Building Products articles from March 2004

Building Products archives from March 2004

Mark your calendar.(Calendar)
March 1, 2004... APRIL 2-4 KITCHEN/BATH INDUSTRY SHOW. Chicago. For information call 800-933-8735 or visit www.kbis.com. APRIL 14-16 BUILDING FOR BOOMERS & BEYOND: 2004 SENIORS HOUSING SYMPOSIUM. Chicago. For information call 800-368-5242, ext....

Informed choices.(Editor's Perspective)
March 1, 2004... I recently returned from the annual international Builders' Show filled with enthusiasm but dazed out of my mind. It is incredible how many people (90,000) and exhibitors (1,600) there were at the industry's largest trade show. And talk about...

Ludowici roof tile.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... New Impressionist series color blends are created with two to three complementary ceramic glazes applied over a base color to the clay tiles. Available on Spanish, Mission, and Shingle tile patterns, Impressionist color blends include Tuscany,...

Oregon copper bowl.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Heavy-gauge copper and brass as well as cast bronze are used to create lavatory sinks, vessels, wet bar and prep sinks, and farmhouse kitchen sinks. Many mounting options, including undercounter, vessel, and drop-in, are optional. The firm also...

Elkay.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Akin to a stream or river, water cascades through the 8-inch-wide tapered preparation/work area of the 40-inch-long Mystic sink. Suited for the center of a kitchen island or family craft area, the stainless steel unit has the faucet and drain...

Ivalo lighting.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The ADA-compliant Aliante demi sconce is designed to complement the full 4- and 5-foot-tall sconces and pendants of the original Aliante family. Available in 21- or 27-inch-tall sizes, the sconce comes in metallic graphite, metallic lapis,...

Arrow fastener.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The electric staple and nail gun, model ETFX50, shoots six different size staples and drives a 5/8-inch brad nail. The gun's housing features a cushioned, non-slip grip. It has an on/off trigger safety lock, a 10-foot built-in power cord, and a...

Wellborn.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... New cabinet styles and finishes include Rose Hall Arch in honey and midnight, Savannah Cherry in cocoa, and Harmony in honey. Both Rose Hall Arch and Savannah Cherry styles come in the Premier and WoodCraft series in a number of standard and...

Marvin.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... StormPlus Impact Zone 3 (IZ3) windows and doors meet impact-resistance codes in parts of New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Texas. The products feature multi-layer impact-resistant glazing construction consisting of...

Bruck.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The Rainbow II pendant features inner-frosted and outer clear dichroic-coated glass shades. When off, the fixture has a liquid-mercury-like finish and a vibrant appearance when on. The Uni-Plug design allows the pendant to be mounted on any of...

Bosch.(Product spotlight)
March 1, 2004... Digital Power Tools products include Punch List, Punchlist Manager, and mJobTime. These tools exchange data with Intuit Master Builder construction business management software. They allow contractors to do everything from managing tasks to...

Vetter.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Featuring a block-and-tackle balance system, the firm's newest windows are available in all-wood or aluminum-clad construction in several wood species and in a wide variety of exterior cladding colors. Wood and vinyl windows and patio doors in...

Clarke products.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Measuring 56 inches by 72 inches, the Iridess shower features a curved Lucite acrylic wall that lets light into the shower space and maintains privacy, says the maker. The unit has a door-free entry and a slip-resistant textured base that comes...

Cambria.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Shown in Victoria, quartz countertop surfacing can be used in both kitchen and bathroom applications. The material doesn't require sealing of polishing and meets National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification for food zone preparation...

Northern roof tiles.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The 451 pan tile comes in weathered red, Victorian gray, Victorian blend, and rustic brown shades. The extruded overlapping design creates a soft, gentle wave profile, says the maker. The clay tiles meet or exceed ASTM C1167 Grade 1...

American standard.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2004... The Champion toilet features flapper-free, gravity-fed flushing technology. The 1.6-gallon toilet has a 3-inch flush valve, an automatic shut-off metered flush that cannot be adjusted, and a trapway that measures 23/8 inches, the largest in the...

