Mr. Steam and New York City

Filed under Bathrooms by on May 27, 2012 at 4:04 pm {no comments}

At last year’s DPHA Conference in San Jose I was very lucky to win a trip to New York City. The trip was sponsored by Mr. Steam and it was a great chance not only to visit their main facility but also spend a few days in the greatest city in the USA.

Last week we made the trip. I was joined by Steve Rice, manager of our Walnut Creek showroom. Our hosts were Martha Orellana and Bart Gorelik of Mr. Steam Corp. After a non-stop flight to JFK we found ourselves traveling to Long Island City to visit the headquarters of Mr. Steam.

Mr. Steam Facility - Long Island City, New York

Mr. Steam’s home is a 65,000 square foot facility which includes production for both residential and commercial products as well as corporate offices and a display space. Mr. Steam’s parent company, Sussman Automatic was founded in 1917 and began producing steam equipment for the garment industry, manufacturing the big steam irons used in commercial clothing industry. Mr. Steam was soon being approached by their hotel customers to help create better steam systems for their hotel spas. As Sussman grew they moved into work with the Navy and hospitals producing autoclaves and other steam related equipment.

Kate Brady and Steve Rice visit Lady Liberty

At the facility we spent some time on the Residential production line watching the assembly and testing of generators. There are some key things to know about Mr. Steam products. All Mr. Steam generators use stainless steel housings, both for the steam chamber and the main housing. This assures that your generator will last and not be susceptible to rust. The intake and steam line fittings are also stainless steel to resist corrosion.
One really key feature of Mr. Steam products is the element. Mr. Steam uses a copper sheathed element which allows low wattage density and long life. The copper element is more costly than a steel alloy option but also safer. Steel alloy elements are resistant to burn-out but in a waterless situation (if the water supply to the generator was blocked) these steel alloy elements may burn hot for a long time (approximately 1600 degrees F) producing a potentially dangerous situation. A copper sheathed element will melt, acting like a fuse and shutting down the unit.

Times Square

It was interesting to see how the generators are assembled. Most of the line workers have been with Mr. Steam for many, many years. They obviously take pride in their work. Generators electronics and the watertight housing are tested and then they are packaged and sent to the shipping department.
We also got to see the downstairs production where the high output commercial generators are made. These units have to withstand great pressures and they are quite amazing to see being assembled. We also got to see the parts inventory. It is good to know that Mr. Steam continues to keep a big inventory of parts, even old items. As a salesperson I like knowing the products I sell will be serviceable for years to come.
We also spent some time with Michael Pinkus, President, talking about some of the new products Mr. Steam is developing. You might think it odd to get excited about steam but the products Mr. Steam is working on can have a big role in the bathroom of tomorrow.

Aquabrass – Creative, Beautiful and Fun

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on February 26, 2012 at 7:01 am {no comments}

Aquabrass

Italy has long been recognized as the world leader in design. Italian cars, jewelry, leather, fashion and furniture are admired around the world. But did you

know that Italy is also a leader in faucet design? In fact, there is a region of Italy known as the “valley of the faucets”. It’s true.

For 2012 GPSAC is proud to welcome one of the finest and most creative of the Italian faucet world. Introducing Aquabrass.

Aquabrass has been a GPS partner for over 10 years and we have seen the line evolve quite a bit over that time. What I love about Aquabrass is the that their collections are creative but not outlandish.  Creating something that looks “different” is one thing, but to have it also be beautiful and functional is much harder. Aquabrass does it very well.

X-clusive is the primary faucet group and takes inspiration from many sources. For example, “Martini” does replicate the chic and stylish dynamism that the drink has been associated with, while also modernizing the water usage. “Bridge” is a sculpture design based on the complex architectural design of bridges (both by designer Remi Theberge).

Streem by Aquabrass

Martini by Aquabrass

Bridge by Aquabrass

“Stream”, by designer Davide Bregoli, uses pure, clean lines and yields a freely flowing cascade of water in it open spout design.

Hey Joe by Aquabrass

Marizo Duranti is the creative force behind three beautiful and fun designs; “Love Me”, “Hey Joe” and “Belmondo”. “Belmondo” is a contemporary look with art-deco roots and was created as a tribute to the 1920’s and 30’s. “Love Me” is just plain fun. This may sound silly but I think the single hole lav faucet is cute and the open, flume spout adds sparkle. “Hey Joe” is indeed inspired by Jimi Hendrix with a lever handle based on the whammy bar shape from his guitar.

