Over the last year, one trend has stood out across the construction supply chain: material preferences are becoming increasingly regionalized. From climate adaptation and code changes to labor availability and architectural styles, contractors and developers are adjusting their go-to materials based on local priorities and constraints.
For building materials distributors, understanding these shifts is more than a market insight — it’s a competitive necessity.
Here’s what we’ve learned from analyzing the most notable regional shifts in preferred building materials over the past 12 months — and what they mean for suppliers heading into the next buying cycle.
1. Fire-Resistant Products Surged in the West
States like California, Oregon, and Colorado have seen increasing demand for non-combustible and ignition-resistant materials due to updated wildfire codes and insurance pressures.
What Changed:
Spike in orders for fiber cement siding, fire-rated sheathing, and metal roofing
Builders shifting away from untreated wood and vinyl in exterior applications
Increased use of ember-resistant vents and Class A roofing systems
What It Means:
Stocking and promoting code-compliant, wildfire-ready products is now essential in the Western U.S.
2. Concrete Products and Insulation Rose in Cold-Climate Regions
In Northern states and parts of the Midwest, energy efficiency upgrades and thermal performance incentives drove demand for heavier insulation and thermal mass materials.
What Changed:
Strong demand for ICFs (insulated concrete forms), continuous insulation panels, and mineral wool
Preference for triple-pane windows and high-efficiency glazing systems
Cold-weather concrete additives and mixes gained popularity for extended season builds
What It Means:
Distributors should align with energy code trends and extended build-season strategies in cold zones.
3. Lightweight, Labor-Efficient Materials Gained Ground in the Southeast
Labor shortages and tight project schedules led many builders to choose materials that install faster with smaller crews.
What Changed:
Increased use of engineered wood products, panelized framing systems, and composite decking
Substitution of stucco with pre-finished siding products that reduce finishing time
More interest in adhesives and fasteners that simplify framing and sheathing steps
What It Means:
Ease-of-install is now a major sales driver in labor-constrained regions.
4. Moisture-Resistant Products Became a Priority in Coastal Markets
From the Gulf Coast to the Mid-Atlantic, contractors are leaning into materials that can stand up to humidity, salt, and stormwater exposure.
What Changed:
Preference for PVC trim, moisture-resistant sheathing, and closed-cell insulation
Roofing systems with better wind uplift ratings and enhanced drainage
Greater scrutiny of underlayment and vapor barrier performance
What It Means:
Durability in wet climates is no longer optional — it’s spec-driven and inspector-enforced.
5. Sustainable Materials Are Gaining Traction in Urban Centers
Green building mandates and ESG-driven developers in cities like New York, Seattle, and Denver are choosing low-carbon, recycled, and certifiable materials.
What Changed:
More projects specifying materials with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
Growth in demand for recycled steel, FSC-certified wood, and VOC-compliant finishes
LEED and WELL certification influencing procurement decisions
What It Means:
Distributors in urban markets need to support documentation, submittals, and compliance as part of the product offering.
6. Traditional Materials Are Holding Steady in Rural and Value-Driven Markets
In rural areas and lower-cost housing markets, builders continue to prioritize familiar, cost-effective materials.
What Changed:
Ongoing popularity of OSB, asphalt shingles, and vinyl siding in smaller markets
Less pressure to meet green standards unless required by local codes
Price sensitivity remains a top factor in material selection
What It Means:
Distributors serving rural markets should focus on logistics, price competitiveness, and availability.
7. Multi-Family and Urban Infill Projects Are Driving High-Spec Demand
Where mid-rise and infill construction is growing — especially in the Northeast and West Coast — demand is shifting to code-heavy, fire-rated, and sound-attenuating materials.
What Changed:
Surge in Type III and V construction systems, driving demand for light gauge steel, fire-rated assemblies, and acoustic insulation
Greater attention to assemblies with UL listings and STC ratings
Coordination between developers, architects, and suppliers on pre-approved material packages
What It Means:
High-density project zones demand deep technical knowledge and submittal-ready SKUs.
Conclusion
The last 12 months have confirmed a major trend: material demand is increasingly shaped by regional forces — not national averages. Climate, code, labor, and project mix are driving localized preferences, and the distributors who recognize and respond to these shifts are gaining traction in their territories.
Whether you’re stocking a yard in wildfire country or supplying energy-efficient products in the Midwest, success means knowing not just what sells — but where and why it sells.