Herbeau.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Among the many fittings and fixtures available from the firm are kitchen and bath faucets; thermostatic showers; tub fillers; porcelain pedestal lavatories, toilets, and bidets; cast iron bathtubs: and fireclay farmhouse kitchen sinks. Optional...

DeWalt.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Built to last 40 percent longer than similar hammers currently available, the firm's compact 1-inch SDS rotary hammers provide balance and control for drillin8 or chipping in tight spaces, says the maker. Two models each come with three-mode...

Point five windows.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Custom series windows in such woods as cherry, Spanish cedar, soft maple, and teak are available in a range of standard profiles with energy-efficient glazing options. Additional options include aluminum, copper, or other specialty metal...

W.A.C. lighting.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Part of the Glass Companions line, wall sconces come with a choice of four glass or metal backplate options and chrome, platinum, or satin brass finishes. The glass shades come in a variety of hues, including amber, blue, green, purple, and red...

Custom-Bilt metals.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Solid copper and Kynar-coated Galvalume metal roofing panels from Vail Metal Systems now are being manufactured, marketed, and sold through Custom-Bilt. The Vail Majestic Copper and Titan Select lines feature interlocking designs and can...

Providence artworks.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... A cross between a knob and a pull, the Knull is designed to rotate comfortably using only two fingers as the user opens a drawer or cabinet. It should be mounted vertically on cabinets and horizontally on drawers. Part of the Absolute Zero...

Danze.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Featuring a center massage unit, the 6-inch Sunflower showerhead mounts to any standard showerhead arm. The solid brass unit offers a multi-functional design with spray and massage action, says the maker. It comes in chrome and brushed nickel....

Pergo.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Paradigm laminate flooring features pre-applied glue that changes color to indicate its activation; a locking mechanism holds the joint together while the glue dries. The line has nearly three times greater joint strength than other glueless...

California faucets.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Tiburon (65 series) and Montara (66 series) are the newest contemporary faucet lines from the firm. Each features minimalist designs and a choice of cross or lever handles. More than 35 finishes are available, including 11 PVD finishes, which...

Rais & Wittus.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The direct-vent gas Rais Gabo stove features flame control, variable heat output, and an optional remote control. The stove is available in black of gray and the convection grate/louvers can be speced in stainless steel. The stove can be...

Nafco.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The PermaStone collection of nature-inspired 16-inch-by-16-inch vinyl tile now includes Natural Slate and Porcelain designs. Natural Slate flooring features the texture, depth, and fissure fines of genuine slate and comes in five colors....

Wilsonart.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2004... The One Step Stair Tread cuts installation time in hall, claims the firm, Planks and nosing have to be glued and taped together on standard 10-inch laminate steps, but One Step removes many of the mechanical procedures required by other...

Easy heat.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Designed for use with the firm's Warm Tiles floor warming system, Warm Tiles FTS thermostats feature comfort-level programming options as well as off-position selector switches. Thermostat kits come with the thermostat and a sensor that...

Rohl.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The Country pull-out kitchen faucet features an oversized solid-metal single lever handle, ceramic disc valves, a handspray button, and a 27 1/2-inch-long hose. The spout measures 8 1/2 inches tall and extends 9 inches from the valve. It is...

Ginger.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Introduced in 2003, the Surface collection is expanding to include the new tempered glass toiletry shelf with a gallery rail and integral towel bar. It is available in 12- and 24-inch lengths and measures 5 1/2 inches deep and has...

Walker zanger.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Available in jewel-toned shades of greens, blues, golds, browns, and reds, Spa Glass glass tiles and mosaics can be used in bathrooms, pools, spas, and kitchens. The collection comes in 1-inch-by-2-inch mosaic bricks; mosaic blends in...

Valli & valli.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Made of solid brass, the firm's Fuksas door lever comes in chrome and satin chrome finishes. It features clean fines rising from a circular rosette into a straight handle with curved edges and three cutout holes. The design also is included in...

Progress lighting.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2004... Designed to cast a glow over a landscaped area or path, the Linear Path light features a half-dome of antiqued cast bronze and a prismatic spread lens. The exterior light fixture measures 7 inches wide and projects light 1 7/8 inches from the...

