Top 8 Companies for Construction Material Supply in the US

Equipment Management
August 7, 2024
Author
Oded Ran

Oded Ran

Oded Ran, CEO and Co-Founder of Clue since 2019, expertly integrates AI and data tools to revolutionize construction equipment management and maintenance, positioning Clue as a premier software choice in the construction industry.

Table of Content

So you’re finally starting your dream project and want everything to go well? Whether it’s a simple home renovation or starting a building project from scratch, the key is to maintain high quality every step of the way. From high-quality construction material supply to the most experienced contractors, every little detail matters!

Construction material supply needed for building projects is not something you may be able to get over the counter, so make sure you do your homework before you set off to purchase construction materials. When it comes to buying material in bulk you’re better off with a supplier to make the process easier for you.

The United States has more than 60,000 building materials and supplies dealers. They are more knowledgeable about the specifics of construction material supply than you are. Furthermore, if you purchase construction supplies on your own, you will very certainly do it at a retail or wholesale price, which is, to be honest, going to be pricey. 

Purchasing from a supplier, however, will result in a lower cost for the same material. This is a result of construction material providers purchasing in bulk directly from manufacturers. At this point, you must proceed with caution. 

In addition to providing construction materials at a low cost, a supplier of building materials has to ensure that the products are of superior quality. It is quite unlikely that anybody will be willing to pay for subpar construction materials.  

Simply put, poor construction material supply, poor outcome; excellent construction material supply, excellent outcome - this is a no-brainer!

Construction Material Supply - The Backbone of Economy

colourful infographics showing construction supply chain
Source: Pinterest

The construction sector supporting manufacturing industries has done well despite significant challenges from inflation and supply chain problems. Only four sectors in this year's IW 500 exceeded 20% growth in sales: businesses in the construction materials sector achieved a 21% rise in new sales, in total approximately $9.6 billion

Fortunately, a lot of significant building projects are now being carried out in the US, particularly in the institutional, residential, and industrial domains. The main motivation for initiating the projects is to assist the country's economy in returning to its prior level of strength. 

Mortgage rates are now down and industrial workers are protected by the government, which is supporting the economic recovery. Furthermore, there is a greater need for building operations due to the growing need for new health facilities and infrastructure. Construction material supply encompasses a vast array of materials, including:

  • Concrete
  • Steel
  • Lumber
  • Roofing Materials
  • Plumbing Fixtures
  • Electrical Components, and More.

8 Leading Construction Material Supply Companies in the United States

1. RPM International Inc.

RPM International Inc.homepage
Credit: RPM International Inc.

  • Market Capitalization: $11,290,000,000

Numerous companies owned by RPM International Inc. are involved in the production and distribution of sealants, specialty coatings, and building supplies. The firm owns the following brands: Day-Glo, Euco, Dryvit, RPM/Belgium, Stonhard, Carboline, and Universal Sealants. 

The company focuses on items for both do-it-yourselfers and professional builders and construction professionals. RPM International Inc. owns several consumer brands, including Testors, Rust-Oleum, DAP, Varathane, and Zinsser. The items are associated with building, fixing, maintaining, and improving homes.

RPM International Inc. owns and operates over 120 manufacturing plants worldwide and employs fifteen thousand people. RPM International Inc. sells its goods in more than 170 different countries. Furthermore, more than 700 institutions and more hold shares in RPM International Inc.

Their product line includes: 

  • Sealants
  • Roofing Systems
  • Mortar and Concrete Repair
  • Fireproofing
  • Building Envelope Products
  • Industrial Maintenance Coatings
  • Marine Coatings
  • Flooring Products
  • Paints and Stains
  • Sealing and Bonding Products
  • Specialty Products
  • Graphic Arts Products
  • Label and Specialty Chemicals

Pros

  • Product Diversification: The company offers a vast array of products across different segments, potentially serving as a one-stop shop for various needs.
  • Global Presence: RPM operates in numerous countries, increasing their market reach and potential for growth.

Cons

  • Cyclicality: The construction and industrial sectors where some RPM products are used can be cyclical and sensitive to economic downturns.

