Hot Products from the 2023 International Builders’ Show

Feb 14, 2024

The 2023 International Builders’ Show (IBS), held January 31 through February 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada, featured more than 1,300 exhibitors and covered more than 600,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. Judging from the strong attendance, IBS 2023 delivered on its reputation as the place to see all the latest and greatest building products, tools, and technologies. While the majority of the 70,000 attendees are builders and contractors, IBS has also become known as the single biggest event for LBM dealers to connect directly with manufacturers and to learn about the latest product innovations. As we do each year, the following pages include a sample of products that our team believes may help make a difference for you and your company moving forward. The listings are in no particular order.

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Winner of the “Best In Show” award at this year’s IBS, Door Stud enables installers to easily and single-handedly move and install 1-3/8″ and 1-3/4″ pre-hung or slab doors up to 300 lbs. According to the manufacturer, Door Stud is ideal for all interior and exterior door applications including residential, commercial and multifamily. As well, it reduces the risk of injury, increases productivity by reducing labor, and prevents damage to the wall and door. thedoorstud.com

Winner of the IBS 2023 “Most Innovative Building Product” award, Oldcastle APG and Barrette Outdoor Living’s RDI Elevation Rail is a pre-assembled cable rail kit that requires no special tools or fasteners to install. With pre-strung continuous stainless-steel cables and adjustable panels that span up to 6′ wide, RDI Elevation Rail features a patent pending OneTen built-in centralized tensioning system that the manufacturer says speeds installation by up to 38% and eliminates the need to tension each cable individually and decreases the need for seasonal adjustments. barretteoutdoorliving.com

As part of its Cedar Renditions by Royal aluminum siding line, Cedar Renditions Board & Batten siding has a unique woodgrain look that can be used as an accent to enhance any exterior facade. The Board & Batten profile can also be a complement to the existing Cedar Renditions siding, together with the trim and accessories. According to Westlake Royal Building Products, Cedar Renditions offers several unique benefits including traditional woodgrains and premium multi-tonal woodgrain designs, PVDF paint technology in woodgrains for exceptional fade resistance and durability, and a 25-year prorated limited warranty. westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com

New from Simpson Strong-Tie, the ECB elevated column base features a 2″ standoff for installing waterproofing under solid or hollow-wood posts, or for the addition of lightweight concrete fill when installed over wood surfaces. Available in two sizes to accommodate both 6×6 and 8×8 hollow columns or solid sawn posts, the design allows for four-corner-hole installation in wood or single-center-hole installation in concrete, and is load rated, making it ideal for building stacked balconies on multistory, multifamily buildings that use a post to support an awning or roof. strongtie.com

A finalist of the IBS 2023 “Most Innovative Building Product” award, Huber Engineered Woods’ new EXACOR panels are specifically engineered with the structural, acoustical, fire-rated and dimensional stability performance needs of today’s jobsite in mind. Made of magnesium oxide (MgO) and an integrated mesh core, EXACOR panels offer a smooth base for floor coverings. Because EXACOR panels are installed by framers, it can eliminate the need for gypsum underlayment applications, so there is no need to schedule that additional trade to complete installation. EXACOR panels can be used as both a subfloor underlayment over traditional OSB or plywood (UL 263 L528) and as a structural subfloor (UL263 L601). huberwood.com

Winner of the IBS 2023 “Most Innovative Construction Tool,” the CT1 Mobile Carpenter Trailer from On-Site Building Solutions was designed as a convenient, self-contained work trailer with an on-board vacuum dust collection system. Each of the CT1’s seven tool stations feature a vacuum valve and dedicated receptacle which activates the vacuum when tool is powered on. In addition, the CT1 features two power sources and can be housed in a residential garage or fits easily in a parking space. on-sitebuildingsolutions.com

Deckorators will be offering two new colors—Saltwater (a warm smoky-taupe shown) and Sandbar (a classic medium-brown)— with its new Venture Decking product line. Venture Decking is a maintenance-free wood/plastic composite product that is backed by 25-year structural, stain and fade, removal and replacement limited warranties. The 5-1/2″-wide x 15/16″- thick boards are available in 12′, 16′ and 20′ lengths in solid- and grooved-edge profiles, and feature a scratch-resistant polyethylene cap over a dense composite core. deckorators.com

Made with upcycled rice hulls in Mississippi, ACRE siding from Modern Mill is a sustainable, durable alternative that the manufacturer touts as having the look and feel of real wood. It’s an ideal material for outdoor applications since it is water-, weather- and pest-resistant and guaranteed not to rot or splinter. Available in either shiplap or board and batten styles, Modern Mill says ACRE is lightweight, easy to cut and can be installed and treated just like wood. It accepts paint or stains, and it allows for blind fastening. Opting for one pallet of ACRE saves one acre of rainforest or hardwood species. ACRE has other environmental benefits, like being 100% recyclable and produced in a zero-waste manufacturing environment. modern-mill.com

