I have a riddle for you. What looks like hardwood, can be grouted like ceramic tile but is made of vinyl? Sounds like impossible flooring doesn’t it?

A product new to the flooring industry (within the last six years) is called Adura made by Mannington who has been in the industry for decades giving us stunning visuals on resilient flooring.

Adura has given us a perfect solution for alternative flooring. It is made in planks, squares and rectangular shapes which can be designed for a completely customizable floor. Less than a quarter-inch thick this vinyl product is simply amazing, versatile and beautiful.

We have been using it over the past few years to rave reviews from clients. It allows you to have that hardwood look in a lower cost and maintenance format which is scratch and dent resistant – perfect for pet owners and parents with active children!

Because it is a vinyl product it can be installed over existing vinyl, cement, vinyl composition tiles (VCT) and will not raise the profile of your floors like a hardwood or ceramic would.

The ceramic looks are stunning; available in a 16 x16” square or rectangular shape you can install them with or without a grout line.

They are warmer than ceramic tile but look very comparable when installed with grout. They are a DIY’s dream product as you need no special tools or saws to install, just a knife – score, snap and install. The hardwood pieces come in long planks, have bevelled edges and look marvellous when installed.

I have used this product in many clients’ homes as well as commercial applications with much success. The capability of this product to be installed in any direction, pattern and combination of wood and tile makes it a designer’s dream.

It also allows for large areas to be installed with no transition mouldings or an expansion joint which means you can cover your entire home in one smooth, level surface.

I think this is superb for homes where small children, wheelchairs or even people with limited mobility may live. The lack of transitions makes it a safe and beautiful floor to have in your home.

Because it is made with a vinyl surface it is as easy to clean as your kitchen flooring and does not require special humidity controls like hardwood or laminate. The surface is very durable and will stand up to almost any type of household traffic.

We have had it in an office at our store for five years and even under rolling chairs (which is not recommended for any floor) it looks as beautiful as the day it was installed.

We have every type of flooring installed in our show room and it is a good indicator of how a product will perform under harsh conditions – the Adura has stood up extremely well.

The technology of flooring never ceases to amaze me and this product is no exception. If you are looking for an alternative to hardwood, vinyl or ceramic this may be just the invention you have been searching for.

Please visit www.mannington.com for more details on this multipurpose flooring, or visit us in person and let us help you design a custom layout for your home.

Kim Lewis is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre. Feel free to contact her at 343-7711 ext 227, email her at klewis@carpetcolourcentre.com or join her facebook group called “Ask a Designer”