Building Products articles from May 2004

Building Products archives from May 2004

Framing revolution: some builders have discovered that Zone Framing[TM] is helping them find more margin in every house they build.(Special Advertisement)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... Builders are looking everywhere to gain an advantage. For the first time in years the place many are finding an edge is in their framing. Today more builders are framing with a calculated blend of sawn lumber and TimberStrand[R] LSL. ...

Mark your calendar.(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... JUNE 10-12 AIA NATIONAL CONVENTION & DESIGN EXPO. Chicago. For information call 800-242-3837 or visit www.aia.org. JUNE 14-16 NEOCON: WORLD'S TRADE FAIR 2004. Chicago. For information call 800-677-6278 or visit...

Eclectic choices.(Editor's Perspective)
May 1, 2004... On more than two dozen editorial pages starting on page 52 you'll find the top 100 products you and your colleagues wanted to know more about. You won't see many windows, doors, or cabinets, but an eclectic bunch of items ranging from radiant...

DuPont.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Inspired by the Japanese design concept of wabi-sabi, the six newest Corian colors feature soft, muted tones with translucent particles in powdery bases. The subdued neutral hues come in canvas, dove, green tea, raffia, rice paper, and white...

LG Electronics.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... The energy-efficient side-by-side refrigerator features a linear compressor that allows it to consume less energy than traditional side-by-side refrigerators for lower energy bills, says the firm. Instead of a typical reciprocating compressor,...

Style Solutions.(New arrivals)
May 1, 2004... In celebration of the firm's 30th anniversary, 30 new polyurethane moldings are available. Profiles include designs such as crown fascia and chair rail and classic dentil molding that were developed based on customer input. More than 200 pieces...

Sea Gull Lighting.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Recently named Energy Star Partner of the Year by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, the firm makes a wide range of products that allow homeowners to save up to 30 percent a year on their energy bills. Products...

Kohler.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Under-counter cast iron kitchen sinks come in a number of shapes and sizes in black black, sandbar, cashmere, and thunder gray shades. The sinks, which feature an ultra-thick layer of enamel to guard against staining, chipping, and scratching,...

Milgard.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Designed to look and function like a traditional wood window but with none of the maintenance concerns, the firm's single-hung tilt window is the latest addition to the Style Line II vinyl series. It comes in white or tan and features a 2...

Doverra.(Product Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... Fiberglass-reinforced cement hearth products are harder than marble, yet only weigh 4.4 pounds per square foot when cast at 3/8-inch thickness, making them a lightweight alternative to natural stone, says the firm. The mantels and shelves come...

Knight Industries.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Rikett vinyl tiles contain 70 percent quartz crystals, making them flexible and resistant to cracking, scratches, and indentation, claims the maker. The tiles come in 12-inch and 24-inch squares in a range of marble and solid colors. They are...

Baldwin Hardware.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... The Estate Knob is heavy and well proportioned for a well-crafted feel, claims the maker. The solid brass unit comes in a variety of finishes including polished chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, and satin brass. Many other types and styles of door...

Quick-Step.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Elegance laminate flooring features three narrow, random-length planks that have micro-beveled edges on all four sides and an embossed, woodgrain textured finish. The combination of lengths means less chance of pattern repetition, which is a...

Air Vent.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... The SolarCool roof-mounted power attic vent incurs no electrical costs; it runs during daylight hours to help keep attics ventilated, says the maker. It collects solar energy and converts it to electricity. Its dome is on a bracket that tilts...

Nevamar.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Inspired by granite, Bravissimo high-pressure laminates have textured finishes that are protected by the firm's patented coating to guard against abrasions and scuffs. The line comes in five designs. Bravissimo countertops can be fabricated...

Hansgrohe.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Part of the Axor Citterio collection, the single-handle basin mixer comes in chrome or an electroplated platinum finish. Characterized by smooth, rectangular planes, crisp edges, and sharp corners, the collection includes deck- and wall-mounted...

Bosch.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Two new circular saws, the CS10 and CS20, feature composite footplates to withstand everyday abuse; 15-amp motors and lightweight magnesium upper and lower guards for a high power-to-weight ratio; and 56-degree maximum-bevel capabilities for...

