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.
Progress Lighting. The Westin lighting collection offers clean-lined style without embellishment, creating a timeless addition to any room, according to the maker. The simple design is offered in Venetian bronze or brushed nickel and features smooth, ivory glass fixtures. A full complement of fixtures includes sconces, chandeliers, and pendants. 864-599-6000. www.progress lighting.com. |  |
 | Beam Industries. The Serenity IQS Power unit includes an electronic user information system that provides real-time data telling the homeowner how efficiently the system is performing, when to check the dirt level in the collection receptacle, and when to contact a dealer for service. It delivers 640 air watts of cleaning power and has an antimicrobial agent lining the collection bucket. 800-369-2326. www.beam.com. |
| Marvin. The Integrity by Marvin Ultrex pultruded-fiberglass product line now includes the All Ultrex sliding patio door. Designed to be eight times stronger than vinyl and twice as strong as steel, according to the maker, the door is available in five exterior colors with a stone white interior. It has a standard 33/8-inch jamb depth; factory-installed jamb extensions are available. 888-537-7828. www.marvin.com. |  |
 | Crossville. Glass Blox tiles come in 44 colors from dazzling brights to subtle neutrals, according to the manufacturer. All solid colors come in 1-inch-by-1-inch mosaics, 2-inch-by-4-inch rectangles, linear bars, and 4-inch-by-4-inch tile. Blends are available as mosaics and liners. The product is for wet or dry applications. 931-484-2110. www.crossvilleinc.com. |
| Dow Building Solutions. Dow Window & Door 1000 Sealant is formulated to seal window and door framework, exterior and interior trim, and finish joints and interfaces. The non-yellowing product resists moisture and mildew, and its rust inhibitor reduces the potential for corrosion at joint seals with metal components, notes the manufacturer. 866-583-2583. www.dow.com. |  |
 | Simpson Door. Available on the Performance series door line (pictured), WaterBarrier technology offers superior durability and resistance to moisture absorption, according to the manufacturer. The technology combines a one-piece medium-density overlay (MDO) with PVC glazing bead on the outside of the door. The MDO features a thermoset acrylic latex primer topcoat, which provides an excellent base for applying water- or alkyd-based paints, the maker says. 800-746-7766. www.simpsondoor.com. |
| Decra Roofing Systems. Villa Tile barrel-profile roof tile is made of steel but coated with stone to resemble the look of Old World Italian tile, the maker says. It can be installed directly onto the roof deck as well as over battens. The lightweight, interlocking tiles, which come in five standard colors, won't crack, burn, curl, split, or rot. 877-463-3272. www.decra.com. |  |
 | Bosch. These carbide hole saws cut through wood, ceramic tile, brick, cinder block, cement board, fiber-cement board, and plastic. They feature diamond-ground carbide teeth and clearance slots for chip and dust removal. The saw kits come with 19 cups ranging from 1 to 4 1/8 inches. Two sets are available for multiple cutting applications, and each comes with two carbide-tipped pilot bits and a quick-change mandrel. 877-267-2499. www.boschtools.com. |
| Jeld-Wen. The MAG-Lock one-touch automatic magnetic lock now comes standard on all of the manufacturer's premium vinyl slider and single-hung windows. The lock requires just one finger or the side of a hand to operate. Fully concealed in the window profile, the lock magnets will maintain their force even after 36,000 uses, the company says. 800-877-9482. www.jeld-wen.com. |  |
 | Trex. Developed with Veka Innovations, Escapes cellular PVC decking and fascias resist stains, mold, scratches, and fire and can be cleaned easily with soap and water, the maker says. The product features a natural wood-grain pattern in three colors: pewter, Sahara, and acorn. Fascias are available in matching colors plus glacier white. 800-289-8739. www.trex.com. |
| Staron. Ten new colors in the Tempest Stylist series of solid-surface products use rich, natural color tones and include larger translucent particulates, creating a look that echoes quartz and natural stone, according to the maker. In several of the new color choices, reflective chips mimic the metallic elements and minerals often found in natural stone, the manufacturer adds. 800-795-7177. www.staron.com. |  |
