Guide Specification 
Architect’s Vision Commercial Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Flooring Specification
AHF Products® is a leader in the design and manufacturing of flooring. The Armstrong Flooring™ brand’s innovative and award-winning commercial flooring designs and our comprehensive solutions enable delivery of exceptional interior spaces that surpass client’s expectations.  AHF is committed to systematically reducing our environmental footprint, while providing innovative products and services that enable our customers to create sustainable indoor environments.  For more information about Armstrong Flooring™ Commercial Floors and detailed product technical information, please visit the website at ArmstrongFlooring.com.

Please understand that you are responsible for the accuracy of all project specifications, including any AHF Products guide specifications that you use. 
AHF PRODUCTS LLC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF ANY OF ITS GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS.
SECTION 09 64 33
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Specification 
Created May 2025

1.1 SECTION INCLUDES
1. Architect’s Vision Densified Engineered Hardwood Flooring
2. Maintenance materials.
3. Finish moldings

1.2 RELATED SECTIONS
1. Section: 03 10 00 - Concrete Forming
2. Section: 03 30 00 - Cast-in-place Concrete
3. Section: 06 10 00 - Rough Carpentry
A.	Alternates
1.	Prior Approval: Unless otherwise provided for in the Contract documents, proposed product substitutions may be submitted no later than TEN (10) working days prior to the date established for receipt of bids. Acceptability of a proposed substitution is contingent upon the Architect's review of the proposal for acceptability and approved products will be set forth by the Addendum. If included in a Bid are substitute products which have not been approved by Addendum, the specified products shall be provided without additional compensation.
2.	Submittals which do not provide adequate data for the product evaluation will not be considered. The proposed substitution must meet all requirements of this section, including but not necessarily limited to, the following: Single source materials suppliers (if specified in Section 1.5); flooring design, size, composition, color, and finish; Trims, Moldings, sizes; Compliance with the referenced standards.
1.3 REFERENCES
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):
A.	ASTM E648 –Standard Test Method for critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering systems using a radiant heat energy source 0.45 watts/cm2 or greater, Class 1.
B.	ASTM F1869 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride.
C.	 ASTM F710 - Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors. 
D.	 ASTM F2170 Standard test method for determining relative humidity in concrete slabs using In-Situ-probes.

1.4 SUBMITTALS
A.	Submit product data in accordance with Section (01 30 00) (01 33 00), including the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance instructions.
B.	Submit three representative samples of the Architect’s Vision Densified Engineered Hardwood Flooring in the final color(s) or custom color(s), and species with UV cured finish if selected by the owner or their representative.
C.	Installer Certification: Submit a list of at least three installations successfully completed within the past year requiring the same general degree of installation expertise.
D.	Shop Drawings: Show floor pattern layout.
E.	Pre-installation Testing: Conduct pre-installation testing as follows: [Specify testing (i.e. moisture tests, bond test, pH test, etc).]
Specifier Note: Retain paragraph below for erected assemblies (either on-site or off-site) required for review of construction, coordination of work of several sections, testing, or observation of operation. Mock-ups, when accepted or approved, establish standards by which work will be judged. Coordinate below with Division 1 Quality Control (Mock-Up Requirements) Section

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A.	Installer: Shall be experienced in the wood and/or vinyl tile flooring industry and shall have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the installation of similar products.
B.	Pre-Installation meeting: Conduct an on-site pre-installation meeting to verify project requirements, substrate conditions, manufacturer’s installation instructions and manufacturer’s warranty requirements.
C.	Mock-ups: At the project site, install a job mock-up using acceptable products and manufacturer approved installation methods, including concrete substrate testing. Obtain Owner’s and Consultant’s acceptance of finish color, texture and workmanship standards.

1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A.	Deliver the flooring to a preferred 35-55% relative humidity job site in unopened cartons. Protect flooring from exposure to moisture. Moisture producing activities such as drywall, concrete, masonry, painting and grouting must be complete and cured prior to the delivery of wood flooring.
B.	Cartons of Densified Engineered Hardwood Flooring should be delivered to the site on the day of installation. No acclimation time is necessary for installing Densified Engineered Hardwood Flooring.
C.	Cartons of wood should be stored in dry, well-ventilated storage areas or warehouses. Never store cartons of flooring outdoors. The ideal storage area environment should be kept at 30-50% relative humidity and 60-80ºF. Do not store cartons of flooring directly on concrete floors.

1.7 PROJECT CONDITIONS
A.	Provide permanent HVAC operation (2 weeks minimum) and permanent lighting prior to installation.
B.	 Maintain room temperature between 60-80ºF and relative humidity between 35% and 55%, prior to, during and after the installation. Keep in mind that if the relative humidity drops below 30% for extended periods, the flooring may contract causing unsightly splits and gaps.
C.	Do not install flooring until all other significant construction work is complete. Close spaces to traffic during the installation of the flooring and protect the surface as necessary with breathable material after the completion of the installation. 
D.	Do not install flooring over concrete slabs until they are dry enough to achieve a bond with the adhesive in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended bond and moisture test. 

