From sweeping industry-shaping acquisitions to unprecedented labor disruptions, 2025 proved to be a year that tested—and redefined—the wall and ceiling construction industry. Readers turned to Walls & Ceilings for clarity amid immigration enforcement actions, major Supreme Court rulings, and seismic shifts in distribution and supply, while also celebrating the contractors and specialists who continue to raise the bar for excellence.

Our most-read stories of the year reflect both the challenges and resilience of the industry: hard news that demanded attention, technical guidance that supported better building, and annual rankings that recognized the best in the business. Here are the Top 10 stories that mattered most to Walls & Ceilings readers in 2025.

10. Top Exterior Plastering Contractors

By John Wyatt

Oaks Brothers Inc

Walls & Ceilings is proud to present once again its updated showcase of EIFS and stucco specialists who continue to set the bar in craftsmanship, innovation, and professionalism.

9. The Finish Line: EIFS with Drainage—Bottom of Wall Details

By Robert Thomas

Sika Facades

When looking at a job that uses EIFS with drainage, make sure to check out the details at the bottom, the horizontal end of the EIFS walls.

8. Walls & Ceilings Contractors at the Center of ICE-Driven Construction Chaos

By W&C Staff

ICE raids have sidelined drywall installers and ceiling crews, intensifying labor shortages, stalling project timelines, and inflating costs in the construction sector.

7. The Definitive List of the Top Insulation Contractors

By John Wyatt

For several years now, we have conducted a search to find the Top 25 Insulation Contractors in this country. We are pleased to present who we believe are some of the best contractors in the U.S.

6. Recent Supreme Court Rulings That Can Affect You

By Chris Gray

A major ruling handed down on July 26 by the U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a landmark decision that will cut back on how federal agencies can interpret the laws and rules they administer.

5. GMS Announces Its 2025 Expo in Southern California

By W&C Staff

Gypsum Management & Supply is excited to announce its highly anticipated 2025 GMS Expo in San Diego, on Sept. 10–11.

4. The Home Depot’s Acquisition of GMS: What It Means for Contractors

By Jill Bloom

The Home Depot’s acquisition of GMS highlights a customer-first integration focused on growth, innovation, and expanded opportunities for contractors and employees.

3. 2025’s Top Walls & Ceilings Pros: See Who Made the List

By W&C Staff

Welcome to Walls & Ceilings’ annual round-up of the leading wall and ceiling contractors in the country.

2. Naples Drywall Manager Pleads Guilty in $42M Payroll Tax Fraud Scheme

By W&C Staff

A Naples construction manager has pleaded guilty to a payroll fraud scheme that federal prosecutors say cheated the U.S. government out of more than $4 million in tax revenue.

1. ICE Raid in Massachusetts Detains Entire Drywall Company Staff in Targeted Immigration Sweep

By W&C Staff

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carried out an operation in New Bedford, Mass., resulting in the detention of the entire staff of a local drywall company.