Picture this: You and your better half have finally decided to upgrade your ugly worn out floors with Armstrong Vinyl Plank. You’re okay with spending a little more on good quality material-but prefer to stick to your budget.
You’ve calculated the costs, weighed the alternatives and are confident enough to take on the stores this weekend. But wait – Someone has been up late, scrolling through online design sites and now has their heart set on the Armstrong Pryzm flooring line.
Realizing its back to square one, you reluctantly open your web browser type the Armstrong brand name in.
The Pryzm line debuted in August of 2017. With this product, Armstrong strives to address common issues customers had with the company’s Luxe line, such as scratching and staining.
This flooring carries a limited lifetime warranty and is 100% waterproof and stain resistant. Pryzm is advertised as less noisy and more comfortable than other vinyl planks.
Handy for late night snackers, klutz’s and underappreciated cooks alike.
Here are some Armstrong flooring options to give you a sense of different varieties to purchase.
Intrigued yet? Let’s take a closer look.
What styles are available?
Armstrong’s planks comes in many different patterns and varieties.
Below are some examples:
Floors are offered in several colors and themes. From planks that mimic historic reclaimed barn wood to striking reproductions of more exotic designs like acacia and hickory.
The Pryzm line also features many variations of coastal and beach-themed options. All floors are low gloss and textured according to the pattern.
There is a style available to suit almost any décor.
These planks come a standard 6.55 mm thick which is thicker than most competitive luxury vinyl. They feature a sound and shock absorbing cork backing to help alleviate aches from prolonged standing.
The planks run just shy of four feet in length. As with any flooring, longer planks will help to give your surface continuity and aid in the overall appearance of your design.
Depending on which flooring you choose, available width ranges from 4 – 7” with most patterns coming in the popular 5” size.
Pryzm scores high marks in both selection variety, and style.
Is Armstrong Pryzm durable and easy to maintain?
Yes. It appears to be one of the better flooring options out there.
Armstrong advertises Pryzm as dent-proof and scratch resistant.
In fact, the company states this product can withstand approximately 25psi. Which means, it can take on your worst case of gravitational woes and hold up to your children’s annoying habit of dropping, well, everything.
Armstrong’s newest flooring can also endure most furniture without denting.
The scratch resistance level of Pryzm is impressive for vinyl. Armstrong maintains this floor won’t damage easily from high heels, pets, or everyday wear.
Surprisingly, little maintenance is required to keep Pryzm floors looking their best.
These floors will stay clean with regular dry dusting or vacuuming. The planks can be washed with either a damp cloth or Armstrong’s cleaning products.
Unfortunately, the company discourages the use of everyday cleaners, but most manufacturers do.
How much do Armstrong Vinyl Planks cost?
This flooring is priced competitively with other higher end vinyl planks on the market.
Armstrong retailers tend to market these planks in line with brands such as Shaw or Mohawk. Although Pryzm is not the most inexpensive, it falls within the range of comparable products on the market.
Pryzm plank pricing varies by location and is set by the individual retailer. Average costs are in the area of $4-$7 per square foot. As you might guess, the advertised price rarely includes preparation or installation costs.
While these vinyl products can be pricier than the big box store’s lines, larger purchases may warrant the extra cost. Many homeowners are willing to pay more for the guarantee that their flooring is designed and tested by a trusted name in the industry.
Pryzm seems to be a worthwhile investment for those looking to purchase vinyl plank. It certainly stands out as one of the more innovative options.
How easy is it to install?
Installing Pryzm planks does not seem difficult.
The manufacturer advises this product will float over most existing floors and slightly uneven surfaces.
Installation instructions are simple to understand, and improvement savvy homeowners should be able to follow them without too much trouble.
The flooring comes with micro-beveled edges that lock in place like puzzle pieces. For those preferring a full glue method, Armstrong does sell an adhesive for this purpose.
No vapor barrier or underlayment is necessary, except when installing in extremely damp areas. You can even lay it over radiant heating.
Under normal temperatures, this flooring does not need time to acclimate. You should, however, monitor humidity levels as they need to stay in the range of 35 -70%.
Pryzm can be used in damp areas such as basements, laundry rooms, and baths. Although the product is advertised as waterproof, Pryzm shouldn’t be used in showers or saunas due to humidity.
