In Pro Builder's annual Top 100, we round up the 100 building products our readers wanted to know more about during the past year. Whether it's appliances or air conditioning systems, these 100 products and building materials piqued reader interest for a range of reasons ... energy efficiency, innovation, style, convenience, durability, and more. Take a look.
This year’s Top 100 Products are grouped into 12 categories:
Click the headings below to see which products made the cut in each category.
To get more information about any of the products included Pro Builder's Top 100 Products, click on the "Click for more info" links and select “July/August 2022” from the dropdown menu, then click the checkboxes for any products you’d like to know more about.
Interiors
Products from Arizona Tile, Bakes & Kropp, Baldwin Hardware, ClosetMaid, Delaney Hardware, Elias Woodwork, Glen Dimplex Americas, Neolith, Savaria, Top Knobs, Viewrail, and Wellborn Cabinet
Kitchen + Bath
Products from Atlas Homewares, Caesarstone, Cosentino, Danver, Decorá, Formica, Icera, IceStone, Kohler, LG Electronics, LX Hausys, Sonoma Forge, Vadara, Wellborn Cabinet, and Wilsonart
Appliances
Products from Bosch, LG Electronics, Signature Kitchen Suite, Watergen, and Whirlpool
HVAC
Products from AprilAire, Broan NuTone, LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, and Trane
Mechanical + Electrical
Products from Broan NuTone, Docking Drawer, Eaton, ICC, and InOvate
Plumbing
Products from Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, Omega Flex, and Uponor
Walls + Floors
Products from Armstrong Flooring, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, Country Wood Flooring, Cultured Stone, and Emilgroup
Exteriors
Products from Alside, DaVinci Roofscapes, LP, ProVia, and Valspar
Windows + Doors
Products from Andersen, Jamsill Guard, Johnson Hardware, LiftMaster, Marvin, Milgard Windows & Doors, Pella, Simonton, Weather Shield, and Windsor Windows and Doors
Building Envelope
Products from CertainTeed, DuPont, Fi-Foil Company, Georgia-Pacific, Huber Engineered Woods, LP, ProWood, Typar, VaproShield, and West Fraser
Construction
Products from Calculated Industries, FootingPad, Nisus, Protective Products International, Tamlyn, and Valspar
Software
Products from Chief Architect and SoftPlan
Interiors
Storage Solution / ClosetMaid
ClosetMaid’s ShelfTrack EVO line guarantees fast, easy installation, the company says, and comes in a variety of design options so homeowners can create a more organized closet without sacrificing personal style. The adjustable shelving system adapts to fit any space and is available for purchase at a mid-level price point. Click for more info
Laundry Room Cabinets / Wellborn Cabinet
Wellborn Cabinet designed its laundry room cabinetry with an eye toward both good looks and practicality. Accessories include pullouts, sliding shelves, wastebaskets, hampers, built-in ironing boards, and accessories that make it easy to hang up clothes such as blouses, skirts, pants, shirts, and other items as you empty the dryer. Click for more info
Door Hardware / Baldwin Hardware
Baldwin Hardware has added a Contemporary General Hardware Collection, which includes two door knockers and a bell button, to its product offerings, as well as adding two collections—Coined and Knurled—to its Estate portfolio. All are hand-finished solid brass and available in 15 finishes. (All three collections shown). Click for more info
Stairs / Viewrail
Viewrail’s modern stair and rail designs add durable, dependable craftsmanship to any home. The company offers floating stairs, cable railings, rod railings, and glass railings to fit every style; flexible one-day installation options also are available. Click for more info
Custom Drawer Boxes / Elias Woodwork
Elias Woodwork’s Dovetail Drawer Boxes are custom made to fit any space, from curved or angled corner drawers to accessory inserts and pullouts. All inserts are handcrafted and can be ordered online. Click for more info
Tumbled Marble / Arizona Tile
Arizona Tile’s Arabescato Bianco consists of small, tumbled pieces of white marble fused together with white resin, revealing flecks of gold or oxidation against a creamy canvas. Available in 98-by-62-inch, 2 cm-thick slabs, as well as 24-by-24-inch, 1/2-inch-thick tiles. Click for more info
Darker Finishes / Bakes & Kropp
In stark contrast to the iconic Bakes & Kropp all-white kitchen, the kitchen design and cabinetry company has responded to the dark kitchen trend popular with homeowners today by adding three cabinet finishes: Black Matte Paint 9017, Black Satin Paint 9018, and Cinder Stain 9213 (shown, left to right). Click for more info
Storage Options / ClosetMaid
Offering a variety of products and professional services to help builders meet homeowners’ needs for storage solutions, ClosetMaid’s extensive roster of products come in a variety of styles and configurations for closets, the laundry room, and the kitchen pantry. Click for more info
Designer Hardware / Delaney Hardware
Delaney Hardware’s Bravura brand has announced the addition of European-inspired rectangular and egg-shaped crystal doorknobs to its existing solid forged brass selection. A choice of backplate finishes is available: Satin Brass (shown), Satin Nickel, Black, Oil-Rubbed Bronze, and Polished Chrome. Click for more info
Electric Fireplace / Glen Dimplex Americas