United Gutter Guard from Gutterglove installs directly on top of existing gutters and is designed to work with any gutter or roof type. It features 100% Stainless Steel Micro-Mesh for rust and corrosion resistance, along with patented V-Bend technology for optimal debris blocking and water filtration. According to the manufacturer, they’re ideal for areas with dense tree coverage or heavy debris, as they block out leaves, pine needles, roof grit, rodents, and insects while handling heavy downpours. unitedgutterguard.com

Feeney, Inc. has recently introduced Stainless Steel Intermediate Pickets for its DesignRail aluminum railing systems. Offering a sleek alternative to square, powdercoated pickets, the new pickets provide a lower profile alternative for DesignRail with CableRail infill where posts are spaced more than three feet apart. Available in three configurations including 36″ Level, 42″ Level, and Universal Stair, the 5/8″-dia. 316 stainless steel tubes are available pre-drilled for 1/8″-dia. cable at 3″ spacing, and are field trimmable for quick installation. feeneyinc.com

LP WeatherLogic Seam and Flashing Sealant from LP Building Solutions is a liquid-applied flashing material certified to AAMA 714-19 and is reported to be the only liquid-applied sealant approved to seal the panel seams between LP WeatherLogic panels as part of the LP WeatherLogic system. The sealant can also be used to flash window and door openings, material transitions, and penetrations of any shape. According to the manufacturer, the product boasts quick tooling and cure time to better service the fast-paced environment of a construction site. The sealant has a 10-15-minute tooling time, 110-minute surface tack time and, depending on conditions, will fully cure in 24 hours. Other benefits include being VOC compliant and having joint movement of ±50% for added flexibility. lpcorp.com

New from Cornerstone Building Brands, ClipStone ProPanel is a new large-format, panelized mortarless stone veneer series that is ideal for both residential applications as well as more substantial multifamily and commercial projects. These large-format panels are mechanically fastened to walls with patented mounting clips, and according to the manufacturer, the panels deliver superior drainage through a built-in water management system that results from the installation clips holding the stone off the wall, allowing it to breathe in exterior applications. ProPanel is packaged as a mix of two panel sizes (large, 20″ x 7.25″, and small, 12″ x 7.25″), a combination of sizes that helps hide seams and add more variation to installations. myclipstone.com

The SawTek Cutter Plus is an automated EWP processing system developed to meet a wide range of pro dealer needs. According to the manufacturer, it provides many of the benefits of the more sophisticated SawTek Pro system while doing so as a lower entry point. The base system provides the ability to position EWP material to +/- 1/4″ for precision cutting and hole routing and includes standard features such as integrated safety interlocks, Versa Saw operator interface, SawTek production analytics, and more. Boise Cascade’s BC Connect and BC Framer software integrates with the SawTek system to streamline and manage the entire process. Designed to be modular and flexible, SawTek Cutter Plus allows dealers to start with a system that meets current needs and can add capabilities as their business evolves and grows. bc.com

Specializing in providing design solutions for architects, designers and builders, Axolotl utilizes a sustainable chemical and mechanical bonding process to integrate an extensive range of authentic metal, concrete, terrazzo and terracotta surfaces to virtually any substrate. Axolotl is also a supplier of solid surface, timber veneers, stone, paint, sheet metal and architectural glass. With the ability to 3D print almost any design onto their doors and other surfaces, the manufacturer makes it simple to achieve a highly personalized statement entry-piece that can include intricate or unadorned designs as well as aged or polished semi-precious metals, rust, stone or concrete. axolotlglobal.com

Evolve Stone’s new Monument Gate stone veneer (shown below in Winter Valley color, which is also available in the company’s National True style veneer) expands the offerings from Evolve Stone, a mortarless, color-throughout stone veneer that is a fraction of the weight of the competition and designed to install up to 10 times faster. Evolve Stone is the only mortarless, color-throughout manufactured stone veneer that installs with a standard finish nailer. The proprietary material was developed to hold its color throughout, like real stone, so it can be cut to fit on-site while maintaining high appearance standards. evolvestone.com

A finalist of the IBS 2023 “Most Innovative Building Product” award, Huber Engineered Woods’ new ZIP System peel and stick underlayment is a high-performance, self-adhered rubberized asphalt product that seals around nails. It features a slip-resistant surface for easy application and an embedded pull cord that splits the liner on demand, and it meets ICC-ES AC48 and ASTM D1970 requirements as an ice barrier and roof underlayment. When applied in combination with ZIP System sheathing and tape, eligible projects can register for a Leak-Free Guarantee. huberwood.com

