Wow... where to begin. I honestly signed up with Epinions just to help ANYONE who might consider doing business with this company to avoid making the same mistake I did. I could paste the series of BS emails that went back and forth between the company any myself, but I don't want to ruin anyone's day. I purchased a condo, which closed a month ago and planned on replacing the bedroom floors with some high quality cork. I was interested in the Evora brand, but builddirect is the only distributor for this. I thought it was a good business gesture to send me a free sample and the product was excellent. That's where the "good business" ended. I contacted two different Brents and David in the flooring sales department. Brent sent me the sample I requested and I told him I'd need to the cork right away so my condo would be ready to move into by 7/19/13. He said this specific type was due to arrive in their San Jose, CA warehouse on Thursday, 7/11/13, which is about 50 minutes away from me, so I went ahead and placed the order on 7/10/13 for about 360sq ft of Evora Canvas cork. I arranged with my contractor to pick this up, but builddirect notified me that there was some "mix up" with the shipping/purchase orders, and that it should be ready for pickup the next day (Friday). They contacted me the next day saying they are still sorting out the issue and to plan on picking it up on Tuesday morning instead. Of course, Tuesday morning came and went and they were still "looking into it". I told them this was very urgent and I MUST have this, no later than Tuesday. Tuesday at 5pm they tell me it can be picked up on Wednesday. My contractor made a special trip in traffic to go pick up the order and upon bringing it back, I discovered it was not the correct item... or even close to the correct item. Then I get the run around again, as they had been doing for a week, and told me they'd send a delivery truck to pick up the order and drop of the correct item. Thursday comes and more BS from this company. By this point I had contact James Komenda, the VP of Sales, along with every other manager involved to complain for nth time. They ensured me it would be delivered Friday, 8 days after it "supposedly" arrived in their warehouse. Friday morning builddirect setup an overnight truck service to replace the product, but at the end of the day on Friday, I get one final BS email stating that they don't even have the product I ordered in the warehouse... so basically they BS'd me for 9 days. Apparently, their overnight truck was just going to pickup their mistake at 8am on Saturday morning. I told them to come on Monday, which they finally did to pick up the error. In return they were willing to offer me a full refund, plus $400 for the inconvenience. Since the property has concrete floors, because of them, it is not liveable or rentable. Tenants were lost because of this and I'm not able to move in as well. The $400 token is going toward motel costs while I find a vendor who can expedite some comparable cork flooring. Lots of apologies, lots of hot air, and MORE INCOMPETENCE THAN ANY COMPANY I HAVE EVER DEALT WITH... AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

I'm having the same concern. I originally went to lumber liquidators and found a nice hand scraped strand bamboo flooring. I then went online and researched a load of companies. So far, I like Cali bamboo. My biggest concern was the formaldehyde in the products. Cali bamboo has little to no formaldehyde added in there product. I've read those same reviews about Morning star, but they were outdated. I was emailed a material safety data sheet on Morning Star brand, but no one could tell me how much formaldehyde content was in the morning star product. At the bottom of the sheet there was a disclaimer: "The information and data herein are believed to be accurate and have been compiled from sources deemed to be reliable. It is offered for your consideration, investigation and verification. Lumber Liquidators makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, concerning the accuracy of completeness of the information and data herein. Lumber Liquidators will not be liable for claims relating to any party's use of or reliance on information and data contained herein regardless of whether it is claimed that the information and data are inaccurate, incomplete or otherwise misleading. It is incumbent upon the user to obtain the most up-to-date information". So I guess what they mean is that the info on the safety data sheet is BS. I'd like to know. Cali bamboo is great, but I actually prefer the hand scraped look they have from Morning Star at lumber liquidators. Does anyone know if Morning Stars 2011 line has added formaldehyde?? (That's the lovely odor you smell from the floors). I can't seem to be able to get a solid answer. This is what the safety data sheet states for Morning Star: 3000 John Deere Road Toano, VA 23168 Emergency phone: 1 800-HARDWOOD Fax: 1 757 259 7295 IMPORTANT NOTICE: This material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is issued by LUMBER LIQUIDATORS. LUMBER LIQUIDATORS flooring will issue a new MSDS when there is a change in product specifications and/or regulations. LUMBER LIQUIDATORS will not accept any responsibility for any change to its MSDS in content by other person or organization. IDENTIFICATION Product name: Prefinished Strand Bamboo Flooring Trade name: Morning Star Bamboo Flooring Other Names: Various Manufacturer Information: Lumber Liquidators Inc 3000 John Deere Road Toano, VA 23168 Tel: (757) 259-4280 Fax: (757) 259-7295 www.lumberliquidators.com Description: This product is composed of bamboo fibers bonded together with urea formaldehyde (UF) resins. The fibers are mixed and pressed together to give a unique shade blend and increase hardness. The wear layer is finished by 7 coats of polyurethane with aluminum oxide coating manufactured by Treffert or Klumpp UN number: Not applicable Dangerous goods class: Not applicable Product Use: Building Materials � Commercial or Residential MSDS Morning Star Strand Bamboo Flooring, Revision 3, April 2009 Page 2 of 7 Hazardous ingredients/identity information: Name CAS #2 % Agency Exposure Limits Comments Bamboo1 None 89-90 OSHA3 OSHA ACGIH4 ACGIH PEL5-TWA6 15 mg/m3 PEL-TWA 5 mg/m3 TLV7-TWA 3 mg/m3 TLV-STEL8 10 mg/m3 Total dust Respirable dust fraction Respirable dust fraction Inhalable particles Urea Formaldehyde resin solids 9011- 05-6 10-11 OSHA OSHA ACGIH PEL-TWA 0.75ppm PEL-STEL 2 ppm TLV - Ceiling 0.3 ppm Free gaseous formaldehyde (contains less than 0.1% free formaldehyde) UV Finish Polymerized polyurethane None 0-1 OSHA ACGIH PEL-TWA none TLV-TWA none None None 1 CAS # = Chemical Abstract System. 