Bruce Flooring is the hardwood and laminate subsidiary of flooring giant Armstrong, a company that has been in the business for over 150 years. Styles, colors, and price points vary widely in Bruce products providing something for every taste and budget. Its hardwood line provides rustic charm and casual comfort in beautiful planks while the laminate line provides a relatively inexpensive flooring alternative.
Bruce Flooring has been in business since 1884. Its parent company, Armstrong, was started even earlier -- in 1860 -- in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Armstrong World Industries Inc. operates 36 plants in nine countries, had sales of $2.8 billion in 2009, and employs approximately 11,000 people worldwide. It trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol AWI.
Do it yourselfers will find both Bruce and Armstrong products ranked by ease of installation from beginner, to intermediate, to advanced. Step-by-step instructions provide all the information the weekend warrior needs to prepare a floor and the materials to be installed. Video demonstrations are also available as are tips to consider when having floors professionally installed should that alternative be considered.
All Bruce Flooring/Armstrong warranties are valid only to the purchaser of the flooring and are non-transferable to subsequent owners of the home in which they were installed. Warranties vary from five to 25 years depending on the product purchased and cover various conditions such as the finish, adhesive, and defects.
A number of grievances about Bruce Flooring and the company's poor response have been posted online by dissatisfied consumers. Complaints have included wood spotting, gaps between boards, warped slats, poor wear and tear tolerance, color clouding, peeling of material, easily dented wood, and discoloration.