Building Products articles from January 2004

Building Products archives from January 2004

New year, new upgrades.(Editor's Perspective)
January 1, 2004... All you read about in newspapers and magazines and hear about in radio and TV news reports is how much money Americans are spending to make their homes their castles. But have home builders, particularly production builders, caught on to our...

Wilsonart.(Check it out: start off the year with these new products.)
January 1, 2004... Topaz laminate replicates the look and feel of engineered stone with layers of multiple colors and the addition of pearl pigments in bronze, silver, and gold for dimension and depth, says the maker. Colors include blue, Brazilian, citrine,...

Rohl.(Check it out: start off the year with these new products.)
January 1, 2004... Part of the Country Kitchen line, A1470 and the A1680 faucets are scaled for prep sinks. Both feature swivel spouts with a 6 1/2-inch reach and an 11 1/2-inch height from the deck to accommodate tall glasses, pots, and colanders. The A1680...

Miele.(Check it out: start off the year with these new products.)
January 1, 2004... The MasterChef programmable digital oven sets the optimum time and temperature for each food the homeowner enters into the system. The unit can store more than 30 customized cooking programs and can bake, roast, dehydrate, broil, and more. It...

Oregon lumber.(Check it out: start off the year with these new products.)
January 1, 2004... The Bellagio collection of wide-plank engineered hardwood flooring is available in 23 varieties, including Brazilian cherry, merbau, walnut, mahogany, maple, ash, teak, beech, oak, larch, and bamboo. Panels measure 86 inches long, 9/16 inch...

DeWalt.(Check it out: start off the year with these new products.)
January 1, 2004... Designed for pros, the DC500 corded/cordless portable 2-gallon wet-dry vacuum runs off the firm's 12-, 14.4-, and 18-volt battery packs or can be plugged into a 120-volt AC electrical outlet. The unit has a positive-lock rubber hose with a...

Style solutions.(Check it out: start off the year with these new products.)
January 1, 2004... Forty-nine new products have been added to the firm's fiberglass-reinforced urethane structural balustrade line. The balustrades can be used in indoor and outdoor applications and come in 5-, 6-, 7-, and 12-inch systems. The enhanced line makes...

Crestline.(Check it out: start off the year with these new products.)
January 1, 2004... VinylCrest 200 series vinyl windows and patio doors feature 3 1/4-inch and 4 5/8-inch main frames. The line features full perimeter weather stripping, 3/4-inch insulated glass, exterior sloped sills, and more. Single- and double-hung, glider,...

CorAccess.(Product Spotlight)
January 1, 2004... The Mobile Companion wireless device allows homeowners to access and control home lighting, security, HVAC, and whole-house audio systems from any room in the house. The firm's touchpad solutions come in a number of interface types including...

Panasonic.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... WhisperLite series fan/light combination units feature a new grille design. The fan/light comes in three models; all feature two 13-watt compact fluorescent Lamps, a night-light feature, and built-in dampers to prevent backdraft. The...

Bath unlimited.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Part of the Delta Coordinates line of bath accessories, the Victorian collection includes 18- and 24-inch single and double towel bars, a towel ring, double robe hook, paper holder, toilet tank lever, soap dispenser, and more. The collection...

Zephyr.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Martini-inspired Torino Island hoods now are available with red, blue, yellow, or green glass canopies. The stainless steel ceiling-mount chimney delivers 715-cfm ventilation directly to the cooking source. The hood also has a remote control,...

Newport brass.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... The 9901 series includes a wall-mount faucet, wide-spread lavatory faucet, single-hole lavatory faucet, several shower set configurations, pressure-balanced showers, a Roman tub deck set, and a bidet set. The kitchen faucet shown features a...

Ridgid.(Product Spotlight)
January 1, 2004... Designed for professional contractors, builders, and woodworkers, the firm's new line includes 35 hand-held corded, cordless, benchtop, and stationary power tools. Corded tools feature extended motor life (EML) motors, while cordless tools have...

