Featured at IBS 2014:
Alterna Engineered Stone Tiles from Armstrong Offer an Alternative to Stone & Ceramic
LANCASTER, Pa. – An expanded collection of Shapes and Sizes add a new dimension of personalization to Armstrong’s
popular Alterna™ engineered stone tile collection, an innovative alternative to natural stone and ceramic tile. Like stone
and ceramic, it's incredibly beautiful and durable, but it is warmer to the touch, softer underfoot and easy to care for in
any room of the home. