The do-it-yourself industry has not succumbed to the economic doldrums. “(It’s) doing better than ever and the long-term forecast remains strong,” says Bob Wilson, merchandising editor for the trade magazine called Home Improvement Center.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Home Improvement Research Institute, sales for 1993 are expected to reach $115.4 billion, up 8.8 percent from 1992. Sales are predicted to increase 6 percent each year and to reach an estimated $142 billion in 1997.
Why are do-it-yourselfers ringing up record sales? It’s the economy, of course. “Interest rates may be low but housing prices are escalating steadily,” explains Wilson, “so more and more people are putting money into the house they own rather than moving.”
To reach all these improve-it-yourselfers, this month manufacturers introduced a variety of new products to retailers and wholesalers at the National Home Center Show. Many are designed to make the work of do-it-yourselfers easier so that they can make their homes more functional and more beautiful with products that require less maintenance and protect the environment as well.
“Now that we have a vice president who is a high-profile environmentalist, I think we will be seeing more energy conservation products and more environmentally friendly products,” says Wilson. “This is a continuing trend but the fact that it has lasted so long tends to suggest that it is not really a fad, but a shift in thinking.”
The prices listed for the products featured are suggested retail prices. You can contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area that carries a specific item.
Top brass
Homeowners are in the market for attractive storm doors that enhance the curb appeal of their home, and brass trim is becoming a big seller. Cole Sewell follows the trend, and then some, with the introduction of three new models in its Estate Series. A solid brass knob and escutcheon are featured on Model 3100, a solid core storm door with traditional gridded glass. Models 4000 and 4500, with solid brass hardware, are now available in a new tan color called Sand, which complements the growing number of windows being offered in this and other earth tones. Model 4500 comes equipped with a solid brass, keyed deadbolt to give home-dwellers an extra layer of security. Price: $239 to $309 depending on model; $25 for the solid brass deadbolt sold separately. Cole Sewell Corp., 2288 W. University Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 55114. Phone: 800-328-6596.
Cooking with cabinets
Projects that involve improving the kitchen are still among the most popular with do-it-yourselfers. While the traditional oak finish for cabinets remains a favorite, maple is gaining in popularity. For the many homeowners who want to improve their kitchens, but don’t have the money to remodel completely, S&S Wood Specialities Inc. has designed a new line of gourmet kitchen accessories available in pre-sanded oak or maple, ready for refinishing to match the existing decor. A work station that takes the place of an existing kitchen drawer combines a storage space for knives and a pullout cutting board. The series also includes standard and corner appliance garages, bottle, stemware and spice racks, and a condiment shelf. Price: $29.99 to $129.99, depending on model and finish. S&S Wood Specialties Inc., P.O. Box 1188, Westbrook, Maine 04092. Phone: 800-242-9663.
Spout off
Peerless Faucet Co. has introduced the “Out and About Spout,” a pullout spout lavatory faucet that can make shampooing hair or bathing an infant easier and is also useful for rinsing out the sink. The unit comes in chrome with an acrylic handle. It is more affordable than similar products and is designed to prevent the problem of back-flow and back- siphonage that occurs when pullout sprays are immersed in used water and polluted water is then siphoned back into the clean water supply. Price: $149.95. Peerless Faucet Co., 55 East 111th St., P.O. Box 40980, Indianaplis, Ind. 46208. Phone: 317-848-7933.
Concrete care
Concrete may seem like it should last forever, but weather can take its toll. So Parks Corp. has introduced a complete line of concrete care products to not only to patch concrete, but to preserve and beautify it as well. The series includes Fast Plug, Concrete Paint and Concrete Stain, Concrete Etch, Concrete Cleaner Clear Sealer and Gloss Finish. The products can also be used on masonry, stucco, brick and stone. Price: $1.38 to $160.59, depending on product and quantity. Parks Corp., 1083 County St., Somerset, Mass. 02726. Phone: 800-225-8543.
Recycled insulation
Manville Brand Insulation’s new insulation is made from a minimum of 20 percent recycled glass. Not only do homeowners who use the product help to keep glass out of the landfills, but by better insulating their homes they also save energy. Price: $6 to $25, depending on R-value and square footage. Manville Brand Insulation, Schuller International Inc., P.O. Box 5108, Denver, Colo. 80202. Phone: 800-654-3103.
Who’s the boss?
BossWorks has introduced a new line of wood care products. ShingleBoss is a wood cleaner designed to easily and safely remove mold and mildew on asphalt or cedar shingles and give them the look of new wood. DeckBoss is formulated to eliminate mold and mildew stains from decks, patios, fences and lawn furniture. The products, which contain no acids, phosphates or distillates, are simply sprayed onto the surface and then rinsed off after 15 minutes. Both products can also be used on concrete, stucco, vinyl, tile and fiberglass. Price: $9.99 per gallon. BossWorks Inc., 4510 W. 77th St., Suite 239, Minneapolis, Minn. 55435. Phone: 800-933-8043.
Down with dandelions
Lawns can be free of dandelions without resorting to harmful chemicals to kill them. The Weed Auger from Wen Products Inc., which attaches to any corded or cordless drill, removes weeds and grass patches at their roots. It can also be used to aerate the soil and make edges around trees or flower beds. The Weed Auger comes with a 22-inch extension shaft to eliminate stooping or kneeling. Price: $9. Wen Products Inc., 5810 Northwest Highway, Chicago, Ill. 60631. Phone: 800-462-3630.
