What is Better: Armstrong or Novafloor? (5 Key Comparisons)

Starting With Ease of Change: Why It Matters for Flooring Choices

Have you ever thought about how easy—or tough—it is to swap out your flooring?
I’ve seen plenty of homes where the choice to change floors wasn’t just about looks but about how smooth the process would be.
Whether you’re refreshing a room or preparing to sell, the ease of changing floors can save you time, money, and headaches.

In my years working hands-on with different flooring brands, I’ve noticed two names popping up a lot: Armstrong and Novafloor. Both have solid reputations, but which one makes life easier when it’s time for a change? That’s what I want to talk about.

When I first started as a flooring contractor, I had clients come back after a few years, frustrated because their floors were tough to replace or repair. One client even told me how they had to rip out an entire floor because patching just didn’t work with the product they chose. That stuck with me. So, I began paying more attention to the ease of removal and installation in my recommendations.

Changing floors isn’t just about dropping cash on new materials; it’s about understanding how your choice today will impact your tomorrow. You want options that won’t turn your house upside down when it’s time for a refresh.

What is Armstrong and Novafloor Flooring?

Let’s break down what these brands are and what they offer.

Armstrong Flooring

Armstrong is one of the oldest and most recognized flooring manufacturers in the U.S., with roots stretching back over 150 years.
They offer a wide range of products including vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and engineered hardwood.
Armstrong focuses heavily on durability and design variety, often pushing innovation in vinyl and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) products.

Their luxury vinyl planks are particularly popular because they combine waterproof technology with realistic wood and stone textures. This has made them a favorite in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture is a big concern.

Armstrong also has a strong presence in commercial flooring, meaning their products are often tested for heavy wear environments—something residential customers benefit from.

Novafloor

Novafloor is a European brand known for its laminate and engineered wood floors.
Their products are popular for combining aesthetic appeal with practical durability.
Novafloor usually targets customers looking for modern designs that mimic natural wood closely at a competitive price.

Novafloor’s European origins show in the design finesse—they often feature subtle color variations and wood grain textures that feel very natural underfoot. Their laminates are known for being environmentally friendly too, with certifications for low emissions.

1. Material Quality and Durability

Let’s start with what the floor is made of and how long it lasts.

Armstrong’s Strengths

Armstrong’s vinyl flooring has an excellent wear layer that resists scratches and stains.
Their hardwood lines often use high-quality wood species like oak and maple, sealed with advanced finishes.

One of Armstrong’s standout features is their Diamond 10 Technology finish on their hardwood floors. It’s a ceramic bead-enhanced finish that makes floors highly resistant to scratches and scuffs. I’ve seen this technology hold up exceptionally well in homes with pets and kids.

In fact, Armstrong’s LVP flooring can last 15-20 years with proper care, which I’ve confirmed through multiple customer feedback loops over the years.

Vinyl planks from Armstrong are often 100% waterproof, making them a fantastic option for basements and bathrooms where water damage can be an issue.

Novafloor’s Durability

Novafloor laminate floors impress with their high-density fiberboard core and multi-layer protective coatings.
They typically offer a 12-15 year lifespan, depending on traffic and maintenance.

The fiberboard core provides excellent resistance to dents, but laminates do tend to suffer from water damage if not sealed or if water seeps through seams. This is something I always warn clients about—laminate isn’t truly waterproof unless specifically rated as such.

I’ve worked on projects where Novafloor held up well in busy family rooms but showed early wear in highly trafficked entryways. The wear layer thickness varies by product line, so it’s worth checking specs carefully before buying.

Side-by-Side Data Point

Armstrong LVP wear layer thickness: typically 12-20 mil (thousandths of an inch)
Novafloor laminate wear layer thickness: usually between 6-12 mil

Thicker wear layers generally mean better scratch resistance and longevity, which puts Armstrong slightly ahead in this aspect.

My Take

If you want something that’s going to stand up to rougher conditions over a longer period, Armstrong leans ahead slightly in toughness.
But if budget constraints are tighter and you’re okay with replacing after a decade or so, Novafloor is still solid.

2. Installation Process and Flexibility

How easy is it to install these floors? Can you do it yourself or do you need a pro?

Armstrong Installation

Armstrong’s vinyl options often come with click-lock systems that are DIY-friendly. This means you don’t need glue or nails—just snap the planks together over a suitable subfloor.
For hardwood, professional installation is usually recommended because of nailing or gluing steps.

One thing I appreciate: Armstrong provides detailed guides and videos that make the process less intimidating. Their products also tend to have more forgiving tolerances on plank size, which helps when your subfloor isn’t perfectly flat.

