Building Products articles from July 2002

Building Products archives from July 2002

Best in show. (Editor's Perspective).
July 1, 2002... I'm amazed by the number of new products and materials that manufacturers unveil every year. I estimate that each year my colleagues and I receive information about several thousand new offerings--from sinks to screwdrivers to security systems...

Kenmore. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Featuring an electronic ignition, six cast iron burners, 587 square inches of cooking space, side work areas with integrated 12,000-BTU burners, and an insulated ice cooler, the stainless steel gas grill is an integral part of an outdoor...

Bonsal. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... ProPannel backerboard features an extruded polystyrene core. The product can be scored or cut with a utility knife, and is ideal for wall installations, claims the firm. A 3-foot-by-5-foot sheet of ProPannel weighs only 8 pounds while a...

Royal wood. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Made from a wood-plastic composite, trimboards can be used for fascia, friezes, corners, rakes, band boards, and window and door trim. The boards come in standard lumber widths. The trimboards can stand up to termites; don't absorb moisture;...

Franke. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Made from fired granite in a resin composite, the Mythos sink features a large bowl and a smaller . scrap bowl with a sculpted drainboard. Model MTG651, shown here in graphite, comes with a stainless drain tray and colander that fit across the...

Maytag. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Jetclean II dishwasher features a flat, prongless third rack designed to fit broiler pans, cookie sheets, and other large dishes, eliminating the need to hand wash anything, claims the firm. The dishwasher can fit up to 14 place settings...

DeWalt. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Designed to hold larger material with minimal set-up time, this miter saw stand, model DW723, features a saw mount that works with all brands of miter saws. The stand, which weighs 35 pounds, has folding legs, adjustable extension arms, and two...

Meyda Tiffany. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Pagoda pinecone lantern, shown here in a natural finish; is part of the Craftsman series, the firm's outdoor lighting line. Thousands of outdoor designs are available in four finishes. The collection offers styles that are 10 inches and up...

LP. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... WeatherBest composite wood decking cuts, drill, and fastens like wood with screws, nails, or clips, claims the maker. The decking is available in Basic, Select, and Premium lines, in solid and hollow configurations, with new graining patterns...

Comfortmaker. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Featuring externally mounted gauge ports, thermostatic expansion valves, a filter drier, a single scroll compressor, and a coil guard, the APK 13 SEER single phase package air conditioner comes in 3- to 5-ton models. The air conditioners...

Style Solutions. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Ten one-piece miterless corner systems with matching divider blocks are available in crown Florentine, two egg and dart variations, crown dentil with rosettes, egg and dart with rosettes, decorative cove, dentil garland, acanthus leaf, crown...

Columbia Forest Products. (Hot, Hot, Hot).
July 1, 2002... The company offers CFP 60's 5-foot plywood panels, which are 1 foot wider than standard 4-foot panels. The panels are available in most rotary-sliced and plain-sliced veneers and feature either particleboard or MDF cores, the manufacturer says....

L.E. Johnson Products. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Pocket Door Frame Kit, which fits doors up to 5 feet wide by 9 feet high, uses no floor space around an entry, providing clients with bigger rooms and hallways, says the firm. It comes with self-adjusting anchors, rust-resistant zinc-coated...

DoorCraft. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The redesigned Impression mirror door is constructed with stiles made from triple-laminated veneer lumber. The door, which features a mirror on one side, comes with either the Colonial or the Bostonian six-panel design on the other side....

KVW. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Featuring a 3 1/4-inch jamb, the replacement slider window can be inserted into an existing window frame without disturbing the interior or exterior trim, says the firm. The vinyl window comes standard with head and frame expanders in double-...

Senco. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The 701XP FramePro nailer features upgraded internal features such as an anodized sleeve for extra strength and durability, a urethane sleeve cap to protect against wear and tear, a fixed firing valve, and a positive stop guide body. The nailer...

American Olean. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Subtle Steps II ceramic floor tiles feature a durable glazed finish and are 5/16 inch thick, the company claims. Pictured is the tawny beige color in a 12-by-12-inch tile. The tiles, which also are available in 8-by-8-inch sizes, can be...