2. Vulcan Materials Company (NYSE: VMC)

Vulcan Materials Company homepage
Vulcan Materials Company

Vulcan Materials Company

  • Market Capitalization: $23,820,000,000

The biggest manufacturer of construction aggregates in the country, mostly crushed stone, sand, and gravel, Vulcan Materials Company also produces a significant amount of asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. 

Operating aggregate facilities, Vulcan, with its headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, serves markets in eighteen states, the District of Columbia, Mexico, and the Bahamas. The products of Vulcan Materials Company are distributed to 22 states, Mexico, and Columbia. Vulcan Materials Company ranked #1 among the top 15 construction material firms in the United States as of June 2024.

Their construction aggregates are used in several ways:

  • Houses and apartments
  • Roads, bridges, and parking lots
  • Schools and hospitals
  • Commercial buildings and retail space
  • Sewer systems
  • Airports and runways

Pros

  • Consistent Supply: Due to their large network of mines and quarries, there's a good chance of consistent product availability through distributors.
  • Well-spread locations: These facilities are spread across 22 states, Washington D.C., U.S. Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Canada, Honduras, and Mexico.  In total, that's well over 600 locations.

Cons

  • Limited Selection: VMC focuses on construction aggregates, so if you need other building materials like lumber, roofing, or electrical supplies, you'll need to look elsewhere.
  • Limited Distribution Channel: Distributes to only 19 States in America which can be a deal-breaker for bulk buyers.

3. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. 

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. homepage
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. 
  • Market Capitalization: $21,930,000,000

Professional builders can acquire aggregates and heavy construction materials from Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. The company supplies the materials specifically needed to create sidewalks, roadways, and building foundations. 

Martin Marietta is an American corporation with headquarters in the S&P 500 Index. The resources required to create the strong foundations that support our communities are provided by committed Martin Marietta teams via a network of operations that spans 28 states, Canada, and the Bahamas.

The Magnesia Specialties division of Martin Marietta manufactures dolomitic and high-purity lime products that are used in industrial, agricultural, environmental, and specialized applications globally. Its Magnesia Specialties division also sells a broad range of goods derived from magnesium oxide, dolomitic lime, and hydroxide. 

In the USA, Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. ranks third on our list of the best construction material businesses. And their products include:

  • Aggregates
  • Cement
  • Cement Treated Materials
  • Ready Mixed Concrete
  • Asphalt
  • Magnesia Chemicals and Lime

Pros

  • Wide Selection: They offer a vast inventory of building materials, including aggregates (crushed stone, sand, gravel), cement, asphalt, and related products.

Cons

  • Mixed Customer Service Reviews: Reviews on platforms like Google My Business and Trustpilot show a mix of positive and negative experiences regarding customer service.

4. ABC Supply Co., Inc.

ABC Supply Co logo
ABC Supply Co

  • Market Capitalization: $23,700,000,000

ABC Supply Co. Inc. is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing in the United States and one of the nation’s leading distributors of select exterior and interior building products.

Founded in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1982, ABC Supply has more than 800 locations nationwide. The company operates through its branches and distribution centers, which stock a broad range of building materials, including lumber, drywall, insulation, siding, windows, and doors.

ABC Supply is known for its customer service and extensive product knowledge. Its team of sales associates and branch managers is committed to providing contractors with the products they need to get the job done right – on time and budget

They have over 47 products which can be broadly divided into the following categories:

  • Decking & Railing
  • Low Slope Roofing
  • Renewable Energy
  • Roofing Accessories
  • Roofing Insulation
  • Siding
  • Steep Slope Roofing
  • Stucco
  • Windows & Doors

Pros

  • Extensive Selection: ABC Supply boasts a large inventory of exterior building materials, including roofing, siding, window, and other needs.
  • Nationwide Locations: With a large network of branches across the US, you're likely to find an ABC construction material supply location near you.
  • Competitive Pricing: ABC Supply offers competitive pricing, potentially with bulk discounts for large projects. However, always compare prices with other suppliers.

Cons

  • Limited Selection of Interior Products: Their focus is on exterior building materials, so you might need to go elsewhere for interior supplies.
  • High Minimum Order Quantities: Minimum order quantities might exist for certain products, making them less suitable for very small projects.

