Second GlanceThe 100 products worth another look.

  • By Jeffery Lee, Victoria Markovitz and Stephanie Holman
  • Source: BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine
  • Publication date: 2007-03-28

One is a perennial reader favorite, and the other is just starting to make inroads in the building industry. While closet organization systems and underdecking products share little else in common, they both bear the distinction of being some of the building products our readers wanted to know more about.


Ranging from beautiful decorative products to new technologies, the following 100 building products and materials represent the top items that you asked for information about during the past year by mailing us reader service cards found at the back of each issue of Building Products and other Hanley Wood magazines. The products come from the editorial pages, and they represent a diverse range of innovation, beauty, and utility.


Each Top 100 product is listed with a photo, a descriptive caption, and the manufacturer's Web site and phone number. If you didn't see these products the first time they appeared, this is your chance to check them out. We hope you'll find some unique items that will cause your customers to take a second glance at your next project.

Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

1 Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators. Designed to operate using air and gravity, the Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator features an exterior tube made from clear polycarbonate supported by an aluminum structure, a clear polycarbonate passenger car, and a suction assembly. Vacuum pumps or turbines use air to pull the car up to the desired floor, where an anchoring system activates to stop and lock the car. The elevator, which doesn't require a pit or machine room, offers a panoramic view. 305-235-6707. www.vacuumelevators.com.

Ainsworth Thermastrand Radiant Barrier OSB

Thermastrand Radiant Barrier OSB

2 Ainsworth. The firm claims Thermastrand OSB not only blocks up to 97 percent of the sun's radiant heat, but is the only radiant barrier product with a 25-year warranty that guarantees the foil will not delaminate. Thermastrand keeps attics up to 30 degrees cooler and heat distribution more consistent throughout the home. Air conditioner running time and its on/off cycling also are reduced. 877-661-3200. www.ainsworth.ca.

DuPont Tyvek AtticWrap Breathable Roofing Membrane

Tyvek AtticWrap Breathable Roofing Membrane

3 DuPont. Tyvek AtticWrap breathable roofing membrane forms vent channels beneath the roof sheathing that generate a dynamic air flow from soffit to ridge. This concentrated roof ventilation helps dissipate attic moisture in cold weather and reduce heat buildup in warm weather more efficiently than traditional attic ventilation, providing a 20 percent reduction in heating and cooling costs, says the company. Furthermore, the product is the first to completely seal the building envelope, creating drier, healthier living spaces by helping to eliminate dust, pollen, and insects in attic spaces, the firm says. 800-448-9835. www.construction.tyvek.com.

SunRise Solar 1050 Solar-Powered Attic Fan

Solar-Powered Attic Fan

4 SunRise Solar. The SunRise 1050 attic fan, which mounts on the roof, runs on solar power so no wiring or electricity is needed. By removing heat and moisture from the attic, the unit reduces energy consumption, extends the life of HVAC equipment and shingles, and keeps insulation dry, the firm claims. The unit moves 1,050 cfm. It comes fully assembled and can be installed in less than an hour, says the company. 866-599-3566. www.sunrisesolar.net.

Rheem Direct-Vent Tankless Water Heater

Direct-Vent Tankless Water Heater

5 Rheem. The second-generation Tankless Water Heater line includes a 7.4-gpm direct-vent model and a 5.3-gpm model, both with sensing burner technology, overheat film wrap, and high-altitude options. Units can easily be linked together to expand an existing system or service a large home. A 140-degree F thermostat is standard. 866-720-2076. www.rheem.com.

Studio Becker Timeless Wardrobe System

Timeless Wardrobe System

6 Studio Becker. Featuring Italian design elements, the Timeless Wardrobe system is made of natural maple and comes in four wood finishes. The system is ergonomic, the maker claims, and uses a chrome carousel that rotates 360 degrees and a swing rod to store clothing out of the way. Closets can be standard or custom-built. 510-865-1616. www.studiobecker.com.

Barnes-Stonedale Lifcon Fiber Panels

Lifcon Fiber Panels

7 Barnes-Stonedale. Lifcon fiber panels save material costs and construction time, says the maker. They are termite-proof, are fire- and black-mold-resistant, withstand 120-plus-mph winds, and have soundproofing and insulation properties, says the manufacturer. The panels, which can be drilled, cut, nailed, and adhered like wood, come in 2-foot-by-8-foot panels. 713-973-2977. www.barnes-stonedale.com/lifcon.