The IgniteXL Bold Electric Fireplace from Glen Dimplex Americas offers simple, vent-free electric operation to heat up to 1,000 square feet. The unit can be custom installed and is available in 50-, 60-, 74-, 88-, and 100-inch lengths. Click for more info
Stone Surface / Neolith
Neolith launched its newest Classtone Collection during the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, featuring eight color options specifically crafted for the North American market. Classtone offers a versatile range of marbled whites and natural tones in the manufacturer’s sintered stone material, which is made entirely from natural components including clay, feldspar, silica, and mineral oxide, the company says. Click for more info
Elevator / Savaria
The Vuelift elevator from Savaria is available for installation both in new builds and in existing homes. Six size and style options are available, including the Vuelift Mini (pictured), which fits into smaller spaces and offers ultra-clear UV-resistant glass or clear acrylic. Click for more info
Cabinet Hardware / Top Knobs
To round out Top Knobs’ Regent’s Park Collection, the manufacturer has added the Ormonde (shown in Flat Black) and Ulster series of knobs, pulls, and appliance pulls. Ormonde incorporates bowed lines with beveled detailing, while Ulster’s knobs feature generous curves and pulls set with deep, ridged contours. Both series are available in Ash Gray, Brushed Satin Nickel, Flat Black, Honey Bronze, Polished Chrome, and Polished Nickel finishes. Click for more info
Home Office Storage / Wellborn Cabinet
From utility cabinets and base cabinets with desk file drawers to wall bookcases and file drawer bases, Wellborn Cabinet offers cabinetry to create a well-organized home office space. Numerous options for door styles and finishes help coordinate with cabinetry in the rest of the home and create looks ranging from traditional to transitional to contemporary. Click for more info
Closet Storage System / ClosetMaid
MasterSuite is ClosetMaid’s premium closet and storage system. Manufactured from robust, industrial-grade engineered wood with a durable melamine finish and with solid-wood drawers, the system offers a range of attractive design options and convenient accessories (pictured in Natural Blonde finish). Click for more info
Kitchen + Bath
Cabinet Colors and Stains / Decorá
Decorá has added two new multidimensional stains and three paint colors to its lineup. The two stains, Iron Slate and Cabana, are semi-transparent, so natural wood tones and grain patterns can show through. The three solid paint colors are Grays Harbor, Fleeting Green, and Brightest White, and the company says its new white is one of the brightest whites on the market. (Iron Slate, left, and Grays Harbor, right, shown.) Click for more info
Countertops / Caesarstone
Caesarstone’s Whitelight Collection offers quartz surfaces in straightforward neutrals with crisp, pearly lusters and soft hues that deliver warmth and serenity. Available in Calacatta Maximus, with oversized veining across a pure white background; Arabetto, a web of jade and copper hues and gray veining; and White Attica (shown), with gray-black tones across a white base. Click for more info
Stainless Steel Doors / Danver
Danver has expanded its family of stainless steel cabinet door styles across all three brands (Danver, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, and Trex). Venice provides a modern take on a classic door style. Its flat frame with a 3/4-inch reveal and a solid center creates the possibility for a sleek, single-color powder coated finish or bold color combinations. Click for more info
Bathroom Suite / Kohler
The Statement Showering Collection from Kohler includes showerheads, rainheads, body sprays, and handshowers. The shape of the collection’s oblong showerhead results in more enveloping water coverage, while the six immersive sprays include a deep massage spray with twisting jets. Kohler’s Anthem valves and controls regulate water temperature and volume, as well as the body sprays. Click for more info
Quartz Surfacing / LX Hausys
Calacatta Sol from the Viatera Quartz Surfaces line by LX Hausys offers a striking white appearance shot with large-pattern golden veining. The nonporous surfaces contain up to 93% natural quartz, offering advanced durability and higher tensile strength than natural stone products, the maker says. The material resists harmful bacteria and mold, everyday stains, chemicals, and heat. Click for more info
Transitional Hardware / Atlas Homewares
Atlas Homewares' Sweetbriar Lane Collection features beveled edges and a refined, tailored look that makes it well suited to transitional-style spaces, the company says. Sixty pieces are available, with a selection of knobs and pulls. Appliance pulls come in 12-inch and 18-inch sizes. Finishes include Brushed Nickel, Matte Black (shown), Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Slate, and Warm Brass. Click for more info
Sustainable Surface / Cosentino
Using an innovative production process that the manufacturer says uses 99% recycled water, 100% renewable energy, and also significantly reduces the use of quartz, Cosentino is pushing sustainability to new levels in its Silestone Loft series. Rooted in the industrial style, the collection captures the essence of well-known urban neighborhoods: London’s Camden, Barcelona’s Poblenou, New York’s Seaport and Nolita, and Detroit’s Corktown (shown). Click for more info
