Enviro-Trash Concepts

Enabling homeowners to remove rubbish from food preparation areas, the Clean Chute by Enviro-Trash Concepts is a through-the-wall disposal chute that slides waste into the adjacent garage or laundry room into a quick clamp bag system. It can be installed as a single or dual unit. The chute requires a 12-by-12-inch opening.

For more infomation, visit Enviro-TrashConcepts

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Da Vinci Roofscapes

New shake color blends from DaVinci Roofscapes include mountain, Tahoe, autumn and weathered grey blends for the company's faux shake shingles. The colors are protected by the company's ColorSafe with Kynar system that resists weather, UV rays and fungi. The system also reduces the glossy, plastic look of other synthetic shakes.

For more information, visit DaVinci

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Hansgrohe

Featuring a water-saving 1.6 gallons-per-minute flow rate, the Croma 1-Jet EcoAIR hand-shower and showerhead use the company's AIR injection technology. The system draws in surrounding air into the center of the unit and infuses water with air in a 3 to 1 air-to-water ratio. The spray channels are made of silicone and finishes include chrome or brushed nickel.

For more information, visit Hansgrohe

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Hoppe

Made in multiple configurations to accommodate different door hardware styles, Hoppe's HLS 7 Series Stainless Steel Multipoint Locking System are made in 45 mm, 60 mm and 70 mm backsets. The series is crafted from 300 gauge steel and features an anti-back drive feature that prevents the locking points from disengaging from the outside by would-be intruders.

For more information, visit Hoppe

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Wellborn

Made in classic shaker style, the Lancaster Hickory cabinets from Wellborn feature a solid wood center panel and a five-piece drawer front. The line will have six standard finishes and one specialty finish. The company recommends a natural finish to highlight the grain and texture of the wood.

For more information, visit Wellborn

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GE

With more capacity than previous models, GE's king-size 3.8-cubic-foot stainless washer and 7 cubic foot dryer feature an 1100-RPM motor. The washer uses 15 gallons of water for an average load. The dryer door is reversible, 10- or 13-inch high storage drawer pedestals with dividers are available.

For more information, visit GE

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Moen

Made for vessel sinks in a wall-mounted configuration, Moen's Kingsley faucet feature the company's M-PACT common valve system for easy installation. The Kingsley has coordinating accessories and is made in chrome, LifeShine brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze. The faucets are backed by Moen's lifetime guarantee.

For more information, visit Moen

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Insinkerator

The TransCape instant hot water dispensers from InSinkErator features new faucets that now include the View and Wave (shown) designs. The View is made for more traditional-looking kitchen décor, where the Wave complements softer contemporary kitchens. Both are made in chrome or satin nickel finishes.

For more information, visit Insinkerator

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The Future of Green Flooring

As green remodeling continues to grow in popularity, homeowners are looking for more environmentally friendly flooring materials.

Bamboo, which qualifies for certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program, is one of the materials gaining ground because of its natural wood look. Because it grows rapidly, it can be harvested every five or six years, making it a more renewable resource than traditional hardwoods.

The problem with bamboo flooring is that with its increasing popularity, countless companies, many based overseas, have jumped into the market. That's resulted in significant variations in the quality and environmental friendliness of products.

"There are no standards for bamboo flooring, so consumers and remodelers need to be educated," says Ann Knight, vice president and co-founder of Teragren, a producer of bamboo flooring, panels and veneer.

Knight recommends several factors for remodelers to consider when purchasing bamboo flooring.

When was it harvested? Some companies harvest bamboo at three years or less, resulting in softer flooring:

Do they have hardness testing results? The Janka ball test is used to measure the hardness of wood floors based on how much pressure it takes to push a steel ball into wood.

Who are you buying it from? By working with a reputable distributor or manufacturer, there's a better chance of getting a quality product and a warranty that will be honored.

Can the supplier vouch for the environmental friendliness of the product? Many Chinese manufacturers use formaldehyde-based solvents and adhesives. Look for components such as water-based, solvent-free, non-off gassing finishes and proof that factories are ISO-certified.

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Armstrong

Seven new products to Armstrong's Valenza family include four engineered species: Brazillian Ruby Ironwood, Tigerwood (shown), Tauari and Pangali Ironwood. The flooring features a filled-face, sawn surface and micro-beveled edges and ends. The engineered wood products can be glued to a slab foundation in a home's lower levels.

For more information, visit Armstrong

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Villeroy & Boch

The latest in glazed stoneware from Villeroy & Boch includes the Fire & Ice collection. The company touts the shimmering effect of the tile's surface and claims the line is a possible choice in commercial projects because it meets Class R9 slip-resistance requirements. Sizes include 12-by-24-inch, 18-by-18-inch and 24-by-24-inch tiles.