Space-Metrics Closet System

Space-Metrics

8 Space-Metrics USA. This floor-mounted closet features spacious, custom-fit melamine shelving and drawers. Storage accessories include valet rods and shoe fences. It's available in seven colors and in wood-grain finishes. 608-297-8201. www.space-metrics.com.

ClosetMaid Custom-Built MasterSuite Collection Closet System

Custom-Built Laminate MasterSuite Collection Closet System

9 ClosetMaid. Offered in raised or smooth front panels, the laminate MasterSuite collection is available in maple, warm cognac, clean white, and antique white. The custom-built, dealer-installed system uses dowel-and-screw construction and includes accessories such as shoe cubbies and islands, ensuring no two closets are alike. 800-221-0641. www.closetmaid.com.

L.E. Johnson Products 2000 Series Pocket Door Frame Kit

2000 Series Pocket Door Frame Kit

10 L.E. Johnson Products. In response to increasing popularity of big doors, the manufacturer has introduced the 2000 series pocket door frame for doors weighing as much as 300 pounds and measuring up to 5 feet wide and 9 feet tall. The hardware package includes the header, jambs, heavy-duty I-beam aluminum track, and two four-wheel hangers. 800-837-5664. www.johnsonhardware.com.

Kohler WaterTile BodySpray

WaterTile BodySpray

11 Kohler. Featuring a flat, square design, the WaterTile BodySpray can be installed on virtually any new-construction flat wall or ceiling or at an angle at the intersection of a wall and the ceiling for a completely custom shower. The units are available with 22 nozzles for a relaxing experience or 54 nozzles for an invigorating shower. They come in six finishes. 800-456-4537. www.kohler.com.

NanaWall Systems NanaScreen

NanaScreen

12 NanaWall Systems. Designed to work with the NanaWall opening glass wall system, which provides for expansive unobstructed views, the NanaScreen provides a clear view while keeping out insects. The units retract easily for wide-open views, can be stopped at any point along their single track, and feature full-height magnetic catches. The linear, pleated polypropylene screen material endures strong wind conditions. 800-873-5673. www.nanawall.com.

Closets Central Custom Closet System

Custom Closet System

13 Closets Central. This Antique White custom closet system features melamine shelving in a variety of sizes and comes with a Formica-topped island. Systems can be custom-designed in three colors and eight wood-grains and offer open shelving or a wardrobe look with full doors. A standard white line also is available for quick shipping. 866-496-7453. www.closetcentral.com.

ThyssenKrupp Access LEV Signet Elevator

LEV Signet Elevator

14 ThyssenKrupp Access. The LEV Signet elevator requires only a 6-inch pit depth and doesn't need a separate machine room for mechanicals. The elevator is designed for plug-and-play installation and is engineered around a modular system of rails that come in longer lengths for easier installation, the firm says. The unit is available with fully customized cabs including with a variety of finishing options such as wood and veneers, marble, and tile. 800-925-3100. www.tkaccess.com.

Knight-Celotex

SoundStop FlameSpec Tackable Wall Panels

15 Knight-Celotex. SoundStop FlameSpec Tackable Wall Panels provide superior sound-deadening qualities combined with the safety of a Class A fire rating, according to the manufacturer. Formulated to achieve high-performance with an environmentally friendly, lightweight design, the panels also create attractive and usable wall surfaces that install easily and match any room design, the maker adds. 847-716-8030. www.knightcelotex.com.

Windquest Cos. ORG Customizable Storage Solutions

ORG Customizable Storage Solutions

16 Windquest Cos. The ORG line of wall- or floor-mounted customizable storage solutions comes in 3/4-inch, 1-inch, or 1 1/8-inch particleboard with melamine laminate. Available in four colors and five wood-grains, the line includes four door and drawer options. A full line of complementary accessories is available. 800-562-4257. www.home org.com.