5. Builders FirstSource, Inc.

Builders FirstSource homepage
Builders FirstSource

  • Market Capitalization: $8,840,000,000

Builders FirstSource is the nation's leading provider of structural building goods, value-added components, and services to the professional market for single-family and multi-family construction, repair, and renovation. concentrating on giving both big and small clients unmatched service. 

Dallas, Texas is home to Builders FirstSource, Inc.'s corporate office. Due to its status as the US's leading provider of value-added construction services and the majority of construction-related goods, the corporation enjoys great popularity. 

Over 15,000 workers are spread over 550 sites and 40 states in the US for this organization. Materials for new construction, repairs, and renovation projects are offered by the firm for residential applications. The year 1998 saw the founding of Builders FirstSource, Inc. The market capitalization of Builders FirstSource is $8.84 billion as of June 2023.

Products include:

  • Windows
  • Moulding & Millwork
  • Doors
  • Decking & Landscaping
  • Manufactured Components
  • Siding & Exterior Building Materials
  • READY-FRAME®
  • Stairs & Stair Parts
  • Cabinets & Countertops
  • Plywood & Sheathings
  • Insulation & Weatherproofing
  • Tools
  • Hardware & Home Center Supplies
  • Drywall & Accessories
  • Lumber
  • Roofing

Pros

  • Extensive Selection: BFS offers a wide variety of structural building materials, including lumber, roofing, windows, and more.
  • Value-Added Services: They offer additional services like prefabrication, design assistance, and credit programs that can benefit some projects by improving efficiency and potentially reducing costs.

Cons

  • Limited Selection of Finishing Materials: Their focus is on structural materials. You might need to go elsewhere for interior finishes like flooring or paint.

6. Defeo Materials

 Defeo Materials homepage
Defeo Materials

  • Market Capitalization: NDA

DeFeo Materials is a leading supplier of construction aggregates, offering a variety of essential products such as river rock, crushed stone, gravel, sand, boulders, and recycled concrete. These materials play a critical role in construction projects, ranging from road building to foundation work and large-scale infrastructure.

DeFeo ensures that their products meet the high standards required for durability and performance across various commercial and residential applications.

Operating in states like Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, DeFeo Materials emphasizes quick fulfillment and streamlined processes.

Their focus on customer satisfaction and efficiency ensures that projects remain on schedule. Whether you need large quantities for a major construction project or smaller loads, DeFeo delivers with precision and reliability.

Their construction materials include:

  • Stone Dust
  • 3/8" Crushed Stone
  • 1/2" Crushed Stone
  • 3/4" Crushed Stone
  • 1-1/4" Crushed Stone
  • Standard Rip Rap 18-30"
  • 2" Crushed Stone
  • Modified Rip Rap 6-10"
  • Concrete Sand
  • C-33 Septic Sand
  • Mason Sand
  • Industrial/Commercial Sand
  • 3/4" Process
  • 1-1/4" Process
  • 3-1/2" Road Base Process

Pros

  • Operational Efficiency: DeFeo’s streamlined processes lead to quick fulfillment times, allowing projects to stay on track.
  • Geographic Reach: Operating in multiple East Coast states like Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, they serve a broad range of customers.

Cons

  • Limited Material Variety: Focuses primarily on stone and construction aggregates, which may not meet the needs of all types of projects.

7. 84 Lumber Company Building Materials Supplier

84 Lumber Company Building Materials Supplier homepage
84 Lumber Company Building Materials Supplier
  • Market Capitalization: NDA

84 Lumber Company was established in 1956 and has since grown to become a market leader in the US for manufactured components, construction materials, and services for professional builders. It's the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials. The firm employs over 4,000 people in more than 30 states and has more than 250 locations around the country. In addition, 84 Lumber provides comprehensive installation services for a range of goods, such as drywall, roofing, siding, windows, insulation, and frames.

Lumber, windows, doors, millwork, hardware, drywall, insulation, decking, siding, and other products are all available at 84 Lumber. A wide range of services, including project management, design/build, finance, and delivery, are also provided by the organization.

84 Lumber has four installation centers, several component production facilities, and retail stores in addition to these operations. Because of its dedication to providing high-quality products and services, the firm has gained the confidence of contractors and builders nationwide.

