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Principia/Blog/HVAC/IBS 2026: 5 Takeaways Siding and Trim Manufacturers Should Be Thinking About

IBS 2026: 5 Takeaways Siding and Trim Manufacturers Should Be Thinking About

By Traver Alexander, Siding & Exterior Trim Industry Analyst

From the floor in Orlando last week: The 2026 International Builders’ Show (IBS) felt both cautious and opportunistic. Below are five observations through the lens of the siding and trim market, and why they matter for product roadmaps, channel strategy, and near‑term growth.

  1. The K‑Shaped Economy Was on Full Display

    What we saw:
    • In the housing outlook sessions: Expectations for new construction overall are soft, focus seems split between the mix of custom homes (a proxy for the luxury market), and townhomes serving entry‑level buyers.
    • On the show floor: premium brands and products, such as prefinished siding and trim, composite, and next gen materials, drew attention. By contrast, mass‑market products, had a more measured, defensive tone.
  2. Thermally Modified Wood Is Having a Moment
    What we saw:
    Dedicated thermally modified wood exhibitors had steady traffic, while legacy wood suppliers prominently featured their modified wood lines.

    Why it matters:
    Modified wood may have found a sweet spot: the thermal process gives it some of the installation and performance benefits of composite competitors, while not changing its natural make-up.
  3. Masonry Veneer & Thin Brick: Still Climbing

    What we saw:
    Some regional suppliers who started in patio and outdoor walls now estimate 30–50% of their business is siding‑related masonry veneer—and growing. Color/texture pairings tuned to local tastes were top of mind. One major U.S. brick manufacturer devoted half its floor space to thin brick.

    Why it matters:
    Principia shows that masonry veneer is the most popular secondary material of blended-sided homes, displacing full brick.
  4. Installation Innovation Everywhere—and It’s a Differentiator

    What we saw:
    Live demos across engineered wood, metal, nail‑on veneer, and 4‑in‑1 sheathing showcased labor and time savings. Major manufacturers are also piloting new installation methods for efficiency gains.

    Why it matters:
    Principia forecasts R&R to outperform new construction in the medium term and with immigration policy to likely exacerbate worker shortages, ease of installation is a key differentiator. “The best siding is the one installed correctly,” said one presenter.
  5. Prefinished Products Could Boost Two‑Step Distribution

    What we saw:
    In siding and trim, prefinished options—especially in R&R—are proliferating with richer color and texture portfolios. While the share of product moving through two‑step distribution has drifted lower as manufacturers built direct‑to‑dealer muscle, prefinished variety and inventory complexity could shift momentum back toward two‑step for stocking, turn, and risk management.

    Why it matters:
    More SKUs + regional color preference + shorter lead expectations = a distribution advantage where inventory and service are king.

The Year Ahead

We were on the ground at IBS 2026 and are actively tracking category demand, channel shifts, and pricing/mix dynamics across the siding and trim market. If you’re evaluating where to invest next — we can quantify the opportunity and de‑risk the path.