When Walls & Ceilings magazine began in 1938, as Plastering Industries, that’s all it was about. Today, the industry includes drywall, stucco, lath and plaster, EIFS, metal framing, fireproofing and more—plus all the rules, products and methods that go with each.

In answer to the complexities and diversities of the industry today, many specialized associations have formed to support the different segments of the business. Rather than trying to be all things to all people, these associations concentrate on particular disciplines, providing educational resources and developing their potions of the trade.

We at Walls & Ceilings are excited to unveil a new monthly department that puts the spotlight on these groups, some as new as the technology that made them possible, and some almost as old and solid as plaster itself. Our first Association Profile takes a look at the North American Steel Framing Alliance and its recent efforts to support steel in the building of homes.

Residential steel framing not your bag? Don’t be so sure. The one constant in the walls and ceilings industry is the synergistic effect one portion of the business has on the other. As technologies, building codes and products evolve, so must the contractor’s knowledge of how all the pieces fit together. Yes, you might be a regular drywall guy today, but someday soon you might be hanging board in a house with metal studs. You want to do the job right. Right?

Whatever your specialty in the industry, it pays to know where to find the best resources to do not only you’re doing today, but also the job you’ll be doing tomorrow.

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Another addition to the Walls & Ceilings this month is our new estimating column, The Bridge. Written by Jeff Syken, a long-time professional and instructor in estimating, The Bridge will link the complex world of design and construction. We hope you enjoy it!

Sarah Mazure

Editor and Publisher