Feed Your Desire with a Flatfire

Make room for the award winning, Flatfire direct vent gas fireplace, designed by the Wittus team and Paul Henning. This eloquent, easy to install, well designed unit can be used to add a dramatic finishing touch to any room.

A window to the world of fire, the rectangular glass facade provides the perfect viewing arena for its captivating flames. The Flatfire fireplace is 42” wide, 30” high and 7.5” deep and the size of this unit offers countless design possibilities. Keeping in line with European style, the Flatfire comes in black or silver gray with various custom frame options.

Tile backer

Temple-Inland has added another new product to its growing GreenGlass family, called GreenGlass tile backer. The tile substrate is designed for walls, ceilings, shower and tub enclosures, countertops, and residential or light commercial floors. GreenGlass is ideal for use in commercial and industrial kitchens, laundry or utility rooms, bathrooms, locker rooms, laboratory white rooms, operating rooms, enclosed swimming pools, residential steam rooms…and even in high-humidity non-tile areas. GreenGlass features a built-in moisture-blocking acrylic coating that resists water penetration through its surface, plus a water-resistant gypsum core formulated to include the TemShield Mold Protection System. Faced on both sides with naturally mold- and moisture-resistant fiberglass mats, this combination has been shown to be highly mold-resistant when tested as per ASTM D3273. www.greenglasssales.com :: 800-231-6060

Glulam

Rosboro has introduced the first full-framing width, architectural-appearance stock glulam. The new product—X-Beam— signifies exponentially increased convenience for those who build with engineered wood. The X-Beam allows distributors and retailers to stock one set of SKUs for exposed and concealed application; it also eliminates the extra jobsite labor of shimming to compensate for the width difference between traditional glulam and standard framing material. The X-Beam’s increased width translates to greater load-carrying capacity, so builders have all the inherent advantages of glulam plus greater strength and a more refined appearance. www.rosboro.com :: 888-393-2304

Saddle box

Weather Guard brand has introduced an all-steel, low-profile saddle box. Secure, durable and convenient to use, the saddle box is designed to maximize visibility and enhance safety. The all-steel box comes in two sizes to fit both full-size and compact pickup trucks. The box’s heavy-duty steel construction is topped off with a powder coat finish and comes in either a black or white. Another important quality about this product is that installation is quick and easy with crimp-free/drill-free mounting brackets. The saddle box also features gas shocks that ease the lid open at the push of a button. The box’s cover, when fully open, sits at a 90-degree angle, providing unhindered access to the inside. www.weatherguard.com :: 800-456-7865

Storage

The Curve takes luxury blind corner storage to the next level by incorporating the beauty of chrome oval wire with the sophistication of glass. The individual door mountable shelves provide a custom two-drawer look for blind corners and allow for complete access to cabinets, utilizing an amazing 775 square inches of surface area. Available for left and right hand blind corners, the Curve has fully adjustable mounting brackets that allow it to work in full height, drawer/door, or custom two-drawer applications with a minimum inside width ranging from 35 11/16 inches to 43 13/16 inches and a 17 1/2-inch width door opening. www.rev-a-shelf.com :: 800-626-1126

Sustainable studs

Weyerhaeuser has unveiled Green Studs, which are independently certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard (SFI) and are Green Approved by the NAHB Research Center for use in the National Green Building Standard. In addition, Weyerhaeuser uses strict grading standards and advanced milling and manufacturing practices to create straighter studs than conventional lumber, and applies a mold inhibitor to each board. Weyerhaeuser Green Studs are manufactured in Oregon from Douglas fir. Depending on location of the jobsite, they can qualify for regionally sourced materials points under green building programs such as the National Green Building Standard and LEED for Homes. www.weyerhaeuser.com :: 888-iL evel8

Truck accessory

Highway Products Inc. has introduced its 2010 model of Pickup Pack for Builders’ Pickup Trucks. Pickup Pack works as a mobile office and combines lockup security and maximum storage, and is highly customizable. Pack includes a gull wing saddle box, two lockable low side boxes, a flat or dome center hatch, and a removable ladder rack. When closed, the hatch locks the tailgate, making the bed area secure and weather resistant. Optional Roller Coaster cargo tray that installs in your truck bed and holds up to 2,000 pounds slides your gear out of the truck bed fast and easy. The unit is made of thick marine-grade aluminum. Stainless steel T-handle locks provide lockup security to your tools. These units are available to fit all truck brands, models and bed sizes, and come with a five-year warranty. www.800toolbox.com :: 800-866-5269

