Book excerpt: The designer's handbook to interior finishes. A Comprehensive Guide for Selecting Interior Finishes, 1/e is a comprehensive look at common materials used in building construction and interiors. Students and accomplished designers will find it indispensable for researching and making finish material selections. Chapters explore the history and applications of finish materials in interior design and provide important technical reference for understanding building code and material installation and maintenance requirements. Numerous illustrations appeal to visual learners, while case studies in each chapter help readers make intelligent finish choices in a variety of realistic scenarios.