Is there a benchmark for comparing the relative hardness of other wood?
2007-12-20 9:40:53
Answer
Red Oak is a very popular, durable species. It has a Janka rating of 1290 and serves as a benchmark for comparing the relative hardness of other wood species.
102
Is the Janka rating useful for engineered hardwood flooring?
2007-12-20 9:41:49
Answer
The Janka rating is a good one to keep in mind for engineered hardwood flooring as well as solid hardwood, especially if durability is a key selling feature for you. The Janka hardness rating of the hardwood used for the veneer on your engineered flooring will guide you to the best choice for your intended flooring use. Vanier Hard Maple, Brazilian Cherry and Hand-scraped Oak, Red Oak, and Black-Stained White Oak are all excellent engineered floors for high traffic areas.
103
How many times can you sand a floor?
2007-12-20 9:42:25
Answer
As per the NOFMA calculations, the sanding operation should remove no more than 1/32. You should thus be able to sand a 1/16 hardwood layer on an engineered floor 1-2 times if correctly done. It is not recommended to sand a 1/32 thick hardwood layer.Solid wood floors can only be sanded to 1/32 above the tongue to maintain the stability of the tongue and groove joint.
104
In preparing a sub floor, what is the maximum variance you should allow?
2007-12-20 9:42:49
Answer
The preparation of your sub floor is a key factor to the final outcome of your floor. You should have no more than ¼ over 8'' variance on your sub floor.
105
Am I restricted to just one product in a container?
2007-12-20 9:43:17
Answer
This depends on which product lines you are specifically interested in. Call BuildDirect for more information.
106
Do I have to be a contractor to buy from BuildDirect?
2007-12-20 9:43:40
Answer
No. Anyone who meets the minimum order requirement can buy from BuildDirect. This means that whether you are a distributor, retailer, or a homeowner with a big project, you can take advantage of the great pricing that BuildDirect offers.
107
Do you offer any further discounts for trades people?
2007-12-20 9:46:07
Answer
All pricing for BuildDirect''s materials are discounted as much as possible for everyone, regardless of whether or not they are industry professionals. The low markups for engineered hardwood floors offered by BuildDirect is still the best possible pricing you''ll find anywhere.
108
How do I obtain flooring samples?
2007-12-20 9:46:37
Answer
For samples we only charge for the courier cost of the samples which can be ordered Fedex ground or Fedex Expedited. The rate will be calculated based on your address and the number of samples you order. Samples can be ordered online or over the phone at
1-877-631-2845 . Payment can be made by MasterCard or Visa.
109
Can you tell me an exact date a container will arrive?
2007-12-20 9:47:08
Answer
Unfortunately, we cannot offer guarantees on container shipment timelines. At this time, most containers take 8-10 weeks from time payment is received. There is a chance that it may take longer because of factors beyond our control. For example, security measures undertaken by U.S. Customs and Border Protection could possibly delay shipment.
110
How are residential deliveries made?
2007-12-20 9:47:49
Answer
The product would be delivered on a truck equipped with a lift-gate. The pallets would be lowered to the ground and pulled onto your driveway with a pallet-jack. A residential delivery is considered completed once the product is placed on the driveway. Building materials are heavy and will require proper equipment or labour to accept goods on delivery. Please check the weight of your goods before they are delivered so that you are properly prepared
111
What is cork flooring?
2007-12-20 11:32:28
Answer
Cork flooring is a product made from the bark of the cork oak tree, a material which is ground, processed into sheets and baked in a kiln to produce tiles that serve as flooring for offices, light commercial locations, and residences.
112
where does cork flooring come from?
2007-12-20 11:32:57
Answer
Cork flooring is most popularly harvested, manufactured, and sourced in Southern Europe, with Portugal being one of the most prominent regions from which cork comes. This is an area where the cork oak species is plentiful and where hand-harvesting is most practical.
113
Why is cork known to be an environmentally sensitive choice?
2007-12-20 11:33:30
Answer
Harvesting the cork oak for its bark is strictly regulated, limiting such harvesting into nine-year cycles. The individual cork oaks must be at least 25 years old before they are harvested and when they are, the health of those cork oaks must be ensured. The cork oak is harvested by hand, and remains unaffected by the harvesting process. The bark of the cork oak grows back, leaving the cork oak as healthy as ever. As such, cork flooring is one of the most renewable sources for flooring there is.
