We are in the process of a kitchen remodel and will be having the Alterna tile installed. I will post back in several weeks and tell you how it went. We loved what we saw in the flooring store, and our KD was familiar with the product from feedback his clients gave. The installation is different from other tile. Instructions on Armstrong's website go over all the specifications so you can read them in advance of purchase. We're told it's a little more difficult to install, a breeze to maintain, cleans up easily with Once and Done floor cleaner and that it looks beautiful. We saw some installed and were amazed how much it looks like stone tile. Bring samples home to see how the styles and colors look in your environment at various times of the day. The fact that it's groutable and easier on the feet really cinched it for us. You can google Alterna for better pricing. Have fun with your choices. Send me a message if you have specific questions.

We just installed Grand Illusions from Armstrong two months ago and it is the most unbelievable floor. According to Armstrong it is 8-9 times more abrasion resistant than real wood and other laminates! It also has an anti-microbial finish so germs won't grow on it. The durability and anti-microbial sold us because we have 3 kids and a big dog and the floor still looks as good as the first day we installed it. They also have a similar product in their Bruce Laminate line called Park Avenue. It is exactly the same structure but just different visuals. We found a dealer close to us just by going on their website (www.armstrong.com) and entering our zipcode. We also installed their handscraped product called Rustics Homestead Plank. It too is gorgeous and extremely durable.

I have been researching flooring options for a split-level, lower floor. About 800 square feet. The LV Planks appear to be the best option for me for a number of reasons... I am "up" on most of the available products, read the numerous problem threads and resultant installation notes (temp, acclimate, roll, roll, roll) for this type of flooring. I found out that Armstrong is about ready to release a new line for residential market, in three quality levels. Very similar to Konecto, etc. They appear to have made a snazzy new website complete with a pretty high end video for release. I expect there will be a large marketing campaign coming soon. Anybody seen this product in person yet? Any ideas on how/where they will sell it? Price points for the three ("Good, Better, Best") trim levels? TIA Here is a link that might be useful: Armstrong Luxe Planks

barney post some mdl numbers for both systems. without more details, I would say AmStd is superior to Armstrong. However $1800 worth of a difference is alot to swallow. if you are leaning to the Armstrong, I would add an ext warranty from the factory-pls no third party warranty. prices are before any tax credit applied? IMO