The 2011 Remodeling Show and Deck Expo shows are in full swing in the Windy City. The HANDY staff attended the first day of the show yesterday, October 13, 2011. This dual show isn't the largest show that we attend, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in the exhibitors that are featured - it's about quality, not quantity.
As the names suggest, the Remodeling Show and Deck Expo feature the latest materials, products and tools for remodeling projects, deck building and other outdoor projects. We saw a lot of great products, many of which you'll see in future projects and stories in the pages of HANDY Magazine. In the meantime, here are a handful of the products that made an impression:
Watch a Deck Collapse!
| Simpson Strong-Tie made an impact with their deck collapse demonstration, promoting the importance of proper deck construction. They built two side-by-side decks; one featuring code-compliant construction and the other featuring many common construction mistakes and short-cuts. If you're planning to build a deck, check out their site and download the free Deck Framing Construction Guide. |
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Easy Stair Tread Makeover
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| Managing Editor, Mike Berger and Senior Editor, Connie Bastyr checked our the Stare Casing Hardwood Overlay System. The Stare Casing System makes it much easier to replace the carpet on your stairs with hardwood treads. We especially like their clever tread jig (seen resting on the stair tread in the photo). The two metal ends of the jig are mounted on any 1x4 and are adjusted to transfer the exact end angles of each tread to the new overlay piece. |
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DIY Aluminum and Glass Rails
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| Executive Editor/Social Media Editor, Dan Cary learns about the PROVA System of railings. The PROVA System is a modular railing sytem that makes it easier and less expensive to install aluminum, cable or glass railings inside or outside your house. They're new to the U.S. market, so their Web site is still under development. Contact them at info@dolleusa.com. |
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Insulation Cutting Made Easy
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| This tool might no be necessary in every toolbox, but if you cut a lot of insulation, then you'll love the Insul-Knife. It cuts through rigid insulation and batt insulation like a hot (well maybe warm is more accurate) knife through butter. The point being, it's amazing how easily this knife cuts insulation. |
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The Case for Wood
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| With all the attention that's been paid to the many new versions of composite and plastic deck boards over the past few years, it's easy to overlook real wood. The Wood Pavilion in the Deck Expo area highlighted the many benefits of choosing North American wood when you build. |
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Eco Friendly High Tech Wood Sealer
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| The Seal-Once line of sealers features a nanotechnology formula that penetrates concrete, wood, exotic wood and even composite decking. It's been approved by the New Hampshire Dept. of Environmental Services as safe for use over fresh or saltwater. It will not harm fish, pets, plants or livestock. |
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Last, but not least...remodeling Scooby-Doo style!
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| Custom Service Hardware (CSH) has introduced a line of ready-to-install secret door kits. The Invisi Door comes in an inswing (left) and outswing (right) versions and is available in your choice of unfinished red oak, maple or cherry. Who wouldn't want a secret door in their home?! |
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It was a great show! We can't wait 'til next year.