2 OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 3 AGCIH = American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists. 4 PEL = Permissible Exposure Limit. 5 TWA = Time Weighted Average. 6 TLV = Threshold Limit Value. 7 STEL = Short Term Exposure Limit Note: Bamboo is a member of the grass family which has distinct anatomical differences from that of wood. Therefore, bamboo would be regulated as an organic dust in a category known as "Particulates Not Otherwise Regulated" (PNOR), or Nuisance Dust by OSHA. The ACGIH classifies dust or particulate in this category as "Particulates Not otherwise Specified". Physical data: Physical State: Solid Boiling Point: Not applicable Freezing Point: Not applicable Specific Gravity: 0.58 g/ml Vapour Density: Not applicable % Volatiles By Volume: 0 Melting Point: Not applicable Vapour Pressure: Not applicable Percent Moisture 5% - 9% Solubility in H20 (% by wt.): Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate = 1): Not applicable pH: Not applicable MSDS Morning Star Strand Bamboo Flooring, Revision 3, April 2009 Page 3 of 7 Appearance and odor: Bamboo fibers mixed creating a shade blend unique to each plank (light yellows for natural, light browns for carbonized or a mix of lights yellows and light browns shades). This product can also be stained with various colors. Low-fuming urea formaldehyde resins have a slightly aromatic odor. Fire and explosion data: Flash Point: Not applicable Auto ignition Temperature: Not available, however, it is usually accepted that the ignition of bamboo begins when the temperature reaches 204-260�C (400�500�F). (Depends upon duration of exposure to heat source and other variables). Explosive Limits in Air: Not applicable. See below under "Unusual fire and explosion hazards" Extinguishing Media Water, Carbon dioxide, Dry chemical, Sand. Special Fire Fighting Procedures None Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards Sawing, sanding or machining can produce bamboo dust as a by-product which may present an explosion hazard if a dust cloud contacts an ignition source. An airborne concentration of air is often used as the LEL for bamboo dust. Reactivity data: Conditions Contributing to Instability Stable under normal conditions Conditions to avoid Excessive moisture, condensation or water vapor; Open flame or conditions above 400 F. Incompatibility Avoid contact with oxidizing agents. Avoid open flame. Product may ignite when temperature reaches in excess of 204�C (400�F). Hazardous Decomposition Products Thermal and/or thermal oxidative decomposition can produce irritating and toxic fumes and gases, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, aldehydes, organic acids and polynuclear aromatic compounds. Hazardous Polymerization Not applicable MSDS Morning Star Strand Bamboo Flooring, Revision 3, April 2009 Page 4 of 7 HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Carcinogenicity Listing: (X) NTP1: Group 2, A & B Formaldehyde, Wood dust NTP-Group 2: Reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen. A) Limited evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans which indicates that causal relationship is credible. B) Sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals (X) IARC2 Monographs; Formaldehyde, Group 2A, Wood dust, Group 1 IARC-Group 1: Carcinogenic to humans; sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity. This classification is primarily based on studies showing an association between occupational exposure to wood dust and adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses. (X) OSHA3 Regulated: Formaldehyde IARC-Group 2A: Probably carcinogenic to humans; limited human evidence and sufficient evidence in experimental animals. Studies of cancer incidence among workers in a wide variety of occupations have failed to convincingly show carcinogenic activity of formaldehyde in humans. Gaseous formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in certain laboratory animals after long-term exposure to very high concentrations (14+ ppm); concentrations which are far above the levels of formaldehyde gas emitted by this product. 1 NTP = National Toxicology Program 2 IARC = International Agency for Research on Cancer 3 OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration Exposure hazard: Eye Contact Wood dust can cause mechanical irritation such redness and watering. Skin Contact Not applicable for this product in its purchased form, however various species of wood dust may evoke allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. High concentrations of gaseous formaldehyde may cause allergic contact dermatitis. Ingestion Not likely to occur under normal use. If ingested, may cause gastrointestinal tract irritation. MSDS Morning Star Strand Bamboo Flooring, Revision 3, April 2009 Page 5 of 7 Inhalation Not applicable for this product in its purchased form, however, wood dust may cause nasal dryness, irritation and obstruction. Coughing and sneezing; sinusitis and prolonged colds have also been reported. Wood dust, depending on species, may cause respiratory sensitization