Armstrong Hardwood - Frequently Asked Questions


ARMSTRONG HARDWOOD FLOORING GENERAL

Where can I purchase Armstrong Hardwood flooring?
Click to Find a Store near you.

How can I get a brochure on Armstrong Hardwood flooring?
Click to request an Armstrong Flooring Brochure.

Where can I get a copy of the warranty for my Armstrong Hardwood flooring?
Click here for warranties.

Is my Armstrong warranty transferable?
No, the warranty is good only for the original purchaser.

What are the different wood patterns offered by Armstrong?
Armstrong has four choices: 1) Strip Flooring (2.25" wide x varying length) 2) Plank Flooring (3" wide or more x varying length) 3) Parquet (12" x 12" squares) 4) Custom (4.5" wide x 9", 18", 27", 36" or varying lengths for unlimited design options)

What does Good, Better, Best mean in Armstrong Hardwood flooring?
Generally, the longer the finish wear warranty and the fewer visual wood characteristics (like knots) the higher the rating.

Can I put Armstrong Hardwood wood flooring in my bathroom?
Armstrong is not recommended for high moisture areas such as full bathrooms with a shower or tub and wet bars.
• Our warranty states “full bathrooms with a shower or tub”.  

Where can solid and engineered wood Armstrong Hardwood floors be installed?
Solid wood flooring is recommended for on or above ground level installations only. Engineered flooring, due to the multi-ply, cross grain construction has greater dimensional stability and is suitable for below ground level installations, too.

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 that can custom blend and mix the product to order. Most major paint stores have custom mixing programs, as do most of the major home centers.

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.

What should I use under my area rugs?
A breathable rug underlay. Mesh or grid patterns are best.

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 Armstrong Hardwood for the product being installed. In most cases, the problem is easily corrected.

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 are edge treatments?
Edge treatments refer to 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; and micro or eased edges - which is a slight sanding to create a less apparent outline.

My wood floor has some damage. Can it be repaired?
Yes, Armstrong Hardwood 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 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.

Can I refinish my Armstrong Hardwood floor?
Yes, however, Armstrong is not in the refinishing business, therefore, we do not have specifications on how this should be done. We'd suggest that you contact your local Armstrong retailer to discuss who in your area refinishes hardwood floors, or, you may look in the yellow pages of your phone book for a list of hardwood refinishing companies in your area.

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 that can custom blend and mix the product to order. Most major paint stores have custom mixing programs as do most of the major home centers.

If my question is not listed here, how can I get an answer?
Click here to Contact Armstrong Hardwood, or call 1 800 233-3823.


ARMSTRONG HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION


How can I get my Armstrong Hardwood floor installed?
Click for complete Armstrong Hardwood Flooring installation instructions.

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 the potential for standing puddles of water that can damage wood floors.


AMSTRONG HARDWOOD FLOORING MAINTENANCE


How do I care for my Armstrong Hardwood floor?
Click for complete Care & Maintenance instructions.

Where can I buy Armstrong Hardwood floor care products?
Click to Find a Store near you that carries them.

Can I refinish my Armstrong Hardwood hardwood floor?
Yes, however, Armstrong is not in the refinishing business, therefore, we do not have specifications on how this should be done. We'd suggest that you contact your local Armstrong Hardwood retailer to discuss who in your area refinishes hardwood floors, or, you may look in the yellow pages of your phone book for a list of hardwood refinishing companies in your area.

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

What do I use under my furniture to protect the floor from scratching?
Armstrong Hardwood 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.

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).