans. Partnering with suppliers that are already preparing for the 2026 code update can help prevent future headaches.

Bottom Line

The 2026 Florida Building Code update is more than just a code change. It will affect product demand, inventory planning, and purchasing decisions across the building materials industry.

Companies that prepare early will be in a much better position to serve customers, avoid inventory problems, and take advantage of new opportunities when the code goes into effect.

]]><![CDATA[Florida’s Construction Boom: 5 Building Supply Deals Reshaping the State]]>Fri, 29 May 2026 14:07:31 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/floridas-construction-boom-5-building-supply-deals-reshaping-the-stateFlorida’s construction market continues to grow, and major Lumber & Building Materials (LBM) companies are expanding to keep up with demand.

Across the state, large distributors are acquiring local lumberyards, truss manufacturers, and building supply companies to strengthen their operations and improve service for builders.

​Here are five major developments helping reshape Florida’s building supply landscape.

1. US LBM Expands Panhandle Operations with Milton Truss
The Deal:
US LBM acquired Milton Truss.

Why It Matters:
Roof and floor trusses play a major role in Florida construction, especially in regions with strict hurricane-related building requirements. With the addition of Milton Truss, US LBM expanded its component manufacturing presence in Florida through its Raymond Building Supply division.
​
The move strengthens the company’s ability to serve builders in the Florida Panhandle and parts of southern Alabama.
Source: ​https://www.roofingcontractor.com/articles/99955-us-lbm-buys-floridas-milton-truss

​2. Builders FirstSource Continues Investing in Florida Operations
The Move:
Builders FirstSource (BFS) continues expanding and optimizing its Florida footprint.

Why It Matters:
Jacksonville remains an important market for BFS as the company continues focusing on distribution efficiency and manufactured building components. Like many large LBM suppliers, BFS has been investing in operational improvements designed to support faster deliveries and increased builder demand throughout growing markets.
Source: https://equinovacapital.com/lbm-ma-action-so-far-in-2025-is-more-about-plans-and-desires-not-actual-deeds/

​3. US LBM Adds South Florida Presence with L.D. Mullins Lumber Company
The Deal:
US LBM acquired L.D. Mullins Lumber Company.

Why It Matters:
Founded in 1946, Riviera Beach-based L.D. Mullins Lumber built long-standing relationships with builders and remodelers throughout South Florida.

The acquisition expanded US LBM’s Florida presence to 18 locations and strengthened its reach in one of the country’s busiest construction markets.
Source: https://www.roofingcontractor.com/articles/99749-us-lbm-acquires-florida-based-ld-mullins-lumber-company

​4. RoMac Building Supply Expands in Central Florida with Thomas Lumber
The Deal:
RoMac Building Supply acquired Thomas Lumber.

Why It Matters:
Regional building suppliers are growing alongside national companies. By adding Thomas Lumber, RoMac increased its capabilities in Central Florida, including lumber supply, millwork operations, and delivery capacity.

​The move helps the company support continued residential and commercial growth throughout the Orlando area.
Source: https://www.lbmjournal.com/industry-news/news/15787582/thomas-lumber-acquired-by-romac-building-supply-in-fl

5. US LBM Expands Statewide Reach with Manning Building Supplies
The Deal:
US LBM acquired Manning Building Supplies.

Why It Matters:
This acquisition added nine Florida locations to US LBM’s network, including seven building supply yards and two truss manufacturing facilities.

Combined with Raymond Building Supply, the deal strengthened US LBM’s presence across many of Florida’s largest housing markets, including Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Sarasota.
Source: https://news.uslbm.com/us-lbm-acquires-south-florida-building-products-distributor/
As Florida construction activity continues to increase, builders are relying more heavily on suppliers that can provide multiple products and services under one roof.

Many larger LBM companies now offer framing lumber, trusses, doors, windows, and other building materials through integrated operations designed to improve efficiency and delivery times.

​For contractors, these expansions may help improve product availability and support growing demand across the state.
]]><![CDATA[5 Awards Celebrating Women in Construction]]>Fri, 22 May 2026 15:15:28 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/5-awards-celebrating-women-in-constructionThe construction and Lumber & Building Materials (LBM) industries are changing fast. More women are stepping into leadership roles, running projects, and driving innovation across jobsites, offices, and supply chains.

If you’re a woman working in the trades—or know someone who deserves recognition—these awards can be a great way to highlight achievement and open new doors.
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Here are 5 well-known awards programs that celebrate women in construction and LBM:

​1. Top Women in Hardware & Building Supply Awards

Hosted by: HBSDealer (Hardware + Building Supply Dealer magazine)
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This program recognizes women in the LBM, hardware, distribution, and retail space. It highlights top leaders, innovators, and rising stars across the building supply industry.

Click Here to Learn More

​2. QXO Female Roofing Professional of the Year

Hosted by: QXO, Inc.
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A high-visibility roofing industry award that recognizes standout women in roofing across North America. It includes public voting and a cash prize to support career development.

Click Here to Learn More

​3. SunRay Top Women in Construction Awards

Hosted by: SunRay Construction Solutions

This program honors women in critical construction roles like project management, contract administration, credit management, and legal support—recognizing the people who keep projects moving behind the scenes.

​Click Here to Learn More

​4. NAWIC Awards and Recognition

Hosted by: National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
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One of the most established organizations in the industry, NAWIC recognizes excellence across all areas of construction—from fieldwork and safety leadership to company-wide impact and innovation.

Click Here to Learn More

​5. Construction Dive’s Construction Champions

Hosted by: Construction Dive (Industry Dive)
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This editorial program highlights standout women in construction leadership, mentorship, and field operations, selected by the publication’s editorial team from hundreds of nominations.

​Click Here to Learn More
]]><![CDATA[5 Must-Listen LBM Podcasts for Building Materials Professionals]]>Thu, 14 May 2026 17:43:05 GMThttps://www.fbma.org/blog/5-must-listen-lbm-podcasts-for-building-materials-professionals​If you work in the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry, staying sharp matters. These podcasts break down sales tips, operations ideas, pricing updates, and industry trends in a simple, practical way you can use right away.

​1. The Craft of LBM Sales Podcast

Host: Bradley Hartmann
Best for: Sales reps and account managers
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This podcast gives quick, practical advice for everyday sales situations. You will learn how to handle price pressure, deal with contractors, and close better deals that actually protect your margins.
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Listen here

​2. LBM Talks

Host: LBM Journal team
Best for: Dealers and operations managers

This show focuses on real business stories from across the industry. Topics include improving yard operations, marketing ideas for local dealers, credit management, and solving supply chain problems.

​Listen here

​3. LBM Journal Sales Podcast

Host: Rick Davis
Best for: Executives and HR leaders

This podcast features interviews with industry leaders. It covers bigger picture topics like company growth, hiring and retaining workers, and changes happening across the LBM industry.

​Listen here

​4. The Lumber Word

Hosts: Ashley Boeckholt and Shannon Rogers
Best for: Buyers and commodity traders

This is a weekly update on lumber prices and market trends. It helps you understand what is happening with supply, demand, and pricing in real time.

​Listen here

​5. Lumber Talks (NLBMDA)

Host: National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association
Best for: Yard owners and compliance teams

This podcast explains rules, regulations, and policy changes in simple terms. It covers safety rules, housing policy, and other laws that impact lumber businesses.

Listen here
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