Harrington Brass Works. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Victorian wall-mounted thermostatic tub/shower fitting features classic white porcelain handles and a personal hand-held shower spray. Each deck-mounted and wall-mounted unit is available in the company's Perma Brass polished nickel finish....

Vantage. (Product Spotlight).
July 1, 2002... The American Palette collection of vinyl shutters features 117 factory-applied colors, the most comprehensive line of exterior shutters on the market, the manufacturer claims. Shutters are available in both louvered and raised-panel styles and...

Decora. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Plaza cabinetry, shown with a coriander finish, creates a stylish media center with storage for CDs, videos, and other components, the maker says. The unit, which can accommodate a large-screen television, is available in different heights and...

Leviton. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... With 64 whole-house lighting scenes, the Toscana Deluxe programmer, part of the Decora Home lighting controls line, allows homeowners to program lights and appliances through the keypad itself or through any standard IR remote. The programmer...

Tarkett. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... A densified foam core, an improved felt backing, and a tougher vinyl wearlayer protect against floor rips, tears, and gouges and provide improved resistance to stains as part of the Preference Plus flooring line, says the firm. The Alexandria...

Brasstech. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Designed to complement the Newport Brass line of faucets and fittings, the Amenities collection of decorative lighting is available in numerous single- and double-fixture designs. The solid brass fixtures come in Forever brass, oil rubbed...

Advanced Vinyl Industries. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Made from vinyl components supplied by Kroy, patio covers are impervious to insects, impact resistant, and won't chip, peel, splinter, rot, rust, or corrode, says the firm. The patio covers can be customized to any size or shape, and are...

Simonton. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Garden door is manufactured as a retrofit product, but it can be used for new construction applications, the maker states. Available in standard 5068 and 6068 sizes, the door is offered in center-hinge in-swing and center-hinge out-swing...

Schrock. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Part of a collection of space-saving cabinets, base pantry pull-out cabinets can be as compact as 9 inches wide and are perfect to store cans, boxes, bottles, and jars, says the firm. The inverted base cabinet houses either a sink or cooktop...

Zuma. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... R series bathtubs feature six to eight directional jets, three-speed pumps, on/off touch sensors, and color match trim. The tubs come in three sizes and more than 19 colors. A variety of jets, grab bars, mood lighting, and other options also...

Novitas. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The SuperSwitch 2 automatically turns lights off when a room is vacated. The switch features sliding lens blinders that restrict the sensor's field of view to prevent false activation and a manual mode that allows the room's occupant to press...

Milwaukee. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Designed to cut through conduit, uni-strut, angle iron and steel, copper and galvanized pipe, metal studs, and metal roofing and siding, the cordless 18-volt 6 1/2-inch metal-cutting circular saw cuts to a depth of 2 1/8 inches in one pass....

Diamond Cabinets. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Sullivan cherry cabinetry, shown with the coffee glaze, features full overlay raised panels and has the look of fine furniture, claims the firm. The cabinetry adds storage space to the kitchen with a two-tiered island with an appliance tambour...

OSI. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... PL Landscape Block Adhesive is water- and weather-resistant, claims the firm. It can be used for building retaining walls and setting paver tiles, and bonds to many surfaces, including brick, stone, wood, slate, concrete, and metal. The...

Pacific Lumber. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Rustic Redwood siding is dimensionally stable and holds finishes better than other woods, claims the firm. The self-aligning shiplap and tongue-and-groove patterns are available in random lengths. The saw-textured siding comes factory-primed...

Metallon. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Brass, bronze, and copper are available on wood trim, moldings, corbels, arches, wood carvings, and appliques by White River. It is shown here in pewter on the lion-head rosette. The finishes contain more than 95 percent real metal and age and...

Laufen. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Desert Canyon ceramic tile is one of the firm's six new lines. Shown here in sandstone, the 12-inch-by-12-inch floor tile coordinates with a 6-inch-by-12-inch border and a 6-inch-by-6-inch border. The floor tile also is available in copper,...

Norandex/Reynolds. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Stonecut Outside Corner Blocks replicate the look and feel of real stone quoins, claims the firm. The blocks measure 8 inches wide by 11 1/4 inches high, and lock onto standard vinyl J-channels. They can be installed either from the bottom up...

