The new year is always a time of reflection. In the realm of architecture and construction, this usually involves a look ahead to what is in, what is out, and what is here to stay among design trends. To help you through this process, keep reading for a look at 6 trending building materials on the rise for 2023.

Steel Log Siding

Even with all of the latest innovations in the building materials industry, homeowners are inexorably drawn back to the rustic charm of wood and brick cladding. There is just something about these materials that says “home” in a way that cookie-cutter vinyl shingles cannot. 

What homeowners do not love about traditional wood and brick siding is the maintenance required to guarantee their ongoing aesthetics. Wood needs to be painted or stained at least every other year, while brick must be regularly sealed to prevent moisture absorption that causes cracks during the freeze/thaw cycle.

Due to these ongoing maintenance concerns, steel log siding is set to make a major push in 2023. Fabricated in a wide variety of colors and designs that are nearly indistinguishable from natural wood or brick products, steel log siding offers the highest fire, moisture, and impact resistance on the market. Although it is one of the more expensive siding solutions in terms of initial application, homeowners realize the longevity and low maintenance of steel siding makes the lifetime cost quite tenable, making it a major trend in the realm of sustainable siding products. 

Mindfully Sourced Insulation

Any features that improve the energy efficiency of a home will continue to increase in popularity in 2023. With that said, there is no more straightforward way to create an airtight structure than improved insulation. As some insulation products receive criticism due to their toxicity during fires and low score for recyclability, many homeowners are turning to more natural insulation products such as sheep wool, denim, hemp, and cork. All of these products have shown to have R-values comparable or better than polyurethane boards and spray-in foams and either use recycled materials or are capable of being recycled themselves, making them favorite products for a conscientious market.  

Metal Roofing

Like steel log siding, metal roofing is on the rise in residential homes. Once thought to be a viable roofing solution only for structures such as warehouses and barns, metal roofs are now being offered in increasingly stylish fabrications that appeal to homeowners. In addition to being highly durable and sustainable, their fire resistance is very desirable in parts of the country increasingly at risk of wildfires. 

Quartz Countertops

Few countertop materials can match the stately appearance of marble in terms of desirability. With that said, marble is a highly porous countertop option that must be regularly sealed to prevent staining and mold buildup. Therefore, homeowners are turning to nonporous quartz countertops to provide that classic stone finish without the constant maintenance requirements. Fabricated into a solid one-piece design using a combination of ground quartz dust and epoxy resin, the broad spectrum of quartz colors allows for endless designs to match the sensibilities of any homeowner.

Polished Concrete Floors

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If you have not caught on already, durability and low maintenance are prevailing building material trends in 2023. With the rising costs of labor and materials, most homeowners are willing to pay a little more upfront to avoid ongoing renovation costs that may continue to skyrocket.

Keeping with this trend is the rise of polished concrete floors in residential homes. Once thought of strictly in the realm of school hallways and hotel lobbies, modern sealing processes make it possible to finish concrete floors to enhance interior design aesthetics for homeowners. In addition to simple cleaning with a broom and wet mop, polished concrete floors also resist damage from shifting furniture, making them an ideal choice for homeowners who like to change up their designs from season to season.

Rooftop Decks

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Functional exterior space is all the rage for homeowners looking to create a change of scenery on their properties, a trend that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and is showing no signs of slowing down in 2023. In this vein, one of the more all-encompassing concepts is the proliferation of rooftop decks. Using materials such as lightweight roof pavers to protect the roofing substrate without adding necessary bulk and sleek wire wailing to guarantee safety without obstructing views, rooftop decks continue to be a top choice for buildings that want some fresh air but are short on adjoining lawn space. 

Stay Trendy in 2023 With These Materials

A new year is always a time for the building and development industry to assess the trends and plan accordingly for the year to come. From steel log siding to polished concrete floors, look for durability and low maintenance materials to be among the most popular in 2023!

Author : Andrea Erickson