| No. |
Question |
Addtime |
| 1 |
Do I have to be a professional to buy from BuildDirect? |
2007-11-21 16:33:19 |
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The prices on our website are offered to anyone who meets our minimum order requirements. That means that if you are a homeowner, or a large construction company, BuildDirect''''s prices are available to you when you buy in pallet and container quantities. |
| 2 |
I want to buy from BuildDirect. What are my options? |
2007-12-19 16:30:40 |
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BuildDirect is a wholesaler with proprietary Internet technology and toll-free customer service to provide incredibly low prices on top quality building products. We process orders for building materials in two ways. The first is selling pallet multiples out of warehouses around North America. The second is shipping container orders directly from select manufacturers and delivered to your job site or distribution point of your choice. |
| 3 |
Which forms of payment do you accept? |
2007-12-19 16:39:16 |
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We accept Visa, MasterCard, bank drafts (also referred to as cashier''s checks or money orders) and wire transfers. |
| 4 |
Does BuildDirect ship worldwide? |
2007-12-19 16:40:23 |
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At present, we ship container orders (5000 sq. ft. +) worldwide. The options for shipping pallet quantities vary from product to product. Consult the FAQs by category for more details, or contact a BuildDirect sales rep toll-free or by email for more information. |
| 5 |
Does BuildDirect ship to residences? How does that work? |
2007-12-19 16:41:25 |
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Yes. A residential delivery is considered completed once the product is placed on the driveway. Some products require a vehicle with a lift-gate, depending on weight. The pallets would be lowered to the ground and pulled onto your driveway with a pallet-jack. You may be required to unload the vehicle yourself, depending on the product. Building materials are heavy and will require proper equipment or labour to accept goods on delivery. Please check weight of goods before they are delivered so you are properly prepared. Consult the FAQs by category for the details on your product of interest, or call a BuildDirect sales rep for more information. |
| 6 |
When ordering containers, can I mix-and-match on colors and styles of material? |
2007-12-19 16:43:38 |
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For certain product lines, yes. Consult the FAQs by category for the details on your product of interest, or call a BuildDirect sales rep for more information |
| 7 |
I need a smaller amount of product than the minimum order. where do I go from here? |
2007-12-19 16:46:16 |
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Please consult your local Yellow Pages for information on retailers that sell in smaller quantities. |
| 8 |
I need a smaller amount of product than the minimum order. where do I go from here? |
2007-12-19 16:50:42 |
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I need a smaller amount of product |
| 9 |
Does BuildDirect install products or refer customers to installers? |
2007-12-19 16:51:21 |
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BuildDirect is not an installer, nor does BuildDirect refer or advocate any specific installation firms or individual installers. Consult your local Yellow pages for professionals in your area. |
| 10 |
Do you offer any discounts to tradespeople? |
2007-12-19 16:52:12 |
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The prices we show on our website are our best prices up front. If you can meet our minimum purchase requirements, we will sell to you regardless of whether you are in business or a private home owner. |
| 11 |
May I see the product on the pallet before I buy? |
2007-12-19 16:52:47 |
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We are unable to show you the product at the warehouse. The warehouses we use are privately owned facilities and all products are in factory-sealed crates. We suggest ordering a sample and reviewing the graphics on the website. |
| 12 |
How do I obtain samples? |
2007-12-19 16:53:22 |
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How do I obtain samples? |
| 13 |
Can you give me an exact arrival time for my order? |
2007-12-19 16:54:52 |
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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. |
| 14 |
How much should I allow for breakage/damage? |
2007-12-19 16:55:23 |
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It is reasonable to expect anywhere from 2%-10% breakage or damage, depending on the product. If breakage is above 10%, we would ask you to have it noted on the logistics receiving document and take pictures. Please make a claim with us within 10 days of receiving the order. |
| 15 |
What are laminate floors and how are they made? |
2007-12-19 17:32:23 |
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Laminate flooring is a versatile, durable, attractive flooring with the appearance of a hardwood floor. Although laminate flooring looks like wood flooring, there is actually no solid wood used in its construction. Laminate floors are made up of several materials bonded together under high pressure. Most laminate flooring consists of a moisture resistant layer under a layer of HDF (high density fiberboard). This is topped with a high resolution photographic image of natural wood flooring. It is then finished with an extremely hard, clear coating made from special resin-coated cellulose to protect the laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is perfect for anyone wanting a durable floor for a fraction of the price and installation time of a hardwood floor, but with the attractiveness of real hardwood. This construction also makes laminate flooring more environment-friendly as it uses less wood in its construction and makes more efficient use of the wood fiber that is used. |
| 16 |
What is the difference between laminate flooring and hardwood flooring? |
2007-12-19 17:33:02 |
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Both laminate flooring and hardwood flooring can beautify a home. While hardwood is often thought to be a superior choice, there are several advantages to laminate flooring. Distinct differences between the two types of flooring often make laminate a more attractive alternative. Solid hardwood of any thickness (most is 3/8 to 3/4) should be installed only above grade. Laminate flooring can be installed above or below grade, and over virtually any other flooring surface. Some hardwood flooring is engineered, meaning that instead of solid hardwood, it is made of several wood layers with a hardwood veneer. Laminate flooring, usually 7mm to 8mm (5/16 to 3/8), is also made of several layers. These are laminated together which makes for stability and strength. The top surface of laminate flooring is a photograph of hardwood. High quality photographs faithfully reproduce the grain and color of natural hardwood, and the surfaces on quality laminate flooring closely resemble real wood. Although many people insist on hardwood flooring, laminates are a long-lasting, durable, affordable option that are quickly becoming one of the most popular types of flooring. |