Metal-Look Laminate / Formica
Aligning with the trend for warmer metal looks, Formica announced 13 additions to its DecoMetal Metal Laminate collection in warm tones of brass, copper, light gold, and black, providing designers with a full spectrum of more than 40 metal laminate designs (shown: Copper Patina). Click for more info
Green-Certified Surfacing / IceStone
IceStone surfaces are made using only recycled glass, Portland cement, and nontoxic pigments for a toxin-free material free of petrochemicals and resins, the manufacturer says. Eligible for LEED credit, IceStone is Cradle to Cradle Certified and offers a versatile palette of colors. Click for more info
Builder Focus / LG Electronics
The LG Builder division of LG Electronics USA offers end-to-end business solutions for construction pros, with a broad portfolio of kitchen and laundry home appliances that includes Signature Kitchen Suite, LG Signature, LG Studio, and LG, as well as reliable vendor services. (Column wine storage and under-counter refrigeration, shown.) Click for more info
Outdoor Bathing / Sonoma Forge
Sonoma Forge has expanded its WaterBridge Exposed Shower System for outdoor use with a Hand Shower, improved Swiveling Rainhead, and Footwash, plus a range of accessories. Euro-Connect Handles eliminate the screws that previously held the handle onto the cartridge, creating a more streamlined, secure design that doesn’t require tightening. A new Matte Black finish is also available. Click for more info
Natural Palette Quartz / Vadara
Inspired by classic tones found in natural marble and quartzite, Vadara has added six colors to its lineup. Four of the surfaces feature dramatic gray or brown veining against a dimensional white and gray background, while two others showcase delicate veining against a bright white background. (Cascada Perla, shown.) Click for more info
Bathroom Cabinets / Wellborn Cabinet
For the bathroom, Wellborn Cabinet offers both its standard lines and Elegant Bath, a collection of preconfigured vanities with coordinating cabinetry and accessories. The collection includes small and large vanities, linen cabinets, matching mirrors, and other bathroom storage cabinets in modern, traditional, transitional, curved furniture, corner, and classic styles. Click for more info
Waterproof Walls / Wilsonart
The patented Wetwall waterproof wall panel system from Wilsonart offers a grout-free surface that’s quick and easy to install, the company says. Ideal for shower walls, bath surrounds, and accent walls, its tongue-and-groove installation saves time, and panels can be installed over existing tile or similar surfaces. Click for more info
Wall-Hung Toilet / Icera
Homeowners appreciate the space-saving aspects of wall-hung toilets, and Icera now offers a sleek, new collection of wall-mounted units. Each of the four new models is characterized by clean lines with organic or geometric influences, and all feature Icera’s high-performance technology and antimicrobial MicroGlaze finish. (Vista wall-hung toilet, shown.) Click for more info
Appliances
Home Appliances / Whirlpool
After more than a century of manufacturing appliances, Whirlpool products can be found in more than 70% of U.S. homes, the company says. With a broad portfolio of trusted brands and purposeful home innovations, Whirlpool continues to create, supply, and serve homeowners with high-performance appliances. Click for more info
Sous Vide Range / Signature Kitchen Suite
LG’s Signature Kitchen Suite brand offers a full collection of built-in kitchen appliances geared to making food preparation quick and easy. Building on the success of its flagship 48-inch dual-fuel pro range with built-in sous vide, induction, and gas burners, the brand has introduced a 36-inch model—an industry-first, the company says—that packs those features into
a smaller footprint. Click for more info
Ice-Making Fridge / Bosch
The Bosch QuickIcePro system produces up to 40 glasses of ice daily and eliminates 99.9% of water contaminants and impurities using the company’s patented UltraClarityPro water filtration technology. The system also offers hands-free bottle filling for fast and easy hydration. Click for more info
Laundry / LG Electronics
LG laundry appliances pair sleek design with the latest home technology to make household chores easier and more efficient, the company says. The LG Styler steam closet reduces wrinkles and helps keep clothes fresh, while the LG SideKick mini washer can be paired with almost any LG front-load unit to tackle small loads of laundry that just can’t wait. Click for more info
Water Extractor / Watergen
Watergen’s patented technology creates high-quality drinking water from humidity in the surrounding air. The Watergen home appliance is the first water extraction solution of its kind, the company says, requiring no plumbing and producing no plastic waste. Available in a variety of sizes for residential, commercial, and mobile use. (Shown: Watergen's latest model, Genny, comes with solar panels.) Click for more info
Built-in Appliances / Signature Kitchen Suite
Designed for maximum organization, efficiency, and simplicity, Signature Kitchen Suite’s full line of gourmet luxury, built-in appliances aims to make cooking, entertaining, and clean-up a breeze, offering Signature Fit installation options and a wide range of styles to match homeowners’ design preferences. Click for more info