Amana. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Bottom-freezer refrigerators now feature a built-in water dispenser located just inside the door. Easy Reach Plus refrigerators feature a temperature-controlled Chef's Pantry door, humidity-controlled crisper drawers, adjustable glass shelves,...

Swan. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Made from Veritek, the firm's compression-molded composite material, the Natural Gloss bathtub is available in white, bone, bisque, and seven granite colors, including Tahiti desert, Tahiti evergreen, Bermuda sand, gray granite, rose granite,...

Contractor products. (Spotlight).
July 1, 2002... Contractor Products. R-U Seal combines a vapor barrier, thermal insulation, and weatherstrip seal into one easy-to-install roll for 2x4 and 2x6 framed construction, claims the firm. The product is cut to fit the window or door opening and...

Millwork Store. (News Arrivals).
July 1, 2002... Made from polyethylene, PermaPosts feature 20-gauge galvanized steel cubes with a load bearing capacity of 1,300 pounds. The posts, which come standard in a pre-finished white, install with common carpentry tools. Molding profiles and other...

Nevamar. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Pure Metals Plus anodized aluminum surfaces come in three patterns. The Fractals pattern has a geometric design, the Structure pattern has a streaked satin finish that creates the look of a textured surface, and the Reflections pattern has a...

James Hardie. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Harditrim fiber-cement trim boards are offered in both smooth and rustic grain textures and can be painted. The 3/4-inch-thick board can be cut with carbide-tipped blades and fastened by hand nailing or with a pneumatic gun. The product is...

Bruce. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... TrueLock glueless laminate floors, which feature a tongue-and-groove installation system, are available in eight new colors. TrueLock flooring now comes in heirloom pine, Western oak natural, apple, mountain oak chestnut, red oak natural,...

Bates and Bates. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Designed for either drop-in or over-counter applications, the Cabo kitchen preparation sink is molded from a solid piece of alloy metal. The sink measures 17 7/8 inches across and has a 7-inch depth. Other sinks in stainless steel, aluminum,...

Decra. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Stone-coated steel roofing shingles can be installed over solid deck or existing asphalt roofing in a similar manner to traditional roofing materials. The shingles weigh 1 1/4 pounds per square foot, resist dry rot and termites, and won't...

Lennox. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Conservator 90 series gas-fired water boiler meets Energy Star approval with an AFUE of 90 percent. The unit features a cast aluminum heat exchanger, which transfers heat three times faster than conventional cast iron, claims the firm. The...

Esquire. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Inspired by a 15th-century Italian castle, Medici ceramic floor tiles come in 12-inch-by-12-inch and 6-inch-by-6-inch sizes. They feature an Old World appearance, says the firm, and come in two color options and universal artistic decos....

Broan-NuTone. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Rangemaster RM6S000 stainless steel range hood creates an elegant look in any kitchen, says the firm. The unit features a 450-cfm blower, multi-speed electronic push-button controls, a delay function, and bi-level halogen lighting. The...

Jenn-Air. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Available in 20-cubic-foot models, cabinet-depth bottom freezer refrigerators offer reach-in access to frozen foods, says the firm. The refrigerators feature internal water dispensers, retractable ice and water filters, humidity-controlled...

Kolbe and Kolbe. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Craftsman collection doors are available in fir, pine, and alder. The doors' stiles and rails are held together with 5/8-inch splined hardwood dowels that hold 25 percent more glue than a 1/2-inch dowel of equal length, claims the firm....

CertainTeed. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... WeatherBoards Stain fiber-cement siding creates the look of stained wood without the maintenance, claims the firm. The acrylic latex stain is guaranteed not to crack, peel, or flake. WeatherBoards Stain highlights the deep grain pattern and...

Marvel. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Part of the Luxury series, models 6BAR-BD and 61WC-BD beverage and wine refrigerators are shown with the firm's optional Designer Doors. The doors are constructed of tinted double-pane UV-resistant glass and have tracks that accept custom...

