WARE steel framing: products and EPD coverage

Who WARE is in the market

Marino\WARE, often shortened to WARE, is a U.S. maker of cold‑formed steel framing. Think interior and exterior studs, tracks, joists, shaftwall systems, metal lath, and a deep bench of clips and connectors that make frames behave the way designers intend.

Product lineup in plain English

Their catalog centers on one core category, steel framing, delivered across multiple systems. Flagship lines include structural studs and track, non‑structural drywall framing, shaftwall and area‑separation systems, floor and roof joists, and an assortment of connectors. In practice that translates to dozens if not hundreds of SKUs, since gauge, width, and coating combinations multiply fast in steel.

EPD footprint today

WARE publishes system‑level EPDs that cover large swaths of its framing portfolio, including newer low‑embodied‑carbon formulations. These declarations typically bundle many SKUs under one verified model, which is exactly what specifiers need for Materials credits in LEED v5 and for corporate purchasing policies that prefer product‑specific, third‑party verified EPDs (USGBC, 2024).

Where coverage looks strong

Core framing components are well addressed by current declarations. That includes common interior studs and track used in commercial offices, healthcare wings, classrooms, and light structural assemblies. If a project needs a credible, verified number for cradle‑to‑gate impacts of standard framing members, WARE can generally supply it without a scramble.

Likely gaps to watch

Specialty pieces sometimes fall outside system EPDs or are not called out individually. Examples can include certain plant‑specific variants, niche connectors, or accessory items made from non‑steel materials. If a submittal package calls for an EPD per line item, these can become the loose threads that slow approvals. We did not find a clearly labeled, standalone declaration for select accessory families, which means teams may need confirmation on coverage when they specifiy them.

A high‑leverage opportunity

Interior non‑structural drywall studs are a probable best seller on most WARE orders. When a project requires an explicitly product‑specific EPD for that SKU, rival studs are available with current declarations from well‑known competitors. ClarkDietrich, CEMCO, and SCAFCO routinely publish framing EPDs that spec writers recognize, which can tip the table when deadlines are tight and submittals must be turnkey.

Main competitors on typical jobs

• ClarkDietrich for a full framing range across interior, exterior, clips, and lath
• CEMCO across the same playbook, especially in the West and Southwest
• SCAFCO on studs, track, and accessories for regional distribution
• USG for system alternatives in adjacent categories where gypsum or sheathing is bundled with framing

Why this matters commercially

Owners and GCs increasingly prefer products that arrive with verified carbon data ready to drop into models. Without an EPD, teams must use conservative default factors, which can make a product less competitive in carbon‑constrained bids. LEED v5 continues to reward third‑party verified, product‑specific EPDs within its Materials credit structure, so having declarations in hand keeps price from being the only lever on the table (USGBC, 2024).

Fast wins for the roadmap

Prioritize any high‑volume SKUs that are not explicitly named in an existing system EPD. Add plant‑specific coverage where buyers ask for it. Bundle accessories into clearly scoped declarations so submittal reviewers can check the box in seconds. The heavy lift is data wrangling across gauges, mills, and lines. A ruthlessly organized intake and verification process shortens that path so sales can get back to selling.

The quick take

WARE is a focused steel‑framing manufacturer with broad system‑level EPD coverage that already satisfies many specs. Tightening the net around accessories and any high‑runner SKUs without explicit naming would reduce friction in submittals and protect share when EPDs are mandatory. In a crowded stud aisle, showing up with clean, current declarations is still the simplest way to win attention and keep it.