Wilsonart Achieves Third-Party Certification for Laminate

Through the use of materials from well-managed forests and recycled sources, Wilsonart offers High Pressure Laminate (HPL) products manufactured in the USA that provide a responsible solution for green building projects. Now the company’s key products have been certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), the global leader in third-party evaluation of environmental and sustainability claims. Wilsonart enlisted SCS for certification services... 

CertainTeed Introduces GlasRoc Tile Backer

With the introduction of GlasRoc Tile Backer by CertainTeed Gypsum, building professionals can protect walls, ceilings and countertops in high-moisture areas with the highest level of mold-resistance for residential and commercial applications. GlasRoc Tile Backer features Embedded Glass Reinforced Gypsum (EGRGTM) technology which combines reinforcing glass mats, fully-embedded into a water-resistant gypsum core and a gray textured acrylic coating... 

Cambria Natural Quartz Surfaces and Smokey Mountain Tops Form New Exclusive Partnership

Cambria, the only producer of natural quartz surfaces in the U.S., announced today that Knoxville-based Smokey Mountain Tops is the latest Cambria fabricator business partner to be inducted into their Lexus Partner Program. The Lexus Partner Program, recently introduced by Cambria, was designed to further strengthen the relationship between Cambria and its fabricator partners as well as provide the highest possible service to the consumer. Smokey... 

Copper in the Kitchen: This Metal Shines When It Comes to Cooking, Cleanliness and Class

While studying at Le Cordon Bleu, the world’s premiere culinary school, and later working at some of the finest restaurants in France, Eric Eisenberg learned to appreciate the copper cookware top chefs use to prepare exquisite gourmet dishes. “I used a lot of copper during my training in France,” said Eisenberg, now executive chef at the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA. “And we used a lot of copper cookware at the different... 

New Comprehensive Scientific Review Shows Granite Countertops are Safe

The most comprehensive review of scientific data on radon emissions from granite countertops shows that contribution to indoor radon levels is well below EPA’s guideline for action and even levels found in outdoor air. The study reviewed more than 500 measurements of radon emissions from granite published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. It showed that the average granite slab contributes to indoor radon levels that are: – 300 times... 

Ratcliff Designs New Energy-Efficient Windrush School Building to Take Advantage of Its Environment and Achieve a LEED(R) Gold Rating

On September 2, Windrush School students will return to school and receive hands-on environmental science lessons — indoors. These lucky El Cerrito elementary and middle school students will be learning to make the most of their innovative new library and classrooms, some of the greenest learning spaces in the Bay Area. The building is expected to achieve a “Gold” rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in... 

Craft-Art Wood Countertops

Living Materials and Finishes Add a Natural Beauty to Interior and Exterior Home Design A new trend is emerging in kitchen design as designers and consumers push the limit of what materials can be used in the home. The use of “living finishes” – those found on naturally occurring materials that change, evolve and become more beautiful over time are part of a movement that respects and showcases the beauty of the natural world.