For example, I installed Armstrong LVP in a client’s basement where the concrete slab was slightly uneven—it locked down tightly without gaps showing.

Novafloor Installation

Novafloor laminate floors also feature click-lock technology, making them popular among DIYers.
The planks are lightweight and easy to handle, which helps speed up the installation.

Novafloor engineered wood sometimes requires adhesive or nail-down techniques, so a professional might be better there.

One challenge some DIYers faced with Novafloor was that the locking mechanism can be a bit tight or tricky to align perfectly without practice. But once you get the hang of it, installation goes smooth.

Personal Story

I remember one weekend when a couple wanted to install Novafloor laminate themselves in their living room. They called me halfway through because they were struggling with aligning the planks near doorways. I stopped by, showed them a simple tapping technique using a rubber mallet and tapping block—problem solved in minutes!

My Experience

I’ve installed both, and honestly, Novafloor laminate is one of the quickest installs I’ve done by myself. Armstrong’s vinyl follows closely behind.
If you want something fast yet professional-looking without calling a contractor, Novafloor laminate is a good bet.

3. Design Variety and Aesthetic Appeal

Does one brand offer more styles or better finishes?

Armstrong Designs

Armstrong has an extensive catalog—everything from traditional oak planks to trendy gray-toned woods and rustic textures.
Their color palettes cater to classic and modern tastes alike.

They also offer specialty patterns like herringbone and chevron which can add flair to any room.

Armstrong’s vinyl lines include some impressive stone-look tiles that can mimic marble or slate without the weight or cost of real stone.

Novafloor Styles

Novafloor focuses on natural wood looks with intricate grain details that feel authentic underfoot.
They tend to emphasize European-style finishes—think ash, walnut, and beech in subtle shades.

Their palettes are slightly narrower but very stylish if you prefer understated elegance.

Novafloor’s engineered wood options sometimes include hand-scraped or wire-brushed finishes that add texture—a detail appreciated by those looking for vintage charm without the upkeep hassle of real reclaimed wood.

My Personal Pick

If you want maximum choice, Armstrong’s variety is impressive. But if you’re drawn to clean, sophisticated European looks, Novafloor nails that vibe perfectly.

4. Price and Value for Money

Budget often drives the flooring choice as much as style or durability does.

Armstrong Pricing

Armstrong flooring prices vary widely due to their product range.
Entry-level vinyl planks can start around $2 per square foot, while premium hardwood might hit $8-$10 per square foot installed.

Due to their reputation and warranties, many homeowners see this as good value.

In my experience working across different markets, Armstrong flooring tends to hold its value better at resale compared to lower-cost brands owing to brand recognition alone.

Novafloor Pricing

Novafloor laminate generally runs between $1.50 and $3 per square foot, making it very affordable for most budgets.
Engineered wood options are pricier but still often cheaper than high-end Armstrong hardwoods.

For homeowners looking for style on a budget, Novafloor hits the sweet spot—good looks without breaking the bank.

Case Example

I recently worked with a client renovating a 1,000 sq ft condo on a tight budget. We compared:

Armstrong vinyl plank at $2.50/sq ft = $2,500 material cost
Novafloor laminate at $1.75/sq ft = $1,750 material cost

Installation costs were similar since they hired pros for both options. The client opted for Novafloor laminate in bedrooms because they liked the look better within budget constraints but chose Armstrong vinyl for the kitchen due to moisture concerns.

From My Projects

I’ve had clients get beautiful results with Novafloor on tight budgets without sacrificing too much on look or feel.
Armstrong works well if you want a longer-lasting investment and can stretch your dollars a bit more.

5. Warranty and Customer Support

How confident can you be after buying? What happens if something goes wrong?

Armstrong Warranty

Armstrong offers solid warranties—up to 25 years on vinyl products and 15 years on hardwood finishes in residential settings.
Their customer service tends to be responsive, providing replacement materials when needed.

From my dealings with Armstrong reps, they have clear processes for warranty claims which can be reassuring if something unexpected happens after installation.

Novafloor Warranty

Novafloor warranties typically cover 10-15 years depending on the product line.
Customer support is decent but sometimes slower compared to bigger brands like Armstrong.

I once had a client who needed replacement boards due to manufacturing defects from Novafloor; it took several weeks longer than expected to get replacements shipped out compared to Armstrong experiences I’m used to.

What I Recommend

If peace of mind matters, Armstrong edges out slightly thanks to longer warranties and more accessible support networks.