Aquatic whirlpools.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The Serenity X claw-foot and the Serenity XI pedestal baths are the most recent additions to the Air Bath collection. The cast acrylic freestanding units each measure 72 inches by 40 inches and feature 60 air jets that release thousands of air...

Delta.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Michael Graves collection faucets and accessories come in three finishes. Kitchen products include deck-mount, high-rise, and bar/prep faucets while bath fixtures include two-handle centerset, mini-widespread, and wide-spread lavatory faucets....

Crystal cabinet works.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Available in a variety of species and finishes, kitchen islands come with various leg and valance choices and drawer and door selections. The cabinet pieces are designed as end caps or as base hutch island end caps to finish the sides or ends...

Xplore technologies.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The iX104-TPC, a rugged wireless tablet that can withstand repeated drops to concrete from a height of 3 feet, operates off of Microsoft's Windows XP Table PC Edition to provide portable computing capabilities. Capabilities include digital ink,...

Boral bricks.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Designed to have an old-fashioned look, Antiqued clay pavers are tumbled together as part of the manufacturing process to create soft, worn edges. The pavers measure 2 1/4 inches thick and come in a variety of body colors and in standard and...

American marazzi tile.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Opalie floor and wall tiles feature the look of honed marble. The glazed porcelain tiles come in beige and marfil shades. Wall tiles are available in 13-by-24-inch and 10-by-13-inch sizes; floor tiles measure 13 inches by 13 inches and 20...

Teka.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Model 3.18-R is one of the many stainless steel undermount sinks available from the firm. The double-bowl unit measures 34 5/8 inches by 18 1 1/2 inches with left or right configuration for ease of use. Sound-deadening pads come standard....

Leica geosystems.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The Rugby 200 automatic dual axis laser features a visible beam with a working range up to 1,000 feet and a plumb beam for 90-degree layout work. Other features include four adjustable head speeds, a scan mode, and a full-function remote...

Trimble.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The Spectra Precision Laser HD150 handheld distance meter measures area, volume, length, width, height, edges, and distances up to and more than 500 feet. Readings can be taken in less than one second, claims the maker. A keyboard interface,...

Pall and Kinetico.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2004... Introduced by both firms, the Purefecta drinking water purifier is the only system on the market to pass U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards to be designated a microbiological water purifier, claim the makers. It has a...

Ceramic tile trends.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Featuring five fish designs, Aquarius series hand-painted ceramic wall tile measures 4 1/8 inches by 4 1/8 inches. Coordinating border tiles that measure 2 1/2 inches by 6 inches feature starfish and ocean designs while accent tiles that...

Weather shield.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Designed to withstand the extremes of coastal weather, the LifeGuard outswing French door meets Miami-Dade codes. The door is available in the Legacy and Weather Shield lines and features an extruded aluminum exterior, multiple-contact weather...

Hansgrohe.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Inspired by American automotive design in the 1950s, the Retroaktiv line of kitchen and bath Faucets complements the firm's Interaktiv series. The Retroaktiv collection features 77 items, including 4- and 8-inch wide-spread lavatory faucet...

Dricore.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... First available in Canada, engineered wood subfloor systems for concrete floors now are available in the U.S. They consist of 2-foot-by-2-foot panels with moisture-resistant polyethylene cleats that allow moisture to flow through and dry up....

Bates and Bates.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Made from amber onyx, the shell-shaped Pompei basin is part of the Natural Stone collection. It measures 16 inches by 19 inches and has a depth of 5 1/4 inches. The basin comes in other stone choices; no two basins are exactly alike in color or...

Cosella dorken.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Deltafast'ners decrease the number of nails and amount of time needed to apply the firm's Delta-MS and Delta-Drain foundation waterproofing systems. The 1/8-inch-thick fasteners feature a dimpled pattern, allowing them to interlock with the...

Ilva.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Available in polished, antique, and natural textures, Crema Marfil porcelain tile has the elegant look of marble, says the maker. It can be used in indoor and outdoor applications in wall and floor applications and comes in a number of sizes....