 | Pella. ProLine windows and doors, which feature a solid wood interior and EnduraClad exterior aluminum cladding, are now available in two new colors, black and brick red (shown). ProLine products come in a wide range of standard styles and three grille types: simulated divided lite, between glass, and removable. New ProLine simulated divided-lite grille options include custom, cross, top row only, and nine-lite Prairie versions. 888-847-3552. www.pella.com. |
| Boral Bricks. Thin Brick is an interior product that imitates the look and feel of oversized, handmade brick, the maker says. It comes flat with matching corner pieces. Color ranges include gray, red, brown, and caramel gray. Each piece weighs less than 1 pound, and the product does not require reinforced walls or foundations, the maker says. It installs in the same way as thin veneer products and is backed by a 50-year limited warranty. 800-526-7255. www.boralbricks.com. |  |
 | Simpson Strong-Tie. The THJU hip/jack hanger offers flexibility because its configuration allows it to handle both right- and left-hand hips. It can be ordered to fit a range of hip skews up to 65 degrees, as well as various single- and two-ply hip/jack combinations. The product can be installed either before or after the hip and jack are in place. 800-999-5099. www.strongtie.com. |
| Thomas Lighting. The Salzburg decorative pendant has the feel of the old, heavy, carved wooden furniture of northern Europe, as well as the intricate furnishings and structures of Venice and northern Italy, the firm says. The lead details are enhanced with subtle gold highlights. The carved glass adds a sense of heritage and timelessness, the maker adds. 800-365-4448. www.thomaslighting.com. |  |
 | Eldorado Stone. Eldorado RoughCut stone veneer mimics limestone with embedded, fossilized artifacts and a cleaved face. It comes in three colors and stone sizes ranging from approximately 1 1/2 inches to 11 inches wide and from 2 inches to 18 inches long. Color palettes include swatches of golden umbers or earthen-browns, rusts, and pallid grays, depending on the color. 800-925-1491. www.eldoradostone.com. |
| Kwikset by Black & Decker. SmartKey lockset cylinder technology allows builders to easily re-key a deadbolt without the expense or hassle of replacing locks. Using a simple tool, the locks can be re-keyed in three steps in 30 seconds or less. A certified ANSI grade-1 product, SmartKey is found on the manufacturer's Signature series line of products. 800-327-5625. www.kwikset.com. |  |
 | Royal Group Technologies. Royal Outdoor Products offers a diverse collection of outdoor columns in its Royal Décor Antiquity line. The all-vinyl columns range from Colonial to Arts & Crafts styles and come primed with paintable surfaces or ready to install in white, tan, or clay colors, with no painting necessary. Easily retrofitted for existing homes, the columns can act as load-bearing architectural components or decorative elements. 800-488-5245. www.royalcrownltd.com. |
| TimberTech. Forty percent lighter than the company's wood-plastic composite planks, the manufacturer's XLM is a durable expanded polymer decking material that features a blend of mineral enhancements to reinforce its structural integrity, the maker says. The product provides scratch and stain resistance and is available in grooved or non-grooved planks. The grooved planks are designed to work with ConceaLoc, the company's stainless steel hidden fastener. 800-307-7780. www.timbertech.com. |  |
 | Kohler. The San Raphael Pressure Lite is the industry's first one-piece, 1.0-gpf high-efficiency toilet with pressure assist technology, the company says. Compressed air is used to propel water for robust flushing power. According to the firm, the toilet can save a household of four 7,000 to 10,000 gallons of water a year. The one-piece unit has Comfort Height seating and an elongated bowl. 800-456-4537. www.kohler.com. |
| Whirlpool. The Duet Steam washer-and-dryer pair naturally steams out stains, wrinkles, and odors in minutes without pretreating or chemicals, according to the manufacturer. Shown in Aspen green, the washer uses up to 73 percent less water and 77 percent less energy than conventional top-loaders and steams away tough stains, from grass to grease, the maker says. 800-253-1301. www.insideadvantage.com. |  |
 | Pactiv. GreenGuard DC14 Drainage Board is a secondary weather barrier designed with large channels that allow the flow and escape of trapped water behind exterior walls. Made of extruded polystyrene, the material's closed-cell structure does not absorb water, according to the manufacturer, and an R-value of 1 helps increase the wall systems' efficiency. 888-828-2850. www.green-guard.com. |
| Benjamin Obdyke. Tear-resistant SynShield synthetic roof underlayment can be left uncovered for up to six months, the maker says. It is UV-resistant and comes in rolls 48 inches wide and 250 feet long. Each roll weighs 33 pounds, which is 40 percent lighter than a felt roll, the maker says. SynShield passes Miami-Dade County building-code requirements and has a 30-year limited warranty. 800-346-7655. www.benjaminobdyke.com. |  |