LiteTouch.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Hard-wired systems are made of three components: Access Point control stations, central control units, and control modules. In addition to lighting capabilities, they're also designed to control audiovisual equipment, window treatments,...

Buddy Rhodes.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Handmade and hand-colored concrete kitchen countertops, vanity tops, back-splashes, and surrounds can be made with custom veining in 18 standard colors and a selection of three finishes and can be inlaid with copper trim. Integral or drop-in...

Simpson.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... The Bungalow series exterior door features a 1 7/16-inch beaded V-groove double hip-raised wainscot-style panel. Offered in multiple sash and panel designs and configurations, the series comes in Douglas fir, Western hemlock, and American red...

Simonton.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Exterior painted coatings now are available on most sizes and styles of windows including bays, bows, and large mulled units in the Impressions 9800 line. Colors include hunter green, chocolate brown, bronze, and stone shades. Patio and garden...

Xantrex technology.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... The Hybrid Backup Power System combines an inverter/ charger, a Kohler DC generator, batteries, and the option to add renewable energy capabilities. It automatically starts the generator when batteries need recharging and automatically provides...

Marvel.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Seamless Full Wrap doors for under-counter refrigerators are available in black and white. The door lessens the gap between the door and the cabinet, keeping the gasket cleaner while protecting against dust and spills and creating a cleaner,...

Peachtree.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Available with white PVC or clear-finished pine interiors and tan or brass hardware, 300 series vinyl-clad windows come in double-hung, casement, awning, direct-set picture, transom, and bay and bow styles. The windows feature low-[E.sup.2]...

Hy-lite.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Prefabricated glass block fixed windows come in six sizes and are NFRC, AAMA, and ANSI certified. The windows feature white silicone caulk lines for a traditional mortared look and vinyl spacers between the blocks to keep them aligned within...

Columbia forest products.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Milled from Appalachian hardwoods, the Appalachian Traditions line of decorative plywood features custom-matched hardwood face veneers designed to look like solid lumber, says the maker. The line includes the Contemporary collection of lighter...

California faucets.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Catalina series Art Deco faucets feature three-point handles and weathered copper, polished rose bronze, and satin rose bronze finishes that evoke the era, says the maker. More than 25 solid brass faucet lines are available in more than 35...

Outwater.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... The firm has expanded its wood trim and molding line to include hundreds of design profiles that can be used as decorative accents on doors, cabinets, walls, ceilings, and furniture. Available in numerous widths and thicknesses in 3-, 4-, 6-,...

Valli & valli.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Reproduced from archival designs from the mid-1970s, the Ornate collection of traditional door hardware features classic ornamentation such as scrolls and floral motifs to add texture to the pieces, says the firm. Door levers and knobs are made...

Comfortmaker.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... The redesigned PS90-DV gas furnace features a new internal condensate drain, factory-made hose and clamp connections, and a sealed combustion design. The furnace comes in six models ranging from 50,000 BTUh through 125,000 BTUh in natural gas...

Bates and bates.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... The Jupiter II prep sink is shown with a hammertone pattern in a satin nickel finish. It has an inside diameter of 15 inches by 15 inches, an outside diameter of 16 7/8 inches by 16 7/8 inches, and a 6 1/4-inch depth. The sink also comes in a...

Lennox.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Part of the Signature collection, G61V gas furnaces run at low speed up to 80 percent of the time and feature two levels of heat output and continuous fan modes, and meet Energy Star requirements. They are the quietest gas furnaces currently on...

Providence Artworks.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Made from coastal tide-washed rocks, two-hole pulls have been added to the Old Souls collection of single-hole knobs. The pulls will be available with black, brass, satin nickel, bright nickel, and rust base finishes. Many other styles and...

Aristokraft.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Mitered cabinet doors re-create the look of handcrafted furniture on the Landen cabinetry line for an upscale look, says the firm. The cabinetry comes in autumn, rouge, fawn, and natural finishes, as well as cocoa and frost glazes. Numerous...

Weather Shield.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... The expanded LifeGuard IG (insulated glass) line features many new window styles, shapes, and sizes, as well as seven interior wood choices and numerous grille and divided light options. The impact-resistant products meet local codes throughout...

