how we select our products
Most companies that sell building materials have a fairly straightforward way of deciding whether to stock a particular item. They ask, “How does it look?” “How well does it work?” and “How much does it cost?” We consider the same factors. But we look for products that offer what we call “expanded value.” They protect health, use resources sparingly, and are extraordinarily well made.
Our definition of quality requires us to look at what happens over the entire life of a product. How is it made and by whom? Will it give joy and service for years? Can it be repaired, or will it need to be replaced if something breaks? What will happen to it when it is no longer needed? And of course we don’t even consider a product unless it’s beautiful; after all, there’s nothing sustainable about a material that gets discarded for aesthetic reasons before it wears out.
When answers to our questions don’t satisfy us, we don’t stock products. We dropped several coatings because the manufacturer altered the formulas to include dangerous solvents. We decided not to carry tropical wood flooring from one of our trusted vendors because we weren’t sure how the lumber was harvested.
Evaluating building materials is a complex process. We weigh all kinds of factors: How much fuel will be used to transport a “green” product? If a less-toxic material doesn’t work or doesn’t last, is it really environmentally friendly? We offer a product only when we believe that its impact on human health and the planet is, on balance, a clear step forward.
We pledge to fully disclose all that we know about each of our products, and how we arrived at the decision to carry it. If we have reservations, we’ll let you know, and we’ll work with our vendors to make their offerings safer and more effective. We're always learning, and our selection keeps getting better.
Our guiding vision keeps us on course: We’re committed to offering sustainably made products that perform as well and look as stylish as conventional ones, without costing more. We intend to remain on the cutting edge of the industry, offering top-quality merchandise and candid, credible information about every item we sell.