Sidewall sprinkler

Viking Corporation has announced its 4.0 (58) K-factor residential, flat plate concealed, horizontal sidewall sprinkler. The VK480 provides a horizontal sidewall sprinkler installation option with a true, flat plate, concealed appearance. Using the VK480’s special installation pipe guide, the new sprinkler installs into a standard 2 x 4 stud wall. The pipe guide, which is shipped standard with the sprinkler at no additional charge, ensures the proper location of the sprinkler to allow for ¼-inch (6 mm) adjustment of the cover plate. The patent-pending sprinkler is cULus listed for up to 16 x 18-foot (4.9 x 5.5 m) coverage areas. The VK480 has a temperature rating of 165°F (74°C) with a 135°F (57°C) cover plate. The cover plate’s standard finish is white. Through Viking’s industryleading custom paint program, Viking can apply virtually any brand and type of paint to the cover plate as well. www.vikinggroupinc.com :: 800-968-9501

Bidet

Coway has unveiled its Premium Bidet product line, which includes the BA-13 and BA-17 models. The BA-13, which was customized for U.S. homes to fit any toilet type or size, offers all the high-tech elements that complete the modern bathroom. The BA-17 is the next generation eco-friendly bidet, which is self-powered using pressure from the water flow to generate sufficient electricity. Coway’s bidet uses less than a gallon of water per day for the average family, reduces a need for toilet paper, and saves energy. www.coway.com :: 213-480-1600

SUWANEE, Ga., June 2, 2010 – Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Solutions (Mitsubishi Electric) has introduced new systems that are ENERGY STAR®-rated and qualify for federal tax credits.

“The new M-Series systems are unique to the industry in that they provide much higher efficiencies and enhanced performance yielding greater comfort at a lower operating cost,” says Chuck Applebee, product manager, Mitsubishi Electric.

ClimateMaster has introduced the new Tranquility (TAH) Air Handler Series with sizes in the 26, 38, 49 and 64 MBH range.

Tranquility air handlers are specifically designed and matched for use with the Tranquility indoor and outdoor geothermal split systems, making them an ideal choice for hi-efficiency retrofits.

When paired with a split unit, the TAH has the highest energy efficiency ratings of any system on the market today and uses the environmentally friendly refrigerant, Earthpure® HFC0410A. It also exceeds ASHRAE 90.1 and Energy Star 3.0 efficiencies. They also meet federal requirements for the 30% tax credit on installation costs.

ClimateMaster now offers new Tranquility® (TAC) Cased Air Coil Series with sizes 026, 038, 049 and 064.

Tranquility indoor coils are designed and matched for use with Tranquility indoor and outdoor geothermal split systems. Using EarthPure® HFC-410A refrigerant, the TAC exceeds federal requirements for the 30% tax credit on installation costs when paired with a ClimateMaster Tranquility split unit. Also, when paired with a split, the TAC exceeds ASHRAE 90.1 and Energy Star 3.0 efficiencies.

Water-conserving showerhead

American Standard has enhanced its top-rated FloWise collection of water-conserving bath showerheads, including, for the first time, hand showers, along with an increased assortment of styles in up to five finishes. With single-function or three-function capability, the entire FloWise showerhead collection continues to feature water savings at 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm), without compromising the showering experience. The newly expanded FloWise line features single-function showerheads and hand showers that create a drenching shower with as little as 1.5 gallons of water per minute; three-function showerheads and hand showers that offer the 1.5 gpm turbine spray plus two other comfort settings: a full spray and a combination of the full and turbine sprays, both of which consume a maximum 2.0 gpm. www.americanstandard-us.com :: 800-4421902

Faux beams

Outwater’s high-density polyurethane Ancient Rustic, Modern, Contemporary and Vintage Faux Wood Beams and corresponding Corbels let builders recreate the rustic looks that mimic authentic, aged, hand-hewn oak beams. Outwater’s hollowed Faux Wood Beams are lightweight and sturdy and are easy to install on virtually any type of surface by means of affixing them via countersunk nails or screws to nailing blocks or wood planks, which serve both as a point of attachment as well as an installation guide or template. Offered in numerous styles and finishes, which now includes a rounded Log format, Outwater’s Faux Wood Log Beams & Faux Wood Beams and complementary corbels, brackets and panels can be tooled and refinished using traditional techniques and tools. www.outwaterplastics.com :: 888-772-1400

Off-the-grid heating and cooling

The Acadia combined heating and cooling system can be installed in new builds or can be retrofitted for homebuyers considering green upgrades. The Acadia works with the existing infrastructure or can work in conjunction with wind and/or solar technologies to enhance their efficiencies. The Acadia utilizes a patented “Boosted Compression” technology that makes it the first heat pump to work in cold climates down to 30 degrees below zero. www.gotohallowell.com :: 877-3ACADIA

