The International Builders' Show is back for its fourth and final year in Florida (at least until it returns in 2011), so don't miss your chance to take in the largest annual light construction show in the world in sunny Orlando. Held at the Orange County Convention Center Feb. 13-16, the event will include the most exciting new products for the home building and remodeling industries. More than 1,900 exhibitors from the United States and across the globe will pack onto the show floor with virtually endless displays of innovative, stylish, or problem-solving products. Best of all, we've gathered some of the most exciting new offerings here to give you a sneak peak at the products and materials that can help you save time and money or attract new clients. Kick back and take a look—with miles of show floor to walk, your feet could use the rest.
 | Plastpro. Known for its exterior doors, the manufacturer has launched a prefinished, reversible, interior wainscoting made entirely from PVC composite. Unlike wood, the moisture-resistant product will not warp, corrode, or rot and cleans easily, the maker notes. It can be painted or installed in its pre-finished white color. A separate design profiles on each side allows buyers to choose between a wide or narrow profile. 800-779-0561. www.plastproinc.com. |
Schulte. The manufacturer now offers real wood veneers on its FreedomRail closet storage line. The veneers are available in Espresso and Light Oak, colors that mirror offerings from high-end furniture manufacturers, the maker says. Because FreedomRail is a component system, it can be installed in an entire home in hours, the company adds, whereas a custom wood closet would take longer. 800-669-3225. www.schultestorage.com. |  |
 | Texture Plus. The manufacturer offers four new designs in its line of high-impact, textured HDU (high-density urethane) decorative panels. The new products include a full line of faux stone ledgers and moldings, created as a matched finish for their custom faux panels. Other new designs include a rustic barn wood, an Old World brick, and a wider giant bamboo panel. 800-863-8468. www.textureplus.com. |
Versatile Building Products. Part of its ultra-low-VOC 2 component concrete floor coating line, the Roll On Rock System 4h hybrid primer and hybrid body coat has a pot life of over an hour, the maker says, so it can be applied more than an hour after it has been mixed. The primer dries in 30 minutes, while the body coat and flake can be scraped in a little over an hour after being applied to the floor. 800-535-3352. www.garagecoatings.com. |  |
 | Snap Lock Industries. Designed for the Harley-Davidson enthusiast, Harley-Davidson modular garage flooring consists of a seamless pattern of the Harley-Davidson bar and shield logos on the top of the modular flooring surface. The floor allows quick installation with no tools or adhesives, according to the manufacturer. It is available by the square foot or pre-packed in a 4-foot-by-8-foot parking pad kit. 801-746-0143. www.snaplock.com. |
Visions. The brand's 3000 series single-hung units are now certified at DP-50 pounds per square foot (apart from tempered glass use), ensuring the windows will perform well under extreme wind pressure, the maker says. The products are tested to the ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97 standard for vinyl windows and meet the requirements for a Performance Class/Grade of R50 or higher. 800-584-7680. www.visionswindows.com. |  |
 | Screen Tight. The Royal Wood Wrap n' Snap column wrap turns a treated post into a finished column in minutes for added beauty and long life, according to the maker. The cellular PVC material eliminates peeling, painting, rotting, or denting, the manufacturer adds. The product's Wrap N' Snap lock allows for one-person installation, and ensures the right fit with no exposed fasteners, the company says. 800-768-7325. www.screentight.com. |
Safety Maker. In conjunction with the company's Safety Boot, the Tall Guardrail Brace allows contractors to erect taller freestanding, OSHA-compliant rail systems up to 65 inches, according to the manufacturer. Used with construction-grade 2x4s, the product is attached to the Safety Boot with four screws, extending the base and post connection and enabling contractors to safely increase the height of the railing. 800-804-4741. www.safetyboot.com. |  |
