Mannington Adura Max Vinyl Review: How Good Is It?

The world of luxury vinyl can sometimes be challenging to navigate. All the manufacturers make claims for their products so that your head can be left in a spin. Mannington Adura Max is no exception. It’s a brand of luxury vinyl that is cited as being good for anywhere in the home, with, it is claimed, the industry’s best wear, scratch, and stain resistance. We’ll see.

Founded and still headquartered in Salem, New Jersey, Mannington has been producing quality flooring since 1915. The same family still owns it five generations later. It proudly points out that this family, the Campbells, have steered the company through no fewer than 16 recessions. Such longevity must count for something, you might deduce.

We’ll take a look at what it offers, see some Mannington Adura Max reviews, and assess its pros and cons. We’ll then issue our final verdict.

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Flooring Range

Mannington Adura Max is a luxury vinyl product available in both plank and tile forms. The former are sized at 6” x 48” and 7” x 48”, and the latter come in at 12” x 24”. As for thickness, both planks and tiles are a solid 8mm.

The planks are intended to mimic wood – indeed, the manufacturer claims it has the most realistic wood visuals on the market. They’re certainly impressive to look at, bearing more than a passing resemblance to the wood they’re aping.

The range of woods is impressive too, with over 50 varieties on offer. These span the spectrum from rich dark shades like Sundance Gunstock and Sausalito Bridgeway right up to the paler but no less interesting Seaport Surf. (It has to be said that their finish names are among the best in the business – they’ve obviously been hard at work over the last hundred years thinking up evocative epithets.)

The tiles are no less stunning, coming in 26 varieties of low gloss marble, stone, and concrete looks, all of which boast good detailing in terms of veining and other features. Favorite varietal name? Athena Maiden’s Veil does it for us (although Vienna Alabaster’s got a certain appeal).

Both planks and tiles have ten unique patterns, so the chances of repeated patterns rubbing up against each other are pretty minimal. Both planks and tiles feature an embossed surface to give the feel as well as the look of natural materials.

Various edging is available, with some of the flooring coming with micro-beveled edges, some with painted bevel edges, and some with what’s known as Crafted Edge Bevel Technology (a hand-beveled finish which helps to simulate the effect of real hardwood).

Construction

Both tiles and planks are constructed around a WPC model, which is also known as an Expanded Polymer Core approach. The expanding of the core produces tiny air pockets, which produce a great sound quality when walked on (at the same time as being a lot quieter than the natural material it’s simulating), as well as a degree of cushioning. 

There’s further cushioning from the pad layer underneath. The flooring is topped off with the vinyl design layer, followed by the wear layer. 

One of the key features that Mannington Adura Max reviews shouldn’t overlook is the Microban technology that’s included in all planks and tiles. This is cited as being 99% effective against bacteria, ensuring a safer and healthier interior for all the family. 

Mannington is a fairly decent choice, environmentally. Luxury vinyl’s always going to be a little tough on the planet unless you’re happy to pay significantly more for fully recyclable and sometimes recycled materials. What Mannington Adura Max does deliver is Floorscore certified product, which is similar to GreenGuard, so low VOCs are assured. It’s also made in the US, so the carbon footprint’s reasonably low. 

Key Features:

• Available in 76 Attractive Finishes
• 4-Layer Structure
• SpillProtect technology gives 100% waterproofing
• Good Thickness
• Suitable for Commercial Use
• Microban Technology
• Can Be Installed Over a Range of Existing Floors
• Affordable Price Tag
• US-Made

Specifications:

• Flooring Name: Mannington Adura Max
• Thickness: 8mm
• Warranty: Lifetime Residential / 10 Yr Commercial
• Commercial or Residential Use: Both
• Installation Type: Floating
• Underlayment Required: No
• Material: Vinyl
• Brand: Mannington

Pricing

So, you might be thinking to yourself, Mannington Adura Max sounds pretty good – bet it’s pretty dear, too. You’d be right in thinking it’s not bargain basement time. The price for both planks and tiles is around the $5.99-$6.39 per square foot mark. So, more than a lot of luxury vinyl brands. For instance, DuraLux can be bought for as low as $0.99 per square foot, and NuCore can be had for under $3.79 SFT. 