Georgia-Pacific. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Made from 29-gauge steel, Centura shingles are covered with a UV-deflecting paint. The shingles, which can be installed over existing asphalt roofing, have a Class B fire rating. Centura shingles come in black, charcoal, slate gray, forest...

Coastal Industries. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Paragon series glass shower enclosures feature full-length continuous hinges for added stability, infinite angle corners for installation flexibility, and rounded headers for a sleek look, claims the maker. The series comes in gold and silver...

Merillat. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Epic cabernet cherry and Martel honey spice cabinetry, shown here, are part of the firm's premier line of built-to-order semi-custom cabinetry. The Masterpiece collection is available in numerous motifs and finishes for kitchen, bath, home...

Metabo. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The GE900 Plus variable speed die grinder features a spindle lock-on wrench that enables users to change accessories using only one wrench instead of two. The tool has a no-load speed of 2,500 to 6,000 rpm. It's perfect for grinding and cutting...

Gadco. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Made from 2S-gauge galvanized steel, the Pioneer garage door has the look of wood and the durability of steel, claims the maker. The raised-panel doors are available in white, brown, almond, sandstone, teratone, hunter green, and deep crimson....

Cooper Wiring Devices. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Available in 25 configurations for toggle switches, power receptacles, telephone and coaxial cable, and combination devices, Mid-size wallplates cover electrical system installation gaps. The Mid-size line is made from high-gloss polycarbonate...

Plain & Fancy. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Galloping Gourmet kitchen cabinetry line features maple cabinetry with a cappuccino glaze and cranberry-enameled interiors. The built-in hutch, plate rack, and corner cupboard keep surfaces clear, while base-angle corner pull-out cabinets...

Sunrise Specialty. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Reviving one of the classic looks of the turn of the 20th century, the cast iron bathtub, #831, shown here with the #48 tower drain, is the newest addition to the firm's extensive line of Victorian-style plumbingware. All of the company's...

Thermador. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The four-program dishwasher is the firm's latest addition to its complete line of kitchen appliances. Model DW44Z is water- and energy-efficient, says the firm. The four-program dishwasher has a hidden control panel and is available in black,...

Enkeboll Designs. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Available in red oak, hard-rock white maple, or cherry, Deco Step molding celebrates the return of art deco to contemporary design, says the firm. The molding measures 31/4 inches wide and comes in 8-foot lengths. Each pattern repeats every 12...

Rohl. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Perrin and Rowe Edwardian-style solid brass kitchen faucet collection features temperature-insulated hand sprays and hand-painted cross handle indices. The faucets are available in one-, two-, and three-hole designs in chrome, polished...

U.S. Tile. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Manufactured in Australia, clay roof tiles are available in two profiles and interlock at the head and side for maximum weather protection. The tiles feature a water absorption rate of less than 6 percent and are safe for use in areas that...

Artistic tile. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Natural stone pebbles suspended in transparent resin create the illusion of underwater river pebbles, says the firm. Riverstone surfacing material is available in slabs and 12-inch-by-12-inch tiles. It can be used in a number of applications...

Doma. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Klass doors hang from a sliding track, allowing them to overlap and open wide when pushed to the side. The doors are edged in aluminum with panels of tempered or etched glass, limed oak, or lacquered colors. A wide range of storage options is...

Ascot. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Ceramic wall tile is available in four textures and six colors. It comes in 8-inch-by-8-inch squares, 1-inch-by-8-inch outline segments, and 2-inch-by-1-inch corner pieces. The tile is easy to install, says the firm. Email for local...

Sea Gull Lighting. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Ambiance RX is a fully flexible rail system that bends and curves around nearly any architectural configuration, claims the firm. The product, the newest addition to the Ambiance line, can be used in the kitchen for task and accent...

Walker Zanger. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Steel and brass pieces are molded into different shapes and sizes and are rubber-backed and mounted on 12-inch mesh squares to create the Metallismo metal mosaic tile collection, Shapes include 3/4-inch squares, mini bricks, ovals, rhomboids,...

Feather River. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Southwest series doors come in alder, knotty alder, cherry, fir, mahogany, maple, oak, pine, knotty pine, and walnut in 22 stain finishes. Single- and triple-glazed glass insets in tempered, insulated, beveled, or decorative variations are...