Custom Closet System

Classy Closets

17 Classy Closets. This system's custom-stained alder veneer also is offered in maple or oak with solid wood raised-panel doors and drawer faces. In addition, systems come in solid wood or melamine with flat or rounded edge finishing. Featuring glass inset doors and dentil molding, this line features his-and-hers enclosed hanging spaces and an island with 16 spacious drawers. 800-992-2448. www.classyclosets.com.

Virtú Closet Organization Collection

Virtú Closet Organization Collection

18 Knape & Vogt Mfg. The Virtú closet organization collection features heavy-duty, scratch-resistant coated steel and aluminum wire appointments. Baskets, racks, hampers, and trays pull out smoothly on nylon roller slides, the manufacturer says, offering accessibility and durability at 13- and 20-inch extensions. The system is available in solid birch wood with some semi-opaque melamine parts. 800-253-1561. www.kv.com.

Schulte Corp. freedomRail Shelving System

freedomRail Shelving System

19 Schulte Corp. The versatile freedomRail system utilizes steel hanging rails and uprights that securely hold components without having to be anchored to the wall, the maker claims. The durable melamine shelving is available in cherry, maple, and white. Sections can be reconfigured once the system is installed, allowing for easy custom storage. 800-669-3225. www.schultestorage.com.

Frigo Design Hand-Woven Copper Backsplash

Hand-Woven Copper Backsplash

20 Frigo Design. This hand-woven copper backsplash is seared to cause rainbow as well as light and dark hues to appear on its surface. The woven texture and multi-colored design work with a variety of kitchen styles, says the maker. Sizes are available to fit standard cooktops, or the backsplash can be custom-built to fit any size or shape. 800-836-8746. www.frigodesign.com.

UnderDeck Outdoor Ceiling Systems

Outdoor Ceiling Systems

21 UnderDeck. This outdoor ceiling system attaches to the underside of a second-story deck to create dry space for a patio or seating area underneath. The firm offers an Architectural Design series with a coffered beam and crown molding, a Pro Design series with a linear look, and a wood-grain product that blends with cedar exteriors and log homes. 877-805-7156. www.underdeck.com.

Schulte Corp. The Classica line of melamine home storage can be used to organize a variety of spaces, particularly the master suite, claims the manufacturer. The line is available in cherry, maple, white, and bisque veneers and includes 14-, 19-, and 24-inch-wide shelves. Floor or wall-mount options allow for a variety of customized designs. 800-669-3225. www.schultestorage.com.

Schulte Corp.

22 Schulte Corp. The Classica line of melamine home storage can be used to organize a variety of spaces, particularly the master suite, claims the manufacturer. The line is available in cherry, maple, white, and bisque veneers and includes 14-, 19-, and 24-inch-wide shelves. Floor or wall-mount options allow for a variety of customized designs. 800-669-3225. www.schultestorage.com.

Rubbermaid Heirloom Collection Melamine Closet torage System

Heirloom Collection Melamine Closet torage System

23 Rubbermaid. With 3/4-inch adjustable melamine shelving, the Heirloom collection is available in white, maple, and cherry veneers. Raised door and drawer fronts add style, the manufacturer claims, and built-in hampers hide dirty laundry. With a corresponding wire collection, Rubbermaid offers solutions for reach-in or walk-in closets. 877-533-1197. www.rubbermaidpro.com.

Maax Minimalist-Inspired Urban Shower Enclosures

Minimalist-Inspired Urban Shower Enclosures

24 Maax. Minimalist-inspired Urban shower enclosures incorporate frameless tempered-glass panels, clean lines, unobtrusive hardware, and acrylic bases into compact footprints that still provide plenty of room to move. For a modern touch, the acrylic base features a recessed channel around the outer edge, creating the illusion of a raised showering platform, as well as a hidden drain covered by a slate-gray- or white-marble-colored slab. 800-463-6229. www.maax.com.

ProClosets Wall-Mounted Closet Storage System

Wall-Mounted Closet Storage System

25 ProClosets. A choice of six melamine finishes on a particleboard core can be paired with five hanging-bar colors. The wall-mounted designs hang by a steel track system. An 8-foot section can hold up to 1,200 pounds, the manufacturer claims. Standard sizes can be custom fit. The systems come with a limited lifetime guarantee for the initial homeowner. 877-289-2776. www.proclosets.com".

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