Counter-Depth Fridge / Bosch
Bosch counter-depth refrigerators use the company’s patented FarmFresh System to keep food fresh for up to three times longer than other brands, the manufacturer says. With a streamlined, flexible interior, Bosch’s counter-depth refrigerators guarantee easy access and organization as well as adjustable interior temperatures to minimize food waste, the company says. Click for more info
HVAC
Indoor Air System / AprilAire
Aprilaire’s Healthy Air System suite of products for indoor air quality includes a MERV 16 air cleaner (shown), the E-100 series whole-house dehumidifier, and a whole-house humidifier working together to provide healthy indoor air solutions for consumers. Click for more info
Zoned HVAC / Mitsubishi Electric
The manufacturer’s high-performing Zoned Comfort Solutions are designed for personalized comfort and energy efficiency to keep utility costs low and homeowners comfortable. With design flexibility and a range of heating and cooling capabilities, Mitsubishi Electric’s HVAC systems aim to offer solutions for every home. Click for more info
IAQ System / Broan NuTone
The Overture Connected Indoor Air Quality System from Broan NuTone is the first fully integrated air monitoring and ventilation system of its kind, according to the company. The Overture system automatically measures indoor air quality to filter out stagnant or contaminated air while simultaneously bringing in fresh air from outside to keep the home clean, safe, and healthy. Click for more info
Zoned HVAC / LG Electronics
LG’s zoned comfort solutions provide continuous heating and cooling with smart features and an energy-efficient guarantee. The LG Multi V S VRF (variable refrigerant flow) system uses single-phase power and is available in Heat Recovery and Heat Pump configurations, the company says. Because LG VRF systems require little to no ductwork, they have less structural impact than traditional units. Click for more info
Low-Profile HVAC / Mitsubishi Electric
The slim-bodied design of Mitsubishi Electric’s EZ Fit Ceiling Cassette recesses between ceiling joists for a flush-mount appearance. Designed for use in multi- or single-zone HVAC systems, the Energy Star–certified cassette fits into shallow ceiling cavities, the company says. High/low ceiling airflow settings and automatic vane control personalize room comfort. Click for more info
IAQ Solutions / Panasonic
Americans are spending more time indoors than ever before, which is why Panasonic is working to provide indoor air quality solutions for the growing number of consumers focused on designing and maintaining a truly healthy home. Panasonic’s healthy air solutions are code compliant and use all nontoxic materials, the company says, for a fully integrated approach to a safe, healthy home. Click for more info
Air Handling Unit / LG Electronics
LG’s Multi-Position Vertical Air Handling Unit (VAHU) is Energy Star certified to reduce utility costs while providing efficient operation in any climate. Using the company’s patented LGREDº (Reliable to Extreme Degrees) heat technology, the unit maintains home comfort, with 100% of rated heating capacity performance at 5°F and continuous heating down to -13˚F, and can connect to a smartphone or tablet using the SmartThinQ app. Click for more info
Indoor Comfort Solutions / Trane
Trane’s HVAC products are available for residential and light commercial use and are designed to serve an industry with a shifting focus toward consumer health and lasting sustainability. Trane says it takes a whole-home approach to its product deliveries, installations, and applications to create a fully functional system that ensures proper ventilation and homeowner comfort. Click for more info
Mechanical + Electrical
In-Drawer Outlets / Docking Drawer
Docking Drawer’s In-Drawer Outlets are small enough to fit into any size cabinet to keep all electronic devices out of sight while charging. The outlets can be installed in any storage space to create a hidden power station, the company says, and are available at low price points. (Photo: Docking Drawer / Adam Kane Macchia) Click for more info
Wiring Enclosure / ICC
ICC’s 28-inch residential wiring enclosure is designed to serve as the central distribution point for voice, data, video, audio, and security services for single-family homes with a wireless network. The enclosure and vented doors are made of sturdy ABS plastic to prevent cracking, and the enclosure’s light weight allows better Wi-Fi signal and coverage, the company says. Click for more info
Vent Protection / InOvate
The Dryerbox system by InOvate helps maximize space in the laundry by recessing transition-hose connections into the wall, allowing the dryer to be pushed farther back, which opens up more space while protecting the ducting. Click for more info
EV Charging Station / Eaton
Eaton’s electric vehicle (EV) charging design combines fast AC charging, revenue-grade metering, and remote access within the traditional footprint of a circuit breaker. Eaton’s EV smart breaker chargers install directly in a load center, EV wall charger, or single- or dual-port pedestals to go wherever the car is parked. Click for more info
Dryer Vent / InOvate
