The International Builders Show (IBS) 2025 was packed with groundbreaking products, innovative technology, and some straight-up weird moments (more on that later). We walked the floor, dodged spilled beer (and other liquids), and picked out the best things that caught our attention.
Here are the 11 best tools, tech, and products that stole the show.
1. Sammy the Robot Dog: AI-Powered Job Site Inspections
Sammy the robot dog was busy making rounds at the Weyerhaeuser booth, proving that AI-powered automation is here to stay. This four-legged inspector can scan thermal data across dozens of inspection points, making job site monitoring faster and more reliable. Sammy helps spot issues before they become big problems — something Jim, the guy who hates walking around with a thermal scanner, is probably thrilled about.
Automates thermal and structural inspections
Uses AI to predict maintenance issues
Saves time and reduces manual labor
Weyerhaeuser’s Sammy the robot dog was a showstopper, performing real-time inspections and alerting teams before issues arise. AI-powered efficiency at its best.
2. Customizable Titanium Hammers
Stiletto’s latest innovation lets you build your own hammer with replaceable grips and custom colors. These TiBone hammers come with an AeraCo coating, making them way more durable than standard anodized coatings. Plus, the interchangeable grips and different face options (milled, smooth, or soft blow) mean you can craft the perfect hammer for your work style. This is a game-changer for pros who want precision in their tools.
Custom colors and grips for personalization
Durable AeraCo coating (used in firearms)
Replaceable grips and different face options
Stiletto TiBone hammers allow you to create a personalized tool that lasts longer and works better. This is a game-changer for pros who want precision in their tools.
3. Evolve Stone: The Future of Composite Stone Veneer
Mortarless, mechanically fastened stone veneer? Evolve Stone is a composite stone product that installs like siding but looks like real stone. With its built-in drainage gap and hydrophobic fabric, it prevents water damage while giving builders a faster, easier way to achieve a stone-clad look on both interior and exterior projects.
Installs like siding with no mortar needed
Water-resistant with a built-in drainage system
Ideal for both interior and exterior use
The Evolve Stone composite stone veneer makes traditional masonry obsolete, offering a faster, cleaner, and more efficient way to achieve a stone look.
4. Studson SHK1 Hard Hat: Ultimate Jobsite Safety
Studson is bringing action sports-level protection to the construction world. Their full-brim SHK1 helmet features ONC Type 2 ratings, force-absorbing Choide material, and even an NFC chip that stores emergency medical info. If you’re unconscious on the job site, this helmet could be a literal lifesaver.
Type 2 ONC-rated for superior protection
Built-in NFC chip for emergency medical info
Choide material absorbs impact force
If you value safety, a Studson hard hat is the ultimate job site helmet, combining comfort, protection, and emergency-ready tech.
5. Sierra Pacific CLiC™ Glass: Privacy at the Touch of a Button
Imagine flipping a switch and turning your windows from clear to opaque instantly. Sierra Pacific Windows showcased CLiC™ glass technology, ideal for privacy windows, bathroom windows, and even full great-room walls. Want a full-glass wall without nosy neighbors watching your every move? This is the solution.
Transitions from clear to opaque with a button
Ideal for privacy windows and modern designs
Supports large spans (up to 20 feet tall)
Sierra Pacific’s CLiC™ glass technology gives you instant privacy, transforming spaces with the press of a button.
6. Fortress Tile Tray Support System: Tile for Your Deck
Tile on a deck? Fortress’ new tile tray support system makes it possible without a ridiculous amount of custom blocking. The trays fit into pre-engineered 12- or 16-inch on-center framing, making installation a breeze. If you’ve ever spent weeks trying to prep for an inlay, this is a game-changer.
Allows tile installation on decks
Pre-engineered to fit standard framing sizes
Reduces the need for excessive blocking
Fortress’ tile tray system makes deck tile installation easy, cutting time and labor while delivering stunning outdoor aesthetics.
7. Lock Jaw Ladder Grip: Better Ladder Safety
This tool is so simple, yet so effective. The Lock Jaw Ladder Grip clamps onto gutters, locking your ladder in place and preventing lateral movement. It’s a one-handed operation, keeping you safer while maintaining three points of contact on the ladder. If you’ve ever worried about your ladder sliding out from under you, this might be the best $100 you spend this year.
Secures ladders to gutters for stability
One-handed application for easy use
Keeps three points of contact on the ladder
For those concerned about ladder stability, investing in the Lock Jaw Ladder Grip could be the smartest move for job site safety this year.
8. IG Switch Railing: Privacy on Demand
IG Switch is revolutionizing exterior railing by integrating smart glass that transitions from clear to opaque at the push of a button. It works with their existing spigots, lighting, and connectors, offering a sleek and futuristic way to maintain privacy while keeping an open-concept feel when you want it.
Smart glass transitions from clear to opaque
Works with existing IG railing systems
Ideal for balconies and decks
IG Switch privacy railing redefines outdoor living, giving homeowners full control over their views.
9. General Shale Glazed Brick: No More Boring Bricks
Forget boring red brick — General Shale is bringing vibrant blue, green, and red glazed bricks to the market. Unlike painted tile, this stuff is built for both interior and exterior applications without fading. Whether you’re adding a colorful accent wall or redefining an entire facade, these bold new options are pushing masonry into the 21st century.
Vibrant, fade-resistant colors like blue and green
Suitable for interior and exterior applications
More durable than painted tiles
General Shale is proving that brick isn’t boring, with bold new color choices for unique design possibilities.
10. LP SmartSide vs. Fiber Cement: A Durability Test
LP Building Solutions ran a side-by-side demo comparing LP SmartSide against fiber cement. Let’s just say, after dropping a metal weight from a significant height, only one siding material came out looking pristine. If you live in a storm-prone area (or just have kids who love to throw things), LP SmartSide might be your best bet.
LP SmartSide outperformed fiber cement in impact tests
More resistant to storms and accidental damage
Ideal for homes in extreme weather zones
LP SmartSide’s toughness impressed at IBS, proving to be a superior alternative to fiber cement in high-impact conditions.
11. Aquafire by Lumina: Fire From Water
This product looks like straight-up magic. It uses water vapor to create the illusion of flames — without heat or gas. You can even stick your hand through the “fire,” and there’s no condensation. Just hook it up to a standard water line and a 15-amp outlet, and boom — instant ambiance.
Uses water vapor to create realistic flames
No heat, gas, or condensation
Plug-and-play with a standard water line
Aquafire’s fire-from-water effect is mesmerizing, offering a safe and unique alternative to traditional fireplaces.
Honorable Mention: The IBS Bathroom Situation
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the absolute chaos that was the IBS bathroom situation. It was only 10:30 AM, and there was already a flood of, well… let’s just say, unidentified liquids. This is why we cuff our jeans, folks.
Final Thoughts
IBS 2025 did not disappoint. From AI-powered job site inspections to water-based flames, the innovation on display was next-level. Whether you’re a contractor looking for new software or just a fan of new building tech, these were the best things we saw at the show.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to find a pair of shoes that didn’t get IBS bathroom floor juice on them.
