Armstrong flooring is one of the most recognized names in the flooring industry, with a heritage spanning over 150 years. From its origins in cork production in the 1860s to its position as a major manufacturer of luxury vinyl, hardwood, and sheet vinyl products, Armstrong has shaped how American homes are floored. The brand’s extensive product range — including Luxe Plank LVP, Alterna luxury vinyl tile, Pryzm rigid core, solid and engineered hardwood, and commercial-grade sheet vinyl — means there is an Armstrong product for virtually every room, budget, and style preference.
- Armstrong Flooring History
- Armstrong Product Lines
- Armstrong Luxe Plank (LVP)
- Armstrong Alterna (LVT)
- Armstrong Pryzm
- Armstrong Hardwood
- Armstrong Sheet Vinyl
- Armstrong Flooring Cost
- Where to Buy Armstrong Flooring
- Armstrong vs Shaw
- Pros and Cons of Armstrong Flooring
- Installation Options
- Warranty Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
This guide covers every major Armstrong flooring product line, pricing, where to buy, brand history, how Armstrong compares to competitors like Shaw, and the pros and cons you should know before purchasing.
Armstrong Flooring History
Armstrong flooring traces its roots to 1860, when Thomas Morton Armstrong began cutting cork stoppers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company expanded into cork-based flooring, then linoleum, and eventually became one of America’s largest flooring manufacturers. Over 150+ years, Armstrong pioneered numerous innovations in resilient flooring, including the development of modern sheet vinyl, no-wax finishes, and luxury vinyl tile technology.
In 2016, Armstrong World Industries split into two separate publicly traded companies: Armstrong World Industries (ceiling products) and Armstrong Flooring Inc. (residential and commercial flooring). In 2022, Armstrong Flooring Inc. was acquired by AHF Products, which continues to manufacture and sell flooring under the Armstrong brand name. The brand’s extensive dealer network, manufacturing facilities in the United States, and deep product portfolio remain intact under AHF ownership.
Today, Armstrong remains a trusted name in the flooring industry, particularly known for luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile, and sheet vinyl products. The brand’s long history of American manufacturing and product innovation gives it credibility that newer flooring brands struggle to match.
Armstrong Product Lines
Armstrong Luxe Plank (LVP)
Armstrong Luxe Plank is the brand’s flagship luxury vinyl plank line, available in glue-down and rigid core (FasTak) formats. Luxe Plank features realistic wood-look visuals, embossed textures, and a durable wear layer designed for residential and light commercial use. The line includes dozens of oak, hickory, walnut, and reclaimed wood looks in various plank widths and lengths.
Luxe Plank with FasTak technology features a peel-and-stick installation system that allows for easier DIY installation compared to traditional glue-down. The rigid core version (Luxe Plank with Rigid Core) offers a click-lock floating installation with enhanced dimensional stability and underfoot comfort.
Armstrong Alterna (LVT)
Armstrong Alterna is a luxury vinyl tile designed to replicate natural stone and ceramic tile at a lower cost and with greater comfort underfoot. Available in groutable and non-groutable options, Alterna comes in marble-look, slate-look, travertine-look, and concrete-look patterns. The groutable version uses real grout between tiles for an authentic tile appearance while remaining warmer and softer than real stone or ceramic.
Alterna tiles measure 12×24, 16×16, and other formats that mirror real tile dimensions. They are glue-down installation and feature Armstrong’s Diamond 10 Technology scratch-resistant surface. Alterna is popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways where homeowners want the look of tile without the cold, hard feel.
Armstrong Pryzm
Armstrong Pryzm is a rigid core hybrid product that combines a waterproof limestone-composite core with a realistic surface layer. Pryzm planks feature a click-lock installation system, attached underlayment, and enhanced rigidity that allows installation over imperfect subfloors. The line includes both wood-look and stone-look options.
Pryzm sits between Luxe Plank and premium engineered hardwood in terms of performance and price. It handles moisture better than laminate, installs easier than glue-down LVT, and provides a more rigid, solid feel underfoot than flexible vinyl plank. It is a strong choice for whole-home installations including kitchens, basements, and bathrooms.
Armstrong Hardwood
Armstrong manufactures both solid and engineered hardwood flooring in domestic species including oak, hickory, maple, and walnut. The brand’s hardwood lines include the American Scrape collection (hand-scraped textures), TimberBrushed (wire-brushed white oak), and Prime Harvest (smooth, traditional finishes).