InOvate’s DryerWallVent features a low-profile frame, recessed damper, and hidden fasteners to create a simple, appealing exterior. Made from heavy-gauge, powder-coated galvanized steel, vents are corrosion-resistant, impervious to sun and heat, and meet or exceed code requirements, the company says. Click for more info
Antimicrobial Bath Fan/Light / Broan NuTone
Broan NuTone’s SurfaceShield with VYV Antimicrobial Light emits a gentle purple light to kill mold, mildew, and bacteria in residential and commercial spaces such as bathrooms, nurseries, and gyms. SurfaceShield provides continuous protection with the flip of a switch, and while it’s tough on germs, the antimicrobial light is safe for the eyes, the company says. Click for more info
Smart Switches / Eaton
Eaton’s portfolio of Wi-Fi smart devices, including dimmers, switches, and receptacles, can seamlessly connect to Amazon Alexa upon setup without a third-party hub. The devices offer remote and voice-command capabilities using the Amazon Alexa app and Alexa-enabled devices, such as Amazon Echo and Amazon Echo Show smart speakers. Click for more info
Installer Program / ICC
The Elite Installer Program for resellers gives participants exclusive privileges directly from ICC for using ICC products, including a 15-year performance limited warranty, project discounts, and priority tech support. Certified Elite Installers with a Master Technician designation also qualify for a lifetime performance limited warranty on cabling installations. Click for more info
Plumbing
Flexible Gas Pipe / Omega Flex
CounterStrike CSST flexible pipe product from Omega Flex features a proprietary black jacket material to protect the stainless steel pressure liner and other fuel gas systems with energy-dissipating properties in case the pipe becomes energized due to lightning. The product is easier to install than traditional piping, the manufacturer says, and doesn’t require additional bonding. Click for more info
Tub Fillers / Gerber Plumbing Fixtures
Gerber now offers three styles of tub filler designed to complement the company’s bathroom faucet collections and a range of design aesthetics. The square, contemporary, and traditional tub fillers come with a single-function handshower that has a 59-inch-long hose. All are available in Chrome, Brushed Nickel, and Satin Black; the square and contemporary are also available in Brushed Bronze. Click for more info
Plumbing system / Uponor
Offering a wide selection of home water solutions from plumbing and fire safety to radiant floor heating and exterior ice and snow melting, Uponor is dedicated to conserving water and energy for maximum environmental quality and long-lasting durability in all of its residential products, the company says. Click for more info
Faucets / Gerber Plumbing Fixtures
Gerber offers the Vaughn two-handle widespread bath faucet (shown) and the Kinzie pre-rinse single-handle spring spout kitchen faucet in Brushed Bronze. Easy installation, reliable everyday use, and an industry-leading warranty are hallmarks of Gerber products, the company says. Click for more info
Walls + Floors
Stone Veneer / Cultured Stone
Available in a range of colors and textures, Cultured Stone’s manufactured stone veneer can be used on interior or exterior walls. The material is easier to cut and handle than natural stone, the company says, and the Country Ledgestone (shown) profile’s dry grout design speeds installation. Needs no painting, coating, or sealing. culturedstone.com (Photo: Cultured Stone / Justin Krug) Click for more info
Rigid Core Flooring / Armstrong Flooring
Empower from Armstrong Flooring is a rigid-core product that promises the beauty of hardwood flooring without its limitations or cost. The product’s advantages include faster installation, no acclimation, and fewer callbacks than hardwood, according to the company, as well as resistance to heat, water, stains, and heavy foot traffic. Click for more info
Tile / Provenza by Emilgroup
Inspired by industrial architecture, the Re-Play Concrete collection of porcelain stoneware tile from Provenza by Emilgroup is suitable for interior and outdoor use. Six colors are available in two designs suitable for use as flooring: Recupero, a distressed-style finish reminiscent of used concrete, and Cassaforma Flat, which resembles board-formed concrete (shown in Grey). Click for more info
Engineered Vinyl Flooring / Country Wood Flooring
Country Wood Flooring delivers a waterproof engineered vinyl product with a realistic wood look that features the company’s patented rigid core con-struction and uses the Uniclic glueless installation locking system. The Oceanside Collection (shown) boasts SPC waterproofing qualities; the London Bell Collection is a thicker, wider European-style plank; and the Country Classic Collection replicates the look of American hard-woods. Click for more info
Hickory Flooring / Carlisle Wide Plank Floors
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors’ Earthen Collection of hand-crafted hickory includes six nature-inspired colors in a low-sheen finish. The hickory timbers are sourced from northern climates and focus on Shagbark and Bitternut species for a dense grain and rich tones. Offered in a choice of engineered or solid construction, planks are 3/4-inch thick by 8 inches wide, come in 2- to 12-foot lengths, and are end matched. Six colors are available (Humus, shown). Click for more info