Distributed exclusively by G Wood Pro, ThermoWood Oak is the newest product offered by Tantimber. Sustainably sourced, this hardwood is manufactured using an exclusive and eco friendly process unique to ThermoWood that is both chemical-free and non-toxic. According to the manufacturer, the process results in a dimensionally stable and durable Class 1 wood product that can be used in most extreme environments. Tantimber ThermoWood Oak is available in various decking or cladding profiles and sizes. gwoodpro.com

As a new top-of-the-line product for Trex, its Signature Decking duplicates the appearance, graining, and color of wood in a composite material. According to Trex, Signature Decking is crafted with the natural look of interior hardwoods but engineered to withstand the elements and demands of the outdoors. It’s available in two colors: Okracoke (a dark brown) and Whidbey (a soft grey shown). The new line is backed by a 50-year limited residential warranty and is complemented by the full range of Trex Signature railing, including numerous design options such as mesh rail, rod rail, and glass panels. trex.com

New from PrimeSource Building Products, RailFX’s Express Mount Brackets for cable railing eliminate the need to drill holes through each deck post for the cable. Instead, installers simply screw the bracket to the outside face of the end, corner, or intermediate post, after which the cable is fed through the bracket and then tightened. The brackets are only viewable from the outside of the deck, creating the illusion of “floating” cables and improving sightlines to the scenery beyond. railfx.net

DaVinci Roofscapes, a division of Westlake Royal Building Products, has introduced a new single-width composite slate roofing tile. Province Slate, a 12″-wide tile with a fixed 8″ exposure evokes a historical nature with authentic natural slate appeal. Modeled after actual slate, the manufacturer says the tiles have a natural, non-repeating beauty that complements a variety of home styles. The Class A fire-rated and Class 4 impact-rated tile can also be used on commercial projects, and they resist severe weather, high winds, insects, algae and fungus growth. Available in six colors and manufactured in Kansas, each tile has an enhanced backside rib structure and self-aligning ledge for ease and speed of installation. davinciroofscapes.com

Fastener manufacturer CAMO’s new full line of code-compliant structural screws are engineered to start fast, drive smooth, and hold strong. According to CAMO, the screws feature a flat head for a flush finish, a chamfered neck and underhead nibs that reportedly help with countersinking, along with a straight knurl that reduces driving torque, aggressive thread TPI and angle, and slashes for reduces splitting. The structural screws require no pre-drilling and feature proprietary coating for superior corrosion resistance. As well, CAMO’s structural screws have been third-party tested, audited, and certified as IBC and IRC code-compliant. camofasteners.com

Key-Link Fencing and Railing (part of Superior Plastic Products) unveiled its new Underrail Lighting for its Chesapeake Series drink rail (which has channels in the profile to hold it). The LED strip clips into the underside of the drink rail (clips are provided), while a lens diffuses the light. The plug-and-play lighting strips come in 4′, 6′, and 8′ lengths, and clear marks indicate where the strip can be trimmed to length. keylinkonline.com

New from Tando, its 5″ architecturally precise Beach House Shake is designed as a low maintenance alternative to natural cedar shake. According to Tando, these shakes won’t discolor, fade or stain, never need painting, and are significantly faster to install when compared to natural cedar shakes. As a 5″ re-squared and rebutted shingle, Beach House Shake is available in four natural cedar shades that include white cedar Sandcastle, silver gray Atlantica, deep gray Hatteras, and western red cedar Pacifica. beachhouseshake.com

Silvermine Stone’s new Belterra Collection expands the company’s offerings of mortarless stone veneer siding. Featuring a patented flashing and fastening system, Silvermine Stone products create a shingling system on the wall to keep water away from the home’s substrate while only requiring a single layer of weather resistant barrier. As Silvermine explains, the shingling effect sheds all water to the front, thus eliminating water penetration and minimizing the possibility of insects to get between the stone and the wall. The 24″ x 6″ veneer sections attach to the wall with pan-headed screws and do not require lath, a scratch-coat, or mortar. silverminestone.com

Engineered to help meet new code-required 3/16″ air gap requirements in stucco and adhered stone assemblies, Huber Engineered Woods’ new ZIP System Rainscreen drainage and ventilation mat (coming soon in 2023) consists of a rigid drainage mat covered by a heavy-duty fabric that can be used as a secondary water-resistive barrier, required for “absorptive” or “reservoir” cladding assemblies. According to Huber, Rainscreen combines the high compression strength of a mesh drainage mat with a 5-7-perm WRB layer to create a balance of durability and effective moisture management. huberwood.com

