Amtico Flooring Review: Is It Worth Buying?

Amtico is a well-known British company that has been designing and producing luxury vinyl from its factory since way back in the 1960s. In that time, it has built its brand to become synonymous with quality, maintaining its market position through its acquisition by US firm Mannington a short while ago. Now, a proportion of the output is made in the USA.

There are no two ways about it: Amtico can be expensive. For such big bucks, you’d expect fabulous results. We’ll see just what you can expect as we take a journey through Amtico’s extensive range of flooring options. We’ll conduct an assessment of durability, take a look at some Amtico flooring reviews, and look at the ease of installation before delivering a list of pros and cons. To conclude, we’ll give our final verdict.

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click at no extra cost to you. All recommendations and opinions remain our own.

Product Range

Amtico makes a very impressive range of luxury vinyl flooring. The three collections we’ll look at here, Signature, Spacia, and Click Smart, form their core ranges. 

Signature

Let’s start with the most impressive body of flooring that Amtico has to offer: Signature. There is a mighty range of looks within this collection, incorporating 92 wood effects, 75 stone, and 51 abstract. This last group is probably where the most fun can be had, being all about bold splashes of color, such as Marrakech, which is an in-your-face Fuschia that is sure to brighten up any home. 

Wood offers a more sober range of options, including soft-golden Cornish Oak or dark and moody Ink Wash Woode. Their stone looks include the classy-looking Basilica Salt. The wood effect is available in five different plank sizes (36”x3” up to 48”x9”), and stone comes in no fewer than eight tile options (6”x18” up to 48”x9”). 

Also falling under the Signature banner are three sub-collections, called Signature Express, Designer Choice, and Decor. Signature Express is a reduced commercial range drawn from Signature for people and projects in a hurry. Designer Choice carries a large number of different patterns involving designs from the above ranges. Finally, Decor is all about Victorian-inspired geometric tiling. 

Spacia

This is the entry-level in the Amtico range, but it still carries a giant sweep of options to choose from. The 82 woods include such distinctive designs as Urban Salvaged Timber and Smoothbark Hickory, and some shades are available in two sizes (36”x4” and 48”x7.25”), while others are only in 48” x 7.25”. The stone range includes the usual marbles etc., but in among the conventional are designs like Capri, which is a riot of different colors emulating brightly hued stone chips set in concrete. For residential use, these tiles come in 18” squares only. 

Click Smart

The final core range is called Click Smart, which may give you a hint that this one’s all about the floating method. We’ll return to this below, but what we’ll say in the meantime is that this range consists of 33 options, including 19 wood-effect options, such as the elegant Nimbus Oak, which comes in 48” x 7” planks. 

Commercial

Amtico’s commercial range includes options specially made for heavier wear (Northern Wonder) and nautical use (Marine). For noisy environments (Acoustic) and for areas where slips can be commonplace and especially dangerous (Safety). 

Key Features:

• Available in Hundreds of Attractive Finishes
• Multi-Layer Structure
• 100% Waterproofing
• Suitable for Commercial Use
• Can Be Installed Over a Range of Existing Floors
• High Environmental Standards
• US and UK Made

Specifications:

• Flooring Name: Amtico Signature, Amtico Spacia, Amtico Click Smart, Amtico Northern Lights
• Thickness: 2.5mm Glue-Down, 6mm Click Smart
• Warranty: Varies up to Lifetime Residential / 25 Yr Commercial
• Commercial or Residential Use: Both
• Installation Type: Floating and Glue-Down
• Underlayment Required: No
• Material: Vinyl
• Brand: Amtico

Sustainability

Amtico seems to take its environmental responsibilities seriously. As long ago as 1995, their environmental management system was awarded an ISO, and by 2020, a good deal of Amtico’s harmful emissions was offset in the UN carbon offset scheme. Floor VOC levels are FloorScore certified low, plus Amtico has been awarded gold by Eurofins and M1 by RTS.

A key ingredient in the Amtico environmental effort is the development of Amtico Bio, a sustainable PVC made from biomass. Any commercial flooring collection can be supplied made with this material, should the customer request it. No information was available at the time of writing on when Bio might be made available as part of Amtico’s residential offering.  