Exteriors
Composite Siding / Alside
With its light weight and self-aligning stack lock, Ascend composite cladding from Alside installs more quickly and easily than fiber cement, engineered wood, and other composite panels, the company says. No sealing, touching up, joint flashing, or caulking is required. The siding provides the deeply grained look of wood in 20 low-gloss colors. Click for more info
Dark Siding / ProVia
The super polymer formulation of ProVia’s vinyl siding contains heat-resistant pigments, anti-weathering materials, and UV blockers to protect against color fade and damage from extreme temperatures, even for darker tones, the company says. These ingredients permeate the entire siding panel, not just the surface, for superior color retention. (Board ‘n Batten siding in Sea Slate, shown.) Click for more info
Composite Roofing / DaVinci Roofscapes
Designed to capture the look of real cedar shake or natural slate, DaVinci Roofscapes’ composite tiles are impact- and fire-resistant. Each tile has rear side nail marking templates, an enhanced backside rib structure, and self-aligning edges for quick, easy installation. The Province Slate tile (shown) complements a variety of home styles. Click for more info
Exterior Paint / Valspar
Along with its proprietary water-beading technology that repels water, Valspar Defense exterior paint and primer creates a mold-, mildew- and algae-resistant finish, the company says. The paint is rain-ready in 1 hour and resists fading, cracking, and peeling. It can be applied in temperatures as low as 35° F and as high as 90° F. Click for more info
Engineered Wood Siding / LP
LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Trim & Siding is prefinished, featuring a proprietary lap joint to make installation easier. Manufactured with engineered wood strand technology to withstand extreme temperatures and resist moisture and insects, both LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding products are offered in 16 versatile colors. Click for more info
Siding Options / ProVia
ProVia offers a range of exterior cladding options. The brand’s stone finishes blend aggregates, cement, iron oxides, and pigments for authentic looks, from rugged to smooth surfaces, with irregular cuts and edges. Its Super Polymer siding is formulated to ensure long-lasting color fidelity by reflecting heat away from exterior walls and deflecting damaging infrared solar rays that cause solar heat buildup and weathering, the company says. Click for more info
Windows + Doors
Glass Options / Andersen
Andersen has expanded its contemporary portfolio to include three customization options for modern looks: Satin Etch Glass, an on-trend pearlescent glass that also offers privacy; Black and White Glass Spacers, which blend in with the color of the window or door for a sleek look or serve as a shadow line (Black spacers, shown); and Custom Grille Patterns that transform the appearance of glass into multiple units. Click for more info
Sill Pan Flashing / Jamsill Guard
Jamsill Guard’s sill pan flashing product tackles a commonly leak-prone area: the corner. The flashing’s one-piece molded corner blocks these leaks before water can seep down into the framing and subfloor, while a sloped weep area directs water outside. The company says its product will not corrode or deteriorate over time. Click for more info
Garage Door Openers / LiftMaster
LiftMaster’s smart garage door openers product line includes a range of openers with different feature sets and price points. Model 87504-267 (shown) sports several new features, including a sleeker profile; integrated LED lighting; a built-in camera that adds streaming video, recorded events, and two-way communication to the proprietary myQ app; improved Wi-Fi connectivity; integrated Bluetooth technology; and battery backup so the garage door can still be opened and closed during a power outage. Click for more info
Window Opener / Pella
Based on universal design principles for easier window operability, the Easy-Slide Operator from Pella replaces a casement or awning window crank with a clever slide along the inside jamb. Featuring a user-friendly grip, the Easy-Slide requires just 5 pounds of pressure to open or close the window, and its sleek design ensures the hardware doesn’t interfere with window treatments or décor. Click for more info
Pocket Door Upgrade / Johnson Hardware
Where Johnson Hardware previously used steel-wrapped wood studs for its 1500SC Pocket Door Frame, the company now offers galvanized all-steel split studs, which resist warping and rust. Used with the 1515-PLY pocket wall reinforcement clip set, 1/4-inch-thick plywood becomes significantly stronger and more resistant to flexing and bowing, the company says. The all-steel studs also allow for a larger 2 1/4-inch-wide pocket. Click for more info
Swinging Doors / Marvin
Marvin’s Ultimate Swinging Door and Ultimate Swinging French Door G2 feature narrow 3-inch stiles and rails and a concealed lock status sensor and minimalist hardware for sleek styling. In-swing and out-swing options are available, and doors come in a range of sizes, with heights up to 10 feet and four-panel configurations in widths up to 14 feet. Door interiors are wood, exteriors are clad in extruded aluminum; a range of customizable finishes is available. Click for more info
