The Building Products Guide > Product Reviews

Showerheads - Rain, not Drizzle

Dana Holmes — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Today's popular extra-wide showerheads are intended to simulate the feeling of a gentle rain. But the so-called ''rainshowers'' can feel more like an unsatisfying drizzle under low water pressure. Moen's Velocity Rainshower solves the problem with a self-pressurizing design. According to the manufacturer, it delivers three times more pressure than the average rainshower. It's also dual-function. In one mode, the 8'' wide showerhead provides a relaxing rainshower. With the flip of a lever, it spits out a concentrated spray that's more like a traditional showerhead. A variety of finish options are available, including high-gloss chrome, brushed nickel, and antique bronze.

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Supplier: Moen
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Bamboo Flooring - Choices, choices, choices

Dana Holmes — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

If you like the idea of bamboo flooring (durable, economical, sustainable) but find that the look is a little too out-there for your home, give the latest offerings from USFloors a look. The Expressions line of drop-and-lock bamboo flooring is chock full of colors and finishes to fit any style, including many that resemble traditional wood flooring. A multitude of finishes are available, from natural bamboo tones to dark stains that give the look of exotic hardwoods. Options usually only seen on high-end wood floors, like a hand-scraped finish and multi-width planking, are available. The pre-finished (UV-cured aluminum oxide) flooring is constructed in the US entirely out of mature six-year-old moso bamboo. Fully mature bamboo yields a denser, more durable finished product, acccording to the manufacturer. The flooring carries a limited lifetime warranty on structure and wear in residential applications. The flooring can be cut with regular woodcutting tools and doesn't need to be glued or nailed down, making installation within the grasp of most do-it-yourselfers. Several nationwide big-box retailers stock the flooring.

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Supplier: USFloors, LLC
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Gas Log Sets - Fire and Light

Deborah Holmes — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Raise your hand if you think those ceramic logs for gas fireplaces really look like wood. The folks at Stellar Hearth Products didn't think so either. So instead of trying to perfect fake logs, the company embraced the reflective quality of ceramic glass to create its dramatic ''Glass Gas Log Set.'' Try saying that three times fast. A dozen reflective glass panels interlock like a 3-D puzzle to form a rack of ''logs.'' Accent lighting on the burner (moonbeam) and front grate (amber) makes the gas flames appear to dance throughout the firebox. Optional mirrored firebox panels can further enhance the light display. When it's too warm for a fire, you won't be left looking at a black hole. Turn on the accent lights to catch reflections off the edges of the glass logs -- instant, cool ambience. The set fits into most masonry and pre-fab fireplaces and produces up to 44,000 BTUs of heat. Available for either natural gas or propane, the set must be vented directly through a chimney. Professional installation is recommended, but the manufacturer promises the process is straight forward. Ten pounds of ''liquid mercury glass beads'' come standard with the set and add to the light and color display. Blue-gray glass pebbles are standard and cover the burner area. Water (clear) and tequila (amber) beads can be added to the floor of the firebox ($100 for 10 pounds of additional beads). Other add-ons include a battery backup to operate the set without electricity and a remote control for the flame.

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Supplier: Stellar Hearth Products
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Flooring - Palms Down

Dana Holmes — Tue, 31 JJan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

It's a trendy new alternative to hardwood flooring that's exotic, sustainable, and economical. Thinking bamboo? Think again. Smith and Fong's Durapalm flooring is milled from plantation grown coconut palms trees that have been cut down because they are past their fruit-bearing years. The finished flooring has an appearance vaguely reminiscent of mahogany but with a dark, straight, fibrous grain. Palm trees have no growth rings, branches, or heartwood so Durapalm is free of knots and shows almost no imperfections in the grain. As for durability, it rates higher than oak, maple, and other common hardwoods on a standard hardness test. Coconut palm timber varies in hue depending on what part of the tree it is milled from, so the flooring comes in a variety of natural colors. The tongue and groove flooring is available finished or unfinished and can be glued or nailed down. Boards measure 5/8'' thick, 3'' wide, and come in random lengths between two and six feet. The manufacturer sells the flooring direct at $7-$9 a square foot.

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Supplier: Smith and Fong
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Showers - Steam Clean

Dana Holmes — Tue, 31 JJan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

If you already spend too long in the shower every morning, adding this decadent steam shower and Finnish sauna unit to your bathroom probably won't help matters. It's packed with features that are sure to suck you in and make a quick in-and-out shower impossible. And if you arrive late for work, you'll be very relaxed and very clean. The shower features a powerful 3 kilowatt generator that quickly fills the unit with steam to relax sore joints and muscles. Wall-mounted ''hydro massage'' jets shoot pressurized water at targeted areas to provide an acupuncture-inspired massage. Think whirlpool jets, but in the shower. Assuming you actually need to attend to your basic hygiene, an overhead mounted rain-simulating shower and a handheld wand have you covered. While you're playing with this myriad of aquatic gadgets, an integrated surround sound system can pump in some tunes. Everything is controlled by a centrally located computerized control panel. After you've thoroughly drenched yourself in the steam shower, a sliding door lets you move right on to the cedar-paneled sauna next door. A built-in 2.8-3 kilowatt sauna stove quickly cranks the temperature up to provide an authentic Finnish sauna experience. All of this luxury comes at a price -- over $5,000 from most retailers -- but with everything this baby offers, you might as well sell the house and move in.

