Find the answers to all your flooring questions.
BuildDirect is pleased to provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on a wide variety of our products. If your questions are not answered on this page, or you simply wish to speak with a Customer Service Representative, our customers can contact us toll free from anywhere in North America . . . Read more
Flipping houses is about maximizing profits, so every part of the renovation needs to be budget-conscious. The main concern is buying the right house in the right neighborhood for the right price at the right time. No easy feat! Add to that list — being able to sell the home . . . Read more
In construction, grade is the term for ground level. Even when the sun is shining and rain is scarce, below-grade flooring can leach moisture from the ground in the form of vapor. Basements are notoriously damp, and during heavy rains, they can become downright wet or even flooded. The primary . . . Read more
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. The ideal humidity for the home is around 40 to 50 percent, which is high enough to prevent things from drying out but low enough to prevent damage and mold growth. High humidity in the home can cause serious problems . . . Read more
Whether you live with babies just learning to crawl, toddlers throwing their toys, or young kids running in muddy shoes, your floors will need to put up with a lot of punishment. If these scenes are all too familiar, or if you foresee them in the future, you may want . . . Read more
Although they offer the same timeless look and sense of warmth, engineered hardwood and solid hardwood do offer a few key differences when it comes to structural composition, and performance in certain areas around the world and your home. So, how do engineered floors different from solid floors? Solid Hardwood vs Engineered . . . Read more
Deciding between hardwood floor installation patterns is a very important step in a renovation project. Not only will your pattern of choice shape the look of your floor, it will also impact furniture placement, and the general flow of your space. Although they use the same material, the top hardwood . . . Read more
An important decision in the hardwood buying process before you begin is deciding among the types and grades of hardwood to use. As there are many different options available, making the right choice relies on a variety of factors. When trying to decide on details like the grade of hardwood . . . Read more
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W A top Above Grade Refers to flooring installed above ground level, with a minimum of 18 inches of well-ventilated space available. Abrasion Refers to the act of wearing away at a hardwood floor finish, thereby damaging the wood. Acclimation Refers to the hardwood’s adjustment to the environment it is . . . Read more
Radiant floor heating is rapidly becoming a popular option in new home construction in the United States due to its cost-effective efficiency. There are three different types of radiant heating systems: hydronic, electric, and air-heated. Electric and hydronic radiant heating systems are more efficient, and consequently more popular, than air-heated . . . Read more
