Solid Hardwood
Solid wood flooring is 100% hardwood milled from lumber. As a natural material, hardwood reacts to changes in its setting, like moisture and extreme temperatures, which cause solid wood to shrink or expand. All solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished if needed over the years. Solid hardwood is not recommended for installation below ground level or in bathrooms.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered wood flooring is built up of layers of wood. It consists of three to ten layers, called plies, that are glued together. This multi-ply structure gives engineered wood superior stability, greater than solid wood, which reduces concerns associated with shrinking and expanding when temperature and humidity change. Engineered wood can be installed below ground level making it a great choice for finished basements.
Prefinished vs Site-Finished Hardwood
All Armstrong hardwood flooring comes pre-finished for a no fuss, no muss installation. There’s no dust from sanding, no fumes from chemicals, no waiting for the finish to dry. These floors are warranted to last longer than site-finished floors–typically 5 to 35 years, for residential use versus 3 to 5 years. This is because factory applied urethane finishes are much tougher and longer lasting than site-applied finishes. If you like the look of site-finished flooring, but want the durability of prefinished flooring, choose a product with a square end and edge.
Laminate
Laminate flooring has four layers: a wear layer, a design layer, an inner core layer and a backing layer.
Wear layer – clear top layer that protects the floor from stains and fading
Design layer – a photographic image of wood, stone, brick or ceramic
Inner core – plastic resin that keeps the laminate stable and flat
Backing – creates a moisture barrier that protects the floor from warping
This layered construction makes laminate floors remarkably durable.
Vinyl Sheet
Armstrong has developed four unique vinyl structures to meet specific performance and installation needs. Choose the one that’s right for your lifestyle, décor and budget.
- Duality™ offers 3D visuals along with fiberglass and ToughGuard® wear layers that provide exceptional durability and superior stain protection.
- CushionStep™ with fiberglass construction has a cushion core for added comfort underfoot.
- StrataMax has a 70% stone content in the base layer that holds the floor down and adds durability.
- Traditional Felt offers best-in-class stain protection combined with ToughGuard durability
Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tile consists of 4 primary layers: A urethane wear layer to resist scratches and scuffs, a protective clear film layer to protect against rips, tears, and gouging, a printed design layer that carries the realistic colors and patterns, and a structural vinyl backing layer that adds strength and durability.
Luxury Vinyl
We offer you two premium vinyl flooring types, Luxe Plank™ and Alterna™ tile. Alterna is a groutable vinyl tile that mimics the depth and texture of natural stoneand ceramic. Luxe Plank is a realistic wood-look vinyl plank that is easy to install and comes in attractive plank widths and lengths.
Linoleum
Among the “greenest” of floors, linoleum is made from natural materials: linseed oil, resins, recycled wood flour, cork dust, limestone and mineral pigments, mounted on jute backing. It’s naturally anti-bacterial and biodegradable. Sheet linoleum is sold in two-meter (or 6’ 7”) widths and several thicknesses.
Most people who choose vinyl sheet or luxury vinyl over linoleum do so because vinyl is easier to maintain. Depending upon foot traffic and the wear layer of the product you choose, linoleum can require a little more maintenance to look and perform its best.