In This Issue
May 2026 | Volume 89 | Issue 5
May 2026
Volume 89 | Issue 5
Features
Top 25 Ceiling Contractors
The firms leading on installation quality, workforce discipline and above-ceiling coordination.
Seattle Ceiling Contractor Builds with Purpose
Precision Acoustical blends craft, speed and mentorship in Seattle’s competitive market.
Innovative Donor Wall at Cupertino Library
Translucent panels and integrated lighting redefine donor walls in a civic courtyard installation.
Why Architects are Falling Back in Love with Plaster
A centuries-old wall finish is emerging as one of construction's fastest-growing premium materials
Aligning Performance, Speed and Design with Metal Panels
How insulated metal panels support construction’s core priorities for 2026.
About The Cover
Seattle contractor Precision Acoustics delivers precise suspended ceilings, complex geometry and on-time execution.
Departments
Trade News
The latest news from manufacturers, dealers, contractors and more.
Product Focus
Product Focus on Steel Framing
If Walls Could Talk
Video/Podcasts Round Up
Product/Technology Buzz Guide
Industry Blue Book Index
Premium Sponsorships
Contact Us
Staff Contact Information
Columns
Up Front
The Danger of Assumptions on the Jobsite | Mark Fowler
Editor’s Note
Wall and Ceiling Trade Shows Focus on Building Envelope | John Wyatt
Industry Voices
Boost Profits with AI Scheduling | Mohamed Yousuf
Advertiser Index
This index is provided as a reader service.
The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions.
This index is provided as a reader service.
The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions.
This Month Online
Online Exclusives
New Data Reframes U.S. Housing Shortage
The U.S. housing shortage might not be as large as many in the industry thought—a shift that could influence how wall and ceiling contractors think about future growth. A recent blog post, "The U.S. Housing Shortage is Smaller Than Commonly Claimed," written by Lilli Tillman Smith, industry analyst at Principia Consulting, and Eric Gaus, Chief Economist at Dodge Construction Network, examines how this new view affects labor planning, material procurement, and equipment investment.
QXO Push Into Building Materials Expands Contractor Supply
QXO Inc.’s latest earnings report is drawing attention across the construction supply chain as the distributor expands beyond roofing and deeper into lumber and building materials through its planned $2.25 billion acquisition of Kodiak Building Partners.
The Home Depot to Launch Real-Time Tracking for Pro Deliveries
The Home Depot said it plans to launch a real-time delivery tracking tool for large building materials by the end of the first quarter, aimed at helping professional contractors better manage job-site schedules. The feature will be available on the company’s mobile app and website and will provide minute-by-minute updates on deliveries, including the truck’s route and remaining stops.
“Green” on Paper, Underperforming in Reality: Why Buildings Still Miss Sustainability Targets
Stalled demand, unclear returns, and weak measurement keep buildings off track, yet experts argue AI-driven optimization can close all three gaps at once.
JLG Invests in the Future of Skilled Trades
Building talent, growing communities and upskilling craft professionals: JLG is rebuilding the trades from the ground up.
SFIA Announces its 2025 Excellence Awards
The association's Don Allen announced the winners in a live broadcast this November.
Videos