Luxury Vinyl Planks - Armstrong Vivero or Moduleo Horizon?

alicia2014

8 years ago

We plan on installing 400 sq. feet of LVP in our living room and foyer.
We liked both the Vivero and Horizon planks as far as texture and
appearance. Does anyone have any comments about these options? Your
input is much appreciated.

Featured Answer

dcook2015

7 years ago

I just installed Armstrong Vivero Arbor Orchard in Natural, selected because it has the integrilock click-in install mechansim. 530sf - 2 bedrooms and a laundry hallway. I have never used luxury vinyl, but have college rentals and heard good things. Carpet is NASTY for college rentals. In the past, I've used various levels/price points of laminate, when the subfloor allowed it. The husband and I do the install - mostly him doing the labor, me doing the shopping. I like the finished floor to look as natural as possible (vs just throwing down whatever comes out of the box), so I help with the layouts. (I also LOVE epoxy - garage - for concrete, but am saddened that Home Depot stopped carrying the Rust-Oleum 2 part version that I've used many times.) What I look for in flooring is durability that looks great. College kids think even the low end laminate is real wood, but this cheap stuff lacks durability. For my latest project, I wanted to do the install myself - maybe with the help of my young kids. Prior to learning of Armstrong's Vivero, I was set on US Flooring's Coretec because it seemed to have the best available LVP click-in locking mechanism. My project was delayed and I failed to order the flooring. Then, I found Armstrong's product and the price was easily $3 less per square foot. Plus, I watched the You Tube video where the guy could not close the gaps between the Coretec planks. I figured that if he couldn't do it, neither could a chick with two young kids. So, I prepped the floor - sanded the OSB and began the install - without reading the directions!! My tools in hand were a tapping block made for LVP, carbide utility knife blades, a rubber mallet and shims. Of course, also measuring tapes and L squares etc. Because I failed to read the Armstrong install directions (I did watch a few videos), I installed backwards. Instead of laying the top piece onto the bottom piece, I slid the bottom piece onto the top. This took a lot of finesse and hammering. I failed to hear any "click". The floor was looking awesome, but it seemed to be taking more effort and time than anyone claimed. The husband decided to help. He read the directions and discovered my first issue. I finished one bedroom, doing the install wrong, in 9 hours. This bedroom is 15'x12', plus a closet. I had to go to the store to buy a "pro bar" to tighten the planks together. (The probar damaged the planks, even after taping cardboard around it.) The second bedroom - same size - was installed the correct way and was done in 6 hours. These times include the OSB sanding/clean up. I laid the flooring directly onto the OSB. When installing correctly, where the top is layed onto the bottom, there is definitely a "clicking" noise. Although the correct way to lay the planks takes less time/effort, there are very slight gaps here and there between the planks. When I installed the one bedroom incorrectly, the gaps are non-existent. These gaps are very slight and resemble a wood floor when the boards slightly shrink. I don't think the "gaps" are a big enough issue to warrant the extra time/effort to install. When installing following the directions, the pro bar was needed only on the final edges of the room. The planks do not move nor make any noise when walking on them. This is my new non-epoxy flooring!! My only complaint is that 1 length (48") is not enough. With a 15' long room, I ended up with tiny 1" slivers inside the closet. There was no way I was starting a row over once I got to the end. Using a 12-16" starting piece was problematic in every 1" sliver row. I hope that more lengths become available. The planks were difficult to cut, so I am hoping this equates to fantastic surface durability. The carbide blades did mar the surface (and could remove a finger with no effort), so installing with the recommended titanium blades might make the install quicker/easier. It is true that young kids can help with the install! I wouldn't trust them with the sharp blades, but they can definitely "click" the pieces together.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