As with any flooring, estimate using about 5-10% of the product for cutting and irregularities. Be sure you include that overage, and any expected waste when calculating the amount of square footage needed.
Armstrong carries coordinated moldings and trims to accommodate for transitions and stairways. When installing Pryzm, allow for ¼- ½” expansion zone around the perimeter and any fixed objects.
Depending on the layout of your home, hiring an installer may be a smart investment.
Professional installers and retailers can also act as the middleman between you and the manufacturer should any problems arise in the future. Having this product installed correctly, and the work guaranteed keeps the burden of proof off your shoulders.
FAQ
It will depend on the type of Armstrong vinyl you’re installing. There is an adhesive option or there are planks with micro-beveled edges that lock together. If you live in extremely damp areas, you may want to place underlayment before you install your planks.
Simply add your first plank, preferably starting in one corner of the room. Then add the next plank by locking it into the first one. If you have the adhesive option, make sure your planks are all properly aligned and are installed close together to avoid gaps between the planks.
How to clean Armstrong vinyl plank flooring?
Armstrong has a specific flooring product called the Once ‘n Done floor cleaner. This floor cleaner is specifically formulated for vinyl plank flooring. If you don’t have Once ‘n Done you can clean your floors with a damp microfiber mop.
Where to buy Armstrong vinyl plank flooring?
There are plenty of retailers that sell Armstrong vinyl planks, such as The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Floor City, or you can simply visit the Armstrong website to see where they sell their products. Unfortunately, you can’t buy vinyl planks directly from the Armstrong site.
Is Armstrong Once ‘n Done safe for vinyl plank flooring?
Yes, Armstrong makes a Once ‘n Done specifically for vinyl plank flooring. This cleaning aid doesn’t have abrasive properties, so it won’t scratch your vinyl floors. Additionally, the detergent is alkali-free so it won’t destroy the integrity of your floors. Once ‘n Done is a no rinse product, so you won’t run the risk of damaging your vinyl flooring with too much water.
The Verdict
The manufacturer’s demonstration videos are promising, and Pryzm certainly seems to be causing a buzz within the home improvement industry. While there is little independent data or unbiased reviews available as of late, it’s not uncommon given the newness of this line.
The few online studies do seem to cast this product in a favorable light. Armstrong itself was voted as the most environmentally friendly flooring company by readers of Green Builder Magazine.
You should use your judgment before committing to a large purchase such as flooring. Keep in mind the price of luxury vinyl is comparable to hardwood and traditional floor coverings.
Take into consideration; vinyl flooring is not without its flaws. While you can replace individual planks, this floor is not renewable and can’t be polished or refinished. Although if Armstrong’s claims are true-you shouldn’t have to be concerned about that.
Before you purchase anything, you should always try the product out in your home. Inexpensive or free flooring samples are widely available from retailers and Armstrong’s website. You can also run them through a test regimen.
Go ahead scratch them, heat them, and spill everyday liquids and cleaners to your heart’s content. Host a family-fun night experimenting in your own segment of Mythbusters-flooring edition.
The best part is you will know exactly how well these floors will stand up to the kind of abuse they will face in your home.
Help others by sharing your findings, comments, pictures, and videos with us via social media or on this site.
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I think the problem with the buckling could be that your floor is not level. We had the same thing happen and the installer took up the flooring and did a leveling process. We just got it installed a couple days ago so, who knows over time what will happen. What I did notice is when something hits the floor it turns white. I tried wiping and rubbing it and not change. I thought the wear layer was thick enough that this problem would not occur. I hope I did not make a BIG mistake. I have about $10K in this project.
I had pryzm installed in my living room, small kitchen and bedrooM 2 years ago. I have 4-5 dogs running in and out of my house all day and night. So far i am thrilled with it. In fact i just added to the back porch type room and about to put into my bathroom. Love it so far. No buckling etc. It’s installed over top of a parquet floor.
We have had our Priszm Elements of Heritage for over 2 years, and it has been exceptional. We have a crazy dog with long nails and there isn’t a scratch anywhere. This vinyl flooring is unlike all of the cheap soft ones you can cut with an Olfa knife, it is very hard and stiff, and furniture/appliance feet will not dent it. But you need a flat floor and a professional installer, you get what you pay for. We spent $18,000 on our floor, and expect it to last a lifetime.