Two final things to say about the product ranges. Firstly, what we haven’t touched on here is the wealth of textures, as well as borders and motifs that Amtico offers, plus different laying patterns it’s possible to use. All these factors combine to make your flooring unique to you. Secondly, a number of the varieties described are available in more than one collection. To say which would require a whole new article, so your best bet is to head over to the Amtico website, where all the hundreds of shades are gone into in more detail.

Pricing

As we’ve already mentioned, Amtico makes premium flooring with a price to match. If you’re prepared to shop around, you can find the odd discount here and there, but you’ll likely be looking at something around $3.40 SFT at the very cheapest for Spacia, going up to around $7.00 SFT for Signature. So, not a million miles away from the price of other premium floorings, like Mannington Adura, for instance.

Amtico Pricing Compared to Other Vinyl Plank Options

Durability

Full disclosure: I installed Amtico LVT in a small bathroom about 20 years ago. At the time, I was told that it was the best option available, and although it would set me back a lot more than the other flooring possibilities I was considering, I’d stay pleased with my choice for many years to come. Guess what? For the following 12 years that I was in that house, not a day went by that I didn’t cast an appreciative eye on that good-as-new flooring and uttered a silent thank you to the contractor who recommended it. 

So, experience tells me that Amtico has good durability. Why this should be is very easy to pinpoint. A good wear layer is, of course, crucial to durability, and Amtico has this (giving it the downright sexy name Quantum Guard) and then some. All collections have at least 0.55mm (20 mils), while Signature gives a hefty 1mm (39 mils). 

Residential warranty starts at 25 years for Spacia, which is perhaps a little low. A more competitive lifetime residential warranty accompanies the Signature collection, however. Signature is also guaranteed for 20 years in a commercial setting (Northern Wonder just pips it with 25-year coverage). Finally, Spacia has a 10-year commercial warranty. 

Reviews

Most customer reviews online are incredibly positive, remarking that it was worth the high price. Take this one, for instance:

We had an Amtico floor laid in our downstairs cloakroom, and the passageway leading from the back door to the garden, in 1996. It has worn superbly.

Source: Gransnet

A Houzz thread discusses Amtico and whether it should be laid in a period property. The consensus is that you should, with this quote being representative:

My parents fitted Amtico wood effect throughout their downstairs much to my disgust as a ‘purist’. I hate to admit it, but it looks fabulous!

Source: Houzz

Such is the delight with which customers have reviewed their Amtico purchase that, in the interests of fairness, we searched for ‘problems with Amtico flooring’. This threw up various cases of disappointment, but, on reading, they tend to be to do with poor installation rather than the flooring itself, such as in these threads on diynot.com.

Overall then, it’s a very good review performance from Amtico. 

Installation

Most Amtico products are installed via adhesive rather than with the floating floor method. Amtico recommends that you use their own range of adhesives, but then they would say that. It’s OK to use any high-performing adhesive that’s suitable for luxury vinyl. 

A range of subfloors, including cement, wood, and quarry tiles, are suitable for Amtico to be laid on top, as long as adequate preparation is done in the first place. This includes making sure the surface is scrupulously clean and dry and, in the case of wooden boards, firmly nailed down. The subfloor must also be very even, as any unevenness will result in ineffective tile adhesion. 

The Click Smart range is installed using the floating method, which some find a good deal easier. Again, it’s suitable for a wide range of subfloors and can cope with unevenness up to 1/10” in a 3⅓’ length. 

For both kinds of installation, an initial acclimation at a temperature of between 64 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of 24 hours before installation should be allowed. 

Need an Installation Pro?

Lots of our readers often complain that they can’t find flooring installers in their area. We suggest you try our free estimation tool to get at least three free quotes from qualified & approved installers in your area within 24 hours.

The tool is powered by Networx, who have been helping people find qualified flooring installers for over 20 years.

Care & Maintenance

It’s imperative that Amtico flooring is given the correct care and maintenance. Below are some tips and instructions to keep your floors looking fresh for longer.