 | Versatex. A new 'T' molding profile enhances beaded panel installation by joining long runs of all beaded profiles, according to the manufacturer. Measuring 5/8 inch by 3 inches, the molding has a ½-inch cutout on each edge, leaving a receiver and cover for the normally exposed 4-foot edges of joining panels. The profile also leaves a cleaner, more architecturally pleasing appearance, the maker says. 724-266-7928. www.versatex.com. |
Watts Radiant. The SunTouch Mat kit includes an electric radiant heat mat, a programmable control, double-sided tape, a LoudMouth monitor, an installation manual, and an installation DVD. Kits are available from 10 square feet to 80 square feet in 120 volts. Thin-set or self-leveling mortar flows through the mat, allowing for one-step installation. 888-432-8932. www.suntouch.com. |  |
 | Apex Wine Cellars. CellarTec Cooling Systems are made exclusively for wine cellars. Product features include a condensation overflow alarm, a cold-weather start program, liquid and cellar air temperature displays, and humidity and ambient temperature displays. The manufacturer provides a personal load calculator at no cost to make sure cooling systems are properly sized for each cellar. 888-999-9749. www.apexwinecellars.com. |
American Aldes Ventilation. VentZone Systems offer dynamic zone control of ventilation airflows. They eliminate unnecessary ventilation and increase airflows to most-needed areas, the maker says. The systems combine terminals that control fans to ventilate only desired areas with low-energy fans. The fans have a low profile, so they can be installed between floors, and they are designed for 4- or 6-inch ducts. The system is Energy Star compliant. 941-351-3441. www.americanaldes.com. |  |
 | Attic Access Door Hatch. Made with a polystyrene foam core, the insulated and triple-weather-stripped E-Z Hatch Attic Access Door System provides an air-sealed opening to the attic. Designed for both new and retrofit construction, the door is sized to fit between roof trusses 24 inches o.c. or between ceiling joists 16 inches o.c., says the firm. It installs with just a utility knife and a screwdriver and is engineered for use with any type of insulation. 508-320-9082. www.batticdoor.com. |
Byers Products Group. The Versa Lift, which can lift storage boxes and other items into attics or down basements every 15 seconds, is now available with a wireless remote control. In addition, a new product called Versa Rail can be used in conjunction with Versa Lift. Versa Rail is an attic stairway safety railing that mounts at the top of the folding attic stairs and features a handrail. It prevents users from accidentally falling through attic stair openings. 405-943-1468. www.bpghome.com. |  |
 | Contact Industries. A thinner and narrower 4-inch-wide version of the manufacturer's tongue-and-groove paneling is available for use on walls and ceilings. The paneling features the company's veneer technology that allows for lengths up to 18 feet and widths up to 10½ inches. It comes in hardwood and softwood species, including vertical-grain Douglas fir and Western red cedar. 800-547-1038. www.contactind.com. |
Clopay Building Products. Avante garage doors now feature a double-wall honeycomb window panel option made from ¼-inch-thick polycarbonate. The panel comes in clear and bronze-tinted material. Durable and lightweight, the panels resist corrosion, the maker says. A rust-free, 2 1/8-inch-thick aluminum frame supports the panels. The frame can either be custom painted or sealed with a clear, white, or brown finish. Capped tongue-and-groove joints and a vinyl weather seal on the bottom of the garage door help keep out the elements. 800-225-6729. www.clopaydoor.com. |  |
 | Construction Solutions. Providing a recessed area in the wall for the dryer vent hose, the DBX1000M reduces the possibility of kinks in the hose, in turn minimizing the potential for fires caused by lint build-up, the maker says. Made of 22-gauge steel, the product can rotate to accommodate upward or downward venting, can be painted, and features a snap-on trim ring to reduce the need for drywall and paint repairs. 866-270-8240. www.dryersolutions.com. |
Design House. The Ironwood WholeHouse matching collection is a complete home package developed for the builder that coordinates finish and style across major product categories, according to the maker. The 22-product collection includes lighting, ceiling fans, locks, faucets, and bath accessories. It features a dark bronze finish with subtle texture, the maker adds. 800-558-8700. www.todaysdesignhouse.com. |  |