Cut by Aquabrass

“Cut”, by Giancarlo Vegni, is surprising the first time you see it. Very simple but with a startling detail it should been seen in person to be really appreciated. Vegni is also the creator of “Blok”, a minimalist collection that seeks to marry functionality with originality. Does it succeed? We think so.

Aquabrass also includes the “Splendor” and “blueprint” collection which both feature more familiar designs. “Sahara” is one that has taken a comfortable look and stretched it a little to create something more interesting.

Aquabrass also excels in the shower. “Cura” is the exciting new introduction for a unique shower creation. “Cura” is more than water; color and fragrance are embraced, providing a complete haven of relaxation. Hydrotherapy, chromatherapy and aromatherapy mix to create the complete environment.

Cura by Aquabrass

If Cura is more than you need there are still many, many choices for you in the Aquabrass shower collection. Round, square and traditional rainheads, multi-function heads, shower columns and even multi-colored squeezable models that are perfect for a child’s bath room.

Drop by Aquabrass

These products really must be seen to truly appreciate the beauty. We currently feature examples of 9 Aquabrass collections including many of the models pictured here. We invite you to come see them soon.

Blok by Aquabrass

Grohflex is Here!

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information by on January 17, 2012 at 11:12 am {no comments}

Grohflex

Grohflex is the new universal rough in system From Grohe. A universal rough is the housing that allows you to install the rough plumbing but not add the trim and operating cartridge until trim out. Now rough-in does not have to wait while style and finishes are decided. But the really exciting thing about Grohflex is the flexibility it gives you in creating your shower.

Today, building codes require showers to include safety valves; so pressure balanced or thermostatic valves. Typical

Grohflex Rough

pressure balance valves come in two types. Either as a cycling valve, meaning you start at cold and turn the handle until you get to the right temperature, with no volume control. You can also get some PB valves that offer volume control and pressure balancing. But with the exception of a couple of expensive models these valves can be difficult to use. Have you ever had the experience of trying to tap the handle just right to get the temperature you want?

Grohflex is the solution. Grohflex offers 5 function options; single and dual function pressure balance, single and dual function thermostatic and a custom shower thermostatic option. Single function valves are for shower only or tub and shower installations using a diverter tub spout. Dual function allows for two shower functions (shower head and a hand shower or two heads) or a tub and shower using a non-diverter type spout. The Custom shower thermostat will still require the use of separate volume controls.

Cosmopolitian Dual Function

Authentic Dual Function Thermo

Grohflex keeps it simple. Trim is available in three design groups; Cosmopolitan for a rounded clean look, Timeless for a more architectural style and Authentic for traditional designs. All are available in chrome and brushed nickel. The Authentic group can also be ordered in polished nickel and oil rubbed bronze.

While this system is not entirely new to the industry Grohe has done a couple of things different. In the past these valve types have used two separate handles, one for volume and one for temperature control. Grohe decided that they would incorporate the two handle on one post making the look less cluttered.

Grohe has also included a Dual Function pressure balance option which is a more price competitive option when compared to thermostatic.

Grohflex makes it easier for showrooms, designers, plumbers and homeowners to keep the project moving while offering high quality and choice.

Porcher LXP Toilet Collection – Perfomance and Luxury

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms by on December 15, 2011 at 11:36 am {no comments}

For many years Porcher has been a respected product in the luxury plumbing market.  In the last couple of years Porcher has continued their flair for good design with the introduction of some truly different toilets, the LXP collection. These models are created primarily with a one piece design and a unique look. In addition, the new Porcher toilets have top of the line performance with a 1000 gram MAP score on most models. This while meeting the new HET requirements for California. The LXP toilets are also universal height (ADA).

Porcher Solutions Collection

Most of the new Porcher models are “Transitional” in design “Transitional” is a look drawn from traditional patterns but trimmed to have a clean, more up-to-date look. This means these designs can integrate into a traditional look or into one that is more contemporary.

Porcher HET Veneto

Veneto, Chapeau and Ovale are all excellent examples of Transitional design. The new LXP Veneto is a recreation of a toilet that was enormously popular in the 1990s for its unique look and effective flushing performance. In its day the Veneto was considered one of the best flushing models available but was weak when it came to bowl cleaning. The HET technology addresses that issue.