UltraShield Composite Siding from NewTechWood is a composite wall cladding that features a co-extruded cap and a composite core made from a mix of high-quality recycled materials with dense hardwood and softwood fibers. According to the manufacturer, because the siding utilizes tongue and groove boards and fasteners, its All-Weather system creates a true rainscreen system that prevents water from penetrating between the boards while still appearing to create a 1/4″ gap between the boards. newtechwood.com

Raised Panel and Louvered Shutters from Fypon are now available in sizes that match common entry door heights. The expanded size offering allows homeowners to create an elegant, on-trend look for their home’s entryway by installing polyurethane shutters next to the entry door in lieu of sidelites or other trim options. The new shutter sizes include 6′, 6’8″ and 8′, and are available in widths measuring 16″ or 18″. fypon.com

New from CertainTeed, its Landmark Pro shingles are engineered with two laminated layers to replicate the dimensional appearance of true wood shake at an affordable price. Available in a wide array of colors, Landmark pro shingles are classified as UL 2218 Class 3 Impact Rated and carry a Class A fire-resistance rating. According to CertainTeed, the shingles’ NailTrak wide nailing area has three separately defined lines to guide nailing, while CertaSeal—a high-grade adhesive made from a proprietary blend of asphalts and polymers— seals shingles together on the roof to safeguard against wind uplift, shingle blow off, and moisture infiltration. Landmark Pro shingles come with a lifetime-limitedwarranty and a 15 year StreakFighter algae-resistance warranty. certainteed.com

While Fiberon’s Concordia Symmetry and Horizon Collections of PE composite decking have been in the market for some time, its new Concordia Astir Collection expands the product line with decking that the manufacturer says is influenced by the aesthetics of outdoor landscapes. Available in three nature-inspired colors—Mountain Ash, Seaside Mist, and Prairie Wheat—the boards feature a rustic cathedral grain with four-sided embossing. fiberondecking.com

MP Global Products’ QuietWarmth radiant heat film for under subfloors is designed as a retrofit solution for subfloor heating. Installed between the floor joists, the film can be used under any existing flooring including nail-down wood floors and carpet. Because QuietWarmth is an electric product, there are no hot water pipes to install, thus simplifying installation. QuietWarmth comes in 120v and 240v versions in a variety of lengths, is also available for floating and tile floors, and can be cut to length. mpglobalproducts.com

New from Armadillo, its Evolution Composite Decking features a core made of recycled plastic and wood fibers, and is fully-wrapped on all four sides with a polyethylene coating for fade resistance and to prevent stains. Available in six colors and domestically made, Armadillo says Evolution decking features sophisticated, nuanced colors and richer, deeper grain for premium appearance and performance. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty for residential applications. armadillodeck.com

Tropical Forest Products’ Black Label brand of 100% legally sourced, sustainable tropical hardwoods provide a rich look for architectural millwork, decking, cladding, deck tiles, and soffit. Black Label tropical hardwoods are certified sustainable by the Forest Stewardship Council, with a selection of Ipe, Cumaru, Jatoba, Garapa, Bulletwood, and Tigerwood, as well as thermally modified Black Label Kebony and Black Label Thermowood produced with Novawood Technology. According to the manufacturer, Black Label hardwoods delivers excellent strength and performance, and each board must be Premium Architectural Grade or superior to earn the Black Label title. blacklabelwood.com

ChamClad, a manufacturer of laminated rigid PVC for interior and exterior applications, showcased its Shadowline Series exterior siding and soffit panels at this year’s IBS. According to Chamclad, the Shadowline panels are modern, affordable, and lightweight—produced from 100% recycled rigid PVC. They are easy to install, Leed Compliant and readily available (1-2 weeks leadtime + shipping). Chamclad’s production facility is located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and distributes premium architectural panels throughout North America. chamclad.com

The ForceField Weather Barrier System from Georgia-Pacific is a water-resistive barrier (WRB) sheathing system for use on walls and sloped roofs across woodframed residential structures. Consisting of three primary products—ForceField Panels, Force-Field Premium Tape to seal joints and seams, and ForceField Flex Flashing Tape for wrapping around windows and other curved openings—Georgia Pacific says the system simplifies construction and reduces the number of trips around the building compared to traditional systems. buildgp.com

New from Outlive, Millboard decking combines the natural beauty of real wood with the performance of polyurethane. Hand-molded from natural timbers, Millboard decking features a polymer core reinforced with fiberglass. According to the manufacturer, these boards require minimal maintenance, are slip resistant, and won’t warp or rot from moisture decay, algae, or insects. Available in a variety of colors and textures, each board is hand-colored in the realistic tonal shades and grains in three collections: Enhanced Grain is molded from actual oak boards for a textured look and feel; Weathered Oak is molded from oak boards that are over a century old; and Lasta-Grip combines the appearance of the Enhanced Grain collection with the addition of a unique slip-resistant texture. outlive.info

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