Sharp.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Plasmacluster air purifiers remove odors, airborne irritants, allergens, and smoke with ion technology and triple filtration systems that include HEPA and active carbon filters. Three models are available and feature air status indicators,...

Spectra Decor.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... The new line of Resin Inlay hardware, designed by jeweler Lulu Smith, features knobs and pulls made of cast pewter inlaid with hand-pigmented resins in a combination of translucent and opaque colors. Eight colors are available, as well as...

Appiani.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Anthologhia glass mosaic tile comes in numerous shades and features a smooth, semi-sheen glaze. Modular sizes include 1/2-inch-by-1/2-inch, 1-inch-by-1-inch, 2-inch-by-2-inch, and 1-inch-by-2-inch sizes that come pre-mounted on 12-inch-square...

Formica.(Product Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... Metal visuals are emulated on more than one dimension in the Authentix Metal collection of high-pressure laminates. Finishes in the collection include powdered, which features a soft sheen; brushed, which has a classic linear pattern, punched,...

Dewalt.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Redesigned belt sanders feature a three-roller design for better balance and finish, says the maker. Model DW433 has an 8-amp motor with variable speed control and electronic feedback to maintain speed under load. It runs from 850 to 1,400...

Bates and Bates.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Part of the Sculptured Metals collection, model MBO 1014 is perfect for powder room or bar applications, claims the maker. The basin measures 11 1/2 inches by 15 1/2 inches by 6 1/4 inches and comes in polished brass, polished copper, polished...

Fire Magic.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Available in built-in or portable models, the Monarch series grill measures 38 inches by 23 3/4 inches and features 95,000 BTUs with a 25,000-BTU rotisserie backburner. Options for the stainless steel unit include an infrared burner system, an...

Heartland.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Visionary Accents composite trim includes 3 1/2-inch window and door surrounds, 3 3/4-inch outside corner posts, and 5-inch outside corner posts. The line comes in tuxedo gray, wineberry, forest green, Bordeaux, midnight blue, and black and can...

Barclay Products.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Available in an 8-inch wide-spread design, the Murano pedestal lavatory features a molded lip that frames the semi-conical shaped basin, which sits on a rounded column. The white sink measures 23 inches wide by 19 inches deep by 32 inches tall....

Carrier.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Designed to integrate and manage temperature, humidity, air flow, ventilation, indoor air quality, and zoning, the Infinity Control thermostat acts as the command center for the firm's Infinity system of furnace and air conditioning products....

Oxygen Lighting.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Light fixtures from this New York City-based firm are hand-sculpted by artists, making them one-of-a-kind works of art, the maker says. The Lucia pendant's 18-inch-diameter clear-glass outer layer encircles a 7-inch-diameter inner cylinder of...

Owens Corning.(Product Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... The QuietZone Acoustyle coffered wood ceiling system offers integrated sound absorption with the style of custom millwork, claims the maker. Pre-finished coffered wood panels and trim pieces are incorporated into a standard metal T-rail grid...

Element Designs.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... AF series aluminum-frame kitchen cabinetry features tempered safety glass panels and three frame profiles in a natural aluminum finish. Options include five glass styles, aluminum or acrylic/aluminum pulls and knobs, and face-frame or frameless...

Signamark.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Grandeur series interior doors come in nine styles and measure 8 feet tall. Several wood species are available including cherry, maple, mahogany, and walnut. Options include one-, 12-, and 18-light grid patterns, beveled glass clusters, and...

HB&G.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... New square-fluted PermaCast columns are paintable and resist insects and weather, claims the maker. The fiberglass-reinforced units are intended for both interior and exterior applications. The columns feature consistent wall thicknesses for...

LG Hi-Macs.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... The Premium Volcanics collection of acrylic solid surfacing encompasses eight colors with deep tones and translucent particulates. More than 50 total colors are available from the maker. The solid surfacing can be used in a wide range of...

Medeco.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Constructed of solid brass with heavy-duty mounting hardware, new high-security locksets feature the maker's Maximum deadbolt. Double-locking resists picking and hardened steel inserts resist drilling. Keys may be reproduced only by authorized...

Hitachi.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... The 18-volt cordless reciprocating saw, model CR18DV, features a single-hand, tool-less blade-change system that eliminates the inconvenience of having to use a wrench. Blades can be mounted in upward and downward directions, allowing users to...