and/or irritation. However, gaseous formaldehyde may cause respiratory difficulties for sensitized/allergic individuals. Emergency and first aid procedures: Eyes Flush eyes with large amounts of water. Remove to fresh air. If irritation persists, get medical attention. Skin Wash affected areas with soap and water. Get medical advice if rash or persistent irritation or dermatitis occurs. Inhalation Although not applicable for this product in its purchased form. However, if inhalation of bamboo dust, remove to fresh air. Get medical advice if persistent irritation, severe coughing or breathing difficulty occurs. Ingestion Not applicable under normal use. PRECAUTIONS FOR USE Accidental Release Measures Not applicable for product in purchased form. Dust generated from sawing, sanding, drilling, or routing of products may be vacuumed or shoveled for recovery or disposal. Avoid dusty conditions and provide good ventilation. A NIOSH-approved dust respirator should be worn if dust exposure limits are exceeded. Handling and Storage No special handling precautions are required for products in purchased form. Keep in cool, dry place away from open flame. This product will release small quantities of gaseous formaldehyde (≤0.12 mg/m3, which is below the E1 classification in accordance with EN 717-1:1998 test methods). Store in well ventilated area. MSDS Morning Star Strand Bamboo Flooring, Revision 3, April 2009 Page 6 of 7 Personal Protective Equipment: Respiratory Protection Not applicable for product in purchased form. A NIOSH-approved dust respirator is recommended when allowable exposure limits are exceeded. Protective Gloves Not required. However, cloth, canvas, or leather gloves are recommended to minimize potential mechanical irritation slivers from handling and machining product. Eye Protection Not applicable for product in purchased form. Goggles or safety glasses are recommended when machining this product. Other Protective Clothing or Equipments Not applicable for product in purchased form. Outer garments may be desirable in extremely dusty areas. Work/Hygiene Practices Follow good hygienic and housekeeping practices. Clean up areas where wood dust settles to avoid excessive accumulation of this combustible material. Minimize blowdown or other practices that generate high airborne-dust concentrations. Local Exhaust Provide local exhaust as needed so that exposure limits are met. Special / other None OTHER INFORMATION Disposal Consideration If disposed of or discarded in its purchased form, incineration is preferable. Dry land disposal is accepted in most states. It is, however, the user�s responsibility to determine at the time of disposal whether your product meets RCRA criteria for hazardous waste. Follow applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Transport and Regulatory information Not regulated as hazardous material by the U.S Department of Transportation and the Canadian Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). Not a controlled product by WHMIS

Hi Guys, Long time no post. :) We've been quite busy! We replaced the boiler (a rather harrowing experience), talked to a well known MCM architect here in Minnesota, visited various cabinet construction facilities (got a tour of the shop!), visited Ikea to see the new sektion line, visited flooring stores, etc. In the mean time I've been thinking about some of the advise I've gotten here and from the architect we talked to and tried to make some modifications to the original design. I sort of like it, but it didn't pass the wife test. She likes the stacked stone look, and in some ways likes that the upstairs is more closed off, but doesn't like how it segments the living room away and is afraid it might make it too dark (I think that might actually be nice for viewing the TV, but oh well). She liked the original design better in that regard, so it's probably back to the drawing board. Figured I'd post it here though in case anyone had any thoughts. Other things we are kind of generally gravitating toward after visiting cabinet/flooring shops: - Rift sawn white oak or quarter-sawn maple slab cabinets. Probably horizontal grain. (yes, the picture shows shaker, that's just what the program has available) - strand woven eucalyptus flooring. Worried about cupping with humidity, need to find out how stable it really is. Also concerned about ability to refinish in 5-10 years. Not particularly green if you have to replace it all! Alternatives might be doing quarter/rift sawn oak or maple (should be very stable) like the cabinets. Costs a lot more though. - Want to integrate some stacked stone or long tile. There's a MCM house we almost bought (so close!) that had an entryway we loved with long pieces of mixed height ledgstone or stacked stone. Trying to see if we can integrate something like that into the design.

Floorman here 40 years experience professional installer First. You have a bigger leak under floor if it buckling. Sound to me you would be better to have vinyl plank installed instead of wood. If you want a professional job it will cost you $10 plus for wood and labor no furniture. Labor alone is $5 in Missouri. The cheap hardwood is all going to be soft easy to scratch. Vinyl plank would be cheaper. Labor is $1.50 to $2.00 sq ft. Its glue down or it can be loose laid if you buy that type. If a peace gets scratched easier to replaced even for DIY but that peace will have to be glued. Vinyl plank looks like real wood now days. Water won’t hurt it as long as not a major leak. If your on concrete for wood or vinyl a moisture test should be taken first to see if there’s any hydrostatic pressure if there is it shouldn’t lay either one would have to fix problem first. With vinyl plank if it is glued you might need 1/4” underlayment on sub floor. But loose snap in vinyl plank you shouldn’t need underlayment. If your floor is wavy so will the vinyl plank look. Just my advice.