Thanks everyone for the input. I got the samples yesterday and frankly they're not what I'm looking for in color. The finish is also kinda ify, seems like a quick overspray vs. a penetrating finish other manufacturers use. The wood itself is thick and appears good quality. The other scraped wood floors I've priced locally are anywhere from $8.50 sq/ft up to $14.00 sq/ft. I'm sure there are even more expensive examples around. The floors from BuildDirect are $3.50 sq/ft. I am looking for handscraped or distressed wood cause we have an active family with young kids and a big 'o German Shepherd. Our last home had distressed floors (Bruce
Rockwell Plank ) that looked as good 2 years after install as the day they were put in. I know Bruce is kinda low end but these floors were awesome. Unfortunately, the two colors they come in don't match up well with the cabinetry in our new home. The price is definitely right.
I have installed a few wood floors (glue down on concrete) and more tile floors than I care to recall (heavy work - hard on back). I don't do this for a living, only as a hobby.
Plus, I can't afford to pay someone for this type of work. As everyone here stated, the most critical part of the install is the floor prep. My sub floor is concrete slab currently covered with cheap carpet and some lino. After removal I'll have the floor sanded before I fill any low spots/dips. I've already done a few moisture tests that came back no problem. Then it's a direct glue down using Bostics best adhesive.
Regards.