Alterna[R].(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... NEW The industry's first fusion-crafted exterior wood composite door. Alterna by DoorCraft[R] provides the best of wood, steel and fiberglass without the drawbacks. A beautiful entrance door with proven performance. It won't dent or split and...

Impression[TM] Mirror door by DoorCraft[R].(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... NEW Impression Mirror door from DoorCraft adds beauty and dimension to any room. The Impression Mirror door is ideal for use in a bedroom, bathroom or closet. Applications include sliding pocket door, sliding bypass unit, or swinging passage...

IWP[R] Aurora.(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... NEW The worlds finest composite doors. Beautiful doors specifically engineered to withstand the harshest elements. The Aurora line is an excellent value, designed to reflect all of the beauty, texture and weight of a premium hardwood door while...

Morgan[R].(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... NEW Choose Morgan[R] Choose Morgan for the best in genuine oak, meranti-mahogany, and pine wood stile and rail doors. With a century-old reputation for quality, Morgan offers ten times more exterior designs and three times more interior...

Norco[R] radius head clad wood patio door.(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... NEW The Norco patio door line now includes a radius head patio door and a half-panel clad patio door. For those who love the look of a patio door with arched transom. The sophisticated designs combine the look of bygone elegance with...

Caradco[R] SmartFit[TM] clad wood double-hung window.(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... An affordable, high-quality builder's window engineered to your requests. Tilt-in removable top and bottom sash; Aluminum clad exteriors in 3 colors; High-performance Argon-filled Lo[bar]E[R]; Natural wood interiors or pre-painted white are...

Nord[R].(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... Nord[R], known for intricate detail, dramatic designs and unparalleled selections that demonstrate wood's beauty. The Nord offering includes fir, meranti-mahogany, as well as hemlock. Products include exterior, 8'0" and interior doors,...

Pozzi[R] precision double-hung.(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... NEW Building on the artful and innovative designs that have distinguished its products fur the past 34 years, Puzzi Wood Windows[R] is pleased to introduce the Precision Double-Hung Window. This is an enhanced product that delivers the same...

Summit[R] Series 9000 Magnaframe[TM].(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... The Summit 9000 Series is a new, vinyl, wide profile, architecturally designed window, offered as single-hung, double-hung, slider or custom fixed. With the benefits of vinyl and wood in one, the Series 9000 is low maintenance, energy efficient...

DoorCraft[R] exterior steel doors.(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... You'll find wood or steel edge options along with 24- and 25-gauge galvanized steel faces that are ready for a variety of finishes, or ready to install with no finishing required. These rugged, rust-proof and energy-efficient quality doors are...

The IWP[R] Estate[TM] collection.(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... NEW This new door line from IWP is beautifully handcrafted, built with old-world craftmanship for new world architecture. These beautifully aged wooden doors match any architectural style. The IWP Estate Collection includes 30 door designs...

Caradco[R] Tradition Plus casement window.(doors & windows)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2004... NEW The Tradition Plus line of clad casement windows from Caradco are designed to be more appealing in terms of energy efficiency and beauty. Aluminum cladding on the sash is mitered for a more visually pleasing appearance and enhanced...

Bosch. The free-standing convection range features up to nine cooking modes and comes in electric, gas, and dual-fuel models.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... The free-standing convection range features up to nine cooking modes and comes in electric, gas, and dual-fuel models. The electric unit features the firm's mTwisT magnetic Touch & Turn control that combines electronic touch control with an...

Domco.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Influence sheet flooring features glass-reinforced backing that gives installers a thick, 12-foot-wide product that is easy to handle and install, claims the firm. The product, which can be installed above or below grade using the loose-lay...

Rheem.(Product Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... Pronto on-demand, tankless gas water heaters have no standing pilot lights and no storage tanks, eliminating the need to maintain a large supply of pre-heated water. A 4.2-gallon and a 7.4-gallon unit are available; both instantaneously deliver...

Pella.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Available on select Designer and Architect series windows, Vivid View screens allow for greater airflow into and out of the home and allow the architectural features of a window to stand out, claims the maker. They are made from a...

Swanstone.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Available in white, bone, and bisque, single- and double-bowl solid-surface kitchen sinks now come in a bright gloss finish. The single-bowl model measures 25 inches by 22 inches and the double-bowl sink measures 33 inches by 22 inches. Both...