Power box

Bosch Power Tools & Accessories has launched the Bosch Power Box 360. The five-speaker design with an integrated subwoofer—an industry first among jobsite radios—projects high-quality, enriched sound in all directions. That means no more jobsite bickering over the placement of the radio. The PB360S model offers more than two times the sound power output of the previous version, and the PB360D model offers up to five times more sound power output. Advanced digital signal processing delivers optimized AM/FM reception and quality, for crisp, clear radio sound. The Power Box 360 features a weather-sealed digital media bay that offers secure storage and protection from moisture, dust and debris. The digital media bay also features a built-in SD memory card and USB ports so users can play MP3 and WMA digital music files right from the SD memory card or USB thumb drive device. www.boschtools.com :: 877-BOSCH-99

Pipe cutter

The RIDGID Tailpiece Extension Cutter (Model P-TEC 2550) saves users time and material costs by making a clean, fast, straight cut with one tool on polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and thin-walled PVC plastic tube used in sink drain extensions and tailpieces. The cutter is intended for thin-walled tailpieces, wall extension tubes, and disposer kits made of PE, PP or PVC materials. The Model P-TEC 2550 cutter provides a contained, auto-fed cutter for the standard sizes of 1 1/2- and 1 1/4-inch outer diameters. The automatic deburring feature eliminates the need for a second tool and produces only a fine strand of plastic, as opposed to the fuzz around the cut produced by hacksaws or other tools on the market. The automatic beveling feature allows for the effortless assembly of slip joints and kits for immediate joining to other sink drain pieces. Easy-view windows ensure straight cuts on a measured and marked pipe. www.ridgid.com :: 800-769-7743

Nora's "RADIANT RED" pendants add fire to sophisticated interiors

COMMERCE, CA - Nora Lighting releases The Radiant Reds, a show-stopping series of red-hot art glass pendants that add an exclamation point to sophisticated black and white or neutral interiors.

At home in residential, commercial, retail or hospitality sites, Nora’s Radiant Reds are offered in more than 20 different pendant styles, sizes and finishes. Fanciful beaded shades share the spotlight with contemporary cylindrical shapes and graceful waterfall, teardrop or trumpet stylings.

Casting a warm glow over a dining table, countertop, center island, reception desk or other vignette, Nora’s Radiant Reds feature a range of mounting options and lamp sources. With these choices, designers can create a visually-appealing installation that meets a client’s energy-saving and design criteria.

Plastpro introduces the True Three Panel door- a new product line. It’s available in traditional Woodgrain or contemporary Smooth Skin. The True Three Panel door comes in two sizes and wide range of decorative glass options.

Product advancement allows contractors to eliminate the need for stair-rail specialists.

April 19, 2010 – Astute contractors looking for high quality results within ever-tightening budgets are finding new ways of reducing the time and costs associated with traditional Stair Rail installations.

Pre-engineered Stair Railing kits from BW Creative Wood Industries Ltd are easily and accurately installed in a fraction of the time and with superb results by anyone with the most basic carpentry skills – drastically reducing traditional costs & time-commitments for all stair-building projects.

Xchanger™ Reversible Basement Fan

White Bear Lake, Minnesota - Tjernlund’s XCHANGER™ Basement Fan is a unique, energy-saving fan with an adjustable dehumidistat control to automatically ventilate basements or other areas of stale, musty or smelly air. Installed in an outside wall it features two reversible 90 CFM fans that can exhaust air from the interior, draw fresh outside air into the home or provide a balanced air exchange with no bypass from either airstream. Uses only 40 watts compared to over 1000 watts for a typical dehumidifier, saving over $100/year in electricity. Great for damp, musty basements, garages, storage areas or cabins. Built-in dampers prevent unwanted air infiltration. Simple plug-in electrical. Optional plug-in speed control, timer and ducting kits available. For more information call or email Bob Tjernlund …btjernlund@tjfans.com or 800-255-4208 x 126. Or visit www.tjernlund.com

Exterior Door Collection

Simpson Door Company has unveiled a new line exterior doors that reflect the characteristics of its Mastermark Collection. Featuring ornate surface molding, Innerbond double hip-raised panels and designer-inspired decorative glass, new Simpson Mastermark Collection doors offer customers more options for creating the grand entryway they desire. Among the new designs introduced include the Embarcadero 6468 French door and matching sidelight 6469, which offers customers another full lite decorative glass option. The silver caming in the glass separates obscure and clear beveled sections to create repeated geometrical shapes around a central medallion, giving the door a contemporary look that can complement any style.

www.simpsondoor.com :: 800-SIMPSON

PVC fencing

CertainTeed Corporation has introduced Bufftech Imperial and Baron fence products with Select Cedar Texture, featuring the look of freshly painted wood in an easy-care vinyl design. Made possible through a proprietary texturing process, Select Cedar Texture goes beyond a scratched-on or embossed pattern for an authentic woodgrain look. Featuring a picket-style design, Baron with Select Cedar Texture is available in Almond and White colors in 4, 5 and 6-foot heights. Imperial with Select Cedar Texture consists of a semi-private design and includes a color palette backed with ColorLast fade protection. Also available in 4, 5 and 6-foot heights, the product comes in Almond, Clay and White colors as well as Sierra Blend—a variegated, multichromatic color that recreates the natural beauty of stained cedar. Both product lines feature a steel-reinforced bottom rail for a stronger, more rigid fence that resists sagging or bowing. The fences are manufactured from premium-quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which provides UV resistance, will not rot, warp, split or splinter, and can be recycled at the end of the life of the product.

