Bruce Hardwood Flooring – General Questions

Where can I purchase Bruce hardwood flooring?

At flooring stores near you.

How can I get a brochure on Bruce hardwood flooring?

Request a Bruce Hardwood Brochure. 

Where can I get a copy of the warranty for my Bruce hardwood flooring?

Read Bruce hardwood warranties.

Is my Bruce warranty transferable?

No, the warranty is good only for the original purchaser.

What is the difference between Good, Better, Best in Bruce flooring?

The difference between the various Bruce hardwood flooring product lines is related to the amount of “allowable character” and the length of warranty. You'll find the largest amount of character knots, mineral streaks, pinholes, etc., in the “Good” collection. As you step up in grade, these character traits diminish, and the warranties are expanded.

Should I expect color variations in my hardwood floor?

Yes – wood is a product of nature, so you will see variations from board to board in all categories. No two boards are ever the same.

My wood is denting. I thought I was buying hardwood flooring.

Hardwood contains a natural cell structure. If enough pressure is applied, the cell wall will collapse, and a dent will appear.

I moved my area rug, and my wood is lighter where my area rug was. What happened?

Wood goes through a natural aging process called “patina.” Bright sunlight can accelerate this condition. Use blinds or heavy drapes to block the direct sunlight and move area rugs or other items that may cause this effect from time to time.

When I walk across my hardwood floor, I hear popping sounds. Why?

There are a number of reasons for this condition. Usually it is caused by uneven subfloors (see the manufacturer's instructions for subfloor tolerances). Using an improper trowel or improper adhesive could also cause this. Please use all items, tools and adhesives recommended by Bruce for the product being installed. In most cases, the problem is easily corrected.

Can I have hardwood flooring installed in my bathroom?

We don’t recommend installing hardwood in bathrooms due to the high moisture associated with this area. High moisture may cause unfavorable conditions for hardwood flooring.

Should I use unfinished or prefinished hardwood?

It is actually personal preference. They both have advantages. For example, if you want to match the existing woodwork, you may wish to go with unfinished hardwood so it can be stained to blend with the woodwork. Bruce prefinished hardwood offers longer finish warranties, uniform stain application and a cleaner environment.

What about high traffic areas?

Due to the sophisticated finishing systems on our products (Dura-Luster® Plus), the finish, which is very durable, is acceptable for high traffic areas. In addition, we always recommend walk-off mats at doorways and pivot points such as kitchen sinks, refrigerators, etc. You’ll also find Bruce commercial-rated products for commercial environments.

What are edge treatments?

Edge treatment refers to the special milling on the edges of each individual board to create visual effects. We offer products with the following edge treatments:

• Square – boards fit flush against each other
• Beveled – the sides are sanded to create grooves or an outline effect around each board
• Micro or eased edges – a slight sanding to create a less apparent outline.

My wood floor has some damage. Can it be repaired?

Yes, Bruce offers several suggestions. If you have a minor chip or slight damage, we offer a color-blended filler. Our touch-up kits take care of several different issues, such as scratches and chips. If the damage is severe enough, you can have the individual boards replaced.

Can I wax my urethane floor?

Yes, however, it is not recommended. Once you wax a floor, it should be maintained as a wax-finished floor. Wax may inhibit the adhesion of any future application of top coating materials or make it slippery.

Can I refinish my Bruce hardwood floor?

Yes, however, Armstrong is not in the refinishing business; therefore, we do not have specifications on how this should be done. We suggest that you contact your local Bruce retailer to discuss who refinishes hardwood floors in your area, or look online for a list of local hardwood refinishing companies.

Is there a stain formula available to match my hardwood floor?

We do not have stain formulas available. In order to get a stain to match your hardwood floor, we suggest that you take a sample of the wood flooring product as well as the wood you are preparing to stain to a stain specialist who can custom-blend and mix the product to order. Most major paint stores and large home centers have custom mixing programs.

If my question is not listed here, how can I get an answer?

Online: Contact Bruce Hardwood    Phone: 1-800-233-3823

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Bruce Hardwood Flooring Installation

How can I get my Bruce hardwood floor installed?

Click for complete hardwood installation instructions.

Can I glue down a 3/4" thick floor?

No, this is a nail-down floor only.

Can I nail down a 3/8" engineered floor?

Yes. We prefer to call it a staple-down because you use an actual stapler to install the floor.

After my floors are installed, should I apply a finish coat to seal them from moisture getting into the cracks?

Most floors expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, expanding in the summer and contracting in the winter, throughout their life. Therefore, sealing of the joints will only last until the first heating or cooling season.

Where can I install solid or engineered products?

Solid products can only be installed on or above the outside soil line. Engineered flooring can be installed on, above, and below the soil line.

Are there any rooms in the house where I should not install hardwood floors?

We do not recommend installing hardwood flooring in full bathrooms that have a shower or bathtub. These rooms have the potential for standing puddles of water that can damage wood floors.

What type of adhesive do I need to use with my hardwood floor installation?

Bruce recommends several: Connection™ PR+, Equalizer™ and ProConnect™. Equalizer is the only adhesive recommended for the installation of Natural Reflections®.

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Bruce Hardwood Flooring Maintenance

Are hardwood floors difficult to maintain?

No. In many cases, they are as easy or easier to maintain than carpet, ceramic tile, laminate or vinyl.

How do I maintain my hardwood floors?

Follow Bruce hardwood flooring maintenance instructions.

What do I use under my furniture to protect the hardwood floor from scratching?