felipey
8 years ago
I'm planning on installing the Armstrong Vivero (Amarela Heartwood - Carob Bean) throughout our house, covering about 1800 sqft. A lot of the contractors I've spoken with have discouraged me because it won't add value to the house but I've accepted that fact and want to go with it anyway because of the waterproofing, durability and low maintenance the floors will have.
vertcolline
7 years ago
That's a lovely color. Good luck with it. I've just spoken with American Carpet Wholesalers, who sell a huge amount of flooring, and they couldn't provide any reviews of this product. If you've already installed it, please give me a review.
Related Discussions
luxury vinyl planks brands... experiences and opinions needed!
Q
Comments (14)
When it comes to glue down vinyl - it is a wonderful product - but tricky. The trick to it is the preparation. No one in the flooring world will offer warranty without the moisture readings/ratings of the concrete slab it was glued to. This can be known as 'ambient' humidity (relative humidity in both the concrete slab and the air can also be known as 'ambient' humidity). Gluing down to slabs takes HUGE amounts of knowledge and high-end adhesives. High end means $2-$3 per SQUARE FOOT! When gluing down, make sure the subfloor is tested for moisture (especially concrete) and you get a copy of that testing documentation. A great flooring installer will do this without being asked. A good flooring installer will do it when asked - and they will have the tools available. An average flooring guy won't have the tools but they "understand" the basics (won't be up to speed but can get a test done in a pinch) and the bad installers won't have a clue. Ambient humidity can mean "household living conditions". There are documents that tell you what that means (RH between 35%-55%; Temp between 55 F - 82F). If you cannot prove that you can maintain these situations, you the warranty (for any flooring product) is void. Good luck. The Moduleo may not be the issue. The conditions of the subfloor, the adhesive used, the amount of adhesive used and the lack of testing/proof of the conditions before, during and after install may be the issue.
...See More
Vinyl plank flooring
Q
Comments (18)
We have LVP throughout our townhouse - over concrete slab downstairs and over wood subfloor upstairs. It is a discontinued Lowes product, self-adhesive type. In installed it myself 3 years ago and it has held up perfectly - no scratches, no curling or problems at all. I followed the directions of letting it acclimate to the install environment for a few days before installing. The concrete I applied Drylock moisture seal and let that dry while I started the flooring install upstairs. The upstairs subfloor is old and had had carpet installed many times, there were some loose nails I pulled all the ones i could find - a couple I missed eventually worked up and made a bump in the planks, it was very easy to remove a single plank with the hairdrier to soften the adhesive, pull up the plank, remove the nail, and put the plank back down! We have had no issues whatsoever with the floor material, and many people think it is engineered wood at first. It wears like iron, and easy to keep clean. Ours is a medium chestnut color so it never looks dirty, either.
...See More
Any LVP experts out there?--Want unbiased, real info & not sales hype
Q
Comments (22)
For anyone years later who is looking for the same info: I recently left flooring as a store manager and sales rep. First, understand that NO flooring is scratch-proof. They are scratch-resistant. I know someone else recommended staying away from it in case your basement floods but the truth of the matter is that if it floods and you use your homeowner's insurance (recommended), they will insist on the entire floor being replaced no matter what you have installed. You can choose a commercial grade if you are really worried about the flooring holding up to abuse. They are often glued down. Your installer will probably want to skimcoat the floor or use a leveler. This is good practice. Urethane with ceramic bead and urethane plus with aluminum oxide particles are the strongest choices right now but there are some higher ratings Like AC 5 which is stronger than say a 20 mil wear layer. There are also a few in the 30 mil wear layer range. You will often save money hiring your own installer because stores make money from the cost of installation. Hire your own and have them buy your materials. If they have an established relationship with the store, they will often get a significant discount on your materials. The store I worked for had a 55% profit margin but when they sold to installers/contractors they lowered it to 30-35%. Stores have to make a profit and so do installers. You may save some cash if your installer charges a smaller profit margin. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance on the installer. If their installation is bad or unfinished, their insurance has to cover it. Stores should have a warranty to cover poor workmanship as well. The manufacturer will cover manufacturing defects but not workmanship. Before you hire someone, ask if they do moisture testing and what is their procedure for it. ALWAYS have a moisture test done and documented when they come out to measure. If it is too high they should recommend what to do to get it and keep it at the appropriate level. ALWAYS have it done again before installation. This is the number one thing that causes manufacturers to deny a claim.
...See More
Armstrong Vivero Flooring Issues with IntergiLock Install
Q
Comments (44)
Bad news. The Armstrong Vivero Best Interlock Vinyl flooring that was installed in my house it is defective and has the peaking issue (elevation on the short ends and also 1-2 mm of separation. I was told by Armstrong Customer Service that they solved that issue and since Septmember las year was good, also the retailer where I bought it from told me it was good. I live in NY and house I just installed it's in NC so I wasn't able to check floor before installation and my installer didn't check or notice it. I paid about $6500 for flooring plus $750 for uderlaying paper plus $3500 for installation, so lost about $11000 thousand on hard earned money. My wife and I are very upset and sad that were ripped off with a defective product and we don't know what to do, we don't have money to hire a Lawyer and were planning to move in in a month. I am calling and emailing Armstrong today hoping they pay somebody to remove their defective flooring, installed a non defective one or the glue one along with new quarter round. We are desperate and any advise will be appreciatted. I hope the person that had the peaking problem reads this and says what happened to his defective floor problem and how he solved. Thank you. My email is jsmexusa@gmail.com in case you want to email me.
...See More
felipey
7 years ago
Our project was delayed a bit so we're installing it next week. I've opened up the boxes and they look good, the material is quite hefty, but I'll let you know once the floor is in.
D V
7 years ago
We've run into a bit of a mess with our builder's install of our IntegriLock Vivero Vintage Timber by Armstrong. Would you look here and be able to offer any advice? Thanks! http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4061412/armstrong-vivero-flooring-issues-with-intergilock-install
felipey
7 years ago
Our guy used a small rubber mallet to ensure everything was flat, we didn't run into any problems with the installation.
D V
7 years ago
felipey, a rubber mallet on top or on the sides with a block? Thanks.
felipey
7 years ago
On top. He just hammered down anything sticking out.
D V
7 years ago
FYI. Hammering doesn't work to get our Armstrong Vivero with Integrilock to lay flat at the ends. Even the distributor tried that with his hand really hard.
PRO
copperheadharley
7 years ago
There is a black, thin plastic strip inside the groove (only on the end) - is it visible at all? The strip should not be visible unless you trim a piece down lengthwise. Then, sometimes you will see it at the cut area. I installed Vivero in 3 rooms with no problems of any raising, or separation at the seams. I also do not use my air conditioners very much so I suspect humidity is high now in August.

