Lumber leader examines supply chain shifts, workforce changes, and evolving homeowner expectations

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ProWood^®, a leading manufacturer and distributor of premium pressure-treated lumber and part of UFP Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: UFPI), today released its 2026 State of the Industry Report. The report examines how shifting homeowner expectations are reshaping the construction landscape—from supply chain strategies and product innovation to workforce dynamics and purchasing priorities.

"What we're seeing is a convergence of factors reshaping how the industry operates—from homeowner expectations to labor availability to product performance," said Jeff Crisp, vice president of operations at ProWood. "Supply chain strategy is part of that shift, alongside changes in who's building, what materials are trusted, and how long-term performance is being defined."

The report translates those converging forces into several key trends shaping the future of construction, including:

• Supply Chain Realignment: Manufacturers and distributors are moving toward more regional sourcing and localized distribution models to improve reliability, shorten lead times, and better align inventory with jobsite demand.
  
  
• Changing Consumer Priorities: Homeowners are shifting their purchasing mindsets from "what's available" to "what lasts," placing greater value on durability, longevity, craftsmanship, and trusted brands.
  
  
• An Evolving Workforce: The construction workforce continues to diversify, with women now holding more than 1.3 million jobs—a 53% increase over the past decade—and Hispanic builders comprising nearly one-third of the workforce while driving 59% of industry growth between 2018 and 2023, according to the National Hispanic Construction Alliance (NHCA).
  
  
• Improved Innovation and Performance: Ongoing advancements in wood preservation and pressure-treatment standards are extending lumber lifespan—a meaningful measure of sustainability.

The report also features firsthand perspectives from experts on how evolving materials, new products—like ProWood's TrueFrame^™ Joist—and supply chain strategies are shaping the future of outdoor construction.

"When we're designing and building outdoor spaces, durability and consistency matter just as much as appearance," said Jonathan Moeller, owner of Colorado Custom Covers & Decks, who is featured in a builder Q&A within the State of the Industry Report. "Products like ProWood's TrueFrame Joist give us confidence in the structure beneath the deck and deliver lasting performance homeowners can rely on."

Read the Q&A and more in the ProWood 2026 State of the Industry Report.

ABOUT PROWOOD
ProWood, a brand of UFP Retail Solutions, LLC, a UFP Industries company, is the industry's foremost manufacturer-distributor of lumber products and premier building materials. With a nationwide presence and a diverse range of products tailored for both building professionals and DIY homeowners, we deliver solutions that meet every need. Backed by industry-leading warranties and a relentless commitment to innovation, ProWood leads the way in education and product expertise, ensuring an exceptional customer experience at every touchpoint.

To learn more about ProWood, visit www.prowood.com or call 1-844-529-5882.

UFP Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: UFPI)
UFP Industries Inc. is a holding company whose operating subsidiaries—UFP Packaging, UFP Construction, and UFP Retail Solutions—manufacture, distribute, and sell a wide variety of value-added products used in residential and commercial construction, packaging, and other industrial applications worldwide. Founded in 1955, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with affiliates in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. For more about UFP Industries, go to www.ufpi.com.

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SOURCE ProWood®