Armstrong hardwood is made in the USA at facilities in Tennessee and other locations. The products feature factory-applied Acrylic Infusion finishes that provide enhanced scratch and stain resistance compared to site-finished hardwood. Plank widths range from 2-1/4 inches (traditional strip) to 6-1/2 inches (wide plank) depending on the collection.
Armstrong Sheet Vinyl
Armstrong sheet vinyl remains a staple for budget-conscious homeowners and rental property managers. Sheet vinyl comes in 6-foot and 12-foot rolls, minimizing seams in most rooms. Armstrong’s sheet vinyl lines include CushionStep (enhanced underfoot cushioning), FlexStep (premium stone and tile looks), and basic residential rolls.
While sheet vinyl lacks the fashion-forward appeal of LVP and LVT, it remains the most affordable waterproof flooring option at $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot for materials. It is fully waterproof, easy to clean, and available in hundreds of patterns including stone-look, tile-look, and wood-look designs.
| Product Line | Type | Installation | Waterproof | Material Cost (per sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxe Plank | LVP | Glue-down, peel-and-stick, click-lock | Yes | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Alterna | LVT | Glue-down (groutable option) | Yes | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Pryzm | Rigid core hybrid | Click-lock floating | Yes | $3.50 – $5.50 |
| Hardwood | Solid and engineered | Nail, staple, glue, float | No | $4.00 – $9.00 |
| Sheet Vinyl | Resilient sheet | Loose-lay, perimeter adhesive, full-spread | Yes | $0.50 – $2.50 |
Armstrong Flooring Cost
Armstrong flooring spans a wide price range depending on the product line, from budget sheet vinyl to premium hardwood. Here are typical material costs for each category.
| Product | Material Cost (per sq ft) | Installation Cost (per sq ft) | Total Installed (per sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet vinyl | $0.50 – $2.50 | $1.00 – $2.00 | $1.50 – $4.50 |
| Luxe Plank LVP | $2.50 – $5.00 | $1.50 – $3.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Alterna LVT | $3.00 – $6.00 | $2.00 – $4.00 | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Pryzm rigid core | $3.50 – $5.50 | $1.50 – $3.00 | $5.00 – $8.50 |
| Hardwood (solid) | $5.00 – $9.00 | $3.00 – $5.00 | $8.00 – $14.00 |
| Hardwood (engineered) | $4.00 – $8.00 | $3.00 – $5.00 | $7.00 – $13.00 |
Armstrong is generally positioned as a mid-range to premium brand. Its sheet vinyl is competitively priced against all competitors, while its LVP and hardwood products tend to run slightly higher than budget alternatives but offer stronger warranties and better surface technology.
Where to Buy Armstrong Flooring
Armstrong flooring is available through multiple channels. Authorized flooring retailers and specialty stores carry the widest selection and offer professional installation services. Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Floor & Decor stock select Armstrong products, particularly sheet vinyl and popular LVP lines. Online retailers including Wayfair and Build.com also carry Armstrong flooring with home delivery.
For the best experience, visit an authorized Armstrong dealer who can show you full-size samples, provide accurate quotes including installation, and offer warranty support. Armstrong’s website includes a dealer locator tool that identifies authorized retailers by zip code.
Armstrong vs Shaw
Armstrong and Shaw are two of the most recognized flooring brands in North America. Here is how they compare across key factors.
| Factor | Armstrong | Shaw |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage | 150+ years (founded 1860) | 55+ years (founded 1967) |
| Headquarters | Pennsylvania (now under AHF Products) | Dalton, Georgia |
| LVP strengths | Luxe Plank, FasTak, Alterna | Floorte, COREtec (owned by Shaw parent) |
| Hardwood strengths | American-made solid and engineered | Wide selection, Repel technology |
| Sheet vinyl | Strong legacy product | Limited selection |
| Carpet | Not a major product line | Industry leader in carpet |
| Price positioning | Mid-range to premium | Mid-range to premium |
| Availability | Specialty dealers, Home Depot, Lowe’s | Specialty dealers, Home Depot, Lowe’s |
Armstrong excels in sheet vinyl (a category Shaw has largely de-emphasized) and groutable luxury vinyl tile (Alterna). Shaw leads in carpet and has a broader luxury vinyl portfolio including the popular COREtec brand. For LVP and hardwood, both brands offer comparable quality at similar price points — the choice often comes down to specific style preferences and local dealer availability.