Impronta Italgraniti.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Impronta Easy series glazed ceramic wall tiles come in five hues in matte, ribbed, and pre-cut mosaic finishes. The tiles are available in sizes measuring 10 inches by 16 inches, S inches by 16 inches, 4 inches by 10 inches, and 13 1/2 inches...

Pittsburgh Corning.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Featuring a metal oxide coating that controls the passage of sunlight, Solar Reflective glass block reduces solar energy gain, creating a more comfortable environment, claims the manufacturer. The block comes in clear and wavy patterns in one...

G-P Gypsum.(Product Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... Designed for residential builders, DensGlass Silver sheathing features glass mats on the front and back of a moisture-resistant core co reduce the risk of mold, like its commercial counterpart, DensGlass Gold. Silver sheathing measures 7/18...

Morice.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... The 36-inch-wide Morengo cooktop comes in polished or brushed stainless steel or a choice of eight standard or custom colors. Available in a four-burner configuration or a dual-burner setup with an oversized, gas-fired simmering plate, both...

RMC.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Timbermill wood-grain vinyl siding panels, made from TempRite CPVC, feature insulated foam backing that conforms to the shape of the panels. The log-look panels shield the home from exterior noise while reducing air leaks, heat transfer, and...

Mountain Lumber.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... English brown oak is reclaimed from century-old cider and stout ale casks for European Cooper's Oak crown moldings, backbands, chair rails, base-caps, window and door casings, beaded base-boards, scotia, shoe moldings, hand rails, pickets, and...

Aristokraft.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... One of two new cabinet door styles introduced at the 2004 International Builders' Show, the Sinclair style features a 7/16-inch overlay square profile. The door, which has a solid birch frame, comes in fawn and autumn finishes. Other products...

Pactiv.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Designed to fill the hollow spaces between the vinyl siding and the exterior wall, GreenGuard Backer-Pro fanfold underlayment adds impact resistance and firmness to vinyl siding, claims the maker. The extruded polystyrene product fits most...

Jeld-Wen.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... New Carriage House series composite garage doors come in 27 designs in classic and modern styles. Choices range from flush-panel doors to historic-looking patterns with unique trim details and wood-grain detailing. The doors are available with...

Alsco Metals.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2004... Contours collection aluminum molding includes J-channel, flush frieze, brick pocket frieze, fascia, end caps, and other profiles; all feature a patent-pending solid foam mounting system that allows them to be installed on a variety of exterior...

Deep clean: central vacuum systems improve indoor air quality and make cleaning easier.(Trends)
May 1, 2004... Central vacuum systems are a standard offering for many custom builders and luxury production builders. Over the years, homeowners have come to appreciate the conveniences central vacuums offer, and builders have become comfortable installing...

Showstoppers: exciting new products debuted at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show.(Show Roundup)
May 1, 2004... New products--from brushed nickel faucets to high-performance toilets to faux granite surfacing--crammed each aisle of McCormick Place in Chicago at the 2004 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in April. Here are just a few of the many show highlights....

High panel prices are back again.(In the News)
May 1, 2004... The new year has brought no relief from last year's astronomical lumber prices. Reflecting strong demand, plywood, OSB, and framing lumber prices bounced back to the records they set last summer and threaten to go even higher. With...

Letter to the editor.(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... Your article titled "Building Blocks" in the March/April issue may have left some readers with questions or concerns regarding acrylic block products. I'd like to provide some more details. As you reported, there are many wonderful ways to...

At your request: here are the 100 products and materials readers want to know more about.(Top 100)
May 1, 2004... From pricey door hardware to radiant heat flooring to one-of-kind custom products, readers made thousands of requests for information from manufacturers about products and materials they saw on the pages of this magazine and two sister...

Bathing beauties: showers still are tops with many homeowners.(Bath Products)
May 1, 2004... According to noted kitchen and bath designer Jim Krengel, more people are choosing showers as their primary bathing units, causing the bathing products market to head in two distinct directions. Namely, pros are installing low-maintenance...

Foam home: sprayed-in-place insulation combines exceptional R-values with an air barrier and vapor control.(Construction Products)
May 1, 2004... Most residential structures are insulated with fiberglass batts because they are a cheap source of added R-value. But there's more to insulation than R-value. For best results, batts must be accurately cut to fit the joist or stud...