Purchased the Pryzm floor in May of 2019. Had it deliver and acclimated to room temperature for a couple days and then professionally installed.
January 2020, we noticed that the floor planks developed a crown (bowing) and that in two locations the planks were delaminating from the center of the boards.
We are working with installer who has gone back to the store we purchased the product from and we are now waiting for the armstrong rep to come out and inspect.
Found out that the store we purchased from had another customer who had issues with the Pryzm floor so the store does not carry the product anymore.
I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST ARMSTRONG FOR THIS PRODUCT. If we don’t get a satisfactory outcome on this product we will be suing Armstrong.
I agree. Our pryzm lvp has bowed in several spots and they are saying it environmental (humidity levels). Let me know if you go ahead with the class action – we are in. Lost $10k on this junk flooring.
We love our Armstrong pryzm! Purchased at ProSource wholesale, and prosource has great guarantees/warranties on products sold from them- on top of the normal manufacturers flooring . I’m not sure where everyone has been buying your flooring but I would highly recommend not buying online directly through the manufacturer or from an online page offering massive price spaces like “floors4cheap (dot) com” (An imaginary website btw). If anyone has a prosource in your area BUY FROM THEM! It’s not well known but they will PRICE MATCH ALL lower prices ! Even online! We found it cheaper on one of those type of websites, Prosource asked to see the online quote and MATCHED THEIR PRICE! It was a huge surprise/relief! So, now we have the peace of mind that if something happens to our floor like everyone described above – they will 100% back their product, as long as it was installed correctly. I.e HAVE A PROFESSIONAL INSTALL IT! As someone mentioned above, This type of flooring is difficult to install for the DIY-er or “semi-handy” man (many reasons, extremely tough to cut, planks don’t have the same sort of “click lock” ease, it takes time, detail and the know how for this type of floating flooring. your contractor or supply stores install team really does need to be Armstrong trained or Armstrong certified (prosource was). If you follow what I laid out, you will have gorgeous, super durable waterproof and scratch/peel free flooring. We had ours installed 2 years ago in the whole house – different colors in certain rooms- and I couldn’t be happier. No issues, plus we have 3 huskies that tear through the rooms like they’re sled racing in Alaska – not 1 scratch. Please don’t let negative comments deter you from getting the best purchase we’ve made in our whole house. Yes, we needed to live on ramen noodles for 2 months after spending that much money (haha) but 2 years later and I have no regrets.
We just had a Armstrong prysm floor installed in December. In approximately two months multiple planks started buckling. We had two different Armstrong reps come out to our house. The first guy was a pretty nice guy, but said he would have to have another guy come out. This time a guy from Chicago came out. After he crawled around the floor, he asked me if I had ever tried a humidifier in the house. Never explained what he was looking for. About two – three weeks after he left I was told by our local dealer they said we were basically stuck with the floor. The local store said they would replace the entire floor. The only thing is we are trying to decide whether to glue the floor down or not. Can’t find out if that is a good option or not. Comments are welcome. Is there anything that can be done to the Armstrong folks? Obviously this is a defective product based on all the negative reviews I am reading about. Again any comments are welcome.
I’m shopping for vinyl flooring to do the front room in a small beachside condo unit – about 165 square foot. I really like the waterfront planks but a bit worried about all the negative comments here. Wondering if anyone has an update on the issues you had? Thanks.
We finally heard back from them and they are claiming the problems are due to low humidity levels. What a bunch of nonsense. I think it’s time we contact a lawyer about this junk product!
We had several rooms with different types of hard tile flooring in our house. After looking around we decided on Pryzm flooring throughout to give a more cohesive look. Our installers determined we could install right over the tile flooring even though we specifically asked about removing it to make sure the lvp would lay flat.
It has been in for several months and it is horrible. Claps and clunks in various spots and not always in the same spot. The installers have been out several times and even brought an Armstrong rep out. They have attempted to fix the major consistently bad spots but seem to think we should be happy with it the way it is. They put it in a bathroom and have had to remove and reinstall it twice in there because it somehow got water under it once (that floor never had water on it before) and the other time it just bubbled up really bad in the middle of the floor.
We are going to contact Armstrong to see what our options are. We don’t know if it’s just defective product or defective install or a combination. Really disappointed/angry that we went with this product. Could have had a real hardwood floor for less than we paid for this junk.
Don’t blame the product for an installer who didn’t have a clue what he was doing
Had Prizm Reclaimed Grey installed in most of main house. From day one installers found indents, divets and corners missing color. Got a new batch to reinstall and almost half of the product has defects in it! Armstrong rep came to my house with installer and I was told to go buy some different colors of stain to put on missing color on corners. I asked him “what happens when I scrub the floor”… He stated that I would just need to re-apply when the stain faded.
Divets and indents according to the Rep was just something that we would need to deal with because no product is perfect. I spent more money on this product than I would have with a wood floor and I have to re-apply stain to defective flooring?? Oh wait… I could get $100 off product if I just accepted it! Product cost was around $4000. Would not recommend this flooring or this company for any product.
Installed 6k worth on my entire first floor. Installed myself right over the subfloor. Installation was super easy – making sure the floor was laid over mostly level floor and ensuring expansion gap was sufficient.
HOWEVER!! The floors are bowing like crazy and in several different areas. I already had to replace my entire kitchen because of a leak. Even though it was cleaned up quickly and thoroughly, it bowed very badly and felt and sounded terrible to walk on.
ALSO, I am noticing the top of the planks peeling away! I can not recommend this floor at the moment. I will be putting in a warranty claim to see if Armstrong works to resolve the issue. But, with these issues only happening a little over a year after install does not bode well for its longevity.
I was about to use the Armstrong Pryzm in our log cabin but after reading these comments I’m hesitant. Has anyone gotten their issues resolved?
Don’t buy it. The cheaper stuff is better. Bowing and warping like crazy within a year.
Can vinyl plank flooring work in my cottage which is not heated over the winter?
I was told that glueing it down would work but our present Armstrong sheet flooring
was glued down and now is all buckling up?
Just had the waterfront Pryzm installed in my upstairs bathroom and love it. Did a diagonal install and it looks amazing. This stuff is tough, the blade used to cut during install is shot and the installer was surprised by sparks flying when cutting. We had no problems with bowing or getting them to lock together. I unboxed the planks myself and everything was in excellent condition. It’s a beautiful look, if bad things start happening, I will update… but as of now, I am a huge fan.
Still loving your floor? I have been researching and looking at flooring for two years and so afraid of regreting my final decision. We have 4 very rambunctious Springer Spaniels and scared of spending money to refloor the entire house only to have scratches and regret my decision.
Still in love with your floor?
What did you decide we have a German Short haired Pointer that I am afraid to will scratch the floor.
Any suggestions?
In late 2017, we had this flooring installed in our large family room, dining room (Vintage Heritage) and bedroom (Sky Blue). Our installers were excited to see how it would look. We are extremely happy and it is easy to clean and looks beautiful. I’m sorry to hear some folks are having issues. It does squeak in certain areas when we walk on it but it also did when it was carpeted. One thing we did not like are the matching trims. They are shoddy/inexpensive looking. Our installers ended up using trim from another vinyl line and it matched perfectly.
I am an installer. After reading the specs on the flooring and some of the customer reviews, I would recommend, if you’re interested in a LVP floor, to take a look at the “Life Proof” LVP flooring at Home Depot.
It seems to meet basically all of the specs as this Prizm, comes in about 15-20 different colors, has the same lifetime Guarantee and, going off of the pricing from this article, costs about half, or less, than the Prizm flooring. Around $2,50-$2.79/sq ft is what the Life Proof planks run.
I have installed them several times and have never had any issue with them. Customers seem to love it, and it’s very durable. I wouldn’t recommend installing it yourself, however. The thickness of the flooring makes it difficult to cut without the right tools, especially when turning corners and going through doors around the jams, etc.
Steve, I am seriously looking at the Lifeproof LVP flooring at Home Depot. I am also thinking about having Home Depot install the flooring as well as sheet Vinyl in the kitchen.