RotoZip by Bosch.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The new product line includes four spiral saws. The RZ1, RZS, RZ10, and RZ20 all have 5.5-amp motors; universal three-jaw chucks that fit any size bit; wrenchless bit-change systems; and sealed switches that keep the tools dust free. They can...

Trex.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Accents deck boards feature a woodgrain texture and come in 12-, 16-, and 20-foot lengths. They are available in three colors. The traditional Trex decking and railing profiles now are classified as the Origins line and come in five colors and...

Wellcraft.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Designed to meet the egress requirements of the IRC 2000 International Residential Code, the 5600 series modular egress window well system features a snap-together design for easy installation in below-grade living spaces, says the maker. Each...

Signamark.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Featuring an art-glass center, the Homegrown pantry door is part of the Designer series. The ceramic frit-screened glass in the interior door is frosted for light transmission and privacy. The door is available in ready-to-paint finishes as...

Tapco.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Part of the Foundry tine, vinyl shakes, shingles, and shapes have the look of traditional cedar, claims the maker. All Foundry designs come in 5-foot-long panels and feature locking nail hems. The ASTM-rated products have been tested to...

OWI.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Constellation series ceiling and in-wall speakers offer crystal-clear sound for numerous applications, claims the maker. The ceiling speakers come in three models. In-wall speakers come in six models, four can be used outdoors. Landscape and...

Bilco.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Designed for new-home applications, the Series 650 masonry hopper window features a pour-in-place buck and window insert; the buck slides directly into the masonry forms and secures into place with built-in nailing blocks. The vinyl window...

Consolidated Plumbing Industries.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The wall-mounted radiant heat panel can control one to four zones over an area of up to 2,500 square feet. The pre-engineered panel features pre-drilled holes for mounting on 16-inch-center wall studs. Additional panels may be added to...

Crossville ceramics.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Reflective Venetian glass accent tiles add light to porcelain, stone, and metal tile walls. Formed by fusing hand-blown Murano glass between layers of plate glass, the collection comes in the bronze, topaz, and citrine series; the silver leaf,...

Danze.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... As the latest addition to its shower line, the firm now offers a personal shower conversion kit. These shower systems feature 24-inch slide bar mounts and two large soap/shampoo baskets that mount at the bottom of the units. They come in a...

MTI whirlpools.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The integral-skirted Lucite acrylic Bella tub features a pre-leveled foam base and integral tile flange. The unit, which fits into a standard 5-foot alcove, measures 60 inches by 32 inches by 18 1/4 inches deep. It is available in more than 30...

HAI.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Part of the Omni family product line, the new console has an updated look with larger buttons, a blue backlight, and a thinner profile. It's compatible with all Omni family controllers and is lower in cost by about 15 percent from the firm's...

Lincoln windows.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Four-panel sliding patio doors are available with narrow or wide stiles and rails and feature pultruded fiberglass sills, twin lock and latch mechanisms, and adjustable rollers on stainless-steel-covered roller tracks. Two operating panels...

Zephyr.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Part of the Power series line, the Hurricane hood features two 695-cfm blowers and an automatic delay-off feature that allows it to run up to 10 minutes after it's turned off to ventilate lingering odors. It comes in 30- and 36-inch models in...

Nichiha.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Available in two profile sizes, Sierra Premium Smooth fiber-cement siding comes factory primed and can withstand 110-mph winds. Other new products flora the firm include EXTrim fiber-cement trim; Kura Stone stone-look fiber-cement panels; and...

Vitra.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Available in wall tile sizes of 8 inches by 12 inches and 10 inches by 13 inches, the Galia porcelain series also comes in 6-inch-by-6-inch, 12-inch-by-12-inch, and 18-inchby-18-inch floor tiles. Coordinating trims, inserts, and listellos also...

Rohl.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Part of the Perrin & Rowe collection, the solid brass kitchen bridge faucet features a temperature-mixed sidespray. A non-stick diverter allows positive switching between the spout and the sidespray. The unit comes with a choice of cross or...