Vinyl view: when mixed with wood, vinyl, or composite decks, vinyl railing systems offer good looks and easy maintenance.(Exterior Products)
May 1, 2004... Treated lumber is tops in the railing category, but vinyl is giving wood and composite systems some serious competition these days because homeowners are recognizing that it's attractive, low maintenance, and cost effective. And for...

Fabulous floors: beautiful, earth-friendly bamboo and cork help builders stand out from their competition.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2004... Buyers of New Urban Builder's $210,000 to $425,000 homes in Chico, Calif., like the standard-issue bamboo floors the production builder installs in the dining room and foyer so much that they've made the imported hardwood the most common...

Super bowls: kitchen sinks hit their stride with more material and style options.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2004... When thinking kitchen sinks, Cheryl Schuette of Littleton-based Village Homes of Colorado readily admits that this semi-custom production builder's bottom line is price as it relates to building costs. Neverthless, the senior vice president of...

Speed bump: new nailer rules change your bump-fire options.(Tools & Equipment)
May 1, 2004... If you just bought a pneumatic nailer and wonder why it won't bump-fire, check the tags and labels on the box. Modifications to industry safety standards announced last May have changed the way heavy-duty nailers are configured, catching many...

Newest innovations in moulding and millwork: the demand for better performing, cost-effective building products never lets up.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
May 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...

Open up: available in dozens of styles, sliding and patio doors offer wide-open views of the great outdoors.(Windows & Doors)
May 1, 2004... No matter what type of sliding or patio door you offer, homeowners demand unobstructed views and lots of light. And manufacturers are offering a broad array of high-performance products to suit every style and budget. Many manufacturers...

Fastener drive tools.(What's new: short reports on products and programs)
May 1, 2004... Irwin. The firm's line of fastener drive products includes nutsetters, insert bits, power bits, double-end bits, insert bit holders, screw guides, specialty bits, socket adapters, and fastener drive Pro-Pak cases. The industrial-grade tool...

One-coat paint.(What's new: short reports on products and programs)
May 1, 2004... Masterchem. Kilz Casual Colors one-coat paint features extra solids and pigments to guarantee that a single coat will hide any color it's applied over, claims the maker. The paint is available in 243 colors and a selection of white shades. The...

Brick carrier.(What's new: short reports on products and programs)
May 1, 2004... Marshalltown. The QLT Carrier Fork is the latest addition to the firm's extensive line of masonry tools. Designed to pick up and carry brick or block with just one hand, the Fork will carry 12 standard bricks with the number of blocks varying...

Fuel and nail combo kits.(What's new: short reports on products and programs)
May 1, 2004... Paslode. Quick Pak fuel and nail combo kits are designed to work with the firm's entire line of cordless trim tools including its straight 16-gauge finish nailer, angled 16-gauge finish nailer, and 18-gauge finish nailer. Quick Paks contain...

Pocket knives.(What's new: short reports on products and programs)
May 1, 2004... Klein Tools. Part of the firm's professional hand tool line, six lightweight pocket knives come in four blade lengths. Four of the knives have drop-point blades and two have sheepfoot blades; all blades are made from stainless steel, all lock...

Fish tape.(What's new: short reports on products and programs)
May 1, 2004... Gardner Bender. Upperhand ergonomically designed fish tape features a heavy-duty nylon handle that reduces wrist and forearm strain by focusing the grip on the palm of the hand instead of traditional finger-grip construction, claims the maker....

Adhesive guide.(What's new: short reports on products and programs)
May 1, 2004... The Reality Group. The FastGuide plastic guide attaches to all brands of 10- and 29-ounce adhesive cartridges to make product application quick, clean, and accurate in subfloor, drywall, paneling, and millwork applications, and to prevent...

Vertical Wall Mix.(What's new: short reports on products and programs)
May 1, 2004... Specialty Concrete Products. Fossilcrete Vertical Wall Mix bonds to wallboard, plaster, drywall, paneling, brick, stone, or existing concrete. The modified polymer cement product can be applied up to 3 inches thick and can be stamped and...

NECA releases residential generator standards.(Industry News)
May 1, 2004... The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) recently released NECA 406 standards for installing residential generator sets. The twenty-fourth volume of the National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS) series of publications is...