#durability

#durability

Thermal modification is not a new invention, but its relevance has increased as expectations around performance, sustainability, and predictability have tightened. Developers, architects, and contractors are no longer just asking whether timber looks good or performs well initially. They want to know how it behaves after ten, twenty, or thirty years, and how much risk it introduces into a project once the scaffolding is gone.

Timber cladding has become a defining feature of contemporary construction across the UK. Once associated mainly with rural housing and architectural one-offs, it is now widely used across residential developments, commercial buildings, education projects, and urban regeneration schemes. Its appeal is often described in visual terms, but appearance alone does not explain its continued growth. Timber offers flexibility in design, a lower embodied carbon profile than many alternatives, and the ability to integrate effectively within modern wall systems when specified correctly.

It's likely that you've encountered recycled glass countertops without realizing it. They're far from the hippie-style broken-glass mosaic art of yesteryear, instead presenting as sleek, highly polished, professional slabs with intriguing bits of confetti-style color trapped inside. That's the recovered glass bits set into a binding material such as resin, cement, or concrete, and then smoothly polished so that the composite surface feels like stone.

For home cooks designing or remodeling a high-traffic kitchenspace built to last the long haul, flamed granite countertops belong on your radar. The two chief benefits of flamed granite are its durability and its low maintenance. The material is wildly resistant to wear, but beyond its tactical appeal, it also happens to be aesthetically stunning in a distinctive, one-of-a-kind way (just like your do-it-all kitchen, and the myriad folks who use it ... and use it, and use it).

I measured the wall space I wanted to hang the shelves on and selected the parts that fit the dimensions I needed-though the options are vast. The system was super easy to install and can hold my entire book collection over the top of my bed. (There are probably more than 200 pounds hanging in the white space over my head, which is scary, but the system is strong!)

The ChubbyCable is built like a tank. It's 4.1 feet long and made of a soft, tangle-free, siliconized material that feels more like a high-end audio cable. According to the manufacturer, the cable is designed to withstand more than 10,000 bends, so it's robust enough to handle the toughest life. All the USB-C connectors are protected with aluminum shields and are yet streamlined enough to fit into USB-C ports protected by chunky smartphone cases.

Built between 1949 and 1997, these vintage toasters come highly recommended and are known by their advertising slogan, "Automatic Beyond Belief." With so many popular toaster brands to consider, it's worth understanding why an older style can be a better choice. One Reddit user confidently proclaimed that Sunbeam Radiant Control Toasters are the "best toasters ever made, hands down." The user also suggests asking relatives from previous generations to source a hand-me-down gift.

From their thick, ultra-sturdy outsoles to their fuzzy, well-constructed uppers, these slippers are seriously durable and likely to last through years of frequent wear. And despite their high quality materials, they're incredibly lightweight. I assumed they'd weigh about as much as my Bearpaw Retro Super Shorty booties, but the slippers are significantly lighter (so I can pack them for winter vacations).

Right-hander didn't have the platform season he envisioned heading into free agency, but the former Cy Young finalist and All-Star nevertheless turned down a qualifying offer from the D-backs and hit the open market last month. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Giants have had conversations with Gallen's camp ( video link). MLB.com's Mark Feinsand adds the Angels and Tigers to the list of teams with interest in Gallen. He also indicates that the Orioles, Cubs and Braves have at least looked into Gallen.

As often as I rely on USB-C cables to charge my devices or help with work, I hardly think about them. My mindset has been that they're all mostly the same with negligible differences. I usually throw them into my junk drawer and only take a cable out when needed. Plus, what improvements can you really make to smartphone cables?

Although modular sofas have been around for decades, they're really having a moment right now. To help you navigate the wide range of options, we spent months testing modular sofas in our own homes - we lounged, worked, napped, and entertained guests on them. Through wine spills, cat scratches, and hours spent binge-watching TV, we put our couches through the wringer to see how they held up to everyday living.

For those who may not know, Remy hair extensions are sought after worldwide as they are made from 100% human hair. As a result, they are considered the highest quality hair extensions on the market. All of the cuticles are aligned in the same direction, which helps maintain the hair's strength, shine and overall smoothness, making them a lot more resistant to tangling and damage, particularly when cared for properly.

But a humble ceramic plate or porcelain pasta bowl can definitively elevate your culinary experience, and the best dinnerware brands know this very well. Beautifully crafted pieces can quickly become heirlooms-like your grandmother's wedding china that your mom only pulls out for holidays-but, let's be honest, not all of us have the money to be precious about what we serve our morning toast on.

Choosing the right sofa is one of the most important purchases you're likely to make for your home. It's a major investment, and a piece of furniture you'll want to ensure can withstand years of binge-watching, snacking, entertaining and lazing about.

Throughout the year, most of my bedding stays the same, but there's one piece of my bedscape that doesn't budge from my setup: That's my soft linen bed blanket from Parachute. It's been on my bed in the heat of summer, making the perfect layer underneath my lightweight quilt. Now that the temperature is dropping and the depths of winter are on their way, it's sure to provide just enough extra warmth along with my favorite comforter.

Choosing the right laptop can feel overwhelming -- even for someone like me, who has lived and breathed laptops for years. You get all these options, configurations, and feature lists that it's impossible not to know which is up and which is down. To make things easier for you, I'll break down laptops and their essentials into three broad usage categories: school, work, and gaming.

The Brooks Ghost 17 ($150) continues the legacy of its predecessors as a shoe that exceeds the sum of its parts. This reliable shoe's refined design does not have huge frills, but its balance between quality, comfort, performance, and durability yields high marks. While more expensive than the previous version, the Ghost 17's price point is still worth the investment for road runners training for any distance.