Pros and Cons of Armstrong Flooring
Pros
- 150+ years of brand heritage — one of the oldest, most established names in American flooring
- Wide product range — LVP, LVT, rigid core, hardwood, and sheet vinyl under one brand
- American manufacturing — many products made in USA facilities
- Diamond 10 Technology — scratch-resistant surface on vinyl products
- Groutable Alterna tiles — unique product that replicates real tile with grout
- FasTak peel-and-stick — simplified installation for DIY homeowners
- Strong dealer network — widely available through authorized retailers nationwide
Cons
- Corporate transition — 2022 acquisition by AHF Products creates some uncertainty about future product direction
- Limited carpet offering — if you need carpet, Armstrong is not the brand for you
- Premium pricing — generally more expensive than budget alternatives like TrafficMaster or Smartcore
- Glue-down LVP limitations — some Luxe Plank products require glue-down installation, which is harder for DIY
- Fewer rigid core options — competitors like Shaw (COREtec) and Mohawk offer wider rigid core selections
Installation Options
Armstrong flooring products cover every major installation method, depending on the product line.
Click-lock floating — Pryzm rigid core and select Luxe Plank products install as floating floors with tongue-and-groove click systems. No adhesive is needed. This is the easiest DIY method.
Glue-down — traditional Luxe Plank and Alterna tiles use full-spread adhesive for a permanent, stable installation. Glue-down is preferred in commercial settings and high-traffic residential areas for maximum stability.
Peel-and-stick (FasTak) — select Luxe Plank products feature a factory-applied adhesive backing. Peel the liner and stick the plank to the subfloor. Quick and easy, but requires a clean, smooth substrate.
Nail or staple — Armstrong solid hardwood installs with pneumatic nailers or staplers over wood subfloors, the traditional hardwood installation method.
Loose-lay and perimeter adhesive — Armstrong sheet vinyl can be loose-laid in rooms under 85 square feet or secured with adhesive around the perimeter in larger spaces.
Warranty Information
Armstrong offers tiered warranties depending on the product line. Luxe Plank and Pryzm rigid core products carry limited lifetime residential warranties covering manufacturing defects and wear. Alterna groutable tiles carry a 25-year to limited lifetime residential warranty. Armstrong hardwood carries a 25-year to limited lifetime structural and finish warranty depending on the collection. Sheet vinyl carries 10-year to limited lifetime warranties depending on the specific product.
All Armstrong warranties require proper installation per the brand’s guidelines and routine maintenance. Damage from moisture, improper subfloor preparation, or misuse is not covered. Register your purchase with Armstrong after installation to activate warranty coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Armstrong flooring made in the USA?
Many Armstrong flooring products are manufactured in the United States, including hardwood (produced in Tennessee) and certain vinyl products. However, some product lines are manufactured overseas. Check the specific product specifications or packaging for country of origin if domestic manufacturing is important to you.
Is Armstrong flooring good quality?
Yes. Armstrong flooring is generally considered a mid-range to premium brand with above-average quality across its product lines. The brand’s Diamond 10 Technology scratch resistance, Acrylic Infusion hardwood finishes, and decades of manufacturing expertise place Armstrong in the upper tier of flooring brands. Consumer reviews are generally positive, particularly for Luxe Plank and Alterna products.
What happened to Armstrong Flooring?
Armstrong Flooring Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2022 and was subsequently acquired by AHF Products (a Tennenbaum Capital Partners company). AHF continues to manufacture and sell flooring under the Armstrong brand name, maintaining the brand’s existing product lines, manufacturing facilities, and dealer network.
Is Armstrong better than Shaw?
Neither brand is universally better — each has strengths in different categories. Armstrong excels in sheet vinyl, groutable luxury vinyl tile (Alterna), and has a longer brand heritage. Shaw leads in carpet, offers a broader rigid core LVP selection, and has stronger distribution through Home Depot. For LVP and hardwood specifically, both brands deliver comparable quality at similar price points.
Can Armstrong Luxe Plank go in bathrooms?
Yes. Armstrong Luxe Plank is 100% waterproof and suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. Ensure proper installation per Armstrong’s guidelines — particularly sealing seams and maintaining the correct expansion gap — for optimal moisture performance. The rigid core version provides the best waterproof protection of the Luxe Plank family.
Where can I buy discontinued Armstrong flooring?
Discontinued Armstrong flooring can sometimes be found at outlet stores, overstock retailers, and online marketplaces. Lumber Liquidators (now LL Flooring), Wayfair, and local flooring closeout shops occasionally carry discontinued Armstrong products. If you need matching planks for a repair, check with authorized Armstrong dealers who may have access to remaining inventory.
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