 | Amarr. The Classica collection includes four new stamped-steel carriage house garage door designs. The Northampton (pictured) is a traditional recessed-panel model; the Edinburgh features a herringbone pattern; the Alicante has a Southwestern influence; and the Bordeaux reflects a regal style. All come in three construction types: single-layer (steel), double-layer (steel and polystyrene insulation), or triple-layer (polyurethane between two layers of steel). 800-503-3667. www.amarr.com. |
| Rinnai. The Tankless Heating System combines a tankless hot-water heater with a hydronic air handler to deliver on-demand heat using the same source for both domestic hot water and space heating. For optimum heat output in both applications, a priority system temporarily shuts down the air handler during periods of high hot-water demand, preventing the unit from blowing cold air. 800-621-9419. www.foreverhotwater.com. |  |
 | Windsor Windows and Doors. The Anodize finish, a clear layer that molecularly bonds to the exterior aluminum cladding of the maker's wood windows, appears metallic. The company offers seven anodized colors: clear, champagne, light bronze, medium bronze, dark bronze, extra dark bronze, and black. The finish creates contemporary or urban curb appeal in residential applications, the firm says. 515-223-6660. www.windsorwindows.com. |
| USG. Made with strong paper tape laminated to a sturdy, rust-resistant metal form, Sheetrock paper-faced metal bead creates problem-free and crack-free corners, the company says. Offered with a limited lifetime warranty for long-term performance, the product provides resistance to edge cracking and chipping during normal building movement and everyday wear and tear, the maker adds. 800-874-4968. www.usg.com. |  |
 | Azek. Made of cellular PVC, Azek decking resists mold, mildew, scratching, and fading, as well as natural and man-made stains, such as those from wet leaves and fruit punch, the maker says. It features a wood-grain texture in five colors. The product is easy to install and clean, the company says, requiring only occasional soap and water. 877-275-2935. www.azek.com. |
| Travis Industries. Featuring no louvers or face plates and minimal glass framing, the 1080TV (top venting) Builder 16-inch clean-face gas fireplace offers a sleek, clean look. The value-priced unit, which comes in the Fireplace Xtrordinair, Avalon, and Lopi brands, is available in a rectangular design. Its slim outside trim allows for an expansive 1,080 square inches of fire-viewing area. 800-654-1177. www.travisproducts.com. |  |
 | Ryobi. The 12-volt compact lithium-ion drill is lightweight at 1.8 pounds, making it useful for tight spaces, the maker says. The drill has a one-hour charge time and will retain a charge even during long periods of inactivity, the company adds. Featuring a heavy-duty, 3/8-inch keyless chuck for quick drill and driver bit changes, the tool runs at 0 to 550 rpm. 800-525-2579. www.ryobitools.com. |
| Hickory Hardware. Marked by sweeping curves, contoured lines, and simple detailing, the Deco collection of decorative cabinet hardware recalls the industrial designs of the Roaring '20s, according to the manufacturer. It has a stylish, modern appeal that complements a modern or a traditional home, the maker adds. Available in a satin nickel finish, the products include cabinet knobs and a cup pull. 877-556-2918. www.hickoryhardware.com. |  |
 | Endura. Designed to protect high-end wood or fiberglass French doors from weather performance failure, the Wood Veneer Ultimate Astragal eliminates air and water infiltration using a three-point sealing system. The sealing system provides a seal between the astragal, the inactive and active door, and the sill. A floating seal lifts when a door is opened to create a strong seal when the door closes. It works in both in-swing and out-swing applications and comes in several styles and sizes. 800-334-2006. www.enduraproducts.com. |
| iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. Shear Brace, part of the manufacturer's wall bracing system, provides the strength and support necessary to resist forces such as high winds, hurricanes, and earthquakes, says the company. It is typically used in framing areas of the home where high lateral loads must be resisted. Made of TimberStrand LSL, the brace is optimized to accommodate large loads and remain stiff, the maker says. 888-453-8358. www.ilevel.com. |  |
 | 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.IMAGEIMAGEIMAGE 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. |