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BuildDirect (TSXV: BILD) (OTCQB: BDCTF)
@builddirect
25 years helping homeowners love their floors. Premium flooring, honest prices, delivered direct. Tips, trends & reno inspo 👇 #FlooringMadeSimple
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Joined October 2008
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Price can be misleading with LVP—thickness helps *feel* more solid, but durability is more about (1) wear layer (look for ~12–20 mil residential+), (2) rigid core quality (SPC/WPC) + locking system, and (3) subfloor prep (flatness = fewer joint failures). If you’re on slab/basement: moisture test + proper vapor barrier matters more than chasing 20mm.
Install-wise: a good crew can do it, but insist on manufacturer spec for expansion gaps + flatness (often 3/16" over 10'). That’s where most “LVP failed” stories start.
Cherry cabinets already bring a lot of warmth/red undertone, so I’d lean toward a *neutral* floor (less orange/red) with a softer, natural grain. Quick test: look at each sample next to the cabinets in morning + evening light—if it starts reading “pumpkin,” skip it. Also consider going a touch lighter to keep the room from feeling heavy. Which direction are you going with walls/counters (staying warm or cooling it down)?
@hippygirl2020 Are you leaning LVP/SPC or tile next? (Pets + basement usually pushes people toward a thicker SPC w/ a solid wear layer.)
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@medicalopsgirl What climate are you in / is the garage heated? (That changes cure windows + product choice.)
@juliusmarchi Are you keeping the tub/shower footprint the same, or going full prefab shower stall?
A few easy wins (depends what’s adjacent):
• If it’s near an entry: slim bench + hooks + a narrow runner = instant “drop zone”
• If it’s by a living area: built-in shelves + a big plant + a sconce for a cozy nook
• If you need storage: a shallow cabinet w/ doors (hides the clutter) + art above
One small pro tip: treat it like a mini “zone” — pick a purpose (storage vs seating vs display) and commit.
What’s on the other side of that wall — hallway/entry or living room?
Oof — basement window water is a brutal surprise 😅
Quick triage checklist:
1) Pull baseboards + any wet drywall/insulation at the bottom edge
2) Get fans + a dehumidifier running ASAP (don’t trap moisture)
3) Once it’s dry, test the slab/moisture before reinstalling
If you end up replacing flooring down there, waterproof LVP/tile usually beats hardwood. How far did the water travel + how long before you found it?
$900 feels high until you realize the “patch” is usually: cut out to a stud, screw in a drywall patch, tape + 2–3 coats of mud, sand, match texture, PRIME, then paint/blend so it’s invisible.
If you DIY it, the #1 trick is don’t skip primer (fresh mud will flash through paint). Also feather your mud way wider than the hole.
Is it textured (orange peel/knockdown) or smooth wall?
A lot depends on what this area is *next to* (entry? living room? kitchen), but the 3 questions we start with are: storage vs seating vs display.
If it’s near an entry: slim bench + hooks + a runner (instant “drop zone”).
If it’s a dead corner: floor-to-ceiling shelving or a tall cabinet for hidden storage.
If it’s near windows: cozy chair + small side table + plant = reading nook.
What are the rough dimensions, and do you need more storage or more seating?
Under $5k is doable *if* you keep the layout/plumbing where it is. Biggest budget killers: moving drains, custom tile + fancy glass.
Quick win order:
1) Paint + swap light/mirror/hardware
2) Stock (not custom) vanity + faucet
3) Prefab shower kit or keep the existing tub/shower and re-caulk/refinish
Are you DIYing any of the demo/paint, and what city are you in (labor varies a lot)?
@AtlantaREForum Either way, the hidden boss is prep: flat subfloor + acclimation + proper underlayment. Curious what installs Alex sees fail most often—moisture or subfloor flatness?
Quick vote: warm gray or honey oak?
Quick vote: warm gray or honey oak?
Pro tip: compare planks under your home’s lighting—undertones shift fast (especially with LVP). Grab 2 samples, check day vs night, then decide. Reply A/B. #Flooring #LVP #Renovation #InteriorDesign
Pro tip: compare planks under your home’s lighting—underton
Quick pick: A) light oak look or B) warm walnut?
Tip: In smaller rooms, lighter tones + wider planks can make the space feel bigger (and show less dust). Reply A/B. #flooring #interiordesign #renovation #LVP
Quick vote: matte or satin finish floors?
Tip: In bright rooms, matte hides scratches + dust better; satin adds more pop but can show wear sooner.
Reply A/B.
#flooring #renovation #homeimprovement #interiordesign
Mostly internet-snobbery + bad installs 😅 The legit complaints we see:
• Cheap/thin product = hollow sound, “plasticky” look, weak wear layer
• Subfloor not flat enough = joints separate, edges peak/bubble
• Water at seams (kitchens/baths) + heavy furniture = damage on lower-end stuff
If you pick a good spec (wear layer/core/locking) + nail the prep/expansion gaps, LVP can be a great workhorse floor.
100% 😂 LVP is “easy”… until you realize you’re basically doing yoga on concrete all day.
A few back-savers if anyone’s about to tackle it:
• Knee pads + a foam pad/creeper (seriously)
• Work from a seated position when possible
• Cut station on a table (don’t hunch on the floor)
• Break it into shorter runs + stretch
Hope your spine has forgiven you by now.
If they’re true hardwood, I’m team “reveal + assess” first. Quick decision tree:
1) If boards are solid + not cupped/rotted: sand/refinish = biggest character + resale win.
2) If you’ve got heavy pet/kid wear, deep stains, or lots of patchwork: consider engineered/LVP *over* after repairs.
Pro move: pull a few rooms of carpet and do a small test-sand area to see what you’re really working with.
Yep — freeze/thaw + road salt are brutal. One extra tip: if you’re in a cold climate, look for an epoxy/polyaspartic system rated for freeze/thaw and make sure the slab is *bone dry* before coating (moisture = peeling). Also keep a hot-tire-safe topcoat if the car’s parking on it.
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