Bosch.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Part of the Nexxt laundry line, the front-loading washer features sensors that digitally monitor and maintain water temperatures for 15 washing programs as well as adjust water level, wash time, and energy consumption according to load size. A...

Mid-America.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... The Arch Top shutter is the latest addition to the firm's extensive shutter collections. It comes in 18 colors as well as a paintable version. Other siding accessories and exterior decor products are available, including window headers, door...

Kentucky wood floors.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Shown in Brazilian cherry in the chantilly pattern, prefinished parquet flooring also comes in white oak, maple, and American walnut in three additional patterns. The designs come in squares measuring 5/16 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches and...

Style solutions.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Designed for exterior use, steel-reinforced structural square columns can support up to 12,000 pounds. The polyurethane columns measure 8 feet tall and come with mounting plates and sheet metal screws. The square column design complements the...

Aristokraft.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Unexpected touches, such as frieze rails, moldings, and other embellishments, seta kitchen apart, claims the manufacturer. Decorative tapered legs in the Embellishment line are the newest option for kitchen base cabinets. They are available in...

Lutron.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Part of the Satin Colors collection, the Grafik Eye series of multi-scene preset lighting controls can interface with projection screens, audio-visual equipment, climate controls, and security systems. Wall-mounted control units and see...

Panasonic.(Fresh start: clean up this spring with these lively new products)
March 1, 2004... Ductless mini split air conditioners offer flexible installation with a compact indoor unit and a separate outdoor unit that can be placed up to 82 feet away using a connecting pipe, says the maker. Features include automatic restart...

Fresh faces: many exciting products debuted at the International Builders' Show.(Trends: show roundup)
March 1, 2004... With more than 100,000 people crowding the exhibit hall floor at the 2004 International Builders' Show in January, you may not have checked out all the goods each manufacturer had on display. From appliances and windows to caulks and toilets,...

Open wide: sliding door systems provide abundant access to the outdoors.(Trends: sliding door systems)
March 1, 2004... Integrating indoor and outdoor spaces has never been more popular--or easier. Lift-slide and slide-fold door systems in huge, multiple-panel configurations allow entire walls of glass to be opened, creating the ability to erase the boundary...

Cheap imitations: tool counterfeiting hits U.S., contractors warned to buy from reps.(In the News)
March 1, 2004... Buy a bargain-priced tool out of the trunk of a car and your real deal can turn into a raw deal. The Power Tool Institute (PTI) is warning that people impersonating sales representatives of major power tool makers are selling products from...

Under pressure; new treated lumber could corrode fasteners.(In the News)
March 1, 2004... Now that CCA-treated wood no longer is being manufactured for residential applications, the treatment makers along with the Southern Pine Council are recommending hot-dipped galvanized of stainless steel fasteners for use with the alternative...

Fanning the flames: the debate heats up among builders and engineers over the need for new ventilation standards.
March 1, 2004... In a move that has the National Association of Home Builders fighting mad, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has adopted a standard that could spur code officials to require builders to...

Suite success: coordinated bath accessory collections make upgrading easy.(Bath Products)
March 1, 2004... There's an easy way to have happier clients, make more money, and spend less time and frustration in bathroom product selection. Want to know more? When helping clients choose products for their bathrooms, more contractors are discovering...

Always on: standby generators can provide foolproof power for any home.(Construction Products)
March 1, 2004... Prompted by year 2000 power concerns and power outages caused by Hurricane Isabel and the Northeast utility blackout last fall, interest in standby generators among consumers, particularly those who own or who are buying high-priced houses,...

Inside out: built-in grills are fueling the outdoor kitchen trend.(Exterior Products)
March 1, 2004... There was a time when a good part of the American dream was to own a home with a backyard. Dad would drive to the hardware store right before Memorial Day and buy a "barbecue" for summer cookouts. Then, until Labor Day, the whole family would...

Building blocks: acrylic and glass blocks are attractive alternatives to standard glass units.(Interior Products)
March 1, 2004... Suitable for new construction and remodeling projects, glass and acrylic if blocks are growing in popularity with homeowners--mainly in shower surround and replacement window applications--because they allow light in but maintain privacy. They...