Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General FAQs
Installation FAQs
Maintenance FAQs

What is the difference between BEST (Benchmark), BETTER (Kensington), and GOOD (Value Leaders) collections?
The difference between the various product lines is simply the amount of allowable character. For example, you'll find the most amount of character knots, mineral streaks, pin holes, etc. in the Good collection. As you step up in grade, the warranties are expanded and grading is enhanced.

Should I expect color variations in my floor?
Yes - wood is a product of nature; therefore, 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?
Hardwood contains a cell structure; therefore, 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 also accelerate this condition. Moving area rugs or other items that may cause this effect from time to time is recommended.

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 sub-floors (see manufacturer's instructions for sub-floor tolerances). 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 have hardwood installed in my bathrooms?
It is not recommended, due to the high moisture associated with these areas. It 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 so it can be stained to blend woodwork. However, prefinished is already finished with some great benefits: 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 is very durable. Bruce offers commercial rated products for commercial environments. Bruce does always recommend walk-off mats at doorways and pivot points such as kitchen sinks, refrigerators, etc.

What does edge treatments mean?
Edge treatments refer to the amount of reveal on the edge of each board. We offer products in square, micro or eased edges, or beveled edges. Refer to product literature or visit your local retailer for examples.

My wood floor has some damage. Can it be repaired?
Yes, Bruce offers several suggestions. If you have a minor chip or slightdamage, 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 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 future application of top coating materials or make it slippery.

Is my Armstrong warranty transferable?
For most Armstrong flooring products like laminate, vinyl tile, linoleum and hardwood, the answer is no. The warranty is good only for the original purchaser. However for professionally installed vinyl sheet flooring, warranties are transferable. If you purchased a home that has an Armstrong vinyl sheet floor and need to make a claim, you will need proof of purchase or some form of documentation stating when the floor installation took place. You will also need to be able to identify the name of the said floor.

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 staple to install the floor.

After my floors are installed, should I apply a finish coat to seal them from moisture getting down in the cracks?
Most floors expand and contract with temperature fluctuations; expanding in the summer, 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 hardwood flooring in full bathrooms that have a shower or bathtub. These rooms have a high amount of water associated with them, and there is a potential for failure.

What type of adhesive do I need to use with my installation?
Bruce recommends several. Connection PR+, Equalizer and Multi-Grip. Equalizer is the only adhesive recommended for the installation of Natural Reflections.

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

How do I maintain my hardwood floors?
Bruce Dura-Luster or Dura-Luster Plus products should be cleaned immediately after installation with Bruce No-Wax Cleaner. Routine care by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove loose dirt before it can be ground into the floor's surface. Spread cleaner directly onto the floor and wipe with a sponge mop or appropriate cleaning applicator. Never mop floor with water or vinegar as vinegar is an acid and may etch the floor.

Bruce Dura-Satin Wax should be immediately waxed following installation. Darker shaded floors should be waxed with Dark 'n' Rich and light shaded floors should be waxed with Lite 'n' Natural. A routine care of sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove dust and dirt before it can be ground into the surface is recommended. Wax the floor once or twice a year. Do not use Bruce No-Wax Cleaner on waxed floors!

What do I use under my furniture to protect the 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 floors?
Bruce offers touch-up kits for Dura-Satin and Dura-Luster finish.

My 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 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 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.

Can I roll heavy furniture across my hardwood floors?
No. When moving or rolling heavy pieces of furniture or appliances, use protection, such as strips of 1/4" hardboard as a runner under the wheels or legs. Always move items with caution (see denting under general FAQ's).

Can I mop my floors using hot, soapy water?
No. Water can prematurely age your hardwood floors and cause them to crack and split.