Building Products Top 100Part 1: 100-76

The need for product innovation doesn't stop in a down economy, and last year building product manufacturers continued to serve customers with plenty of new, valuable introductions for the home and the jobsite. And if Building Products' annual Top 100 list is any indication, contractors looking to differentiate and innovate welcomed that information.

The Top 100 represents those products readers of Building Products and its sister publications Builder, Custom Home, and Remodeling requested more information about by mailing to us the reader service cards found in each issue. As in year's past, you won't find run-of-the-mill commodities here: The Top 100 spans a range of categories, but most are less familiar, new, or trendy. Not surprisingly, green products and technologies--including photovoltaics and solar water heating, tankless water heaters, and energy-efficient lighting--dominate this year's list as pros aim to keep up with the burgeoning sustainable-building movement.

Beyond green, the Top 100 contains many unique gems, such as an inventive sliding door hardware option, a hole-enlarger tool, a water carbonator, and an eye-catching waterfall system.

Whether you caught them the first go-around or are viewing them for the first time, this year's top picks could hold the solutions you and your customers have been looking for. Stay with us over the next two weeks as we count down to number one.

100: Henkel

Henkel

Flextec urethane silane crosslinking technology makes Loctite Universal TAC adhesive suitable for a range of projects in varying climate conditions and on multiple substrates, the maker says. Designed to create a high-strength bond, the adhesive is recommended for use on a variety of materials, including marble, wood, mirrors, ferrous and nonferrous metals, brick, glass, concrete, and PVC. 800-321-1733. www.henkel.com.

99: Bruce Hardwood Floors

Bruce Hardwood Floors

The Turlington Lock&Fold collection offers popular hardwood species that install an average of 30 percent faster than traditional hardwood floors, the maker says. NextGen engineered technology offers double the lock strength of traditional laminate and hardwood floors, and eliminates the need for glue, nails, or staples. Crafted of 100 percent genuine hardwood, the collection is available in 3- and 5-inch oak, maple, or hickory planks, or 5-inch cherry or walnut planks. 800-233-3823. www.bruce.com.

98: Crossville

Crossville

Glass Blox tiles come in a palette of 44 colors. Solid colors are available in 1-inch square mosaics, 2-inch-by-4-inch rectangles, linear bars, and 4-inch square tiles; blends are available as mosaics and liners. The tiles are suitable for interior and exterior walls in wet and dry environments. 800-221-9093. www.crossvilleinc.com.

97: Dwyer Kitchens

Dwyer Kitchens

When a remodel puts a family's kitchen out of commission for an extended period of time, consider the Temp Kitchen. The all-stainless-steel unit features a cooktop, sink, faucet, storage, four grounded outlets, space for a microwave, a fold-up breakfast bar, and a dishwasher with easy plumbing hookups. It requires a 15-amp circuit for operation. 800-822-0092. www.dwyerkitchens.com.

96: Simpson Strong-Tie

Simpson Strong-Tie

Deck Spacers clip onto joists in deck framing to help keep boards evenly spaced. Unlike a 16-penny nail, commonly used for spacing in wood decks, plastic Deck Spacers meet specific spacing requirements for composite decks, and also work well for redwood, cedar, and other woods. The maker says the spacers also act as a shield for the top of the deck joist and help shed debris and moisture away from the framing. Three colors are available. 800-999-5099. www.strongtie.com.

95: EnOcean

EnOcean

EnOcean-enabled controls power themselves and don't need external wiring. Applications include lighting controls and leak detectors. 801-943-3215. www.enocean.com.