Glass Walls / Milgard Windows & Doors
AX550 Moving Glass Walls from Milgard Windows & Doors feature a modern, aluminum frame with narrow sight lines. Available in standard and custom sizes in four colors—White, Tan, Dark Bronze Anodized, and Clear Anodized (shown)—the AX550 line offers a variety of configuration options, including pocket, stacking, and bifold styles, with panels as high as 10 feet and as wide as 5 feet. Click for more info
Dark Frames / Simonton
Black-framed windows—a popular choice for exteriors—are now available as an interior option for Simonton’s DaylightMax window. The unit’s slim frame provides up to 40% more daylight, the brand says, while still maintaining maximum energy efficiency. Available for a range of customizable window options in select Western states only. Click for more info
Multi-Slide Doors / Weather Shield
Weather Shield has expanded its Contemporary Collection (shown) and Premium Series aluminum-clad wood windows and patio doors with redesigned multi-slide door systems that offer improved performance, modern styling, and easy assembly. Doors are available in traditional stacked configurations or hidden inside a pocket wall for openings up to 57 feet, 6 inches wide and 12 feet tall. Available in a range of exterior options and wood interior finishes. Click for more info
Window and Door Styles / Windsor Windows and Doors
Windsor Windows and Doors offers four distinct window and door product lines to provide homeowners with a range of design options. Exterior material options include aluminum cladding, primed wood, vinyl, and cellular PVC. Low-maintenance and energy efficiency models provide long-term value. Click for more info
Building Envelope
Structural Panels / LP
The LP Structural Solutions portfolio of roof, wall, and floor panels includes WeatherLogic WRB wall and roof sheathing, Legacy OSB subfloor panels, FlameBlock for fire-rated wall assemblies, and the TechShield radiant barrier roof panel, all designed to “defend” against the elements so builders can build better and create more energy-efficient, weathertight homes, the company says. Click for more info
WRB System / Georgia-Pacific
Pairing the water resistance and versatility of Georgia-Pacific’s ForceField Premium roofing tape and ForceField Seam Tape Plus with three-in-one weatherproof ForceField panels for roofs and walls, Georgia Pacific’s integrated WRB (water-resistive barrier) sheathing system simplifies construction and guarantees lasting weather resistance, the company says. Click for more info
Improved Styrofoam / DuPont
Beyond Blue is the reduced GWP (global warming potential) formulation of DuPont’s Styrofoam Brand Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam Insulation. While Beyond Blue still delivers the same performance as the original, the more sustainable version is recognizable by its dark gray color, rather than the signature Styrofoam Brand XPS blue. Click for more info
OSB / West Fraser
West Fraser’s oriented strand board products suit roof, wall, and floor applications for a range of building techniques, code compliance requirements, and regional needs of America’s home builders. All OSB products are responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forest resources, the company says. Click for more info
Fire-Retardant Wood / ProWood
ProWood’s fire-retardant (FR) pressure-treated wood products are now part of the ProWood FR UL V343 2-hour wall assembly, which bears a Class A Flame Spread Index of 25 or less, the top rating awarded to building products. Pressure treating infuses fire retardant deep into the cells of the wood, not just at the surface, according to the manufacturer, so retardant isn’t damaged during or after construction. Click for more info
Drainable Housewrap / Typar
Typar Drainable Wrap is engineered to eliminate excess moisture with a breathable weather-protective material. The housewrap sheds bulk water faster than traditional products to keep walls dry and leak-free, the company says. Click for more info
Shingle Underlayment / CertainTeed
CertainTeed DryRoof SA is a self-adhering, lightweight underlayment for use with asphalt shingles that serves as a valley liner, water penetration defense, and rain guard, creating watertight seals around fasteners and roof penetrations. DryRoof SA features a split-release backing for quick, secure installation, has a slip-resistant sand surface, and is resistant to UV-exposure for up to six months. Click for more info
Vapor Barrier / LP
LP TechShield Radiant Barrier uses patented VaporVents technology to filter out water vapor and prevents up to 97% of radiant heat trapped in the panel from being emitted into the home’s attic, according to the company. TechShield has been tested to reduce attic temperatures by up to 30º F, LP says. Click for more info
Continuous Insulation / Fi-Foil Company
Flex Foam from Fi-Foil Company is a continuous insulation with a low-emissivity aluminum reinforced facing that reduces radiant heat transfer. It is perforated to allow vapor transmission and coated for long-term performance and corrosion resistance, which helps reduce thermal bridging to maintain indoor comfort. Click for more info
High-Performance Flashing / Huber Engineered Woods