Maintenance & Care: Keeping Floors Looking New Longer

No matter which brand you choose, taking care of your floors will extend their life significantly.

Armstrong Maintenance Tips

Use manufacturer-approved cleaning solutions—especially for vinyl and hardwood.
Avoid abrasive tools like steel wool.
Place felt pads under furniture legs.

Clean spills promptly to avoid staining.
For hardwoods, occasional reapplication of finish or polishing may be needed every few years depending on traffic.

Novafloor Maintenance Tips

Avoid excess water during cleaning since laminate cores can swell if exposed.

Use microfiber mops rather than wet mops.
Keep pet nails trimmed as laminate is prone to scratches.
Use mats at entrances to reduce grit buildup.

Consider replacement planks for damaged areas since full refinishing isn’t possible with laminate.

Understanding Environmental Impact: Which Brand Is Greener?

Sustainability matters more than ever when choosing materials.

Armstrong’s Environmental Steps

Armstrong has invested heavily in sustainability initiatives such as:

Using recycled materials in vinyl production.
Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) finishes.
Programs focused on waste reduction during manufacturing.

Certifications like FloorScore ensuring indoor air quality standards are met.

Novafloor’s Eco Focus

Novafloor lamintes often carry certifications such as:

E1 European formaldehyde standards (low emissions).

FSC-certified wood sources for engineered lines.
Use of water-based adhesives reducing chemical exposure.
Recycling programs in select markets.

My Perspective

Both brands make genuine efforts toward sustainability but Armstrong’s scale allows them more resources toward environmental innovation overall. Still, if you prioritize eco-friendly laminate options at reasonable prices, Novafloor makes solid choices available.

Real-Life Stories: Flooring Challenges & How These Brands Handled Them

Let me share two stories from my work:

Story #1: The Kitchen Flood Fix (Armstrong)

A client had an accidental dishwasher leak flooding their kitchen floor overnight. They had installed Armstrong LVP just six months prior.
Because the floor was waterproof, it didn’t warp or buckle. We simply dried out the subfloor underneath and cleaned the surface—no replacement needed. The client was amazed at how resilient it was compared to their old hardwood floor that would have warped instantly under similar conditions.

Story #2: The Active Family Experiment (Novafloor)

Another family chose Novafloor laminate for their main living area due to budget constraints. They had two dogs who love running around hard surfaces. After about two years, some scratches appeared along high traffic paths despite careful maintenance.
We replaced affected planks easily thanks to Novafloor’s click system without tearing up the whole floor—a relief compared to traditional hardwood repairs which can be costly and time-consuming.

Frequently Asked Questions About Armstrong vs Novafloor Flooring

Q: Which brand is better for pets?
A: Armstrong vinyl generally resists scratches better and is waterproof—a plus for pet accidents. Novafloor laminate looks great but can show scratches faster unless you choose high wear layer options.

Q: Can I install these floors myself?
A: Yes, both brands offer DIY-friendly click-lock systems on many products—but engineered hardwoods usually require professional installation.

Q: How do these floors handle moisture?
A: Armstrong vinyl is completely waterproof; laminate (Novafloor) is water-resistant but not waterproof unless specified.

Q: Which brand offers better resale value?
A: Armstrong tends to have stronger name recognition here; however, well-maintained floors of either brand add value depending on buyer preferences.

Q: What about sound underfoot?
A: Laminate (Novafloor) can sound hollow without underlayments; Armstrong vinyl often feels softer but depends on product thickness.

Final Thoughts From My Toolbox

Choosing between Armstrong and Novafloor isn’t about finding a “better” brand universally—it’s about matching product strengths to your specific needs:

For durability and waterproofing, Armstrong has an edge.
For budget-friendly style with quick installs, Novafloor shines.

Want more design options? Go Armstrong.
Prefer European-style elegance? Novafloor delivers.
Need longer warranty coverage? Armstrong leads.

Looking for easier DIY install? Both brands offer good options here.

Remember what matters most is how your choice fits your lifestyle:

Kids? Pets? Heavy traffic areas? Think durability first.

Tight budget? Prioritize cost-effective beauty.
Moisture-prone spaces? Waterproof tech wins.
Planning long-term ownership? Invest in quality warranties.

I’ve walked this road many times helping homeowners balance these factors into decisions they feel confident about years later—and I’m happy to help you do the same!

If you want help crunching numbers or visualizing costs based on your room size and preferences, tools like FloorTally are amazing resources—they provide realistic budgets factoring materials, labor rates, waste factors—you name it!

Got questions about installation tricks or maintenance tips? Just ask—I’ve got plenty of stories and advice ready for you!