 | Feeney Architectural Products. Manufactured and designed by Polymer-Pusch of Germany, LightLine door canopy products combine stainless steel, aluminum, and acrylic components into three modern designs. The canopies come in kits with stainless steel support brackets, UV-resistant acrylic panels, aluminum rain gutters, and attachment hardware. Clear or frosted pane finish options are available. 800-888-2418. www.feeneyarchitectural.com. |
 | Knaack. The StorageMaster chest has gotten an overhaul to give contractors more security at the jobsite. It now comes with a three-point latch with a Watchman IV lock system for protection from pry bars, a Power Pass electrical pass-thru, and reinforced 7-gauge-steel lock box and hinges. 800-456-7865. www.knaack.com. |
Lasertron. Stainless steel cabinets allow the buyer to create a wide variety of looks. Doors come in standard appliance-grade stainless or fingerprint-resistant stainless and in eight designer textures, including linen, leather grain, and diamonds. They can also come in designer black, bronze, blue, and non-tarnish copper. 954-846-8600. www.lasertrondirect.com. |  |
 | OSI Pro-Series by Henkel. Pro-Series QUAD Advanced Formula sealant is a low-VOC product that meets new state and federal regulations. In addition to providing the same adhesion performance as the original formulation, the product offers a large color palette and provides all-weather bonding and easy extrusion. It comes in more than 89 standard colors. 888-445-0208. www.osiproseries.com. |
FrankMorrow. These decorative metal stampings and embossed trims are appropriate for architectural interior accents, lamps, lighting, and furniture, the maker says. The pieces are manufactured in copper, steel, aluminum, and brass. Eight trim designs are available, including the Pine Bough Banding shown here. 800-556-7688. www.frankmorrow.com. |  |
 | Maxxon. The newest addition to the maker's family of green products, Acousti-Mat II Green is available with 40 percent post-industrial recycled content. The underlayment provides sound control, even with ceramic and wood floors. A core of fused entangle filaments attached to a non-woven fabric creates a void area between the subfloor and underlayment. As a result, IIC and STC levels can be increased up to 10 points over wood frame, and IIC up to 20 points over concrete. 800-356-7887. www.maxxon.com. |
Mountain Lumber. Entique Guinness oak flooring is manufactured with a limited supply of wood planks originally used to make beer vats at Guinness's Dublin brewery. Craftsmen have carefully saved details that show the reclaimed wood's history, such as wedges tapped in to strengthen knots in the wood and accents left from iron brands that once marked the vats. The warm-colored flooring ranges in hues from golden brown to dark brown. 800-445-2671. www.mountainlumber.com. |  |
MW Windows & Doors. Useful with most wood double-hung windows when frames are in good condition, the company's sash replacement system includes two double-hung sashes with standard 5/8-inch warm-edge insulated glass, tilt vinyl compression balances, and all necessary installation hardware. Full weather-stripping promotes air-tight performance and tilt-in sashes allow for easy cleaning. All-vinyl, vinyl-clad wood, and all-wood versions are available. 800-999-8400. www.mwwindows.com. |  |
 | ORG. Part of the Easy Track garage organization line, locker storage lets homeowners get a handle on garage chaos with space for backpacks, shoes, boots, and more. The lockers are designed with low drawers for kids and high shelves for adults, and have hooks for coats and backpacks in between. A built-in bench and wire shelves also make it easy to shed shoes and boots and let them dry. 800-562-4257. www.easytrack.com. |
Pass & Seymour/Legrand. The LightSense system allows homeowners to control lights, select room scenes, and operate ceiling fans and small appliances with the touch of a button from anywhere in the house, the maker says. Wall-mounted and wireless controllers let users choose from up to 15 scenes for a room or area, and up to 11 whole-house scenes. The radio-frequency wireless devices include dimmers, switches, fan speed controls, master controls, plug-in modules, interface/key fob products, and an occupancy emulator, which can simulate users' normal use of lights and replicate it while they are away. 800-611-7277. www.passandseymour.com. |  |
 | Polyglass. Both Dade County-approved, Polystick TU Plus and Polystick Basik underlayments are designed to be durable enough to stick to the roof even under hurricane conditions and can be left exposed to the elements for up to 90 days. Polystick TU Plus is appropriate for tile roofs, while Basik works well for metal roofs, the maker says. Able to withstand temperatures up to 260 degrees F, the underlayments combine an atactic polypropylene compound on the top layer with an aggressive self-adhesive compound on the bottom layer. 800-222-9782. www.polyglass.com |