1.8 WARRANTY
Densified Engineered Hardwood Flooring offers a 10-year Limited Warranty and Full Lifetime Structural Integrity Warranty. Full lifetime adhesive bond warranty is also offered when using AHF approved recommended adhesives.
 
1.9 MAINTENANCE
Prior to turning the floor over to the owner, it shall be thoroughly cleaned by sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping to remove debris, followed by cleaning with Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner.

A.	Initial Care: Remove any adhesive residue or petroleum-based products with the appropriate cleaner (low odor mineral spirits).  Urethane adhesives should be removed with the appropriate urethane adhesive cleaner. Thoroughly clean the floor with Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner. Dampen a CLEAN cloth with the materials, do not soak.  DO NOT USE dirty mops or those that contain the residue of dust attracting compounds. Dust mop the floor as normal, misting the materials periodically while proceeding throughout the installation. 
B.	Routine Care (daily)-Clean the floor as needed with Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner (see above for application recommendations).
C.	Periodic Care (weekly-monthly)-Dust mop the floor as recommended under daily care. Buff the floor using a medium high-speed buffer (175-750 RPM) and white/buff colored buffing pads.  Apply Bruce Hardwood and Laminate floor cleaner to the surface in the path of the buffing machine using a misting bottle while proceeding throughout the installation.  

2.1 MANUFACTURER
Flooring, adhesive, maintenance materials and other components shall be produced
by AHF Products or certified as compatible with components produced by AHF Products.

2.2 ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORING MATERIALS
A. Species: Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Hemlock, White Oak, Red Oak, Hickory, Ash, Yellow Birch
1. Dimensions:
        Width:  6.5”, 7.5”
        Thickness: 3/8”, ½”, 7/16”
Length: Variable:  10”-48”
Wear layer thickness: 1/12”
Number of plys: 3RODUCTS
2. Finish: Urethane with aluminum oxide cured factory applied finish.
3. Construction: Engineered multi-ply laminated construction. Each plank to meet or exceed Hardwood Plywood Veneer Association (HPVA) Type II bond test.
4. Edge detail/End detail: Micro End/ Micro Edge
5. Milling: Tongue and groove sides, end matched.
6. Fire Ratings: ASTM E648 Critical Flux of 0.45 watts/cm2 or greater, Class 1.
B. Adhesive: Bruce Equalizer, Pro Connect Plus, Summit Select.
C. Mechanical fasteners: as recommended for machine but not less than 1-3/16” in length.
D. Select Maintenance Materials: Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner.

2.3	ACCESSORIES
A.	Provide all available coordinating transition and molding pieces designated to meet installation application for finishing and transitioning to other floor products. Install in accordance with AHF Products guidelines and intended use. 
B.	For completing minor repairs during installation provide coordinated Bruce acrylic filler or touch-up kit that corresponds and blends with the product color.
C.	For added noise reduction, sound absorption, thermal insulation, and moisture barrier provide [AHF Products Premium Underlayment] Or [AHF Underlayment] for floating Applications.
D.	For completing glue down applications use Hartco Equalizer premium urethane adhesives.
E.	For moisture remediation on concrete slabs tested with ASTM method F 1869 exceeding maximum Hardwood requirement of 3 lbs/1000 ft2/24 hr period, not to exceed 12 lbs/1000 ft2/ 24 hr Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) use a Professional Moisture Retardant System. For Glue down installations over use Moisture Retardant System the recommended Urethane adhesives only. 
Floating installations can be installed over a
 Moisture Retardant System.

EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Concrete Subfloor
1.	Verify that the substrate is clean and free of laitance, loose material, grease, oil,
coatings and other contaminants that will interfere with the bonding of the
adhesive. Concrete surface sealers must be removed if present.
2.	Verify that the substrate is flat, smooth, free from cracks, holes, and ridges and other defects impairing performance or appearance.
3.	Verify that the new slab cure is a minimum of 30 days, preferably 60 days.
4.	Verifying the concrete is visually sound and dry. Calcium Chloride Moisture Tests
5.	(ASTM F1869) or Internal Relative Humidity Test (ASTM F2170-09 In-Situ Probe Test) must be performed for warranty consideration. Using Bruce Equalizer, Proconnect Plus, or Summit Select in direct to concrete applications moisture vapor transmission must not exceed 3 lbs./1000 square feet/24 hrs, In-Situ Probe test not to exceed 75% RH. If vapor transmission rate exceeds 3 lbs/1000 square feet/24hrs and is less than 12 lbs./1000 square feet/24hrs or RH is excess of 75%. Apply a Moisture Retardant System as directed or use Bruce Summit Select follow install instructions.
6.	Concrete Alkalinity: Verify that PH levels of the concrete are 5-9 (ASTM F710).
B. Wood Subfloors
1.	Must be dry, clean, structurally sound, flat to within 3/16" in 10 ft., well nailed and/or glued, free of voids and with flat joint alignment.
2.	The wood subflooring materials should not exceed 13% moisture content. Using a reliable wood moisture meter, check the moisture content of the subfloor.
3.	Ensure that all nail heads are set flush with or below surface.
4.	Must be sanded smooth to remove varnish, high edges, chips, or other contaminants. Use thick 5/8" (16mm) or 3/4" (19mm) APA-CDX grade underlayment plywood or equivalent. 
5.	Allow 1/8"-1/4" (3,2-6,4mm) expansion space between sheets with staggered joints. Leave 3/4" (19mm) minimum expansion space at all vertical obstructions.3 EXECUTION
C. All Subfloors
1.	Coordinate work with that of other trades prior to installation so that no
discrepancies exist with the installation of doors, frames, saddles, floor drains or any materials that would interfere in any other way.
2.	Notify Architect of moisture test results and any unsatisfactory conditions. Do not begin installation until unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected. Beginning the installation means that the substrate and job site conditions have been accepted as suitable. Failure to call attention to defects or imperfections will be construed as acceptance and approval of the sub-floor. Installation indicates acceptance of substrates regarding conditions existing at the time of installation.

