As we enter 2025, the construction industry continues to evolve in response to climate conditions, building codes, local economies, and design trends — and so do preferences for building materials. What sells in Seattle may not be specified in Savannah. And what’s trending in Texas may be fading in the Northeast.
Understanding these regional shifts in material preference is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s essential for distributors and suppliers aiming to stay competitive. Stocking the right products, guiding contractors through substitutions, and aligning with local trends are now critical to growth and margin preservation.
Here’s a look at the most notable regional shifts in preferred building materials in 2025 — and what they mean for the supply chain.
1. Southeast: Weather-Resistant and Cost-Effective Materials Surge
What’s Changing:
Due to increasing storm intensity and high humidity, there’s a shift toward impact-rated windows, fiber cement siding, and moisture-resistant sheathing.
Vinyl siding remains common, but higher-end builds are favoring engineered wood or composite cladding.
Roofing preferences are shifting toward longer-life asphalt shingles and standing seam metal in hurricane-prone zones.
Why It Matters:
Distributors in the Southeast must align with code-driven performance expectations and regional insurance requirements.
2. Northeast: Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance Take Priority
What’s Changing:
Energy code updates are pushing adoption of continuous insulation systems, high R-value windows, and air sealing products.
Multifamily construction is driving demand for fire-rated assemblies, mineral wool insulation, and non-combustible cladding.
More developers are specifying pre-fabricated wall systems to meet thermal and code requirements quickly.
Why It Matters:
Stocking compliant and multi-family-focused materials is essential for success in dense, regulated markets.
3. Midwest: Engineered Systems and Hybrid Framing Gain Momentum
What’s Changing:
Lumber prices and labor constraints are fueling demand for engineered wood systems, trusses, and pre-cut framing packages.
There’s growing interest in hybrid construction using cold-formed steel framing in urban or commercial settings.
Vinyl windows and lap siding remain dominant, but composite alternatives are gaining share in higher-end residential builds.
Why It Matters:
Distributors should promote labor-saving, scalable systems that align with value-driven builder priorities.
4. Southwest: Stucco, Masonry, and Heat-Resistant Roofing Prevail
What’s Changing:
The desert climate continues to favor stucco exteriors, concrete masonry, and clay or concrete tile roofing.
However, there’s increasing pressure to offer cool roof coatings and heat-reflective materials to meet local energy mandates.
Builders are moving toward pre-colored finishes and low-maintenance exterior products to reduce field labor.
Why It Matters:
Materials that resist extreme heat and reduce energy costs will lead in Southwest markets — especially where drought and heat are rising concerns.
5. West Coast: Sustainability and Fire Resilience Shape Specifications
What’s Changing:
In wildfire-prone regions, Class A fire-rated roofing, ignition-resistant siding, and non-combustible decks are now standard.
Urban markets like San Francisco and Seattle are emphasizing low-carbon concrete, FSC-certified wood, and products with EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations).
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are fueling growth in multi-use panels and modular assemblies.
Why It Matters:
Sustainability and code compliance aren’t trends — they’re baseline requirements on the West Coast.
6. Mountain West: Cold Climate and Rural Distribution Shape Demand
What’s Changing:
In colder, rural areas, builders continue to favor wood-framed construction with foam board insulation and thermal windows.
Interest is growing in metal roofing, engineered joists, and pre-assembled wall systems that simplify remote builds.
Projects are shifting toward energy-efficient envelopes and off-grid capabilities in mountain towns and high-altitude zones.
Why It Matters:
Logistics and efficiency matter — distributors must support durable, cold-weather-ready materials with flexible delivery options.
7. National Trends to Watch Across Regions
Even as regional variation increases, some national trends are cutting across all markets in 2025:
Prefabricated and panelized systems are gaining share to reduce labor demands.
Green building standards and carbon reporting are influencing product selection, especially in commercial and institutional work.
Supply chain volatility continues to drive interest in domestic, readily available materials.
Distributors are being asked to offer education and documentation on product performance, compliance, and substitutions.
Conclusion
In 2025, building material preferences are evolving in distinct, regional patterns — shaped by climate, labor, design, and code. For building materials suppliers and distributors, success depends on regional alignment: offering the right products, in the right locations, with the right support.
Companies that treat material strategy as hyperlocal — while investing in national agility — will be best positioned to win in a shifting market.