Adura Max Compared to Other Vinyl Products

Adura Max Price Chart

So, a Mannington Adura Max floor is an investment. Is it a good one? We’ll find out below. Meanwhile, here’s a rundown of some of the varieties, together with their size and cost. 

Durability

So, here’s where we find out if Adura Max wears as well as it looks. It certainly would seem to have the right approach, structurally. Not only is the WPC construction highly stable and strong, but it also boasts an impressive 20 mil aluminum oxide wear layer throughout the plank and tile range. This is good news for durability fans, being very much at the top end of what’s on the market. 

The wear layer is augmented with ScratchResist technology. Note that this is likely to be more aimed at preventing scratches from general wear and tear. In other words, it probably won’t be left entirely unblemished by repeated encounters with some over-enthusiastic dog claws, for instance.  

Waterproofing’s good too, with the Adura Max range benefitting from what Mannington calls a HydroLoc core. It just means that the thick, rigid core’s impervious to water. No matter how long the water contact lasts, the Adura Max luxury vinyl product shouldn’t sustain any damage. 

So, with this heavyweight durability, it’s no surprise that both tiles and planks are guaranteed for life in a residential setting and for ten years in a light commercial environment, which makes it equivalent to an AC4 rating (ie, good for all residential and some commercial applications).

Adura Max Reviews

Most Mannington flooring reviews are positive, which is what you’d be hoping for with such a premium product. Check this Houzz thread out, for instance. Retailers feature some good feedback on quality and installation ease, too, such as these:

Absolutely love! Easy to install. Completed our own install with no experience of 1,000sf in 3 days!

Very easy to install and looks great!

We have used this product in 2 bathrooms now. Love the color and rustic, natural look of the luxury vinyl planks. 

Not all 100% though. Take this snag, for instance:

Love this flooring. Easy to clean. Only problem is my cat matches it so well we have to watch we dont step on her.

Source for all quotes Wayfair.com

Mannington flooring reviews contain an absence of the kinds of complaints about warping or bulging or difficulties with installing that you often see with customer reviews of other vinyl and laminate products. 

Installation

Mannington recommends that you use professional floor fitters if you want to get the best out of your Adura Max. However, if you’re at all practical, and the space is fairly regular, you should be able to manage the installation without calling in the professionals. Whichever route you choose, Mannington recommends a product acclimation period of 48 hours prior to beginning the laying process. 

It’s a floating floor, so no messy glues or other fixings are needed. A simple clicking-together process results in a smooth, stable, and professional finish. No underlayment is needed either, as both plank and tile come with a foam underlay attached. The subfloor can be a little uneven (up to 1/32” over 12’) and can be a range of surfaces, including wood, concrete, and tiles. 

A ¼” expansion gap should be included all around, and the product shouldn’t go under any heavy cabinet ware. When all the planks or tiles have been laid, use wall molding and transition strips where needed. Calk wherever there are small joints needing filling. For guidance on how to install, see this YouTube video. 

Need a Pro to Install Your Floor?

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

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 Adura Max, it’s important to be sure that your vacuum is suitable for vinyl floor use. 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 plank 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 and Maintenance Techniques

• Chips and dings can be repaired with finishing putty, often included in a 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

So, let’s round up the advantages and disadvantages of this flooring.

