Kitchen & Bath
TOILETS
One-Piece Upright.
Beleaguered users of the raised-seat toilet, rejoice! The
Champion's sloping, seamless deck provides positive drainage
and eliminates the uncleanable crevice between tank and bowl.
Thanks to a 3.5-inch-diameter valve and a "flapperless" Flush
Tower mechanism, the contents of the 1.6-gallon tank surge
through the trap in less than one second. Water enters the bowl
cyclonically through rim jets, enhancing cleansing. The toilet
costs $495 in white, $569 in bone and linen. American Standard,
732/980-3000, www.americanstandard.com
Dual Water Saver. At first
flush, it's hard to believe that a mere dollop of water could
be so effective. Nonetheless, the Rockton delivers the goods
with a two-way selectable flush button. Liquid waste is
escorted out with a light .8-gallon flush, while solid waste is
vanquished with a 1.6-gallon slug of water. The toilet's
features — a narrow tank profile, a wide gap between
tank and bowl, and a raised barrier lip beneath the tank
— simplify cleaning. The fixture retails for
approximately $135 in white and $175 in a choice of colors.
Sterling, 888/783-7546,
www.sterlingplumbing.com
Flushing Up. With
the ability to pump 9 feet vertically and 100 feet
horizontally, the Sanistar macerating toilet opens otherwise
plumbing-challenged spaces — like a basement, garage,
or closet — to bathroom development without floor
demolition. The 3/4-inch-diameter discharge pipe can be easily
concealed or left bold on the wall surface. A lavatory
gray-water drain also can be connected to the discharge unit.
The model shown retails for $1,138. Saniflo, 800/363-5874,
www.saniflo.comNo Sweat. Why
haven't toilets always been flushed this way? Within its
conventional-looking tank, the Niagara Flapperless toilet
conceals a tipping reservoir. The flush handle rotates the
reservoir to dump a precise 1.6 gallons down the open
flapperless hatch, producing a highly effective flushing
action. In addition, the reservoir isolates the water from
contact with the tank walls, eliminating tank sweat. A big
10-by-20-inch footprint covers old outlines in replacement
applications, and the toilet fits both 10- and 12-inch
rough-ins. It costs $165. Niagara Conservation, 800/831-8383,
www.niagaraconservation.comCOUNTERTOP EDGE TREATMENTS
Carved
Relief. The versatility of a routered edge is no match
for the deeply profiled patterns offered by Omnitones and
MetalTones Solid Surface Edge Treatments. The metal finishes
contain real metal and must be polished with.comound and steel
wool to attain their full luster. Matching vanity bowls really
set this treatment apart from the pack. The edge can be
thermoformed to follow turns and curves in the countertop
profile. Preformed inside and outside corners simplify joining.
Twelve-foot lengths are shipped with no minimum order required.
The edge shown costs $22.75 per linear foot. Innovative Edge,
866/778-8778,
www.innovative-edge.comSmooth
Transitions..comining solid-surface edges, laminate
facing, and an MDF backer, Gem-Loc provides a seamless
transition between laminate countertop and edge. A proprietary
router bit for the T-lock backer profile makes alignment just
about foolproof; ordinary wood glue is all that's required.
The.comany works with all popular solid-surface and
high-pressurelaminate brands, so decorative options are
virtually unlimited. The edge costs $6 per linear foot.
Installed cost runs about $10 per foot. Loti, 877/436-3343,
www.loticorp.comMixed
Media. Just as you can "upscale" a laminate countertop
by applying a solid-surface edge, so can you incorporate some
of laminate's extensive color and pattern options into a
solid-surface countertop. The LaKor Solid Surface Edge features
an accent strip of laminate, wood, or metal that matches
or.comlements cabinet and appliance finishes. The edge is
available in seven profiles and includes a matching
solid-surface backsplash option; edge and backsplash both.com
in 8-foot lengths. Prices vary according to regional
distributor. Kuehn Bevel, 800/862-3835,
www.kuehnbevel.comBorder
Control. The time is long past when you could
distinguish your kitchen work merely by specifying solid
surfacing. That's one reason you might consider adding a Pinske
Edge Decorative Inlay to your next countertop project.
The.comany offers four designs that can be assembled in your
choice of colors, glued together, and shipped for router
installation. Your cost: $2.50 per linear inch, available in
1-by-70-inch strips. Pinske Edge, 800/874-6753,
www.pinske-edge.com