3.2 PREPARATION
A.	Scour all concrete surfaces, except when using floating method, using 3 ½ open coat (20 grit) sandpaper.
B.	Sweep and vacuum substrate, and ensure that surface is free of oil, grease, wax, dust, or any other foreign substances.
C.	Use underlayment and Embossing Leveler with a Latex Underlayment Additive to patch cracks, holes and depressions of small areas. Sand and/or scour patched areas smoothly after material is cured. Use only quality materials and/or products, which do not contain gypsum. 
D.	If approved self-leveling underlayments are used, they must dry sufficiently (run moisture test) and be sanded smoothly before installing floor. AHF Products is not responsible for strength, adhesion, or general performance of underlayments as proper compounding and preparation of subsurface is the responsibility of the installer. 

3.3 INSTALLATION
NOTE: A Mechanical Fastener, direct-bond glue or floating installation must be specified. Complete installation instructions for all types of installations hardwood flooring at https://www.ahfproducts.com/
A.	Floating floor will utilize [Premium foam underlayment] and Bruce EverSeal Flooring Adhesive.
B.	Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions on www.floorexpert.com.
C.	Spread adhesive using recommended trowel per manufacturer’s instructions.
D.	Always install while adhesive is still wet.
E.	Spread adhesive only over surface that can be finished within working time of the adhesive.
F.	It is extremely important to remove excess adhesive using low odor mineral spirits while the adhesive is still fresh.  Cured adhesive cannot be removed.
G.	Scribe, cut and fit to permanent fixtures, columns, walls, partitions, pipes, outlets and built-in furniture and cabinets leaving the manufacturer’s required expansion space. Install the flooring with adhesives, tools and procedures in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions. Follow the recommended adhesive trowel notching, open times and working times. If mechanical fastening the flooring, follow the correct fastener and staples as provide in the manufacturer’s instructions.
H.	Install trim, molding and transition strips per manufacturer’s installation instructions.

3.4 PROTECTION
Protect finished floor from abuse by other trades using heavy kraft paper or equivalent. Keep traffic out of spaces and areas where flooring is being installed until adhesive has set. Light foot traffic after 10-12 hours. Normal traffic after 24 hours.
A.	Preventive Maintenance
Mats at all entrances help keep dirt and moisture from being tracked in. Mats should be slip-resistant with a backing that is breathable and will not discolor the floor. Vacuum, sweep or dust mop regularly. Never damp mop with water as it may permanently damage the floor.  Use Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner to remove spills or spots. For stubborn spots, use low odor mineral spirits. The satisfactory performance of wood floors is greatly influenced by its environmental conditions. A temperature of 70°F (21°C) and relative humidity between 30% and 50% is ideal.  Humidifiers can be used during drier times to eliminate cracks that can be caused by excessive drying of wood.  Dehumidifiers or air conditioners can be used to prevent wood floors from buckling by reducing high humidity levels.
As with all hardwood flooring, it is important to properly clean and maintain wood floors to prevent substances, including but not limited to water, food and grease, from making the floor slippery.
B.	Water Spots
Minerals or chemicals in water may cause spotting when water from spills evaporates. These spots can be removed with a soft cloth dampened with Bruce Hardwood and Laminate Floor Cleaner.
C.	Scratches: For light scratches or color loss use Bruce Touchup kit or acrylic filler. Repairs may also be made by replacing individual boards.
D.	Rubber Heel Marks, Crayon, Gum or Asphalt Deposits dampen a clean cloth with Mineral Spirits and rub to remove. Protect installed flooring as recommended by the flooring manufacturer against damage from rolling loads, other trades, or the placement of fixtures and furnishings. 

END OF SECTION