Keep Your Floors Clean

Vinyl flooring will benefit from being kept clean, as grit and accumulated grime will compromise its finish over time. 

Localized accidents can and should be dealt with by a dustpan and brush, and/or kitchen towel. Always best to deal with these things as and when they happen rather than leaving them to eventually work their way into the laminate finish. 

Use both vacuum cleaning and mopping to maintain your floor to the best effect. Always begin with vacuuming in order to be sure that you’ve removed elements of debris. When vacuuming Outlast+, it’s important to be sure that your 

. If you can get a vacuum with a soft bristle brush attachment, this is ideal. 

As for mopping, a damp mop is recommended, using water only or a vinegar solution, or, for tougher jobs, a very gentle household floor cleaner (such as Bona Hard Surface Cleaner). While steam mops are cited by the manufacturer as OK for use, be warned that, in our experience, they tend to result in a dull floor over time. 

Protect Your Floor

Thankfully, there are lots of ideas you can use to keep your floor safe from damage. Here are some of the best. 

• Use doormats. They make a huge difference in terms of keeping gravel, grit, and other damaging particles well away from your vinyl flooring. Floormats and rugs used in high-traffic areas will also be extremely helpful. Use rugs with solid backing to prevent any ingress of particles through the rug and onto the floor over time. 
• Shoes off. This will prevent a lot of wear in general and in particular from sharp stones and other debris. Once you’ve got into the habit of taking your shoes off upon entry, you’ll wonder how on earth you were ever comfortable keeping them on. 
• Put felt pads under furniture legs. Be sure to keep them in place underneath should you ever decide to move those heavy pieces of furniture around. 
• When you do move your furniture around, always lift – never drag. 
• Where felt pads aren’t suitable, consider other methods, such as a protective chair mat. 
• Keep the temperature inside between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent any moisture from building up and unduly affecting the floor.
• Keep dogs’ claws trimmed nice and neat. This will give your floor the best chance of remaining beautifully scratch-free for years to come. Should your dog not be amenable to this kind of care, there are other options available, such as dog socks. No, really.

Repair & Maintenance Techniques

• Chips and dings can be repaired with Pergo finishing putty, as included in their floor repair kit. 
• Tough stains can be removed with acetone nail polish remover. 
• Chewing gum should be removed with a blunt blade once it has hardened. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very Impressive Range – Amtico offers literally hundreds of looks, from traditional oaks to funky abstracts. You could spend hours choosing.
• Great Durability (Signature) – the top end has seriously good durability, thanks to that 1mm wear layer.
• Remarkably Green – at a time when many other vinyl manufacturers are stuck in a toxic timewarp, Amtico is forging ahead with materials and approaches that nurture the planet. 
• Low Emissions – multi-certified by international bodies.
• Installation Is Straightforward (Click Smart) – the floating method is always attractive to people, especially those whose experience and ability might be a little limited. 
• Damage Can be Dealt with Small-Scale – individual tiles or planks can be replaced rather than the whole floor. Click here for instructions. 
• Suitable All Around the House – Amtico is great for wherever you want to put it. 
• Great Water-Resistance – as is usual with luxury vinyl, the product itself is 10% waterproof, but Amtico does warn that sustained exposure to water might soften the adhesive.
• Cleans Easily – the usual sweep and mop technique will keep it looking great.
• Terrific Reviews – people love their Amtico floors.

Cons

• Not Cheap – this may put some people off, of course. 
• Cannot be Refinished – as is the case with all luxury vinyl, if the surface is damaged, it can’t be repaired, only replaced.
• Installation With Glue – some people will balk at this, picturing themselves getting into a very sticky situation. (Signature & Spacia)
• Disappointing Warranties (Spacia) – 25 years is not the market standard for this price point.

Our Verdict

Style – 9.5 out of 10 points

The breadth of range with Amtico is nothing short of breathtaking, with a good aesthetic solution for every setting. The array of possibilities is enhanced by the variations in textures and laying patterns so that you could floor a palace and not repeat yourself once. 