Porcher Chapeau Toilet

 

Chapeau and Ovale are new designs for Porcher. I personally really like the Chapeau design. It is a good example of the way Porcher has started with a standard 1 piece toilet and transformed it into something new.

Porcher Archive 1PC Toilet

 

 

Of course not all the new designs are Transitional. Two models, Archive and Lutezia, echo traditional themes; and Lutezia is a 2 piece model.  Both Lutezia and Archive are “suite” products meaning there are matching sinks, baths and furniture available.

Lutezia 2PC Toilet

Finally there is the Porcher “Solutions” toilet. It is consistent with the other LXP 1 piece toilet designs, adding the more squared look that has become so popular.  “Solutions” is a new suite for Porcher (see picture above) and is designed for small spaces. The suite includes several sink selections as well as furniture and bathtubs. In addition to the LXP toilet the Solutions collection includes a wall mount toilet for in-wall carrier.

Porcher Solutions one piece

Hudson Valley Lighting – Welcome

Filed under Bathrooms, Kitchens by on November 18, 2011 at 11:13 am {no comments}

We are very pleased to welcome Hudson Valley Lighting to the American Canyon showroom.

Hudson Valley Kirkland Duo Sconce

Hudson Valley is a well respected manufacturer of both residential and commercial lighting products. Their residential products include designs for the bath and kitchen with many designed specifically for wet locations.

Hudson Valley Milford Duo Sconce

Hudson Valley began with mostly traditional style products but in recent years they have been expanding to more contemporary and transitional designs. Some examples of their transitional pieces include “Mill Valley”, “Hewlett” and “Milford”. For a modern look try “Bethel”, “Thompson” or Walton”.

Hudson Valley Hewlett

Hudson Valley Thompson

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Of course there is more to lighting that looking good. Hudson Valley uses a variety of light bulbs or “lamps” in their products. Many have a standard socket which can accept a standard “A” lamp or new compact fluorescent lamps. Some of the smaller fixtures use a “Xenon” lamp which is similar to halogen in light quality but less expensive. Xenon lamps are also small allowing a more petite fixture size.

Hundson Valley Hartsdale

Hudson Valley Lightening also offers a range of finishes that match those used in decorative plumbing today. Polished chrome certainly but also polished and satin nickel, aged brass, old bronze and Historic Nickel and brushed bronze are offered in many designs.

Hudson Valley Keswick Duo

Most Hudson Valley lights use glass shades or diffusers but they also design fixtures using alabaster. Alabaster is natural stone that when lit has a soft glow with a unique beauty seen only in a natural product.

Melrose Alabaster Xenon Fixture

We are currently displaying bath lighting in our American Canyon location but Hudson Valley offers, and we sell, lighting for the kitchen, entry hall and other home locations. Please visit our showroom and see this beautiful product for yourself!

 

You Deserve a Custom Bathroom

Filed under Bathrooms, General Information, Thoughts on Buying by on October 19, 2011 at 10:31 am {no comments}

What makes a bathroom a custom bathroom? The word “custom” gets used a lot but does it conjure up the same image for everyone? It is actually a word with many meanings, two of which seem to contradict each other. According to Wikipedia, custom may mean “a rule that is socially enforced” or “anything made or modified to personal taste”.

Custom Bathroom with Kaldewei Bassinio Tub

I have seen both definitions applied to bathroom design. For example, I have had people tell me things like “I don’t really want a tub but I have to have one for resale” or “we don’t need two sinks but it’s the Master bath so we need to have two”.  Both statements reflect the feeling that one must include certain fixtures in the bathroom because others expect it.

Of course as a kitchen & bath design showroom we deal with the second definition, modifying to personal taste. When it comes to bathrooms it probably isn’t possible for most of us to have things exactly as we might like but there are so many products available today that you might be surprised how close you can get.

Custom Storage for a Small Bath - Ronbow Concealed Drawer

Over the years we have worked with thousands of people and solved thousands of problems that arise when remodeling a bathroom. Some solutions are easy to come up with while others take some creativity. For example, showers are an area of diverse needs. How do you design a shower that can serve a variety of users without installing multiple valves and heads? Easy, a hand shower on a bar. These originated in Europe and let you raise and lower the position of the hand shower on the bar so that children or adults can have a properly placed shower head. Use a bar designed to double as a grab bar and you have a shower that can conform to the needs of a multi-generational family (please note most shower bars are NOT designed to function as grab bars. If you need that function be sure to get the right thing). Plus a hand shower makes it easier to clean the stall. One change and we have designed a shower that can be called custom.

