Every year, for its Guide to Building Products special issue, Builder magazine commissions an in-depth study surveying what brands builders recognize most, use most, how they rate the products' quality, and which companies are best at communicating with builders. The study is conducted by Readex, an independent research company.

2012 BUILDER Brand Use Study

Check out your top product picks of 2012!

The complete results of the Brand Use Studies from 2010, 2011, and 2012 are available in PDF format. To download the study sections, just click on the link.

Two items to note:

  1. These PDF files are fairly large, and will take time to download on anything less than a high-speed Internet connection. They're worth the wait, however, if you want detailed information on the brands builders know, trust, and use.
  2. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free browser plug-in to view the downloaded files. Acrobat Reader is usually included with Internet browser packages such as those provided by Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. If you need the Acrobat Reader plug-in, click here and follow the download and installation instructions.
Download the 2012 Brand Use Study PDF files
  1. Summary (91 pages; 3.08 MB): Charts detailing builders' awareness of and use of the top three brands in each of 70 categories.
  2. Results (338 pages; 1.09 MB): Detailed statistical analysis of builders' opinions of building product manufacturers and their products, including recognition of brand, use of brand, opinion of brand quality, and opinion of manufacturers' quality of communication with builders. 
  3. Overview (13 pages; .45 MB)
Download the 2011 Brand Use Study PDF files
  1. Summary (92 pages; 3.09 MB): Charts detailing builders' awareness of and use of the top three brands in each of 70 categories.
  2. Results (349 pages; 1.07 MB): Detailed statistical analysis of builders' opinions of building product manufacturers and their products, including recognition of brand, use of brand, opinion of brand quality, and opinion of manufacturers' quality of communication with builders.
  3. Index (17 pages; .16 KB): Index of manufacturers covered in the study.
  4. Appendix 1 (58 pages; 12 MB): Methodology of the study.

Download the 2010 Brand Use Study PDF files

  1. Summary (92 pages; 3.61 MB): Charts detailing builders' awareness of and use of the top three brands in each of 70 categories.
  2. Results (338 pages; 1.06 MB): Detailed statistical analysis of builders' opinions of building product manufacturers and their products, including recognition of brand, use of brand, opinion of brand quality, and opinion of manufacturers' quality of communication with builders.
  3. Index (17 pages; .15 KB): Index of manufacturers covered in the study.
  4. Appendix 1 (58 pages; 11.04 MB): Methodology of the study.