Best & Worst Home Building Materials Ranked by an Actual Minnesota Builder

If you’re building a home in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, the materials you choose matter more than you think.

Our winters are brutal. Summers are humid. Freeze-thaw cycles are relentless. And the wrong materials? They’ll show their weaknesses fast.

So instead of guessing, we sat down with custom home builder Wade Glenna to rank common home building materials from S-Tier (elite) down to D-Tier (proceed with caution) — specifically for Minnesota and Western Wisconsin homes.

If you're building in the Twin Cities, Hudson, Forest Lake, Hugo, or anywhere in the Midwest climate zone, this guide will help you protect your investment — and your sanity.

🏆 S-Tier Materials (Built for the Midwest)

These are the materials that consistently perform in our climate.

✔ LP SmartSide (Engineered Wood Siding)

Durable, moisture-resistant, and holds up extremely well against Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles. It’s a favorite among builders for good reason.

✔ Fiber Cement (James Hardie)

Low maintenance, long lifespan, and resistant to pests and rot. It handles snow, rain, and humidity beautifully.

✔ Architectural Asphalt Shingles (High-Quality Grade)

Not the cheapest version — but the upgraded architectural shingles perform far better in heavy snow and high winds.

✔ Quartz Countertops

Extremely durable, low maintenance, and perfect for high-traffic kitchens. Especially valuable for resale.

These materials cost a bit more upfront — but they save you long-term.

🥈 A-Tier Materials (Solid, Smart Choices)

✔ LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)

Durable, waterproof, and ideal for busy families. Not all LVP is created equal — thicker wear layers matter.

✔ Poured Concrete Foundations

Stronger and more consistent than older block foundations.

✔ Spray Foam Insulation (When Done Correctly)

Excellent energy efficiency — but installation quality is everything.

⚠ B & C-Tier (Know What You’re Getting Into)

These aren’t necessarily bad — but you need to understand the tradeoffs.

⚠ Vinyl Siding (Builder Grade)

Affordable, but can crack in extreme cold and fade over time. Higher-end vinyl performs better — but basic versions struggle.

⚠ Laminate Countertops

Budget-friendly, but don’t hold up long term. Not ideal for resale value in move-up or luxury homes.

⚠ Basic Carpet in High-Traffic Areas

Fine for bedrooms, but avoid using it throughout the home.

🚫 D-Tier (Be Careful in Minnesota)

These materials may work in other states — but struggle here.

❌ Cheap Builder-Grade Windows

Energy loss, condensation, and long-term issues are common.

❌ Low-End Exterior Trim Materials

Freeze-thaw cycles destroy them quickly.

❌ Untreated Wood in High-Moisture Areas

Minnesota humidity + snow = maintenance headaches.

Why This Matters More in Minnesota

In Arizona, siding takes sun damage.

In Florida, materials fight humidity.

In Minnesota? They fight everything.

• 100° summer swings

• -20° winter cold snaps

• Ice dams

• Heavy snow loads

• Moisture intrusion

Choosing the wrong materials doesn’t just affect aesthetics — it impacts:
✔ Energy efficiency
✔ Maintenance costs
✔ Insurance claims
✔ Resale value

The difference between a high-performance home and a high-maintenance one often comes down to these decisions.

The Real Builder Secret

The biggest mistake buyers make?

They focus on layout and finishes… and ignore what’s behind the walls.

Your home’s structure, insulation, siding, and windows will matter more in 10 years than the trendy light fixtures you chose on day one.

If you’re building in:

• Forest Lake

• Chisago Lakes

• Hugo

• Hudson

• River Falls

• The Greater Twin Cities

Make sure your builder explains material options clearly — and isn’t defaulting to the cheapest builder-grade package.

Bottom Line

If you're investing hundreds of thousands (or millions) into a custom home in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, don’t let poor material choices quietly drain your wallet over time.

Build once. Build smart. Build for the Midwest.

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🏡 Looking to Move?

We help buyers and sellers move in:

NORTH METRO: Forest Lake, Chisago Lakes, Wyoming, Hugo
WESTERN WI: Hudson, New Richmond, River Falls, Somerset
GREATER TWIN CITIES: Minneapolis, St. Paul & surrounding suburbs

📍 We are the local experts for Minnesota & Western Wisconsin cross-border moves.

📧 Let’s Chat → https://leonhardtteam.com/moving-in-minnesota-or-wisconsin

💬 Comment below: What material are you debating right now?
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