PPG. Designed to meet architects' growing demand for neutral-gray glass, Solarban z50 is a new solar-control, low-E glass with a steely blue-gray appearance. The glass is featured in a new glass design kit along with other clear and tinted glasses from the manufacturer to illustrate the wide range of aesthetic options available. 888-774-4332. www.ppgideascapes.com. |  |
 | Progress Lighting. The Bistro 54 bath collection features sleek, sophisticated metal forms with thin, double-line detailing in a smart, hammered-platinum finish, according to the manufacturer. To complete the fresh look, etched mist glass casts a clean, bright light, the maker says. The collection includes one-, two-, three-, and four-light bath brackets. 864-599-6000. www.progresslighting.com. |
Ridgid. An advanced blade design on the RC-1625 ratcheting plastic pipe and tubing cutter reduces the amount of force required for cutting, the maker says. With a ½-inch to 1 5/8-inch capacity, the tool cuts PVC, CPVC, PEX, polyethylene, polybutylene, and rubber hose. A quick-change blade pin lets users quickly change blades by hand and also keeps clips and screws from being lost during blade change. Made of lightweight, high-strength aluminum, the cutter features ergonomic handles. 800-769-7743. www.ridgid.com. |  |
 RotoZip. Designed by drywallers for drywallers, the DR1 drywall router measures just 7 1/2 inches long, weighs 2.8 pounds, and features a smaller grip diameter than similar tools, providing enhanced cutting capabilities and control while minimizing user fatigue, according to the manufacturer. Running at 33,000 rpm, a 6-amp motor delivers up to 45 percent higher speeds under load than other models, the maker says. 877-768-6947. www.rotozip.com. |
SoftPlan Systems. Version 14 of the SoftPlan program has increased 3-D capabilities, including the addition of the artistic rendering modes Sketched and Illustrated. Textured real-time renderings can contain multiple light sources and shadows, resulting in a higher quality image. The estimating portion of the program now includes a visual estimating tool where items on the materials list are connected visually to their corresponding items on the drawing. 800-248-0164. www.softplan.com. |  |
 | Sostram. A glycol-borate termiticide, insecticide, and fungicide concentrate, Bor-ram is EPA registered as a primary subterranean termite pretreatment for new construction and is also labeled for the control of other types of termites, insects, and decay fungi, according to the manufacturer. The product is applied directly to wood and other building materials, targeting the food source, the maker adds. 770-587-9807. www.sostram.com. |
CPS Security Solutions. The eCamSecure Mobile Surveillance Unit now comes in a solar-powered version. It features a solar panel that rotates 360 degrees, night-vision cameras, and continuous wireless visual and audio contact with a property owner or builder. The unit has a power management system that monitors the condition of the equipment, a battery backup that can power the system for up to four days, and alarms, sensors, and lighting. 800-310-5535. www.cpssecurity.com. |  |
 | Atlas Homewares. Three new collections add to Atlas Homewares' selection of knobs and pulls. Sutton Place has beveled edges; the Hamptons collection uses leather and has finishes in bamboo and earth-tone hues; and the Emma Bath collection features a line of towel and toilet paper bars, hooks, and rings. Also available is an expanded, Asian-style Trocadero collection with two new finishes, a smaller knob, and larger pulls. 818-240-3500. www.atlashomewares.com. |
Quiet Solution. Combining noise reduction with moisture, fire, and abuse resistance, QuietRock DensArmor Plus 528 sandwiches the manufacturer's custom viscoelastic polymer between two layers of Georgia-Pacific's DensArmor Plus wallboard. The 5/8-inch-thick wallboard delivers the benefits of both companies' products with a lower total cost and more simplicity than if used separately, according to the manufacturer. 800-797-8159. www.quietsolution.com. |  |
 | James Hardie. Artisan Lap fiber-cement siding is manufactured with DuraTech technology for structural integrity, and it has deep shadow lines that give the appearance of real cedar. The product measures 5/8 inch thick and has tongue-and-groove end joints to fit tightly together. Boards measure 12 feet long and come in three widths. 888-800-7864. www.artisanluxury.com. |