Rohl 36 Grab Bar Handshower Set

Another issue we sometimes run into is the couple who wants a hydrotherapy bath but is very different in height. A tall person wants the 6’ tub because it is comfortable but the shorter person finds that they slide too far down and cannot sit comfortably. There are actually two solutions to this problem. Several manufacturers have designed long tubs with an addition foot rest at the end. This allows the shorter user to rest their feet mid-way and prevent them from sliding too far. Kaldewei has also created a set on cushions that can attach to the tub bottom to function as a foot rest.

BainUltra Essencia Tub Interior - Customized to Fit

What about questions of taste? Remodeling can be very stressful and sometimes we solve problems by ignoring them. Here’s what I mean. Very often people will come in with some very set ideas about what they want. Sometimes these ideas do not mix with the budget or space available. Sometimes it is a couple who each want something very different from what the other wants. Rather than argue about why an idea won’t work or why one is better than the other we work to find out why our clients want a certain thing and then suggest alternatives for consideration. This can work to both confirm the original idea is right or to discover that there is a better way. It isn’t so much a matter of finding a product to match their wish as it is to help identify the ways to get the best result.

This is probably the most important way that a showroom works to create custom bathrooms. It isn’t about the products. It is about using our experience, product knowledge and communication skills to get our customers to the result they want. Because really, that’s what a custom bathroom is all about.

Winter Chill is Here – Time for a Towel Warmer!

Filed under Bathrooms, Hardware and accessories by on October 5, 2011 at 3:43 pm {no comments}

I am surprised that towel warmers are not more common. Towel warmers are useful and enjoyable appliances but not many people buy them. If you need a way to warm up a bathroom or dry towels more quickly or just to enjoy a little luxury a towel warmer is worth considering.

Myson BALA B29 Classic Towel Warmer

Generally speaking towel warmers are either electric or hydronic. Classic towel warmers were hydronic, using hot water flowing through the home water system to provide heat. Later electrical models were introduced. These types still have fluid in a channel system but use electricity to product the heat.

Today it appears that the electric models are much more popular and this may be due in part to the wide range of electric models available. This is convenient but also confusing as there is a wide range of pricing available. Here are a few things to know.

Electric towel warmers are generally made of brass, stainless steel or steel. Brass construction is the top of the line choice. Brass construction offers the best choice for durability of finish and strength and is a better conductor of heat than steel. You can find brass towel warmers in many designs (traditional, contemporary) and sizes. For many years Myson has been a leader in towel warmers and feature the classic styles. While these are beautiful we have found that most people are looking for something a bit more transitional or even contemporary in style. Mr. Steam’s 500 and 600 series offer excellent choices (both electric and hydronic). These units, in addition to brass construction, have stainless steel heaters for controlled quite heat. Finishes include chrome, polished and brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze. Price-wise brass units will be at the top of the range starting at about $900 with larger multi-rail units priced around $2500.00 – $3500.00.

Mr. Steam 600 Series Warmer - Brass Construction

If you are interested in having a towel warmer but don’t want to spend quite so much consider a stainless steel unit. Mr. Steam’s 300 series offers three sizes of wall mount models as well as a floor standing unit. Stainless steel, while not as conductive as brass, is still an effective conductor of heat and these units use a stacked rail system to create an excellent warming surface. Stainless steel does not allow the same range of finishes but can be ordered in either polished or brushed finish (stainless steel will be close in color to polished or brushed nickel). These units range in price from $800.00 – $1200.00. Amba is another manufacturer of stainless steel warmers. Their units are available in a wide range of size, style and finish.

Mr. Steam 200 Series Towel Warmer

If you need other finishes you can consider a steel towel warmer. Steel is the least heat conductive of the three but still produces a good warming surface. Most competitively priced warmers are of steel construction and can be found in chrome, white, oil rubbed bronze and other finishes. Mr. Steam’s 200 series is available in four sizes of wall mount units and range in price from $600.00 – $1000.00. The 200 series also offers valet package that allows you to expand the usefulness of your unit.

