Bruce flooring has long been a trusted name in the flooring industry, offering a wide range of products including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and waterproof locking hardwood flooring. For DIY enthusiasts, professionals, and homeowners seeking durable and aesthetically pleasing flooring solutions, Bruce provides clear and comprehensive installation guidelines. This article outlines the recommended installation methods, tools, and materials for Bruce flooring products, based on official documentation and technical instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Understanding Bruce Flooring Products
Bruce offers several types of flooring, each with specific installation requirements. The primary product categories include solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and waterproof locking hardwood. Each type is suited for different environments and installation preferences, and understanding the characteristics of each is essential before beginning any project.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is one of the most traditional and durable flooring options available. Bruce offers a wide selection of solid hardwood planks, including traditional, hand-scraped, and distressed finishes. These planks are typically installed via mechanical fastening using staples, nails, or cleats. Solid hardwood is ideal for dry, stable environments such as living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood is a multilayered product that combines the aesthetic of solid hardwood with greater stability. The top layer is a thin slice of real wood, while the core is composed of cross-laminated layers of wood, providing dimensional stability. Engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for installation over concrete subfloors or in rooms with moderate humidity.
Waterproof Locking Hardwood Flooring
Bruce’s Hydropel™ and other waterproof locking hardwood products are designed for environments where water resistance is a concern. These planks feature a locking mechanism that allows for floating installations and are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas prone to spills or moisture. The installation process for these products is streamlined, allowing for quick and efficient DIY installation.
Installation Methods for Bruce Flooring
Bruce flooring can be installed using several methods, including glue-down, floating, and mechanically fastened installations. Each method is suited for specific product types and subfloor conditions, and following the manufacturer’s recommendations is critical to ensuring a successful installation and preserving the product’s warranty.
Glue-Down Installation
Glue-down installations involve applying adhesive to the subfloor and securing the flooring planks in place. This method is typically used for solid and engineered hardwood flooring. Bruce recommends using specific adhesives such as Bruce® Summit Select™ All In One Adhesive or Bruce Equalizer™ Pro for optimal results.
Recommended Adhesives
- Bruce® Summit Select™ All In One Adhesive: Suitable for both solid and engineered hardwood flooring. It is recommended to apply this adhesive using a trowel as specified on the product container.
- Bruce® EverSeal™ Adhesive: Used for modifying the lock and joint gluing process, particularly for densified wood flooring.
Application Guidelines
- Apply adhesive immediately after mixing to ensure proper bonding.
- Use a trowel to spread the adhesive at a 45° angle, ensuring full coverage while avoiding excessive buildup.
- Allow the adhesive to cure for at least 24 hours before proceeding with the installation.
- Maintain room and subfloor temperatures above 60°F (16°C) during application to ensure optimal adhesive performance.
Floating Installation
Floating installations are commonly used for waterproof locking hardwood flooring, such as Bruce Hydropel™. This method involves placing the flooring over a subfloor without gluing or nailing it, allowing the planks to expand and contract naturally.
Underlayment Preparation
- Install the underlayment in the same direction as the flooring.
- Extend the underlayment a few inches up the wall and trim excess material before installing trim.
- If using a non-adhesive underlayment, all seams must be taped with the recommended tape.
Installation Steps
- First Row: Begin on the left side of the room and work toward the right. Place the first full plank with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers to maintain a 1/2" (12.7 mm) expansion zone along all sides.
- Subsequent Rows: Continue laying the planks, ensuring each row is staggered for a more natural look. Use spacers to maintain expansion zones.
- Cutting Planks: Measure the distance between the wall and the last board, subtract 1/2" (6.35 mm), and cut the plank accordingly. If the remaining piece is less than 8" (20.32 cm), cut the first plank in the row to maintain a longer piece at the end.
Mechanically Fastened Installation
Mechanically fastened installations involve securing the flooring planks to the subfloor using staples, nails, or cleats. This method is typically used for solid hardwood flooring and requires a stable subfloor.
Fastener Schedule
- Width of flooring between 1-1/2" to 3-1/2" (4-9 cm): Maximum spacing of 10"–12" (25–30 cm), preferred spacing of 8"–10" (20–25 cm).
- Width of flooring 4" (10 cm) and over: Maximum spacing of 8"–10" (20–25 cm), preferred spacing of 6"–8" (15–20 cm).
General Recommendations
- Install flooring planks perpendicular to floor joists for maximum stability.
- Use an anchor row to secure the first row of planks to the subfloor, providing a stable point for the rest of the installation.
- Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and free of debris before fastening.
Recommended Tools and Materials
To ensure a successful installation, the following tools and materials are recommended:
- Trowel: For spreading adhesive.
- Spacers: To maintain expansion zones.
- Miter Saw or Circular Saw: For cutting planks to size.
- Tapeline and Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
- Chalk Line: For marking straight lines on the subfloor.
- Adhesive Remover: Low odor mineral spirits for cleaning excess adhesive.
- Flooring Cleaner: Bruce® Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner for post-installation cleaning.
Special Considerations for Concrete Subfloors
For installations over concrete subfloors, additional precautions must be taken to ensure a stable and durable result.
Acoustic Concrete
For floating and glue-down installations over concrete, Bruce recommends using a sheet vinyl or slip-sheet. This layer helps reduce sound transmission and provides a stable base for the flooring. The sheet vinyl must be bonded to the concrete using a premium grade, alkali-resistant adhesive. A bond test is recommended to ensure proper adhesion.
Testing the Subfloor
Before applying adhesive or installing the flooring, perform a bond test by installing a small area (3' x 3') and allowing the adhesive to cure for 72 hours. If the backing remains attached to the concrete, the subfloor is acceptable for installation.
Installation Tips for Specific Bruce Products
Bruce Dogwood® Densified Wood™ Flooring
Dogwood flooring is designed to be pet-friendly and highly durable. It is particularly well-suited for homes with pets and active families. While it is water-resistant and scratch-resistant, it is not indestructible. Sharp or unkept nails from pets can still cause damage, so regular maintenance and trimming of pet nails is recommended.
Installation Options
- Glue-Down: Use the recommended adhesive for optimal bonding.
- Floating: Ideal for DIY installations due to its locking mechanism.
- Mechanically Fastened: Suitable for rooms with stable subfloors.
Bruce Hydropel™ Waterproof Hardwood Flooring
Hydropel™ is designed for areas prone to water exposure, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The installation process is streamlined for quick and efficient results.
Key Features
- Water Resistance: Protects against spills and moisture.
- Locking Mechanism: Allows for floating installations without the need for adhesive or fasteners.
- Ease of Installation: Ideal for DIY users due to its user-friendly design.
Conclusion
Bruce flooring offers a range of options suitable for various environments and installation preferences. Whether you are installing solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, or waterproof locking hardwood, following the manufacturer’s guidelines is essential for a successful project. By using the recommended adhesives, tools, and installation methods, homeowners and professionals can ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing result. Always refer to Bruce’s official documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date installation instructions.