2018 IBS Preview: 12 Must-See Products

With the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) less than a month away, home and building product manufacturers are rolling out their announcements for the products set to be on display at the Builders’ Show. Some products will enter the market for the first time on January, while others are already available and coming to the show floor for the first time.

These twelve are just the first of many products on display at IBS and KBIS from January 9th-11th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. BUILDER has many more previews to come as the show draws closer.

American Standard – Booth W1585

True to their names, the Spectra+ Touch and eTouch showerheads allow users to change spray patterns with a touch control on the fixture’s outside ring. The Spectra+ eTouch also includes a remote, which can be wall-mounted anywhere in the shower for easier access, particularly for users with height or mobility restrictions Spray patterns include drench, jet, massage, and gentle. The 7-inch heads are available with a 2.5-gpm standard flow rate or a 1.8-gpm rate that is WaterSense-certified and CalGreen-compliant. americanstandard-us.com

Bosch – Booth W2049

The Bosch Connected Control (BCC100) touchscreen thermostat provides an easy-to-use interface for temperature control. The BCC100 saves energy and money by automatically turning the heating and cooling on and off to maintain temperature while homeowners are away from their house. Users may set up to four temperature schedules per thermostat, and connect to Wi-Fi to control their thermostat from their smartphone or tablet. The thermostat is compatible with any humidifier, dehumidifier, and most HVAC equipment on the market. bosch-climate.us

Skilsaw – Booth S527

Circular sawmaker Skilsaw has made its first entry into the linear cutting market with its 13-amp reciprocating saw. The saw includes the manufacturer’s patented Buzzkill technology, a full-frame counterbalance that suppresses vibration and aims to ensure comfortable, controlled cuts and a longer tool life. The counterbalance makes use of a linear system, rather than a rotational system, to maintain vibration control. Other features are a variable speed trigger, a tool-less blade clamp, and an oversize trigger. skilsaw.com

Estwing – Booth S302

Estwing has partnered with Prime Global Products to manufacture and distribute a line of pneumatic nailers. Included in this collection is the Mini Palm Nailer, a 1.4-pound nailer designed for working in tight spaces, as well as installing joist hangers, decking, and fencing. Its air filter and anti-dust cap help keep it clean, and its ¼-inch NPD swivel rotates a full 360 degrees. It accepts 6D-16D nails 2 inches to 4 inches in length, and operates at 80 to 100 psi. The Estwing/Prime partnership will also introduce a 5-gallon Quiet Oil-Free Compressor, which delivers enough airflow to operate two pneumatic tools at once. estwing.com

GE Appliances – Booth W3153

The GE Café front control slide-in range is a sleek, edge-to-edge cooktop and stove combination with a variety of industry-first features, according to the company. Its gas and dual fuel model is the first 30-inch double oven range to feature six burners, and its induction model is the first to include Glide Touch Controls. The company also claims it is the first range to include a precision cooking probe, which monitors liquid temperature and communicates temperature adjustments to the appliance. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity allow users to preheat, set timers, and change temperatures from a connected smart device. geappliances.com

James Hardie – Booth W3416

James Hardie’s Aspyre Collection of fiber cement exteriors encompasses both the Reveal Panel System and Artisan siding. The Reveal Panel System offers smooth, 7⁄16-inch-thick exterior siding panels, plus either recessed or surround trim and countersunk or exposed fasteners. The ⅝-inch-thick Artisan siding is designed for modern, streamlined settings, and is offered in six styles. Both the Reveal and Artisan products are available primed for paint. These systems may be used together or separately, and are suitable for multifamily and single-family applications. jameshardie.com

JELD-WEN – Booth W2571

JELD-WEN’s DesignGlide system uses accent rails and a matching soft-close rail and hardware to convert any standard-sized (80 inch) interior door into a barn door–style fixture. This hardware solution addresses many of the challenges of barn door installation, including the need to use oversized doors or reframe an entryway in order to make them work. The hardware is available in satin nickel and matte black finishes. jeld-wen.com

LP – Booth W2900

LP’s newest composite subfloor solution aims to be the industry’s strongest. Each of the LP Legacy boards’ wood strands are bonded at the molecular level with a resin formulated with Gorilla Glue Technology. This bond contributes to a strong, stiff, dense subfloor that retains its shape and size in moisture and may be exposed to the elements for long periods during construction. LP Legacy sports exceptional fastener holding, reduced chances of nail pops or movement over time, and higher performance for finished materials, including hardwoods, according to the manufacturer. The boards carry a “Covered Until It’s Covered” no-sand warranty. lpcorp.com

Moen – Booth W2155

Moen has expanded its MotionSense Wave technology into its Arbor faucet collection, a one-handle high-arc pull-down kitchen faucet. The fixture’s touchless motion-activated sensor, located on the side opposite the handle, allow users to turn water on and off with a wave of the hand. This provides ease of use, energy and water-savings, and increased control over the spread of germs. The faucet is available in polished chrome, spot-resistant stainless, and matte black finishes. moen.com

Federal Brace – Booth S744

The NoMarr Surface Protection system is designed to protect finished surfaces from tools used to drive fasteners. The surface protectors can be added to any fastener with sockets between ⅜ inch and 9⁄16 inch in width before installation to prevent scratches and ensure that neither the product nor is surface is damaged. The NoMarr parts are available in packs of 50 or 100, or pre-packaged with lag screws, hex tap bolts, or hex cap bolts. federalbrace.com

Noritz – Booth W7583

The Noritz Residential Combination Boiler, or NRCB, allows for simultaneous residential domestic hot water and space heating—an industry first, according to the firm. It performs at a 95% AFUE, and is both AHRI certified and Energy Star certified at the highest efficiency rating. Corrosion-resistant copper heat exchangers offer increased durability and a longer boiler life. It has a temperature range of 80 to 180 degrees F for space heating and 90 to 140 degrees F for domestic hot water. noritz.com

Sea Gull Lighting – Booth W3601

The manufacturer’s latest products aim to be among the most decorative options on the market. The Cowen Collection features free-form hoops of cold-rolled steel, which are overlaid and welded over a steel frame. While this frame obscures the fixture’s lamps from view, it allows illumination to escape from the side openings, as well as from the top and the bottom. seagulllighting.com