Kolbe & Kolbe.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... The Sterling double-hung window features a hidden jambliner and a sash lock that is incorporated into the bottom checkrail. The sash lock incorporates a dual-position lever that allows the sash to be unlocked and tilted for cleaning. A hardware...

UltraGlas.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Embossed glass tiles and slabs are heat-formed with irregular textures and shapes in a variety of standard designs. In addition to the firm's selection of hand-applied colors and color combinations, custom matching is available. The firm's...

Dacor.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Electric glide controls allow users to slide their fingers across the ceramic glass top to control temperature settings on the Millennia Electric Glide cook-top line. The 30- and 36-inch models also feature ribbon elements with heat limiters,...

Swanstone.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Designed to fit shower floors that measure 36 inches by 36 inches, 34 inches by 48 inches, and 32 inches by 60 inches, solid surface wall panel kits come in 29 solid and granite colors. The kits feature side and back wall panels, two corner...

Gadco.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Pioneer raised-panel steel garage doors now are available in hunter green and deep crimson, in addition to white, brown, almond, sandstone, and teratone. The wood-look doors feature a choice of windows and have factory-installed aluminum...

Jeld-Wen.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Santa-Fe plank-style interior molded doors are available in 6-foot 8-inch, 7-foot, and 8-foot heights and a number of widths. The line is available with ProCore solid-core construction with a Sound Transmission Control (STC) rating of 31,...

L.B. Plastics.(New Arrivals)
January 1, 2004... Made from rigid PVC, the Sheerline 3250 railing series now comes in clay, in addition to white, beige, and gray. Most accessories in the line, as well as smooth and fluted column cladding, are available in the clay color. Sheerline railing...

Earth friendly: these green products are worthy of blue ribbons.(Trends)
January 1, 2004... What do soy-based foam insulation, a pollution-blocking vapor retarder, and low-odor latex paint have in common? They all made the list of top green building products for 2003 as selected by BuildingGreen, publisher of Environmental Building...

Canadian, U.S. lumber producers support new deal.(In The News)
January 1, 2004... Canadian and American lumber producers, weary from a two-year trade war, are ready to back a softwood deal that replaces punishing duties with a firm cap on Canada's share of the U.S. lumber market. The five-year deal appears to have support...

Nylon cartridges.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2004... ConProTec. Nylon cartridges now are available for the firm's Mixpac line of handheld cartridge dispensing systems for two-component adhesives. The products are designed for use with adhesives that are not compatible with traditional...

Tile cutters.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2004... Nattco. Part of the firm's Professional Tile Cutter series, 28-, 24-, and 20-inch aluminum cutters come standard with carrying cases. The 28-inch cutter cuts 20-inch tile on a 45-degree angle; the 24-inch model cues 16-inch tile on a 45-degree...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2004... In the September/October 2003 issue, the contact information for this company was incorrect; the correct information appears below. BUILDING PRODUCTS regrets the error. Richelieu. The 20-watt recessed halogen fixture is designed for...

Through the roof: as OSB and plywood prices soar, builders are seeking lower-cost alternatives with proven performance.(Feature)
January 1, 2004... If Nashville builder Chris Bove could have found oriented strand board (OSB) last fall, he would have bought it--even though its price soared by 273 percent between April and late September. But he couldn't, so he started wrapping his...

Value added: in markets across the country, remodeling projects are a solid investment.(Feature)
January 1, 2004... Homeowners contemplating a major remodeling project mostly are interested in what the work will cost, when it will get started, and how long it will take to complete. Also on their minds is how much value their investment will add to their...

It's show time: here are the brightest new products from the International Builder's Show.
January 1, 2004... If you couldn't attend this year's International Builders' Show in Las Vegas--or were just overwhelmed by the sheer volume of exhibits and seminars--here is a look at dozens of hot new products and materials that were showcased at the Las Vegas...