Eagle. Designed for Axiom casement and awning windows, the Axiom retractable screen is housed on the inside of the window frame when not in use. The screen automatically regulates the speed at which it retracts, so it will not cause damage with an accidental release. The unit comes in nine wood species and 11 interior finishes. 800-324-5354. www.eaglewindow.com. |  |
 | PGT. Offering the warmth of wood and the durability of aluminum, the new Eterna simulated wood-grain finish is now available on select WinGuard impact-resistant windows and doors. Ideal for coastal climates, the finish is available in five popular wood-grains: acacia, cherry, light or dark oak, and dark walnut. 800-282-6019. www.pgtindustries.com |
Weather Shield. Weather Shield's push-out casement window has a traditional design that can be customized with a variety of details, says the manufacturer. Its standard, 4 9/16-inch jamb thickness adds quality and strength, the maker says, and push-out hinges with friction/stay devices keep the windows securely in place whether they're opened partially or completely. Oil-rubbed bronze hardware is standard, but brushed nickel is available. 800-477-6808. www.weathershield.com. |  |
 | NuCedar Mills. Reproduced from classic weatherboard designs, Classic Beaded Weatherboard features a wide clapboard face highlighted by a distinctive bead at the base of the panel. Made of PVC, the siding features a historically correct 7/16-inch profile in a 6 1/2-inch exposure. The low-maintenance siding looks like natural cedar but resists insects and moisture and won't rot or warp, the maker says. 866-393-8883. www.nucedar.com |
Clopay Building Products. The Gallery collection of garage doors can now feature three-layer construction, with a layer of CFC-free polystyrene insulation pressure-bonded between two sheets of 24-gauge steel. The triple-layer construction provides an R-value of 6.5 or 9, depending on the thickness of the insulation. The doors feature both long and short grooved panels that can be combined with insulated square, rectangular, and arched windows. 800-225-6729. www.clopaydoor.com. |  |
 | CertainTeed. CedarBoards XL insulated vinyl siding is 16 feet 8 inches long and comes in a double 6-inch clapboard profile. Molded from real cedar boards and backed with extruded polystyrene insulation, the siding can increase the R-value of a home's exterior by up to 22 percent, the maker says. It comes in 12 low-gloss colors with a limited lifetime warranty and lifetime fade protection. A variety of coordinating trim and accessories are available. 800-233-8990. www.certainteed.com. |
Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing. Water and Ice Protection 300 HT is a self-adhering underlayment developed for use under metal surfaces. The 40-mil rubberized asphalt product has a high tensile strength and can withstand temperatures up to 240 degrees F. It also can seal around any nails, staples, screws, or clips that puncture it during installation, says its maker. The underlayment comes in 67-foot-by-3-foot sheets with a black or white top surface. 800-527-7092. www.carlisle-ccw.com. |  |
 | Maytag. The company's dishwashers now feature a SteamClean option that allows them to remove even stubborn residue and spots from glassware and to clean more powerfully, the maker says. SteamClean adds 24 minutes to the end of the wash process, during which time dishes and glassware are inundated with high-temperature steam. The process ends with a 154 degree F rinse. 800-253-3977. www.insideadvantage.com. |
Sherwin-Williams. Formulated with MoistureGuard technology, which provides superior moisture resistance, Resilience exterior paint cures in about half the time of most conventional exterior paints, allowing for painting even when rain is imminent, according to the manufacturer. The paint also can be applied during the dewy days of spring and fall without concern that its adhesion will be compromised, the maker says. 800-524-5979. www.sherwin-williams.com. |  |
 | Nuheat. Compatible with the maker's electric floor-warming mats, the Nuheat Cable System lets users extend radiant floor heating into intricate and even wet spaces, including shower stalls, benches, saunas, and platforms. The 3/16-inch-thick components add a minimal increase in floor height, says the company. The energy-efficient system generates only 12 watts per square foot and can be controlled with the manufacturer's programmable thermostats. 800-778-9276. www.nuheat.com. |