At your request: here are the 100 products and materials readers want to know more about

Building Products, May-June, 2004 by Stephanie Herzfeld

From pricey door hardware to radiant heat flooring to one-of-kind custom products, readers made thousands of requests for information from manufacturers about products and materials they saw on the pages of this magazine and two sister publications during the past year.

On more than two dozen editorial pages in this issue you'll find the top 100 items you and your colleagues wanted to know more about. These requests for products and materials seen in BUILDING PRODUCTS, BUILDER, and CUSTOM HOME magazines came in the form of reader service cards found in the back of each issue. Each item is listed with a photo and a descriptive caption that includes the manufacturer's Web site address and phone number.

There were several product categories that were most requested: decorative concrete, custom closet systems, and radiant heat flooring. These hot topics generated so much reader interest that they are spotlighted in short stories over the next few pages.

Finally, if you missed some of these 100 products and materials the first time they appeared, we hope you enjoy seeing them now. And if you saw them the first time around, we hope you'll use this information as a reminder of the interesting products you can incorporate into your projects. So start scanning the list and pick your favorites!

1 Clevaflex. Quadroflex is corrugated, multi-sided HVAC ductwork that can be bent in any direction and twisted 90 degrees by hand. It consists of interlocking seams that are folded flat and knurled for air-tightness. The product is available in a variety of shapes and in 3-inch to 10-inch diameter sizes. Standard length is 10 feet. 216-941-6505. www.clevaflex.com. Circle 201.

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2 Rheinzink. The Quick Step stepped roof system consists of the firm's prefabricated metal profiles that install using concealed clips that are connected onto the supporting structure together with wedge-shaped wooden strips. The system, which is appropriate for roofs with slopes of 10 to 75 degrees, installs quickly, claims the maker. 617-871-6777. www.rheinzink.com. Circle 202.

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3 Summit Door. The 10 wood garage doors in the Mediterranean collection were inspired by Old World designs. The doors come with a smooth, re-sawn, or weathered finish. Tuscan-style hardware and a range of options are available. 888-768-3667. www.summit-door.com. Circle 203.

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4 Wayne-Dalton. The idrive computer-driven garage door opener mounts to the wall directly above door. When activated, a spring tube operates the door, eliminating the need for a chain, screw, or belt-drive mechanism. Eliminating these mechanisms provides quiet operation, claims the maker. A torsion model and system accessories also are available. 800-827-3667. www.wayne-dalton.com. Circle 204.

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5 USPL. Made from reinforced fiberglass and extruded high-density polyethylene, Carefree Xteriors structural composite lumber is low maintenance, sturdy, and durable, claims the firm. The material can be cut and fastened with standard woodworking tools. It comes standard in gray, natural, and brown shades. Many profiles are available. 877-289-877S. www.usplasticlumber.com. Circle 205.

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6 Just. Crafted from 18-gauge stainless steel, these wall panels complement the firm's line of stainless steel sinks as well as other metal kitchen appliances. The panels come in quilted and standard satin finishes. They resist chipping, burning, scratching, and staining, says the maker. Other stainless steel kitchen accessories are available. 847-678-5150. www.justsinks.com. Circle 206.

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7 L.M. Scofield. The colored, textured, and architectural concrete systems this firm manufactures can be used in interior and exterior projects. Texturetop comes in two "just add water" varieties, both of which provide concrete overlays that can be imprinted, textured, or chemically stained. Also available are a range of coloring admixtures, floor hardeners, colored cementitious toppings, texturing tools, and more. 800-800-9900. www.scofield.com. Circle 207.

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8 Gadco. Part of the Early American collection of carriage-style garage doors, the Presidential series includes eight wood designs inspired by American presidents. The Madison, for example, features bold horizontal lines reminiscent of the president's Georgian-style Montpelier estate, while the "X" beams on the Washington and Jackson designs represent the two leaders' military backgrounds. The doors, which measure 2 11/16 inches thick, include 1/2-inch cedar or hemlock paneling. 800-879-4232. www.gadco.com. Circle 208.

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9 In-O-Vate Technologies. The 22-gauge aluminized steel Dryerbox is a recessed dryer vent box that saves space in the laundry room because it allows the dryer to be pushed against the wall. It permits the storage and recoiling of the flex transition hose between the dryer and the wall connection to take place inside the wall cavity, eliminating a zigzag of ductwork. 888-443-7937. www.dryerbox.com. Circle 209.