Story at a glance:
- The 2023 IBS (International Builders Show) experienced its largest attendance in 10 years.
- Energy efficiency was a key talking point among exhibitors at this year’s expo.
- Exterior coatings, innovative construction solutions, and minimalist designs were some of the stars of the show.
This year’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) experienced the largest attendance in more than a decade, as nearly 70,000 attendees traveled to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS). It’s the largest annual light construction show in the world. More than 1,300 exhibitors set up with the latest building products and technology as part of the event.
“This year’s exceptional turnout is a clear indication of the strength of the industry and its optimism about the future,” says Geoff Cassidy, NAHB senior vice president of exhibitions and meetings. “Attendees took advantage of unique networking opportunities and education sessions that delivered insight and practical guidance to grow their businesses.”
These are just some of the exciting products and solutions we learned about at the 2023 IBS.
1. Nakamoto Forestry Shou Sugi Ban
Photo by Ryan Bent
Nakamoto Forestry starts its shou sugi ban process with careful log selection, grading for straightness and diameter before cutting into their final shape and size. Instead of kiln-drying for several days at low heat—a standard practice for wood siding—Nakamoto air dries the planks slowly and uses a more efficient flash-burning heat treatment. Enough contained heat is applied to the boards so that the excess wood fibers burn off, leaving an inky-black, charred surface.
Nakamoto Forestry recently revealed three variations of their wood siding finishes—Suyaki, Gendai, and Pika-Pika, represent varying degrees of soot and color. Suyaki is the most traditional and dynamic of their shou sugi ban offerings, with a thick layer of soot that remains intact and provides an alligator skin-like texture. Gendai is brushed once, removing the alligator skin texture while leaving behind a dark surface. Pika-Pika is brushed twice, passing the shou sugi ban planks through a second wire brushing process that removes all loose soot from the softer spring growth rings while leaving the late wood as contrasting burnt ridges.
2. Emerald Rain Refresh Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint
Photo courtesy of Sherwin-Williams
This new “super paint” from Sherwin-Williams is an ultra-durable exterior coating with self-cleaning technology. It’s formulated so dirt washes away upon contact with rain or water for a clean, fresh look with minimal maintenance.
The new coating offers excellent UV and weather protection and can be tinted in VinylSafe paint colors.
3. Magnolia Home | James Hardie Collection
Curated by Joanna Gaines, the Magnolia Home | James Hardie Collection features 16 colors of ColorPlus Technology finishes in a variety of siding styles and textures. Photo courtesy of James Hardie
You know Chip and Joanna Gaines, founders of Magnolia Home. The popular home remodeling TV stars recently teamed up with James Hardie to offer a beautiful new Collection of exterior products. The collection includes 16 colors in a variety of siding styles and textures.
“With the launch of the Magnolia Home | James Hardie Collection we are demystifying the home exterior renovation process for homeowners, making it easier than ever to transform and personalize their home’s exterior through a one-stop, curated Collection,” says Sean Gadd, president of James Hardie Building Products. “There’s a good reason why Chip and Joanna Gaines have preferred Hardie siding for more than 20 years; our Hardie fiber cement siding is well known for long-lasting beauty and trusted, durable protection.”
4. Sherwood Wood Burning Fireplace
The Sherwood Wood Burning Fireplace from Kindred Outdoors and Surrounds. Photo courtesy of Westlake Royal Building Products
The Sherwood Wood Burning Fireplace from Kindred Outdoors and Surrounds, seen here in stacked stone with split edge accents, makes a statement. It provides a focal point with the comfort of a warm fire and the relaxing sound of crackling wood.
You can style the Sherwood in any stone from the Westlake Royal Building Products portfolio to complement outdoor living spaces.
5. SawTek
Photo courtesy of Boise Cascade
Boise Cascade’s SawTek automation saws allow for complete precut floor framing jobpacks to be delivered to the jobsite. The option to have the BCI joists precut with holes for ductwork and mechanicals help to speed up construction and reduce jobsite waste.
The engineered wood product materials arrive onsite cut, packed, and labeled—eliminating any potential confusion about which pieces go where.
6. 300 Minimalist Multi-Slide Door
The initial launch of the Series 300 Minimalist Multi-Slide Door is in bronze anodized, with custom color options available later in 2023. Photo courtesy of Western Window Systems
The Series 300 Minimalist Multi-Slide Door from Western Window Systems features the same smooth operation and hardware options as Western Window Systems’ Classic Line doors, but with innovative narrow interlock stiles that provide a minimalist aesthetic and maximum daylight. This combination of large panel sizes, discreet lines, and energy efficient low-E, dual-pane glass delivers a beautiful new way to minimize the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
“There has been a growing desire from the architectural community to achieve the extremely thin sight lines typically found in European products,” says Mike Wothe, Western Division president at PGT Innovations. “With the Series 300 Minimalist Multi-Slide Door being produced in Phoenix, Arizona, Western Window Systems can meet the market’s desire to use this product style in their home designs while also avoiding the timing challenges and extra cost of importing products from overseas. Additionally, this product was designed with production efficiency in mind, which also makes it competitive domestically from a cost and lead time standpoint.”
7. LG Art Cool
The LG Art Cool Mirror has earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certification. Photo courtesy of LG Electronics USA
LG’s new Art Cool duct-free products have a sleek, mirrored finish with quiet operation and energy-efficient inverter technology. Wall-mounted indoor units are a great option where ducting is hard to route, and minimal clearance around the unit offers flexibility in installation. These stylish mirrored units are available in 9,000 to 18,000 Btu/h capacities and require little maintenance with a washable filter. All Art Cool Mirror models have earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certification.
“As the market moves toward electrification, more and more homebuilders are embracing high-efficient heat pump technology,” says Steve Scarbrough, senior vice president and general manager at LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA. “LG is taking heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems to the next level thanks to inverter compressor technology that offers quiet operation and intuitive control.”
