It’s the season for new tools and home-building products!
Design & Construction Week’s tenth anniversary attracted record-breaking attendance this year. More than 200,000 housing and design professionals from across the globe gathered in Las Vegas January 31-February 2 for the co-location of the NAHB International Builders’ Show and the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Industry Show—plus the three co-dated industry shows, the National Hardware Show, The International Surfaces Event, and the Las Vegas Winter Market. The event gave DCW attendees an amazing opportunity to visit five industry trade shows with just one badge.
Thousands of products were on display, including many new introductions that will set trends for the home-improvement industry in the years to come. Here’s a look at new technology, tools, and building materials for 2023.
RevealCut
Arrow Fastener, manufacturer of the world’s best-selling staple gun, the T50, unveiled Arrow RevealCut, a new all-in-one precision workstation that allows ceiling installation professionals to cut acoustic ceiling tiles in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost with precise results and minimal waste.The new tool changes how acoustic ceiling tiles are cut every day by eliminating the need to cut them with a straight edge and a utility knife. RevealCut delivers up to 80 percent in labor savings. A typical 2-foot ceiling tile can be cut to size and finished with a factory-grade profiled edge in less than 30 seconds. RevealCut is available in two convenient sizes: one for 2-foot tiles and a larger version for up to 4-foot tiles. The workstation cuts 98 percent of all common ceiling tile sizes with ease and efficiency by using an integrated precision-cutting blade system to cut factory-grade profiled edges. Visit www.RevealCut.com.
inFINE Column Shower
Winner of the Best of KBIS, for best Bath (Gold) and for the judge’s choice Impact Award, the inLINE column shower’s sleek and elegant design is 100-percent made in Italy with high-quality materials. It features adjustable temperature of hot and cold water in one movement, a gentle rain-producing water jet for extra comfort, quick-connect and disconnect technology, and it disassembles without having to shut off the water system, making it ideal for outdoor installations including pools, spas, boats and yachts. With its limited water consumption, inFINE consumes only 6 liters per minute. Visit https://www.sistemaingenius.it/.
Natural Polymers Ultra-Pure Spray Foam Insulation
Owens Corning introduced its comprehensive insulation product line at the International Builders Show (IBS), with a special focus on the complementary spray foam products of recently acquired Natural Polymers, LLC. Designed by industry-leading chemists, the spray foam product line supports increasingly stringent energy codes and homeowner demands for products that contribute to healthier indoor air quality. Ultra-Pure spray foam is designed to minimize odors and VOC emissions before, during and after application. Learn more at https://owenscorning.com .
ForceField Weather Barrier System
Georgia-Pacific showcased the ForceField® Weather Barrier System which has been approved for sloped roof applications. For builders, this equals the potential reduction of weather-related challenges and delays, a simplification of construction, and help toward drying in residential and multifamily structures faster compared to traditional systems. ForceField® Premium Tape, brand-new for IBS 2023, is designed to seal joints and seams against air and moisture infiltration in walls and sloped roofs. It conforms easily around curves and corners to provide excellent bonding. Visit www.buildgp.com.
DaVinci Multi-Width Slate Roofing
For the most authentic-looking slate roof without the weight or maintenance hassles, DaVinci Multi-Width Slate is the answer. All DaVinci products are made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers, along with a highly specialized fire retardant. These state-of-the-art tiles create enduring beauty on a home or commercial project. The 1/2-inch tiles are available in 12-, 10-, 9-, 7-and 6-inch widths and can be installed at 6-, 7-,7 1/2-, and 8-inch exposures. Installation can be straight or staggered, and the tiles arrive at the job site bundled and presorted by color and size, eliminating guesswork by the installers. Visit https://www.davinciroofscapes.com/.
Weather Shield VUE Hinged Patio Door
Weather Shield recently expanded its VUE Collection, an ultra-modern, all-aluminum product line, to include the new Hinged Patio Door. The new door system joins with the Collection’s existing Multi-Slide Patio Doors to create beautiful glass gateways that combine expansive outdoor views with the ability to maximize space and seamlessly blend into most room configurations. Available in customizable heights up to 12 feet tall, they are also constructed with a unique polyamide design that helps prevent thermal bowing in addition to promoting exceptional thermal and structural performances. Visit https://weathershield.com/.
Maxterra Magnesium Oxide (MgO) panels
Maxterra MgO panels from NexGen Building Products are disaster resistant, eco-friendly, energy-efficient, non-toxic, and cost-effective. Maxterra can be used as a direct replacement for plywood and OSB for exterior sheathing, interior and exterior gypsum panels, subfloors, floor underlayment, elevator shafts, stairwells, and tile backer panels. Maxterra wall and floor assemblies have excellent fire ratings, sound absorption, and impact resilience. Visit www.nexgenbp.com.
HomePower PRO Plus Solar Powered Indoor-Safe Generators
Geneverse introduces the industry's most efficient and versatile battery backup system that can be converted into an in-grid generator system in minutes: The HomePower PRO Plus. Great for up to 7 days of emergency backup power on a single charge, and with the option to recharge through solar panels for more energy independence. Simply pair your Geneverse with the Geneverse App (free and easy to use) and plug in various appliances to the unit to see how much energy they draw. Instead of having the highest energy-guzzlers in your home run from a wall outlet during peak hours, Geneverse can allow you to power smarter, cheaper, and more sustainably by running these appliances during this time. For more information visit www.geneverse.com.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt, the company’s newest smart lock innovation, offers consumers unparalleled flexibility for even greater convenience and security. The Schlage Encode Plus lock is among the first to support Apple’s latest enhancement to the HomeKit experience with home keys capability. With home keys in Apple Wallet, consumers can simply tap to unlock the Schlage Encode Plus deadbolt using their iPhone and Apple Watch for easy and secure access to their home. Visit www.Schlage.com.