Duravit. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Two cupped hands scooping fresh water served as the inspiration for this oval tub. The acrylic tub is available as a freestanding or wall-mounted unit and can be equipped with whirlpool jets. Other pieces in this bathroom suite include a...

Heatilator. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The IB75 B-vent fireplace has the look Of masonry, but provides the ease of gas, the company says. The firebox is lined in a herringbone-patterned refractory and has a 36-inch-by-28 1/2-inch opening. The fireplace features hand-painted ceramic...

Amerock. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Village Classics cabinet hardware is reminiscent of handcrafted Old World designs, says the firm. The collection includes birdcage hardware styles (shown) as well as hammered metal designs in a wide range of weathered finishes. Modern...

Progress Lighting. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... The Chateau collection of foyer fixtures features etched alabaster-style glass and gold finishes. The fixtures come in a number of styles and sizes, including a three-light fixture with a perforated top cover, medium base lamps, candelabra base...

Paul Decorative Products. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Inspired by the columned buildings and rotunda domes of the Washington landscape, the Capitol lavatory set is the most recent addition to the Classics line of traditional bath plumbingware. The set is available in 17 finishes for sink and bath...

Schluter Systems. (Hot, hot, hot: check out the newest products this summer).
July 1, 2002... Featuring a waterproofing and vapor barrier, a cove-shaped profile for inside corners within countertops, and a finishing and edge-protection profile for the outside corners of tiled surfaces, countertop components enhance the technical...

Green machines: Energy Star appliances pack in features while saving energy. (Trends).
July 1, 2002... Not long ago, headlines across the country warned of soaring energy prices, rolling blackouts, and fluctuating oil costs. While the crisis passed quickly, home buyers and contractors were reminded of the value of products and practices that...

And the winners are ...: the first annual MVP Awards spotlight products and materials that are cost-saving, easy-to-install, and forward-thinking. And some are just plain cool. (MVP Most Valuable Product Award 2002).
July 1, 2002... We're well into the baseball season and the MVPs are in key form. No, not the most valuable players, but the most valuable products. Splashed across the next seven pages, you'll find BUILDING PRODUCTS' first annual Most Valuable Product...

Terrific tools. (Most Valuable Products).
July 1, 2002... Porter-Cable. The judges said that the Model 9740 Tiger Claw reciprocating saw is perfect for working in tight spaces. The saw helps pros overcome the challenges of close-quarters cutting and angled scrolling. The Tiger Claw's cutting arm can...

Problem solvers. (Most Valuable Products).
July 1, 2002... Kwikset. Prepping a pocket door for a traditional notched pocket door lock can be time-consuming and often a tricky process because the door must be altered by notching to allow the hardware to fit. The key advantage to using the Round Pocket...

Bright ideas. (Most Valuable Products).
July 1, 2002... ODL. The retractable Integral Screen System is integrated into a pre-hung door for a clean, finished look. The system is attached to the entry door jamb at the distributor location and takes the place of traditional brick-mold. It's available...

Quick installations. (Most Valuable Products).
July 1, 2002... Wilsonart. DuoLink isn't the first glueless laminate flooring, but it's the first with a twin-tongue locking mechanism that promotes a tighter bond and enhanced moisture resistance. The judges were impressed that this flooring can easily lock...

Just plain cool. (Most Valuable Products).
July 1, 2002... Whirlpool. Your clients can say goodbye to their dry cleaning service--well, almost. The Personal Valet clothes vitalizing system offers a new approach to fabric care, smoothing wrinkles and cleaning away odors in about 30 minutes. The judges...

Standing room only: shower systems offer spa luxury at home. (Bath Products).
July 1, 2002... Whirlpool tubs are a staple in most custom homes. But even as jets get more invigorating and tubs grow in size, a soothing soak isn't all homeowners are looking for in the ultimate bathroom. During the past few years, shower systems have...

Delta. (Bath Products).
July 1, 2002... The Delta Select Total Escape custom shower creates a spa-like experience that can be customized according to user preference. Used in conjunction with multiple volume control valves, a thermostatic valve allows users to independently adjust...