Interesting flourishes are available with the Designer Choice range, and Victorian splendor can be achieved with Decor. Hugely impressive. 

Durability – 8 out of 10 points

Based purely on Signature, Amtico would hit 9.5, but they are let down a little by the durability displayed by the cheaper ranges. Some people may feel that a warranty of 25 years is enough for them, but it has to be said that better warranties are available at much lower prices. 

Affordability – 6.5 out of 10 points

This is Amtico’s Achilles’ heel. The high price cannot be overlooked, and its ability to give mass appeal is therefore impaired. On the other hand, it might be looked upon as the Ferrari of flooring, and nobody would criticize the Italian motoring icon for being unaffordable. That’s what you get with Ferrari. And this is what you get with Amtico.

Online Reviews – 9.5 out of 10

Positive reviews are ubiquitous for Amtico. Not only are people pleased with the look, feel, and wear of the product, but they’re also very keen to shout about the fact that they’ve got it. It’s a bit of a status symbol. Heck, even I trumpeted about my bathroom floor. Sorry about that. 

Overall Score – 8.5 out of 10

It seems unfair to mark an outstanding product down because of its price. It’s not like Amtico seeks to obscure the fact that it’s not cheap. But mark it down; we must, as affordability is always important, especially in recent times. 

What is clear is that if you can afford it, Amtico’s enormous range of exquisite looks will give you a beautiful floor in any setting you choose. And, if you go for Signature or Northern Lights, it’ll last and last. 

Good Alternatives to Amtico Vinyl

Proximity Mills Vinyl – If you want something affordable yet good quality, perhaps Proximity Mills Vinyl Flooring may interest you. The brand is US-based, and its vinyl planks are durable, featuring a waterproof SPC core and a thick 22-mil protective wear layer. You can choose from 11 stylish collections that include traditional and modern concepts. Many of their collections are relatively affordable, starting at $3.50 per square foot. In addition, Proximity Mills vinyl floors are rated Zero-VOC, meaning they don’t emit any harmful gasses over time, which is great for your home’s air quality.

Coretec Vinyl – Coretec is one of the leading vinyl plank brands on the market. Their floors are known for their outstanding durability and style. Their LVP products are 100% waterproof and have very thick wear layers, such as their Coretec Grande line, which has a 30-mil wear layer and is 15mm thick overall. If you want a vinyl plank floor that’s built to last, Coretec is undoubtedly a worthy contender. In addition, Coretec is relatively affordable, with options starting at $4.39 per square foot.

Shaw Vinyl – Shaw Industries is a huge, US-based flooring company; the brand has been producing flooring for over 40 years. They offer many highly rated and fully waterproof vinyl plank flooring lines, including both hardwood and tile look styles. Most of their lvp ranges are between 8 and 12mm thick and have a durable 20mil wear layer. You can purchase some of their lines for as low as $3 per square foot, while their thickest, premium lines can set you back $9 per square foot. Whether you want a low-cost but decent-quality vinyl floor or an ultra-thick premium one, Shaw has that to offer.

Final Words

We hope you’ve found this article to be helpful in your decision-making process. There’s lots more information online that is well worth researching as much as you have time for. Whichever floor you end up with, we hope you’re very happy with it. 

What do you think of Amtico flooring? Have you had any experiences with the brand? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

FAQs

Is Amtico expensive?

The $64,000 question! Amtico is not by any stretch an economy purchase, with prices almost hitting $7.00 SFT. But you do get what you pay for.

Is Amtico waterproof?

Amtico is waterproof, but unless it’s Click Smart, spills shouldn’t be allowed to stay in place as they might work into the adhesive and soften it. 

Does Amtico require underlayment?

Amtico doesn’t require underlayment: the glued-down tiles can be installed straight onto the subfloor. The floating tiles come with an underlayment already attached.

Can anyone install Amtico?

Although Amtico recommends that its products be installed by a professional floor fitter, it’s perfectly possible for a practically competent individual to complete the job themselves. 

Can Amtico be installed on the wall?

No, Amtico is for floor use only.

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