Mannington Adura Max Pros:

• Massive Range Of Styles– Adura Max comes in over 50 different wood and over 20 stone, concrete, and marble looks. And they look very good too. 
• Reasonably Environmentally Sound – as far as luxury vinyl goes, Adura Max is certainly not the worst.  
• Thickness Is Great – you can’t argue with 8mm throughout the range. 
• Installation Is Relatively Easy – although the manufacturer recommends you use the pros, most competent DIYers will have no trouble with Adura Max. It’s floating, which makes it easier, and can be installed over most subfloors.
• Damaged Planks Can Be Replaced – any individual planks that have sustained impairment can be removed and replaced. 
• Multi-Purpose – Adura Max can be used in any room in the house, including basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. It can also be used in certain light commercial settings too. 
• Easy To Clean – cleaning and maintenance are very straightforward. Mopping gets the OK from the manufacturer – even steam mopping. 
• Water-Resistant – Adura Max is 100% waterproof, regardless of the duration of exposure. 
• Good Reviews – Mannington Adura Max reviews are very positive, with customers pleased with the quality and ease of installation. 
• Long Warranty – Adura Max comes with a lifetime residential warranty, together with a 10-year commercial warranty.

Mannington Adura Max Cons:

• Cannot Be Refinished – if there is damage to the surface, this cannot be easily dealt with. It should be possible, however, to replace the offending plank with a new one. 
• A Little Expensive – it’s not at the cheap end by any stretch of the imagination.
• Not Totally The Same As What It’s Imitating – although it looks and feels good, it shouldn’t be regarded as a like-for-like substitute for wood or stone. 

Our Verdict

Style – 9 out of 10 points

This is some good-looking gear. The wood effect range features examples from a wide range of trees with some interesting shades, and the Crafted Edge Beveling on some of the range makes for a very nice finish. 

The marble is especially impressive, with quite convincing veining and background color. The concrete too, is a nice addition for a younger look or urban setting. It delivers a lot of what polished concrete delivers without all that bother with a big noisy machine, albeit with a slightly less glossy finish. 

Durability – 9 out of 10 points

Overall thickness and solid wear layer add up to some great durability levels, with the ScratchResist aluminum oxide crystals delivering a tough performance. Waterproofing’s guaranteed, regardless of exposure time, so a great choice for any domestic setting, regardless of how splashy things get. 

Affordability – 6 out of 10 points

Coming in at around $6+ SFT, Adura Max may stretch some budgets. It’s certainly not positioned at the economy end of the scale. Still, the company would argue that it’s a premium product. Hence, prices are commensurately higher than you would find with inferior flooring material.

If you trawl the net, you may be lucky enough to find it cheaper, being sold by companies that snap up discontinued lines. But even if you have to pay full price, it’s cheaper than most solid wood, with a lot of advantages. 

Online Reviews – 8.5 out of 10 points

Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, both in terms of being pleased with the quality and with the ease of installation. A refreshing lack of tales of woe is evidenced. 

Overall Score – 8.25 out of 10 points 

It’s that age-old story. You get what you pay for. Nice to see a product that’s not actually overpriced – it’s a little expensive, but that’s fair enough when the quality’s good. You can tell it’s taken five generations of effort to produce Adura Max. It’ll be interesting to see what the 6th generation of Campbells will come up with. For more vinyl plank options, read out best vinyl plank flooring buying guide.

What do you think of Mannington Adura Max 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.

Good Alternatives to Mannington 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.

FAQs

How Much Does Mannington Adura Max Cost?

Mannington Adura Max prices vary from $5.99 to $6.39 SFT. 

Is Adura Max Waterproof?

Mannington claims their Adura vinyl range plank core is 100% waterproof, no matter how long the exposure to water.

Does Adura Max Require Underlayment?

There is an anti-microbial foam layer attached to the underside of Adura Max flooring, meaning no underlayment is required. However, should you wish to have extra stability and cushioning, there’s nothing to stop you from adding a layer of underlayment. 

Can Anyone Install Adura Max?

Mannington recommends using a professional floor installer. However, as long as the individual attempting the job is reasonably practical, has the tools required, and takes their time over the project, the job should not be beyond them. 

Can Adura Max Be Installed In Basements?

Adura Max is good for any room in the house, including basements.

Can Duralux Be Installed On The Wall?

Mannington Adura Max is for floor use only.

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