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Supplier: Ariel
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Bathtubs - Spa Style

Dana Holmes — Mon, 30 JJan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Just one look at this freestanding wooden tub instantly evokes visions of long steamy soaks on dark winter nights. Solid knotty cedar construction, a polished finish and chrome details combine for an inviting spa-inspired style. It's a delightful blend of rustic and high-end that would look right at home in the master bath of a ski house or luxury cabin. Wood certainly isn't on the short-list of materials typically used for tubs, but the manufacturer assures us that this tub is designed and built for regular use. It's reinforced with three iron wraps (like a barrel) for extra durability. No special maintenance or cleaning is required, but the tub does need to be filled with water during long periods of non-use to prevent the wood from drying and cracking. This unique style comes at a surprisingly affordable price. The tub is $2,450 from the manufacturer, but most resellers list it at a substantial discount. The pictured chrome fixtures and padded headrest are included with the tub. The company also offers a selection of cedar and oak freestanding tubs made in other styles.

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Supplier: Alfi Trade Inc.
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Sinks - Grass is Greener

Dana Holmes — Mon, 30 JJan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

It seems like everything is made out of bamboo these days -- including the kitchen sink. Alfi's new farmhouse sink is made entirely out of the fast-growing grass, making it a fitting addition to green homes and uniquely styled modern kitchens. The sink's natural wood construction is certainly eye-catching, and with bamboo's proven record of durability in floors and countertops, it should stand up to some abuse too. The sink features tough 1-1/8'' thick side walls and a completely waterproof non-porous surface. Bamboo may be pretty resilient stuff, but it's still not stainless steel, so this sink does require some minimal maintenance. The manufacturer recommends washing the sink with mild dish soap daily and avoiding contact with harsh cleaning chemicals. In addition to the double-bowl model pictured, the manufacturer also offers a single-bowl model.

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Supplier: Alfi Trade Inc.
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Countertops - Green and Brown and Hard All Over

Deborah Holmes — Fri, 27 JJan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Despite the fact that bamboo is not wood (it's actually grass), the stalky weed gives most hardwoods a run for their money in terms of strength and value. Teragren takes advantage of bamboo's durability by turning it into end-grain butcher block with a beautifully subtle parquet pattern. Like the hardwood equivalent, Teragren's bamboo butcher block is food safe (thanks to the formaldehyde-free glue used in manufacturing), easy to finish and refinish, and durable enough to use as a cutting surface. The manufacturer claims that the finished product is actually more durable than common hardwoods -- 29% harder than North American hard maple and 45% harder than northern red oak, to be exact. It's economical, too. At $22-$28 a square foot, pricing is lower than most hardwood butcher block. Two standard sizes, 30'' x 96'' x 1.5'' and 36'' x 72'' x 1.5'' are available. The manufacturer can also produce custom sizes up to 4' x 8' x 3''. Experienced woodworkers can cut and shape the block themselves with standard woodworking tools. Available unfinished or with a food-safe mineral oil and beeswax finish.

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Supplier: Teragren
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Toilets - Dual-flush Retrofit

Dana Holmes — Fri, 27 JJan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Toilets that offer two different flush volumes are the norm in much of Europe, but they've been slow to catch on stateside because the higher initial cost tends to offset any savings on the water bill. One2Flush offers a cheap water-saving alternative to installing a new toilet: a kit to upgrade your existing toilet into a dual-flush model. The kit provides all the parts needed to add dual flush capability to most standard toilets. Once installed, pushing the handle down results in a half-volume flush for liquid waste while pushing up yields a full-volume flush for, well, you get the idea. Installation is fairly straightforward and requires only basic hand tools, but it does require taking the tank off the toilet bowl which can be intimidating to those without much plumbing experience. The kit retails for around $25 at various big-box chain stores and on-line retailers.

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Supplier: One2Products
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Bar Sinks - The Entertainer

Dana Holmes — Fri, 27 JJan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A well-stocked wet bar is a must for frequent entertainers, and a good sink is a must for a well-appointed wet bar. Lenova's Entertainer sink fits the bill perfectly. As the name suggests, this stainless steel sink is built with entertaining in mind. An assortment of included modules let this sink do a lot more than just wash glasses. Fill the sink with ice and a wine chilling rack keeps two bottles cool as they are being served. A divided condiment tray slips into the other half of the sink to hold snacks and garnishes. When it's time to clean up, a drying rack lets glasses drip dry over the sink, eliminating the need for a countertop dish strainer. A seamless drain design makes for low-maintenance and a streamlined look. Two included cutting boards fit over the sink and sit flush with the countertop, providing extra counter space when the sink isn't in use.

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Supplier: Lenova Sinks
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