How to Choose the Right Materials for Your Home in Pinehurst, NC

Choosing the right materials for your home is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make, whether you’re renovating or building from the ground up. In North Carolina, where humidity, seasonal storms, and warm summers are a familiar part of life, the materials you select will directly affect how your home feels, performs, and ages over the next several decades.

At T.L. Stewart Builders, we’ve spent more than 30 years helping NC homeowners create luxury spaces with materials that elevate comfort, value, and everyday living. Here’s how to choose the right materials with confidence.

Let North Carolina’s Climate Guide Your Decisions

Before you dive into textures and finishes, it’s essential to understand how the NC climate affects performance. Materials must stand up to humidity, heat, and unpredictable weather patterns.

Humidity Requires Smarter Material Choices

Moisture can warp, swell, and damage lower-quality materials. That’s why many homeowners choose premium options like:

  • Engineered hardwood (more stable than solid wood in humidity)

  • Fiber-cement siding, such as James Hardie® (luxury look + incredible durability)

  • Composite or PVC decking (never rots, fades, or splinters)

Preparing for Storm Season

Stronger weather means stronger materials:

  • Impact-rated windows

  • High-grade architectural shingles or standing-seal metal roofing

  • Reinforced exterior doors

Tip: If you're exploring all-around home protection, this is also the perfect time to consider installing a Cummins whole-home generator. These reliable systems keep your lights, HVAC, and essential appliances running during North Carolina’s frequent outages, providing both comfort and peace of mind.

For a deeper look at improving comfort and home performance, read our related guide:
“How Proper Insulation and Ventilation Transform Your Living Experience.”

Choose Energy-Efficient Materials That Elevate Everyday Living

Luxury isn’t just what you see, it’s how your home makes you feel. And nothing affects comfort more than energy-efficient materials.

High-Quality Insulation

To reduce energy bills, maintain stable temperatures, and improve air quality:

  • Closed-cell spray foam

  • High-R attic insulation

  • Radiant barriers

Premium Windows & Doors

Upgrade to:

  • Low-E glass

  • Double or triple-pane windows

  • Fiberglass or aluminum-clad frames

These options offer a clean, modern look while boosting comfort and reducing noise.

Pick Exterior Materials That Balance Beauty and Durability

The exterior of your home is its first impression, and its first line of defense. High-quality exterior materials protect your investment while adding undeniable curb appeal.

Luxury Siding Options

  • James Hardie® fiber cement

  • Brick + stone veneer combinations

  • High-end vinyl with realistic wood textures

Roofing That Lasts

  • Architectural shingles with wind-resistant design

  • Metal roofing for a sleek luxury look

  • Concrete or clay tiles for timeless beauty

Choosing premium exterior materials means less upkeep, fewer repairs, and long-lasting elegance.

Select Interior Materials That Match Your Lifestyle

Inside your home, materials should reflect your taste, but also handle real life.

Flooring Worth the Investment

  • Engineered hardwood (ideal for NC humidity)

  • Luxury vinyl plank for families wanting beauty + durability

  • Porcelain tile for kitchens and bathrooms

Luxury Countertops

  • Quartz: minimal upkeep + refined elegance

  • Quartzite: premium veining + extreme durability

  • Granite: classic and naturally stunning

Cabinetry

Opt for:

  • Custom or semi-custom solid wood cabinetry, you’ll find it at Welborn Cabinets.

  • European-style soft-close hardware

  • High-end finishes that layer warmth and character

Once you’ve selected your finishes, especially for renovation projects, make sure you review our helpful companion article:
“Tips for Managing and Maintaining Large Home Renovation Projects.”

Integrate Sustainable + Smart Home Materials

Modern luxury is thoughtful and intelligent. Choosing materials that support sustainability enhances long-term value and day-to-day wellbeing.

Excellent Sustainable Options

  • Metal roofing made from recycled steel

  • Low-VOC paints and adhesives

  • Energy Star-certified windows

  • Solar-ready roofing designs

Work With a Builder Who Understands North Carolina Homes

Material selection feels overwhelming for many homeowners, but an experienced builder makes the process significantly easier.

With decades of experience, T.L. Stewart Builders helps you navigate quality, compare long-term performance, and choose premium materials that match your lifestyle and the demands of the NC climate.

And don’t forget smart systems like Cummins generators, which protect your home and maintain energy independence during outages.

Whether you’re building your dream home or undertaking a luxury renovation, the right materials make all the difference in comfort and resale value.

Your home deserves materials that will stand the test of time, beautiful finishes, high-performance systems, and luxury details that make everyday living smoother and more enjoyable. By choosing climate-smart, energy-efficient, and premium-grade materials, you’re setting a foundation for a home that feels extraordinary year after year.

If you're ready to start, explore our related resources to guide your next steps:

🔗 How Proper Insulation and Ventilation Transform Your Living Experience.
🔗 Tips for Managing and Maintaining Large Home Renovation Projects.

And when you’re prepared to build or renovate, T.L. Stewart Builders is here to guide you through the entire process, from choosing materials to seeing your vision come to life.

Here are some frequently asked questions you may want to read before starting your home-building journey. Confident decisions start with TL Stewart Builders.

Can you help with design, plans, and selections?

Yes, our team supports you through every phase of design and planning. We offer curated home plans, full architectural collaboration for a custom design, and expert guidance throughout the interior + exterior selections process. From cabinetry and millwork to exterior finishes and lighting, we ensure every detail aligns with your style and the home’s overall craftsmanship.

What is the T.L. Stewart Builders custom home process?

At T.L. Stewart Builders, we guide you from initial planning and architectural design to construction, finishes, and final walkthrough. Whether you select one of our curated plans or collaborate on a fully custom design, our team of craftsmen, designers, and project managers ensures a seamless, transparent, and enjoyable experience. Every step is tailored to align with your lifestyle, timeline, and vision, resulting in a home built with unmatched craftsmanship and long-term durability.

Where does T.L. Stewart Builders build custom homes?

We proudly serve homeowners building in Sanford, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Apex, Pittsboro, and surrounding North Carolina communities. Our focus is on crafting luxury, high-end homes in areas that value architectural integrity, quality construction, and intentional design. If you're considering building in these regions, or on your own land, our team can help you determine feasibility and next steps.


Let’s bring your vision to life. Contact our team to get started.

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