Bruce offers felt protector pads to use in place of the hard metal or plastic buttons that are placed on the legs of furniture. You should use these on all the legs of your furniture to prevent damage to the floor.

How do I fix a small scratch on my hardwood floor?

Bruce offers touch-up kits for Dura-Satin® and Dura-Luster® finishes.

My hardwood floors have lost their shine. How do I get them to look like they did when they were new?

Bruce offers a product called Fresh Finish that can be applied to a urethane-finished floor to refresh the original appearance.

Where can I find all of these maintenance products?

You need to check with the retail outlet where you purchased your flooring. They should have the full line of Bruce maintenance products at their store.

What should I use under my area rugs?

A breathable rug underlay. Mesh or grid patterns are best.

What other cleaning products do you recommend for my hardwood floor?

We do not recommend any alternative products for maintaining your floors. Use only the recommended cleaners and maintenance products that are manufactured by Bruce Hardwood Floors exclusively for factory-finished hardwood floors.

How should I move heavy furniture across my hardwood floors?

When moving or rolling heavy furniture or appliances, use protection like strips of 1/4" hardboard as a runner under the wheels or legs. Always move items with caution (see Denting under General FAQs).

Can I mop my hardwood floors using hot, soapy water?

No. Water can prematurely age your hardwood floors and cause them to crack and split.

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Laminate – Flooring General

Where can I purchase Bruce Laminate flooring?

At flooring stores near you.

How can I get a brochure on Bruce Laminate flooring?

Request a laminate flooring brochure.

Where can I get a copy of the warranty for my Bruce Laminate flooring?

Read about Bruce laminate warranties.

Is my Bruce Laminate warranty transferable?

No, the warranty is good only for the original purchaser.

If my question is not listed here, how can I get an answer?

Online: Contact Bruce Laminate Floors
Phone: 1-800-233-3823.

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Laminate Floor Installation

Does laminate flooring need to be acclimated?

No. Bruce Laminate flooring does not require acclimation.

Is the 2-in-1 underlayment needed if there is a foam already attached to the backing?

No, additional underlayment is not recommended. However, if you are installing your laminate floor over concrete, you must use the moisture barrier sheeting.

How is Bruce laminate flooring installed?

Get laminate floor installation instructions.

Where can Bruce laminate flooring be installed?

You can install Bruce Laminate flooring over virtually any existing floor: wood, wood underlayment, concrete, ceramic tile, resilient tile, vinyl sheet flooring, even carpet – if it's fully adhered to a wood subfloor, and no more than 1/4" thick. That means you don't have to pull up old floors and deal with the mess or the hassle of repairing most subfloor damage. Just make sure your subfloor is structurally sound, dry, clean and flat.

I'm a DIYer. Can I install laminate flooring myself?

Yes. Laminate floor installation instructions are printed on the back of every carton of Bruce Laminate flooring. You can also check here for laminate flooring installation instructions.

What is the Bruce Lock Installation System?

The Bruce Lock Installation System requires no glue* and can be installed over most existing floors. Each piece aligns automatically, with the tightest fit that gives a virtually seamless appearance. The locking installation requires no waiting time before moving appliances or furniture back on the floor. And in addition, there's no messy glue residue or fumes. 

*Except full bathroom installations.

How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminate flooring?

To decide where to begin the layout of your laminate floor, consider the incoming light. It is usually best to install Bruce laminate flooring with the planks running parallel to light coming in the windows or glass doors. For any installation, the starting wall should be long and as straight as possible.

Can laminate flooring be installed on stairs?

Yes. You'll need to fully adhere the flooring to the stairs without using foam underlayment and follow the special installation instructions for stair installations.

How do I know which molding pieces to use and where?

Bruce provides a line of Coordinated Transition pieces that have been styled to coordinate with each of our flooring designs:

• Quarter Round Moldings finish the space where the laminate flooring meets the wall.
• Multi-Purpose Reducer finishes the space between the laminate flooring and other flooring surfaces of lesser height, including around sliding glass doors, toe kicks or carpet.
• T-Molding is used in doorways or entryways, finishes the space between two pieces of laminate flooring, or is used when your room is longer than 40 ft. or wider than 26 ft.
• Baby Threshold Molding is used at sliding glass doors, along wall bases, door thresholds and carpet.
• Reducer Strips are used to make the transition from Bruce laminate flooring to another type of flooring, like vinyl.
• Flush Stairnose finishes the flooring edge at staircases, step-downs and landings.
• Overlap Stepnose is used where the flooring meets a step-down or landing.
• Wall Base is the classic finish to a laminate floor and is used wherever the wall and flooring meet.

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Laminate Flooring Cleaning and Maintenance

What type of rugs can I use?

All types of rugs are fine for Bruce laminate. Just be sure the mat is colorfast and non-staining.

How should I clean and maintain my laminate floor?

Get laminate maintenance and care instructions on how to clean your floor with Bruce Dura-Luster No-Wax Floor Cleaner. It’s a specially formulated no-rinse cleaner that allows you to just squirt and mop.

Where can I buy Bruce Dura-Luster No-Wax floor Cleaner?

Find a store near you.

If I damage my floor, can it be repaired?

While Bruce laminate flooring is very durable, no floor is indestructible. You can easily make minor nicks or scratches disappear with the correct color-matched Laminate Floor Touch-Up Kit. Look for it at flooring retailers. For major repairs, we suggest you contact a professional.

Can laminate flooring be refinished?

No.

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For more information about hardwood and laminate floors, visit http://www.wfca.org.