Where to Buy Allure Vinyl Plank

Question

I'm currently doing a cosmetic rehab on a SFR I recently purchase and I'm having a hard time deciding on the flooring in the kitchen, dining area and bathrooms.  I prefer to use ceramic tile because ceramic is durable so you'll never have to replace the flooring again.  Also it's cheap, $0.60 per sqft, however the labor is not $4 per sqft.

My next option is vinyl plank, $0.99 per sqft, $0.75 per sqft to install.  I have never used this material before and reviews are from one extreme to the next, either people loved it or hated it so I am assuming it's based on the brand choice which contributes to the difference in quality, durability and thickness.   Allure seems to be the brand people prefer and a thickness between 3mm to 4mm.  The big box stores only had 2mm in stock so will be visiting a couple of floor distributors to see if they had the thicker plank.

For people who are using the Allure where are you buying it from?

Rebecca Wilkins · Answer

Allure is a line of flooring sold under the Traffic Master brand.  Traffic Master is the Home Depot house brand, so that's the only place you can buy it.  It's comparable to the low to mid-grade Armstrong vinyl, depending on which specific product your buy.

The big thing to consider when putting down vinyl plank flooring is whether you want a floating install or a direct glue install.  Direct glue is cheaper both to buy and install, but it tends to look cheap.  Personally, I'd recommend the floating.  It's a thicker product so it's less prone to rippling and there's little to no sub-floor prep.  It can also be installed over most existing flooring (including vinyl, concrete and tile) and is very forgiving when it comes to irregularities. It just depends on what works best for your budget.

Note:  I worked as a junior interior designer at a firm that specialized in multi-family projects.  We specified these types of products all the time.  I also happened to work in THD flooring department while I was getting my degree.

Matt Lavinder · Answer

Rob Kniola  What do you like about the vinyl plank?  Never used it but I'm looking for Something bullet proof for rental bedrooms.  Have you used it enough to know if it's waterproof and cleans up well?

Rob K. · Answer

My likes with Allure are durability, ease of installation, and fact that you can put it over almost anything. Dislikes are the price.

I have used it a lot. I once had a dishwasher overflow in a kitchen and didn't wreck the Allure. I did have a fridge leak for who knows how long and several pieces of the Allure had to be replaced. I also had a floor heave and break a bunch of Allure. When my worker fixed the floor, he was able to scab in a bunch of Allure pices and you couldn't tell it had been damaged.

I'm still a huge fan of it.

Suzette Lowery · Answer

Thanks for the advices guys.   Went to HD saw Allure but what I didn't know and from the comments, what you guys already knew, it is definitely not $0.99.  Also went to LL and will probably get their Tranquility brand 4mm vinyl plank for $2.49 sqft and with some begging they settled to sell with a 20% discount for $1.86 sqft.  My repair guy wants me to give him a sample of what I decided to get and with his 15 plus years in the business he guarantees that he can find what I want for a lot less.  Will update with feedbacks on the Tranquility, before and after pictures once my project is completed.

Patrick L. · Answer

She said it was 2mm so that would just be the vinyl stick down material and it is far less durable than the vinyl plank flooring.  Not even really a comparable product.

Rob K. · Answer

I've used Allure for a while now and really like it. Home Depot is the only place I know that sells it and it's $1.79 per sq ft or sometimes $1.59. What are you buying for 99 cents? How does it compare to Allure?

Steve Babiak · Answer

Allure is a specific brand (from Armstrong I believe).

Just ask about vinyl plank if you are not tied to that brand.  There are many manufacturers, and some non-brand names too (Lowes has some non-branded inexpensive vinyl plank).  Try Lumber Liquidators as well; if you see something there you like, get a commercial account and buy through that commercial account rep so you get a discount.

Al Williamson · Answer

I got mine from Home Depot.

For my apartment units, I used flexible rubber base instead of baseboard. I was surprised how nice it looks.

Best to you.

Harry M. · Answer

@Suzette Lowery

We just completed our first rehab, so I'm a rookie at this, but I'm happy to compare notes if it's helpful.

For flooring, we went to a builders surplus warehouse type store. Sometimes you can find really good deals. If you've been calling around for quotes for the install, ask the contractors you speak with if they could give you a recommendation. They will know a few places where you can get a good deal.

Regarding cost, the part I under-estimated for flooring was all the other stuff besides the floor - underlay, quarter round, transition pieces, and so on. None of these things are that expensive by themselves, but combined they can add a good 20-30% to your materials cost for flooring.

Good luck with your rehab!

-Harry

Where to Buy Allure Vinyl Plank

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