www.certainteed.com :: 800-233-8990

Glass Tile

The Sumi-e (Japanese for “calligraphy”) collection from the Lunada Bay Tile division of Stone & Pewter folds streams of brilliant glass pigments into pure, crystal-clear (post-consumer recycled) glass, which bleed into the body of each clear tile resulting in a stunning and deep color effect. Stone & Pewter Accents Sumi-e tiles from the Lunada Bay division are available in 15 colors with both natural and silk finishes. Tile sizes are Mosaic (1-by-1-inch), Brick (1-by-2-inch), Large Brick (1 3/8-by-6-inch) and Mini-brick (1/2-by-1-inch), Mini-brick Stacked 1/2-by-1-inch ), Herringbone (1-by-2-inch) and Penny Round (3/4-inch). All Sumi-e tiles are complemented by the collection’s glass borders, which are offered in coordinating colors.

www.stonepewteraccents.com :: 310-257-1300

Self-Sealing Furring Nail

Fasten Seal self-sealing furring nails are rated ES 1675 and seals the penetration the nail makes while simultaneously furring the lath wire. Fasten Seal nails are currently specified by UC Davis architects and were used during construction of the most recent dorms at Cal Lutheran University, as well as other commercial and residential builders.

www.fastenseal.com :: 805-497-0200

Compact Grinder

Metabo Corporation now offers the 5-inch W11-125 Quick Compact Class Angle Grinder featuring Metabo’s quick wheel change system that makes changing discs both safe and easy without the use of tools. With a 9.6-A motor, the W11-125 Quick is ideal for cutting and grinding applications in the mechanical maintenance and metalworking industries. Metabo’s Vibratech (MVT) side handle reduces vibration up to 60%, lowering the risk of white finger syndrome. The tool’s ergonomic dual-position side handle and racket grip design ensure secure operation at all times. The W11-125 weighs just 5.8 pounds and includes a fully encapsulated on/off switch and carbon brush holders, and double-lipped labyrinth sealed bearings. In addition, the grinder features 1,100 watts of power, 26.9 inch-lbs of torque and a no-load speed of 10,000 rpm. It comes standard with side handle, wheel guard, inner flange and unique outer quick nut.

www.metebousa.com :: 800-638-2264

Motorized Gate System

Ultra Aluminum has released the Revolution Gate with a concealed operating system that utilizes an integrated mounting post and power actuator that delivers simple rotational motion of the gate upright itself. The Revolution Gate attaches to the fence post through a unique, one-piece extrusion and a special set of hinges top and bottom. The Revolution Gate actuation mechanism is contained entirely within the frame, so movement of the gate has little to no effect on long-term performance. The sleek and efficient design can reduce the need for costly system maintenance and repair of the gate and operating mechanism.

www.ultraaluminum.com :: 800-656-4420

Column Wrap

Fypon has introduced the PVC Unassembled Column Wrap in an Economy Plain Style. The complete kit arrives with the PVC shaft panels, base, cap, nailing blocks and installation cleats in one box, and is designed to save installers jobsite installation time and effort. List pricing starts at below $140 per kit, depending on the column wrap size required. The free-floating decorative Unassembled Column Wraps can be positioned around existing wood or steel structural porch or deck posts. A lock-miter step assures ease of assembly while allowing for flexible wrap positioning. Fypon Unassembled Column Wraps come in a variety of more than 18 standard widths and heights, allowing for the perfect size for any project. Each kit includes the box style cap and base. Fypon also offers a full line of labor-saving two-piece, semi-assembled column wraps in more than a dozen different styles, such as Raised Panel, Fluted, Tapered, Non-Tapered and Craftsman. Each decorative column wrap installs in about 15 minutes, providing a unique look and custom style to both interior and exterior column wrap projects.

www.fypon.com :: 800-446-3040

No-VOC Stain

Sansin Corporation has announced its new Purity Interior Zero VOC Penetrating Stain (0-VOC), the first water-based interior wood stain with a base free from any harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that penetrates both soft and hard woods with consistent, uniform coverage. With Purity Interior Zero VOC stain, customers can apply the stain directly to any wood without purchasing and applying wood conditioners, requiring less stain to deliver vibrant and even wood saturation with little to no odor and zero VOCs.

www.sansin.com :: 877-SANSIN-1