Hi Clayton,
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feed back.
The Bruce Laurel collection is packaged at random to meet 20 sq ft coverage requirements. Our installation instructions recommend accounting for grading deficiencies not to exceed 5%. These grading deficiencies may be of a manufacturing or natural type. When flooring is ordered, 5% must be added to the actual square footage needed for cutting and grading allowance (10% for diagonal installations; 10-15% for glue down installation). These hardwood floors were manufactured in accordance with accepted industry standards.
The Bruce Laurel strip is a Natural Grade category which features a greater amount of visual character, such as wider color and grain variation, mineral streaks, knots and small holes as well as minor milling imperfections.
If there is an issue with the carton you purchased, please contact the Bruce dealer where the material was purchased with a proof of purchase. We do not have individual representatives to inspect your floor; therefore, rely on our flooring retailers who are trained and authorized to inspect them for us.
Once again, thank you for contacting AHF Products. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us again by e-mail at ahfproductsupport@ahfproducts.com or by phone at 1-866-243-2726, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm, EST. Additional information may also be found at our technical website FloorExpert.com.
Have a wonderful day!