PR November 2004

Twice a year I trek eastward to Harvard University to hear the latest research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies' Remodeling Futures Program. During one presentation this October, the speaker referred to "the Diderot effect" in remodeling. Denis Diderot, an 18th-century French philosopher, wrote an essay entitled "Regrets on Parting with My Old Dressing Gown.

The Timberlast wood composite decking and vinyl railing system from Kroy Building Products is made from material less than 1½ inches thick. With wood particles and fibers encased in plastic, deck board is protected from traditional problems like rot and decay. The deck's surface has a brushed texture to provide slip resistance in both wet and dry weather.

Create a custom bath cabinet design with details including moldings, decorative fillers and toe kicks for hutches, linen cabinets, storage and medicine cabinets and mirrors. Three detailed door styles are available in nine finishes. Specify curved doors, dressing tables and cabinet ends as well. Contact: 888/829-1140 www.

TEC Crack Isolation Membrane is a one-step surface preparation product that suppresses reflective cracking up to 1/8 inch. The membrane allows contractors to install ceramic tile, natural stone and epoxy terrazzo floor systems over green concrete with less waiting time. The two-component, 100 percent acrylic-modified system uses a polymer that when mixed with the cement enables the membrane to ...

These metal and glass doors come in the Gothic, Moderna, Celestial, Classical, Mission and Monolithic collections. All doors can be tailored to customers' needs in size, metal, patina and finish. The doors come pre-hung with frame and prepared hardware and can be specified as a single or double door, with or without side-lites and transom.

The desire to present a consistent picture of oneself to the world, as represented by the goods we possess, is what researchers of consumer behavior refer to as 'the Diderot effect.'

With Heartland's new Visionary Accents, users can match exterior trim and shutters exactly. Featuring bold designer colors, including wineberry, forest green, bordeaux, and black, the trim is available in 3½-inch window and door surround, 3¾-inch outside corner post and 5-inch outside corner post.

Mann's Architectural Medicine Cabinets are made using real wood panels and solid wood moldings that are hand cut into leaves, flowers and fluted columns. Standard cabinets are available in both wall mount and recessed styles with mirrors measuring 19½×17 inches. Larger sizes include the Tall Boy cabinet, with a mirror measuring 25×17 inches and the Twin Sink Vanity cabinet, which...

White Lighting polyurethane concrete repair by Diversified Brands can seal joints up to 1 inch wide. Designed for both interior and exterior use, it is available in a gray, 10-ounce fiber cartridge packaging. Contact: 800/777-2966 www.diversifiedbrands.com Circle 185

Republic's garden window uses trapezoid casements on the working lites to give an expanded view of the outdoors. The window can be ordered with decorative V-groove glass, designed to catch the sunlight like a prism, or decorative grids, available in several patterns. For added protection, the window's roof is made of insulated tempered glass.