For FREE information, visit Villeroy&Boch

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Quick-Step

Afzelia Doussie, part of Quick-Step's environmentally-sustainable exotic hardwood laminate flooring, features a look similar to teak. Comes in Oiled, a carmel-color and Bleached, a light golden brown. Afromosia and Brazilian Cherry are also offered. The line is available in the company's Perspective V-groove or Eligna square-edged collections.

For more information, visit Quick-Step

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USG Corp.

Made to minimize downtown during flooring installations, USG Corp.'s Quick-Top Floor Underlayment, part of the company's Levelrock brand, is a self-leveling poured gypsum-concrete product that withstands up to 6,000 psi of pressure and dries within 15 hours. It can be applied to subfloors ¼- to ½-inch thick.

For more information, visit USG

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Signature Innovations

Suitable for use underneath ceramic tile; stone; solid and engineered hardwood; and all radiant flooring systems, the FlexiKork padded floor underlayment from Signature Innovations also uses environmentally-friendly adhesives, sealers and finishers from Germany's Uzin Group. According to the company, the product also received high marks in impact insulation and sound transmission resistance.

For more information, visit SignatureInnovations

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Wilsonart

The Cherry Blossom 5-inch narrow plank full board from Wilsonart's Red Label is, according to the company, inspired by a two-year study of Japanese culture. It can be applied over existing floors and requires little maintenance. The flooring features a lifetime residential warranty against wear, fade, stain and topical moisture.

For more information, visit Wilsonart

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Oshkosh

The latest inlay designs from Oshkosh's Essence collection includes the Compassion floor medallion. The decorative forms are made from American cherry, Birdseye maple, Jarrah, Leopardwood, Tigerwood and other exotic species. The company's metal-free Artisan finish completes the offering.

For more information, visit Oshkosh

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Tools

Senco

Cordless finishing nailers from Senco include models 25 (18-gauge brad nailer), 32 (16-gage finish nailer, shown) and 41 (15-gauge angled finish nailer). All feature the company's changeable drive system for precision nail placement in sequential operation or rapid nail placement in contact actuation operation. A two-year warranty is offered.

For more information, visit Senco

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Empire

With accuracy guaranteed to 5/10,000 of an inch, Empire's True Blue em71 Magnetic Box Level is stabilized by neodymium magnets with more than 50 pounds of holding power. The unit's E-Shock shock absorbing system uses co-polymer end caps made of a dual-density elastomer on an aluminum frame for added durability. The em71 is made in 24-, 48- and 72-inch versions.

For more information, visit Empire

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Stanley

With a rigid waterproof plastic bottom and ergonomic grip handle, Stanley's 18-inch Fat Max tool bag may be bulky, but according to the company, the bag is packed with nooks and crannies. That includes easy-pull zippers, extra tool loops in interior areas, a wider shoulder strap and industrial leather reinforcements at critical seams.

For more information, visit Stanley

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Ryobi

Using a swirl-free sanding action, Ryobi's P410 compact random orbit sander uses the company's universal 18-volt battery and features a dust-sealed on/off switch and an ergonomically-designed hand grip. The sander sports a two-year warranty and ships with an assortment of sand paper.

For more information, visit Ryobi

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Bosch

Featuring the latest bells and whistles from the company, Bosch's 4100-10 portable job-site table saws have a high-visibility LCD gauge and display. The unit has a modular Smart Guard System that uses a blade guard, riving knife and anti-kickback pawls. The blade guard, according to the company, offers optimal line of sight for cut accuracy.

For more information, visit Bosch

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Skil

Adding to their Lithium-Ion product line, Skil's 2410 drill/driver weighs in at 1.7 pounds and holds a charge even after 18 months of non-use. A built-in electronic clutch is operated by a torque dial for accurate adjustment. The clutch also turns off the motor when the desired torque is reached for less wear and tear. It also has a built-in work light.

For more information, visit Skil

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Milwaukee

The 4 (formerly called V4) Screwdriver Kit from Milwaukee includes the 0490-22 screwdriver that accommodates tight spaces and awkward angles. The unit has a two-position handle in pistol and in-line settings along with a heavy-duty two-speed gearbox that delivers up to 600 RPMs. The unit weighs just over a pound and has a built-in battery life display.

For more information, visit Milwaukee

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Ridgid

Able to accept the company's 18- and 24-volt lithium ion batteries, Ridgid's R8823 Dual Voltage Impact Driver features a die-cast gear box and a high-end motor that delivers almost 1,500-pounds of torque. The R8823 has a ¼-inch coupler for easy bit changes and a built-in LED light.

For more information, visit Ridgid

New product showcase plus flooring products and tools