Runtal Omnipanel

All the products described above use what I will call a rail system in designing their warmers. Runtal also uses a rail system for some models but is best known for the Omnipanel model. The Omnipanel began life as a radiator, not just a towel warmer. The design of the rails flattens them into individual panels and finishes each panel and frame in a painted surface that conducts heat effectively. Thus an Omnipanel not only warms towels but really acts as a room heater. Omnipanels have a sleek 2” profile and can be fit into a variety of places; corners, under windows, even ceilings. Omnipanels also offer shelf and hook accessories making them a great choice for a mud room coat rack or spa area. For more on Runtal click here.

Runtal Omnipanel as Coat Rack

As cold weather approaches now is a good time to think about adding a towel warmer to your bathroom, mudroom or pool area. A towel warmer can even be a great Christmas present. It does take a couple of weeks to arrive so now is the time to start thinking about it. Is a towel warmer right for your home?

Runtal Omnipanel in a Laundry Room

Toto Faucets – Innovative Residential Products

Filed under Bathrooms, New in the Showroom by on September 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm {no comments}

Toto Nexus Lavatory Faucet

When Toto entered the US market some many years ago low water toilets were a fairly new thing and Toto realized that no other manufacturer was producing toilets that really worked well. Toto saw opportunity and responded by focusing on design and engineering to bring a truly superior product to the market.  Today Toto is recognized as the industry leader in toilets and bidet seat products. Because of this focus many people do not know that there are other products in which Toto also excels, not the least of which is their faucets.

In my opinion Toto faucets do not get the recognition they deserve.  This may be because when Toto started to produce faucets they started small, with just a couple of designs. Toto continued to develop their faucet products in the same way they did toilets; with a focus on design and engineering quality. In addition, Toto worked on the concepts of suites, creating faucet collections to coordinate with their growing china designs.

Toto Legato Lavatory Faucet

Toto Aimes Lavatory Faucet

For 2011 Toto has introduced two new collections, Aimes and Legato. Both suites include toilets and sinks (and even a bathtub) but I’m going to focus on the faucets.

The style of Aimes is a little hard to define but the first term that came to my mind was “post modern”. The outline is reminiscent of a traditional faucet but it has been flattened and elongated, almost like it was sliced in half. This detail is carried through in the thermostatic valve and volume controls for the shower as well as a deck mount tub set. Toto has added a fun element with the Aimes lighted showerhead. Aimes is available in chrome, brushed and polished nickel.

Legato is contemporary. Square outlines with a blade handle that has a fan-like edge. Legato also uses thermostatic valves for the bath and shower as well as a deck tub set. Lighted shower heads must be a signature look for Toto this year as they have included one in the Legato suite as well.

Toto Soiree Single Hole Faucet

Three of Toto’s most popular designs have been Soiree, Guinevere and Lloyd and Toto has done a fine job with the faucets for these suites. Soiree is a personal favorite. When the sinks and toilets were introduced several years ago I was attracted to the transitional look. The same look carries through to the faucet group. Soiree offers both a single hole and widespread faucet option, not typical of Toto. Toto used ceramic disc cartridges and their smooth action is evident in this single hole model.

Toto Guinevere Lavatory Faucet

Toto Guinevere Thermostatic Valve

Guinevere is probably the most traditional of Toto styles. Handles are available as both levers and cross. This is one of the few suites to offer Oil Rubbed Bronze as a finish in addition to chrome, polished and brushed nickel. The details of the design are carried through on the shower valves and shower heads as well as the faucets and deck sets. A truly beautiful collection.

The Lloyd Collection draws from the looks of Art Deco and has a slightly architectural feel to it. Both pressure balanced or thermostatic shower valves are available. The Lloyd Collection also offers two atypical pieces, a sink console of either metal or wood and a residential urinal!

Toto Lloyd Lavatory Faucet

Another group of faucets (and pedestal sinks) goes under the group name “Ethos” and has four subgroups; Design C, Design L, Design NI and Design NII.

Design C is contemporary with a handle shape that I describe as “Swoosh”.

Toto Ethos Design C Lavatory Faucet

 

Design L is more organic with a handle shape like a shark fin or a splash of water.

