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FEBRUA RY 2018 | 21 Plumbing Products OmniDecks are made of durable Terreon and TerreonRE solid surface materials which are sustainable, Greenguard certified and carry a long life cycle. Terreon carries a 10-year warranty. OmniDecks incorporate indi- vidual bowls and can be customized up to 120 inches or seamed to create longer lengths, while offering a variety of bowl shapes, placement and apron sizes. Plumbing fixtures have come so far over the past decade as designers expect products to do more, last longer and work more efficiently, while keeping costs as reasonable as possible. The cost/quality ratio is always challenging. Doug Sproule of fluid faucets says, "It isn't about who makes the most dazzling trade show displays or creates the most stylized commercials. That is simply marketing and too often completely inconsequential to quality of design and time tested product efficiency." The true test is in design, quality workmanship and excellence of function. Sproule says, "The first test any manufacturer should pass is the 'heft test'. When you pick a faucet up for example, does it feel solid, strong, and well designed? Is it made from plastic and stamped metals or does it use solid metals with 'heft' and display integrity of design? Care and attention to design is evident in every aspect of a faucet, from the meticulous nature of the curves and angles to the quality and polish of the finish to the ease of installation and maintenance." Did the manufacturer use heavy, brass beautiful waste drains or inexpensive mechanical pop ups that detract from the look of the faucet and tend to break easily? Are handles well proportioned and well crafted or are they thin and tinny? Are spouts long enough? Some are designed so short that they always drip on the counters. Do shower valves include integral diverters or are there unsightly diverters attached to tub spouts? Do ceramic cartridges exceed industry standards for extended life or are they low cost bulk purchases from anonymous sources? Is the manufacturer ethical and do they actually manufacture their own products? Craftsmanship is always evident. A little bit of research goes a long way to finding the perfect faucet, and the best place to start is by picking up the product itself. Don't rely on advertising; let the product tell the story and stand on its own merits. Novanni Stainless Inc. has a health- conscious option in its product line with the Cristadur granite sink. "Our Cristadur sinks are fabricated from ultra-fine structured material, result- ing in unprecedented ease of care and featuring a dirt repellent effect," says Courteney MacNeil, marketing co-ordinator. "Filth that could be a breeding ground for bacteria finds it impossible to stick to the material's surface. It simply runs off. An added benefit of Cristadur is its silky-smooth finish – it's wonderfully soft to the touch, while offering maximum resistance to dirt and scratches." MacNeil adds that Cristadur sinks are antibacterial, easy to clean, UV-stable, food-safe, stain-resistant, as well as extremely tough and impact-resistant thanks to the high quartz content. Cristadur comes in a variety of models to suit the needs and preferences of clients. For example, the Cristadur Montano model is similar to a farm sink style and is available in five colours – black, magnolia, bronze, steel and chocolate. The Aspire model features two sinks, one larger than the other with a featured curve at the top of the sink area. Another option from Novanni is the Fireclay sink. "Fireclay sinks are available in four unique models and are made from the highest quality material available to the industry," says MacNeil. "Each sink has a porcelain enamel finish and is handcrafted by a master potter. Our fine fireclay sinks are non-porous, easy to clean, and scratch-resistant – a practical and beautiful addition to any home." A OmniDeck with WashBar from Bradley Corporation. Honco.indd 1 2017-07-04 8:20 AM AVI.indd 1 2018-01-26 10:49 AM

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