Finding an
affordable soaking or whirlpool tub is a tall order — but
the 14 soaker and jetted tubs in MTI’s Basics line start
at $900. According to the maker, they’re just the ticket
for budget-conscious clients or second bathrooms. They come in
white and ship within 48 hours. MTI,
800/783-8827,
mtiwhirlpools.com.
Even primed drywall can telegraph joints if
it’s covered with dark or high-gloss paint. Sheetrock
First Coat’s high-build formula hides minor imperfections
and provides an even surface for top-coat coverage. The maker
claims it dries in an hour and applies easily with a brush,
roller, or sprayer. Each gallon covers approximately 300 to 500
square feet and sells for about $15. USG,
800/874-4968, usg.com.
Available on
Moen’s Addington, Eastlake, Iso, Ridgedale, and Rockland
bath accessories, EZ 2 Install mounting hardware is free from
set screws. Instead, the mounting plate is secured to the wall,
and the accessory slides over and snaps into place for a quick
installation. List prices range from $19 to $126.
Moen, 800/882-0116,
moen.com.
Self-adhesive
Pronto Joint Tape can reduce drywall finishing costs by 25
percent, says the maker. The tape is placed over the seam and
pressed with a joint knife; no bedding coat is necessary. The
company says it works for inside corners as well as all types
of seams. A 100-foot roll costs about $30. National
Adhesives, 888/577-6686,
prontojointtape.com.
Douglas fir has a
pinkish hue, straight grain, and a superior strength-to-weight
ratio — all of which make it a popular building material.
Now it’s available as a standard option on most Marvin
windows and doors. According to the maker, the species is
particularly suitable for historic restoration projects.
Marvin, 888/537-7828,
marvin.com.
Homeowners want
their food-waste disposers to be quiet and powerful. Thanks to
a vibration-reducing mount and several layers of insulation,
the Evolution Excel is 60 percent quieter than entry-level
disposals, says the maker. The 1-hp machine can allegedly grind
chicken, turkey, and even ham bones. It sells for about $300.
InSinkErator, 800/558-5700,
insinkerator.com.
Do your clients
want a champagne kitchen on a beer budget? Check out
RSI’s American Classics cabinets. They come in three
styles and five finishes and feature hardwood drawer boxes,
concealed adjustable hinges, and 3/4-inch shelving. Prices for
a 10-by-10-foot kitchen in the Shaker style shown start at
about $2,400. RSI Home Products, 888/578-4009,
americanclassicskitchens.com.
Sold in three sill angles, Custom Shield
replacement windows — double-hung, casement, awning, and
direct-set units — come assembled in 3 1/2-inch jambs for
fast and easy installation. Options include several types of
glazing, blind-stop covers, Z-trim, and interior prefinishing
in 55 standard colors. Weather Shield,
800/222-2995,
weathershield.com.