Toto Ethos Design L Faucet

 

Toto describes their Design NI faucet as “vintage inspired” and that seems right. It’s blocky but not clunky.

Toto Ethos Design NI Faucet

 

Design NII returns to the modern direction and the design is sort of aeronautic.

Toto Ethos Design NII Faucet

For residential applications Toto offers matching towel bars and accessories for all their faucet suites.

Toto Ryohan EcoPower Faucet

Toto Axiom EcoPower Faucet

Toto also seeks to bring good design to the commercial world by offering the “Ecopower” sensor faucets in four designs; Helix, Fordham, Axiom and Ryohan. Ecopower is a system that allows Toto sensor faucets to work without routine batteries or electrical hookup, reducing maintenance costs and water usage.

We display a large selection of Toto faucet products and keep many models in stock. Please visit us and learn more.

Bidets and Bidet Seats, Washlets and Shower Toilets

Filed under Accessible Product, Bathrooms by on September 7, 2011 at 2:24 pm {2 comments}

I’m sure many people reading this are familiar with Linked-In, the business based networking site. Currently there is a lively discussion on the subject of bidets, specifically, are bidet seats replacing the traditional bidet in modern bathrooms?

Most people I know are a little uncomfortable discussing bidets and I think I can understand why. That said, the bidet is a very useful fixture and the advent of the bidet seat is bringing benefits to more people than ever.

First a little history. The word “bidet” is derived from a French word for pony (it is assumed that this derives from the fact that one straddles the bidet the same way one might ride a horse). The exact origin is unknown but it is thought to have been the creation of French furniture makers. The earliest known written reference is from 1710 (more here).

Porcher Lutezia Suite with Bidet

When I began in the decorative plumbing industry in the early 1990s bidets were making a come back. Many urban showrooms displayed most toilets with matching bidets and most decorative faucet lines included at least one style of bidet faucet. People with enough space often added a bidet to their remodeling project. People also often had definite opinions about the type of bidet they wanted.

Generally speaking there are two types of free-standing bidets; Horizontal spray and vertical spray and each requires a specific type of faucet.

The simplest is horizontal or “over-the-rim”. This style faucet looks very much like a lavatory faucet but is fitted with a swivel spray nozzle that points in a more forward direction. There is also a pop-up drain that allows the bidet bowl to be filled with water.

Porcher Calla Horizontal Spray Bidet

A vertical spray bidet incorporates a nozzle in the bottom of the bowl that sprays vertically. Handles for hot and cold are set on the deck of the bidet. Vertical spray bidet faucets require the addition of a vacuum breaker to prevent a back-flow of contaminated water.

Traditional bidets were designed for a specific function and work very well. But for a variety of reasons (small bathrooms, additional plumbing, expense, cultural norms) few Americans today think of installing one. Still, the concept is useful and an alternative exists.

It has many names, bidet seat, Washlet, spa seat, shower toilet and high-tech bidet among others. The idea is that instead of having a separate unit requiring the user to move from toilet to bidet, a set of spray nozzles are incorporated into a toilet seat. It’s a good idea and makes having a bidet possible for far more people.

Duravit Sensowash with Starck 610000

A bidet seat is much more than a toilet seat with water sprays. There are now many manufacturers offering these seats in some form and in a range of prices. Here are some features to look for when shopping for a bidet seat.

• Front and Rear Cleanse with separate nozzles (wands)
• Water Position adjustment (position wand more forward or back)
• Water Pressure adjustment
• Water Temperature adjustment
• Hot water – pre-heated reservoir or in-line heater
• Air purifier or Deodorizer and can it be turned on/off?
• Heated Seat (temperature adjustable?)
• Oscillating (massage ) cleanse
• Dryer
• Soft close hinges
• Control is seat mounted or remote
• Control easy to understand and use
• Self-cleaning wands
• Seat sensor (to detect if someone is sitting on seat before water sprays engage)
• Energy Saving option
• Cord length
• Overall construction

Deciding which features are important to you may take a little time. It is important to consider who will be using the seat and which model will accommodate all users. For example, a seat mounted control panel may work fine for younger members of the family but may be difficult for someone with restricted mobility (or just a stiff neck). Next, is the control easy to understand and to use? Is there someone with limits of sight or hand function and will the control work for them? People have differing sensitivities to temperature and pressure so adjustability of those can be important. Is a dryer function important? It may be critical for someone without a full range of motion or with certain medical conditions.