Advanced Windows from PGT Innovations and Corning Inc.
Two new window products, PGT Innovations’ Thin Triple Insulated Glass Unit (Thin Triple IGU) and Diamond Glass, both feature Corning Architectural Technical Glass (ATG). Thin Triple IGU uses two outer panes of traditional glass with an internal pane of ultra-thin Corning ATG. Thin Triple IGU aligns with new energy and efficiency values under the Inflation Reduction Act and Energy Star Version 7 guidelines. Diamond Glass, a laminated ultra-lightweight glass, weighs up to 45 percent less and is three times more scratch resistant than traditional laminated glass. Diamond Glass technology, set to become the standard glass used within PGT Innovations’ WinDoor product portfolio, can be used for laminated or laminated insulated windows or doors. Visit www.pgtinnovations.com.
Danver Outdoor Kitchens Cosmopolitan Collection
The recently introduced Cosmopolitan Collection is expanding with the addition of the Cosmopolitan Store, a sleek new buffet with optional integrated induction capabilities. The new Cosmopolitan Buffet table provides a multi-purpose prep, cooking, and storage space for outdoor entertaining, featuring the optional Invisacook induction technology—perfect for small spaces like balconies where a grill may not be possible. The Cosmopolitan Collection now includes five product offerings: the Cosmopolitan Prep, Eat, Cook, Store and Buffet. Visit https://danver.com/.
Bosch ProFactor 18V SDS-max 1-5/8" Rotary Hammer
Bosch Power Tools introduced its newest concrete rotary hammer lineup. The ProFactorTOR 18V SDS-max 1-5/8-inch Rotary Hammer (GBH18V-40C) offers superior performance for tough concrete work. Powered by the CORE18V 8-Ah or 12-Ah batteries, this hammer outperforms its corded counterpart, the Bosch 11264EVS. The new GBH18V-40C improves on its predecessor with a portable cordless design that brings hard-hitting power to the jobsite. With features like KickBack Control and an Anti-Vibration System, the hammer also offers improved comfort when working in concrete. Visit www.boschtools.com.
Milwaukee M18 Variable Speed Die Grinder
Milwaukee Tool unveils the next generation in cordless die grinding with the new M18 FUEL Variable Speed Braking Die Grinder, including one model with a Paddle Switch w/ ONE-KEY and another with a Slide Switch. Delivering the next advancement in power, performance, and versatility, these new die grinders feature enhanced safety, precision and control. Providing 11A corded performance without the frustrations of hoses, cords, and compressors, the grinders are designed to help cut the cord of AC and pneumatic die grinding to drive more productivity. Both new die grinders feature a RapidStop Brake for enhanced user safety, stopping most accessories in less than two seconds. Combining three exclusive innovations—the PowerState brushless motor, RedLithium battery pack, and RedLink Plus intelligence—these new die grinders provide the versatility and performance to remove material faster than a corded die grinder. Visit www.milwaukeetool.com.
Metabo HPT’s 18V MultiVolt Cordless Brushless Impact Driver
The18V MultiVolt Cordless Brushless Impact Driver (model WH18DEX) measures only 4.72 in. long and weighs just 2.0 lbs. This impact driver has the power to drive stubborn screws and bolts and can do so in tight spaces. It’s part of the expanding MultiVolt System of 18V and 36V power tools, which can be powered by the compact 18V battery or go longer with a flexible 18V/36V MultiVolt battery (sold separately) to double runtime per charge. The brushless motor delivers more runtime and extended durability with essentially no maintenance. It delivers up to 1,549 in-lbs of torque, 3,100 RPM and 3,400 impacts per minute It’s also backed by Metabo HPT’s Lifetime Lithium-Ion tool body warranty. Visit https://www.metabo-hpt.com/.
Worx 20V MakerX Combo Kit
Although Valentine’s Day celebrations soon will be replete with bling, bonbons and bouquets, there are many hobbyists and handypersons who would prefer to unwrap a versatile, portable and cordless tool. The Worx 20V MakerX Rotary Tool and Airbrush Combo Kit includes a MakerX hub, Power Share battery, 45 accessories with case, charger and storage bag. Each compact tool in the system connects to the power hub via a 4-ft. cord. The hub is powered by the 20V, 1.5 Ah, Max Lithium, Power Share battery. The tools, themselves, don’t contain batteries, so they're lighter weight, better balanced, leaner and more compact than other models. Micro-ergonomic grips also make the tools easier and more comfortable to handle, especially over extended periods. Better yet, the portable hub eliminates the need to be connected to an electrical outlet. Just pick up the kit and take it to the project location or workstation. The hub has an on/off switch and a variable-speed dial, from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm, depending on the tool that’s connected. Also included in the kit is a 20V MakerX Air Brush that weighs only 0.62 lbs. It features a dual-function trigger control that separates air flow and paint volume. This allows the user to go from a wide spray pattern to a fine line, or vice versa, in a single stroke Visit www.worx.com.