2026 International Builders’ Show: Housing Trends & New Products

Quick Takeaways from the 2026 Builders’ Show

• Housing outlook shows cautious growth
• Remodeling is projected to expand
• Homes are getting smaller but more functional
• Outdoor living remains a priority
• Energy efficiency and wellness features are rising
• Manufacturers introduced new siding and exterior products

The International Builders’ Show headed to Orlando one last time, pairing once again with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show for Design & Construction Week. All told, more than 117,000 people attended the two shows to check out thousands of products, learn the latest trends and install tips, and network across the industry.

“This year’s attendees have been excited and engaged — a reflection of the overall industry’s desire to get out there and build,” said Geoff Cassidy, NAHB chief revenue officer.

2026 Housing Market Outlook from NAHB

The housing economy was a hot topic around the show’s press conferences and educational sessions. “The housing outlook in 2026 is one of cautious optimism as builders contend with rising material and labor prices and policy uncertainty, while builders and buyers alike should benefit from anticipated fiscal and monetary easing that will moderate housing finance costs and mortgage rates,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz, as reported by Window & Door magazine.

“Given these market conditions, NAHB is anticipating slim single-family construction growth in the year ahead,” the magazine wrote, noting that single-family starts are expected to increase 1.0% in 2026 and 5% higher in 2027, while multifamily starts are anticipated to fall 5% in 2026 and an additional 6% in 2027.

One bright spot is remodeling, with activity expected to increase 3% in 2026 and 2% in 2027. “The surge in home equity has allowed more homeowners to finance remodeling projects that meet their needs, which include growth for aging-in-place remodeling projects,” Dietz said. “NAHB expects robust long-term remodeling growth, and projects overall remodeling expenditures will be 19% higher in 2030 and 32% higher by 2035.”

Home Design Trends Emerging from the Builders’ Show

Both affordability challenges and demographic shifts will shape home designs in the near future, said Realtor in its coverage of the show. “Floor plans are getting smaller, but in that getting smaller, they have to be more feature-packed. They have to be more interesting. They have to use the space better,” said architect Donald J. Ruthroff during a presentation on design trends at the show.  

The session also revealed NAHB data showing buyers gravitating toward three-bedroom homes (versus four-bedroom) and only two full baths (versus three), driven by affordability as well as the evolution to more single-person households.

Outdoor space continues to be in demand for both entry-level and high-end buyers. “On the design side, Ruthroff argued that outdoor space has effectively become a second living and dining area for families, and said homebuilders should treat it as such, even on small lots,” Realtor reported.

In a session on innovation-driven design, presenters noted that attainability is being redefined through innovation. “Consumers increasingly are closely aligning homes with safety and comfort. Health, wellness, and energy efficiency are becoming more important than extra space, a fourth bedroom, or expansive luxury spaces,” reported Builder magazine. “Functionally, buyers are more willing to trade space for comfort and efficiency, prioritizing instead functional gathering spaces like kitchens and homes that promote indoor-outdoor living.”

“It’s not about more space,” said Jaime Matheron, principal and senior architect at DAHLIN. “It’s about designing differently and creating meaningful spaces so that people can find an attainable home and the sense of belonging that they are longing for.”

NAHB awarded its Best of American Living Awards during the show, and found a handful of trends among the winners: nature-focused elements, flex spaces, dark exterior colors/finishes, warm, neutral interior colors, elevated interior and exterior doors and dimensional features.

During IBS, Westlake Royal Building Products unveiled its own trends with TrendLine™, a data-driven digital experience designed to decode the shifting design preferences of the modern homeowner. The 2026 forecast reveals a pivot toward intentional design choices, favoring warm neutrals, natural textures and products that prioritize emotional well-being and structural resilience. See the full trend report.

IBS Exhibitors Introduce a Host of New Products

Products are always a key component of the Builders’ Show, and this year saw no shortage of new introductions spanning nearly every category.

This year’s Best of IBS Awards showcased outstanding building products in nine categories. Westlake Royal Building Products’ new TruExterior® Lap Siding was one of the finalists, nominated in the categories of  “Most Innovative Building Material” and “Best Outdoor Product.” Check out all of the finalists and winners.

Along with the new TruExterior Lap Siding, Westlake Royal Building Products showcased a host of new siding and trim products, including:

• Celect® Cellular Composite Siding V-Groove Profile & New Coastal Colors: Celect’s new V-Groove profile adds effortless elegance to virtually any home style with its wide, flat profile, distinctive V-groove shape and striking shadow lines. In addition to the new profile, Celect introduced five new bold coastal-inspired colors: Coral Reef, Cottage Green, Peachy Keen, Sea Blue and Sunkissed Yellow. 
• Royal® and Exterior Portfolio® Vertälla™ Accent Panel: Vertälla is a bold vertical accent panel designed to add architectural interest and modern contrast to residential exteriors. Intended for accent use rather than full-home coverage, it features clean vertical lines and dimensional depth to highlight focal points and support multi-textured designs.
• Royal and Exterior Portfolio 9” Wide Board & Batten Profile: The new 9” wide vinyl Board & Batten profile is the widest traditional vinyl Board & Batten currently available. Designed for vertical applications, the wider profile reflects growing demand for more substantial, traditional exterior styles while maintaining durability, low maintenance and long-term performance. 
• Royal and Exterior Portfolio D5 Profile Options: New Double 5" (D5) vinyl siding options expand the Royal and Exterior Portfolio lines. The D5 profile debuts in the Royal Estate™ line and is now available across the full color palette in the Exterior Portfolio Market Square® line, delivering greater design flexibility.
• Grove Collection™ Column Wraps & New Color: Grove Collection blends the timeless look of stained wood planks with the durability and low maintenance of cellular PVC. New 6”x6” and 8”x8” column wraps—available in 10' lengths with matching caps and base sets—slip easily over existing structural columns to deliver an instant, premium porch upgrade. The line also includes Rich Cedar, a new warm hue that delivers natural wood character.

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