Hot showers: luxurious all-in-one systems pamper bathers and ease installation woes.(Bath Products)
January 1, 2004... In a recent NAHB consumer survey, "What 21st Century Home Buyers Want," 69 percent of the respondents replied that they would install a separate shower enclosure; 67 percent would add water-temperature controls. A somewhat less-impressive 58...

Clean air: low-voc caulks, sealants, and adhesives are gaining acceptance among contractors.(Construction Products)
January 1, 2004... At the request of an odor-sensitive client, Santa Cruz, Calif., painter T. Paul Sek replaced his usual caulks and sealants with brands that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). And if it weren't for the $8-per-tube price tag--about...

Soak up the sun: consumers are warming up to sunrooms for easy access to outdoor living.(Exterior Products)
January 1, 2004... Enjoying the great: outdoors from one's own backyard is possible in any season with the proliferation of year-round rooms that fit any style and that offer protection from the elements. Manufacturers of sunrooms and conservatories not only are...

Got the look: exotic woods and unique designs are turning heads in homes nationwide.(Interior Products)
January 1, 2004... Oak still reigns as king of wood flooring. but exotic species and other domestic woods are parading into oak's court because they're more readily available than before and becoming more affordable. Anything that's "different from a...

Solid as a rock: tough, beautiful quartz is gaining ground in the surfacing market.(Kitchen Products)
January 1, 2004... Popular in Europe for the past decade, quartz is coming on strong in the United States as an alternative to granite and solid surfacing because of its wide selection of colors and designs as well as its strength and durability. "You can...

Newest innovations in moulding and millwork: the demand for better performing, cost-effective building products never lets up.(Special Advertising Section)
January 1, 2004... Homeowners desires for more trim work and detail has prompted manufacturers like Contact Lumber Company to make some serious advances in profile-wrapping technology. "Customers continue to want long lengths of clear, defect-free millwork, but...

Pickup power: the new 2004 trucks are bigger, badder, and better than ever.(Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2004... If you've been holding off buying your next pickup, you look pretty smart right now. The 2004 model year is shaping up to be an important one for the truck makers and buyers, with a number of all-new vehicles rolling out alongside some major...

Open & shut: fiberglass units are making a dent in the steel door market.(Windows & Doors)
January 1, 2004... Fiberglass doors have been around for more than 20 years, but they only account for 10 percent of entry door sales. But industry officials believe that new fiberglass looks and designs will help the category make a bigger dent in the steel door...

Acorn engineering.(Hot water: these beautiful lavatories can heat up ho-hum bathrooms.)
January 1, 2004... Part of the Neo-Metro collection, the Ebb single-piece stainless sLed basin features a sloped surface that overlaps and conceals the dram opening. It is avail able in depths ranging from 2 1/2 inches to 7 inch es and heights ranging from 19...

Decolav.(Hot water: these beautiful lavatories can heat up ho-hum bathrooms.)
January 1, 2004... The Perfect Chisel collection features stone lavatories and countertops in a variety of textures and colors. Each piece is hand finished to bring out the characteristics of each stone, says the maker. Stainless steel and glass bathroom fixtures...

Whitehaus collection.(Hot water: these beautiful lavatories can heat up ho-hum bathrooms.)
January 1, 2004... The firm, along with Lotus Aquatech, created the Nymphaea glass basin that changes color with the temperature of the water. The color changes are produced by light-emitting diodes; the light source is powered by a 5-volt connection to an outlet...

Bonita ceramics.(Hot water: these beautiful lavatories can heat up ho-hum bathrooms.)
January 1, 2004... Ceramics artist Bonita Goodberg's signed, hand-crafted vessel sinks feature nature-inspired designs. The firm offers a choice of 16 existing models or the option to create original pieces. Sinks are fired to more than 1,150 degrees F for high...

Aquaware America.(Hot water: these beautiful lavatories can heat up ho-hum bathrooms.)
January 1, 2004... Shown in mahogany, the basin sink also available in 1/2-inch-thick clear glass. It is part of the Aquaware collection that includes a variety of imported European console units, basins, and storage furniture components constructed of wood,...