Building materials include:

  • Decks 
  • Doors 
  • Drywall 
  • Engineered Wood Products 
  • Insulation 
  • Kitchen & Bath Design 
  • Lumber 
  • Roofing 
  • Siding 
  • Stairs 
  • Windows 
  • Railings 
  • Cabinets 
  • Mouldings 
  • Evolve Stone

Pros

  • Wide Selection: 84 Lumber boasts a large inventory of building materials, including lumber, flooring, hardware, tools, and more. This can be a one-stop shop for many of your project needs.
  • Competitive Pricing: They may offer competitive pricing, especially for larger projects. It's always wise to compare prices with other suppliers though.
  • Delivery Services: Many locations offer delivery services, which can be a big plus for larger projects.

Cons

  • Focus on Professionals: Some users report feeling less catered to for smaller, DIY projects.
  • Limited Locations: While they have a large presence, they might not be available in all areas.

8. White Cap Supply Holdings, LLC 

White Cap Supply Holdings homepage
White Cap Supply Holdings

  • Market Capitalization: NDA

One of the top providers of construction supplies in the United States is White Cap. They provide chemicals, tools, equipment, and much more for concrete. They feature a large selection of products that will undoubtedly meet your requirements.

Professional contractors can now get the tools and knowledge they need from White Cap to do the job correctly. With more than 400 sites in the US and Canada, White Cap is the go-to company for difficult-to-find goods, technical know-how, and worksite instruction.

White Cap is the one-stop shop for all project requirements for professional contractors in the non-residential, residential, and industrial building sectors.

The line of products include:

  • Adhesives, Caulk and Sealants
  • Anchoring and Fasteners
  • Building Materials
  • Cleaning Tools and Supplies
  • Concrete and Chemicals
  • Concrete Forming and Accessories
  • Electrical and Lighting
  • Erosion Control and Geosynthetics
  • Hand Tools
  • Jobsite Supplies and Security
  • Ladders and Scaffolding
  • Material Handling and Storage
  • Measuring, Marking and Surveying
  • Power Tool and Equipment Accessories
  • Power Tools and Equipment
  • Safety
  • Waterproofing

Pros

  • Operational Efficiency: Spinning off from a larger company like HD Supply might allow WCAP to streamline operations and become more efficient. This could lead to cost savings and improved profitability.
  • National Presence: With a network of branches across North America, WCAP offers geographic reach and accessibility for contractors.

Cons

  • Limited Public Information: Due to their recent spin-off, publicly available financial data and in-depth analysis might be limited for some time.

Final Thoughts

Reliable construction material supply is the cornerstone upon which successful projects in the construction industry are built.

Choosing a reliable supplier may have a significant impact on a construction project's performance by guaranteeing the availability of high-quality supplies, timely delivery, and cost-effective solutions. 

Thus, the foremost goal of every building project should be meticulous deliberation and cooperation with reliable suppliers. 

Integrate Clue today, to provide project managers with a holistic view of the project schedule, equipment needs, and construction material supply requirements.

This improved visibility can help anticipate material needs and coordinate deliveries more effectively. 

Moreover, by analyzing historical equipment usage data from Clue, a construction equipment tracking software, construction companies can gain insights into material consumption rates for specific tasks. This information can be valuable for planning future material needs and procurement strategies.

Take Control of Your Construction Project: Try Clue Today

FAQs

What is supply chain of construction materials?

The process of transporting equipment, supplies, and other requirements to the construction site is referred to as the "construction supply chain." On every construction worksite, efficient supply chain management is essential to maintaining momentum since workers cannot create without the right equipment and supplies.

Who are the largest US building materials manufacturers?

With $3.45 billion in sales overall, or 12.7% of the industry revenue, the USG Corporation is the biggest of these businesses. With $3.35 billion in sales, Vulcan Materials Company is the second-largest business, followed by Cemex ($3.22 billion) in revenue. 

What is the most common building material in the US?

Since concrete is the most often used construction material worldwide, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. But it also has a big effect on the environment; its carbon footprint can be responsible for up to 5% of global emissions.

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