Porcher 70082-00 Bidet Seat

Once you have identified the important features check out how each model of seat performs those functions. For example, one seat may offer three temperature settings while another has five settings. Not a big difference except that the three setting model ranges between 89 to 99.5 degrees while the five setting model’s range is 86 to 104 degrees. Is 99 degrees warm enough? Another example is the seat sensor; is it line of sight or by weight? It may make a difference if a user is a small person who does not put a lot of weight on the seat. These may sound like small details but can make a big difference in daily use.

Toto Washlet S300 Washlet, aquia wall hung and control

Over the years General Plumbing has sold several models of seats. For the last couple of years we have sold primarily Toto. Toto in fact has become well known for their Washlet seats and for good reason. It is a well thought out product with much attention given to detail. We have recently added Inax to our bidet seat collection. Inax is a new player in the American market and they have modeled themselves on Toto. Porcher has also recently introduced a line of bidet seats. We have yet to receive our display but early information looks promising. Finally, Duravit this year brought their “Starck” and “D-Code” models to the market. True to Duravit these seats are stylist and functional; definately worth a look if beauty is as important to you as function.

We currently display a working model of the Toto S300 in our showroom. In addition we will be adding the Inax, Porcher and Duravit over the next few weeks. Please fell free to visit, call or email for more information.

Quartz for the Kitchen and Bath – Better Than Granite?

Filed under Bathrooms, Kitchens, New in the Showroom by on August 30, 2011 at 2:49 pm {no comments}

What is quartz?

Quartz Crystals

a. A rock?
b. The second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust?
c. A fine crystal used in jewelry?
d. A commercially important source of silicon?
e. A countertop?
f. All of the above?

Quartz is a word which today commonly refers to a group of materials used for the construction of countertops, tabletops, wall panels, floor tile and many other applications. A more correct phrase might be “engineered stone” but this is not a synthetic or imitation product; it is up to 94% natural quartz, the substance that gives granite its hardness.

Over the last few years granite has become one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops. It is beautiful, and like many people I long thought that granite was the most durable choice. I recently discovered this is not true. In fact, a quartz countertop can be considered superior to granite in several ways. Quartz will not have the softer compounds found in natural granite that may cause surface imperfections or weak spots (granite is 40-60% quartz). Quartz products are are very resistant to staining and do not require sealing to keep a good surface. This makes quartz a very sanitary product and indeed many brands have been NSF certified for use in food preparation areas.

Cambria Buckingham

We recently remodeled our kitchen display area and went searching for a material for the island countertop. We wanted something that would look rich and be able to hold up in a commercial space. For us Cambria was the answer. There are a couple of things I really like about Cambria the first of which is the range of colors that they make. I think Cambria has gotten the closest to the look of natural granite. The color “Buckingham” is a good example; it has the kind of “movement” one sees in many granite slabs. Cambria is also the only quartz product manufactured in the USA.

This project brought us the opportunity to work with a company called Stone, etc, one of the top fabricators in the SF Bay area. We are now teaming up with Stone, etc to offer quartz products to our customers in the Napa Valley. In addition to Cambria we now carry Caesarstone and Silestone.

Caesarstone is probably one of the best known makes of quartz products. It is also one of the most versatile, not just in colors but in the range of applications for which it is suitable. Caesarstone’s distribution network means that the product is readily available so less time waiting for your top to be installed. Caesarstone is always adding to their portfolio of colors and base patterns on stones like slate or travertine and well as brighter options like their “Warm Red” or “Apple Martini”. Caesarstone offers a lot of design choice.

Silestone may be the largest manufacturer of quartz. When it comes to colors Silestone does a couple of things differently. For one Silestone is adventurous. Yes, you can find selections that are very natural looking but check out the “New Life” series for bright greens and blues or the “New Zen” series for soft plum, pink or grey. In addition the “Leather” series offers a new texture for quartz. Silestone is unique for “Microban” an anti-microbial element added to the material to reduce the growth of bacteria.

While quartz is probably most often used in countertops it can also be used for vanity tops and shower walls, tub decks and flooring. If you are interested in seeing what is available please visit our showroom and check out our displays. We will show you color options and discuss what might be right for your project.

By the way the answer to the question is “all of the above”. Quartz is a very versatile stone.

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