114
Is cork flooring a new idea?
2007-12-20 11:34:01
Answer
Cork flooring was first used popularly at the end of the 19 th century. By the early 20 th century, Frank Lloyd Wright was incorporating cork flooring in some of the public buildings he designed. Many of these buildings still feature these original cork floors.
115
Will cork flooring be tough enough for my home or office installation?
2007-12-20 11:34:28
Answer
One of the characteristics of cork flooring is its resilience to pressure and impact. Because of its cellular nature that features millions of microscopic air pockets, cork flooring has memory that allows it to withstand foot traffic and the pressure of furniture legs (best if the legs have felt protectors), taking its original shape after impact.
116
Is cork flooring a good option for pets?
2007-12-20 11:34:51
Answer
While no natural wood floor is entirely scratch-resistant, cork flooring is more adaptable to claws caused by dogs and cats than many other natural wood flooring options. This is due to the general resilient nature of cork flooring, which is naturally impact resistant.
117
Why is cork flooring known to be a good insulator?
2007-12-20 11:35:14
Answer
The cellular nature of cork flooring allows warmth to be held in, making it a very warm flooring to walk on, even in winter months. Another aspect of the kind of insulation cork flooring provides is that of sound, which is naturally absorbed. This makes for almost silent footfalls and can have a significant quieting effect in areas which are normally associated with echoes and other distracting ambient sounds, such as in foyers and hallways.
118
What makes cork flooring naturally moisture resistant?
2007-12-20 11:35:42
Answer
natural substance found in cork called suberin, a waxy material that is a key component in the makeup of the cells in found in cork, is responsible for the moisture-resistant nature of cork and cork flooring. Suberin is also insect-resistant as well as adding a level of fire resistance. Although cork flooring is resistant to moisture, it is still a good idea to mop up excessive wetness as soon as possible as such levels of wetness can have ill-effects in the long term.
119
What makes cork flooring a good option when thinking about falling and impact?
2007-12-20 11:36:24
Answer
Cork flooring is cushion-like, made as it is of about 50% air that is locked into microscopic compartments which act as natural shock absorbers. This can be quite beneficial when you''ve dropped dishes and glasses. It can also a positive effect when accidental human falls occur. For areas used by children or the elderly, this can be a major benefit.
120
What about colors? Are all cork flooring tiles the same?
2007-12-20 11:36:49
Answer
Being a natural material, cork''s color variation should be expected. However, this can often work to the advantage of those with an eye for design, allowing for creative applications of various tonal ranges from golden yellow to nut brown. Also, color change can be expected as the cork flooring tiles are exposed to light over time.
121
Can I install my cork flooring myself?
2007-12-20 11:37:15
Answer
Evora cork flooring from BuildDirect comes with a UniClic locking system which makes for ease of installation, requiring about the same level of flooring installation experienceneeded for a laminate flooring project, for instance.
122
What areas are the best places to install cork flooring?
2007-12-20 11:37:41
Answer
Generally speaking, the best places to install cork flooring are on-grade (the level of the surface exterior to the space) or above grade (the second floor of a building, for instance). Areas where a lot of dampness and moisture, such as basements with newly poured subfloors, should be avoided. Subfloors must be level, dry, and clean before installation is considered.
123
Over which surfaces can I install my cork flooring?
2007-12-20 11:38:16
Answer
Cork flooring is very accommodating and installation over concrete, wooden subfloors and tile are commonplace. The surface upon which you install your cork flooring must be level, dry, and clean.
124
Does cork flooring require underlayment?
2007-12-20 11:38:44
Answer
Evora cork flooring does not require underlayment, just a vapor barrier in the form of a plastic sheet.
125
How do I keep my cork flooring clean?
2007-12-20 11:39:10
Answer
Regular mopping with a damp mop will be sufficient in keeping your cork flooring tile clean. Avoid harsh cleaning agents, and do not overwet your floor. Try to clear obvious mess quickly. Spills can be absorbed with a sponge or paper towel to avoid the possibility of permanent stains.