| 17 |
How do laminate floor panels lock together? |
2007-12-19 17:33:50 |
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There are many types of edge joining systems used to connect laminate flooring panels together. Some laminate flooring connections snap together by hand while others require a light tap with a mallet and a tapping block. Still others use a combination of a snap click edge and a bang or tap click at the end of the panels. While most of the various systems work well to secure your laminate floor, it is important to read your laminate flooring installation instructions carefully. Familiarize yourself with how your flooring locks together before starting your installation. Some proven and popular laminate floor joining systems are: Uniclic, Kronotex''s Clic2Clic, Classen''s EasyConnect and Lamton''s InstaLock. |
| 18 |
where can I install laminate wood flooring? |
2007-12-19 17:34:57 |
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Laminate flooring is an extremely versatile flooring product. It can be installed in virtually any room of your home, above or below ground, over wood or concrete. There are several locations that are not recommended for laminate flooring. Because laminate flooring is a wood flooring product it is not recommended that laminates be installed in wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or verandas, or anywhere that may require wet-mopping. Extended exposure to moisture of this type may cause the core of your laminate flooring to warp or swell. In some instances, with special installation procedures, it is possible to install laminate floors in bathrooms where water will not stand on the floor for any length of time. For bathroom installations, it is recommended you apply a light bead of glue to the tongue on the planks to be used in the areas subject to spills. Also, ensure that all spills are mopped up and dried promptly. |
| 19 |
What are the advantages of laminate flooring over those of solid hardwood flooring ? |
2007-12-19 17:38:39 |
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One obvious advantage is that of price; laminate flooring is typically half the cost of traditional hardwood flooring. Sometimes the savings are even greater, depending on the types of flooring in question. Additionally, laminate flooring is designed to be easy to install and is generally a good choice for most do-it-yourselfers, where solid hardwood requires a specific level of expertise. Installing laminate doesn''t involve nails, and more recently has done away with glue as well in many cases. Laminate flooring can therefore be installed fairly quickly and inexpensively. Laminate flooring is generally designed to be scratch-resistant and fade resistant, two areas where solid hardwood flooring is known to be more vulnerable. |
| 20 |
What do I need to know before I start installing my laminate floor? |
2007-12-19 17:39:16 |
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There are several things to consider before you begin to install a laminate floor. Careful preparation before beginning will make installing your laminate floor a quick and easy process.
- Ensure that your subfloor is flat, dry, and smooth.
- Always use underlayment under your laminate floor for soundproofing.
- Laminate flooring and underlayment/vapor barrier can be installed over concrete, wood flooring, vinyl tile, linoleum, tile, or virtually any other hard, flat surface.
- Take extra care when installing laminate flooring over radiant heating. Ensure that you read both the laminate flooring and radiant heat system instructions carefully before beginning.
- Read your laminate flooring manufacturer''s installation instructions carefully.
- Allow you laminate flooring to acclimatize to the room where it will be installed for as long as possible (min. 48 hours)
- Inspect each laminate flooring panel carefully for defects or damage before installing it.
All brands of laminate flooring sold by BuildDirect have installation instructions online. |
| 21 |
What do I have to do before installation? |
2007-12-19 17:40:09 |
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Laminate flooring boards must be acclimatized for 48 hours in the room where they will be installed. Installation should take place at room temperature of at least 65°F (15°C). A floor surface temperature of 59°F and an overall room temperature of 64°F must be ensured before, during and three days after the installation. |
| 22 |
Do I have to keep staggering the planks in my laminate flooring installation? |
2007-12-19 17:40:36 |
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The first row should be started with a full plank, the second row with a 2/3 plank and the third row with a 1/3 plank. The distance between joints from one row to the next for the remainder of the installation must be 8 or greater |
| 23 |
How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminate flooring? |
2007-12-19 17:41:25 |
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To decide where to begin the layout of your floor, consider incoming light. It is usually best to install laminate flooring with the planks running parallel to light coming in windows or glass doors. For any installation, the starting wall should be as long and straight as possible. |
| 24 |
Will there be any cutting waste? |
2007-12-19 17:42:13 |
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In an average installation, approximately 7% to 10% of the total area to be covered will be wasted for several reasons, typically cuts, planks damaged during installation, or errors. |
| 25 |
What is the reason for the necessary 10mm gap left around the perimeter of the interior and around other obstacles within it? |
2007-12-19 17:42:56 |
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Because laminate flooring is derived from wood, it is subject to expansion caused by room temperatures and humidity levels. An expansion gap is a necessary part of any successful installation because it allows space for the expansion of the floor as it responds to these external influences of temperature and humidity. When it is exposed to warmer temperatures, or to increased humidity, laminate flooring planks expand outward. Leaving out the essential element of an outside gap can cause the buckling of the individual laminate flooring planks as the planks push outward against walls or other obstacles. |
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