I was meticulous in regards to floor preparation and also used Armstrong's black, poly underlayment even though most people don't. I know your issue is not install related, but I am wondering if the plastic interlock strip is somehow preventing the ends from locking. The ends should click together without having to use a mallet. Just pressing the end seam with your fingers is all you need if the pieces are not defective.

You can always go to small claims court to sue and bring your spare pieces with you to show the judge. Most people don't realize you can sue a corporation locally if the company has a dealer in your area.
Jon Keppel
4 years ago
After completing weeks of research, we selected the Vivero Best Integrelock brand for our recently purchased house we were about to start remodeling. We ordered the product from a third party site, but the order came two weeks late. I had to hire several other seasoned flooring handymen to help with the installation due to the new time crunch. Installation went quick. However, the floor immediately showed that the butt ends were bulging up. This was not occurring just in a couple of spots, but in all parts of our 3000 sq ft home. In addition, the lock part of the plank in several several butt ends easily cracked and now there are clear breaks in the floor. Being too busy with other remodel jobs in the house, I let this go in hopes that it would dissipate naturally as time progressed. A flooring friend of mine came over two months ago and was appalled at the appearance of the floor. This caused me to start the appeals process. I took numerous pictures, sent in unused flooring samples (which I paid for shipping) and submitted invoices for work. A month passed and a nice man from Armstrong came and inspected the floor. While not saying specifically that the flooring was defective, there were many undertones of that this had occurred. A week passed and I received a letter from Armstrong saying that they were denying my claim in its entirety.

I am not a contractor nor a person who tries to cheat the system for my benefit. I am a public school math teacher who is very handy and wants to make a nice home for his family. Armstrong advertised that Vivero Best is a top of the line product but failed to stand by their line when it failed. To say that the installation is the cause of the problem is beyond ludicrous. I followed every suggestion in the manual to a T. All I want is a finished product that I, and my family, is proud of. I just do not understand why Armstrong would fail to live up to their end of the customer/supplier relationship. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT

Luxury Vinyl Planks - Armstrong Vivero or Moduleo Horizon?

dcook2015

Comments (11)

felipey

vertcolline

Related Discussions

felipey

D V

felipey

D V

felipey

D V

copperheadharley

Jon Keppel

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US