Huber Engineered Woods has added Zip System Vapor Permeable (VP) Tape to its Zip System line. Used for panel seam sealing and flashing applications to create a continuous water-resistive barrier in Zip System wall assemblies, VP Tape offers the benefits of standard Zip System flashing tape but with a higher permeance for jobs in extreme climate zones and for high-performance, above-code assemblies. Click for more info
Subfloor / West Fraser
Durastrand PointSix subflooring from West Fraser, a premium tongue-and-groove subfloor, features a patented taper on the 4-foot and 8-foot edges to combat edge swell. If exposed to rain or humidity, the tapered edges can expand and become flush with the surface without ridging. As a result, the subfloor goes down flat and stays that way, the manufacturer says. Click for more info
Roof and Wall Panels / LP
Designed to help create a tight building envelope for maximum energy efficiency, LP WeatherLogic panels integrate sheathing and WRB technology, making for an easy installation process in roof and wall applications, the company says. The panels are made from engineered wood with a water-resistive overlay that LP says is shown to keep out more moisture than traditional housewrap. Click for more info
Flashing / VaproShield
BlockFlashing, a self-adhered, non-asphaltic, air, water, and vapor barrier flashing product from VaproShield, is AAMA-13 compliant, requires no primer, and can be installed in temperatures as low as 0° F. Impermeable to air, moisture vapor, and water, it seals around fasteners and is compatible with many building sealants, according to the company. Click for more info
Weather Barrier / Georgia-Pacific
DensDefy Liquid Barrier is the latest addition to Georgia-Pacific’s DensDefy product line. The single-component, fluid-applied, air- and water-resistive barrier produces a seamless, durable membrane on a range of exterior surfaces. The product also cures quickly (and in wet conditions and temperatures as low as 32° F), and is vapor permeable. Roller- or spray-applied; bonds to most common materials without priming and is compatible with many sealants and waterproofing accessories, the company says. Click for more info
Construction
Inflatable Shim / Calculated Industries
Using Calculated Industries' AirShim inflatable pry bar and leveling tool, a contractor can position and hold in place items that weigh up to 300 pounds. The one-handed operation involves a squeeze pump and a precise bleeder valve that ensures perfect alignment, the company says. The shim spans gaps from 3/32 inch to 2 1/2 inches, and its cover will not mark surfaces. Click for more info
Post Foundation / FootingPad
Below-grade post foundations from FootingPad are engineered to meet or exceed the load capacity of concrete and are a proven alternative to concrete footings for decks, post frame buildings, and other post-supported structures. Lighter and easier to handle than concrete, they are compatible for use with any type of post or column, the company says. Click for more info
Construction Protection / Protective Products International
FlexCorner and FlexJamb (shown) paperboard protection products from Protective Products International keep door jambs, casings, and room corners neat, clean, and undamaged. FlexCorner features a unique flexible hinge that adjusts to protect corners of almost any angle, the company says. Both FlexCorner and FlexJamb are easy to install, reusable, and recyclable. Click for more info
Termiticide / Nisus
Bora-Care termiticide from Nisus can replace soil treatments and save a day of cycle time if applied during the dried-in phase of construction, the company says. The termite pretreatment can be sprayed directly onto wood, concrete, and plumbing; it also protects against carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi, and its use can earn green building credits. Click for more info
Building Products / Tamlyn
Tamlyn recently celebrated 50 years of excellence in the building supply industry with consistent customer satisfaction on product orders ranging from water management and siding accessories to ventilation and connectors. With American-made quality and family-first values, Tamlyn is a trusted global product supplier proudly serving the building industry for half a century. Click for more info
Paint Trial / Valspar
Valspar’s free paint trial program offers up to 10 gallons of any eligible Valspar paint or stain for a contractor’s next job at no cost. The program involves working with one of the company’s pro representatives to determine how much paint the project qualifies for and which products will work best. Click for more info
Software
Design Software / Chief Architect
Advanced CAD and layout tools in Chief Architect home design software provide a workflow for generating detailed construction drawings and estimating construction costs using the built-in materials list. Features include 2D design, elevations, cross-sections, 3D design, 3D visualization, and construction drawing tools. Click for more info
Design Software / SoftPlan Systems
With the release of its SoftPlan 2022 home design software, the company has integrated a number of upgrades to SoftPlan’s 3D capabilities, including the ability to render even more realistic 3D images. This version also has a graphic wall-definition interface, stepped rake wall creation, and Nest command for inserting reference drawings into floor plans. Click for more info