The Home Depot price is $2.99 per sq. ft. and the cost to install is $1.99 per sq. ft.
Have you had any experience with how well Home Depot flooring installations are done? I would like to install it myself but I am 76 and don’t know if it would be more than I can handle.
Thanks,
Don
I bought Pryzm for a bathroom we are building in our basement. We were told all the great things about it and that is is perfect food r laying over concrete. Well COULD NOT install it ! I tried everything. This locking edges are too small to hold the adjoining planks together. I tried at least ten times to install it. I conferred with a professional installer and still could never t keep it together. I finally gave up and bought the Armstrong laminate which is 1/2 inch thick and has a larger locking mechanism. I am out the cost of the Pryzm that I can’t use or return.
It pays to hire a professional like myself. The product is most certainly installable. I blame the companies for always trying to market to DIY folks that it is so easy. Sorry to hear your frustrations.
We had this flooring installed in most of our downstairs and absolutely love it. We were all set to install hardwoods, but because the area included our kitchen, a half bath and laundry room, we felt we would have to use something different there. Using this product allowed us to use one product throughout and gave us the cohesive flow we were looking for, and is holding up well to our daily lives including an 85 pound dog! Seems to be really scratch resistant.
Just reading your review from last March. We are debating wood or vinyl and are in the same place you were with flow through the whole house, and nervous about kitchen and laundry areas. Do you still like your floors? Any regrets? Some reviews talked about showing all footprints, any issues for you?
Thanks for any feedback. Thank you!
Jennifer
Deb, how is the flooring handling after more than 2 years. I am thinking of installing Armstrong Pryzm in basement and confused with some of the negative reviews. Can you please update? Appreciate any feedback.
Thanks,
Prakash.
Now I am really confused and disappointed after reading the one bad review.
I was also interested in this product. Can anyone share any updated reviews or comments?
I was also on the fence with this before Bill’s review and read that vinyl plank flooring in general is likely to release at least some amount of VOCs. Wasn’t Armstrong also a manufacturer of asbestos tiles in the past? Definitely going to go in a different direction now with flooring options.
Is Pryzm a vinyl or laminate?
Pryzm has a thermoplastic core with an AC 4 commercial laminate wearlayer.. i consider it a hybrid. Its not vinyl & it ls not laminate yet it has the very durable laminate wear layer.
Great post! Very helpful.
Armstrong Pryzm floor and Armstrong itself has been a huge disappointment. Our floor arrived with many planks bowed. I had concerns and was told by installers it would lay down. Well, it never had after several months and it literally clunks when you walk on it in many areas. It was laid in October and a tech came out between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Still today with floor half laid they will not give me a resolution on the flawed product. Do not buy this product as it is new and Armstrong will not stand by it. Armstrong’s follow-up customer support is extremely non-responsive. We have lived with the floor partly done for 2.5 months and they do not care.
I am considering this product and would like to know if you have heard anything since you listed your complaint.
YIKES!!
I too am considering this product and have now developed great hesitation because of the comment from BILL LINGSCH.
Bill, have you received a positive response and outcome from Armstrong?
Bill I’m an installer and having the same problem you have talked about – have you gotten any response from Armstrong to date?
We just bought some Armstrong Pryzm floors for 4 rooms and not even two days later they are buckling up and squeezing very badly. Called the installer and they are going to open up a claim with Armstrong, but I’m not sure whose fault this is. I just wanted to know if your case ever got resolved?
These floors must be installed by someone who has been educated on how to install. We had an entire house done and it is gorgeous. Wanted to use our own contractor and the flooring company insisted that they had to be Armstrong certified.
Darlene,
How is the floor holding up?I am on the fence to buy Armstrong Pryzm but not sure now with the negative reviews.. Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks,
Prakash.
Bill, if the planks are bowed they will never lay flat on the floor, I just layed this floor one week ago and had to replace 2 full boxes of the planking because they came bowed and I thought the same thing, the floor slaps down when you walk on it. If the planks are straight they are ok, no noise.
Best bet is to buy or have your supplier get you new straight planks, and check each one before installing. Just a side note, I understand that the product is made in china, go figure.
Exactly the same thing has happened to me.. the floor is coming up like a banana and sounds horrible.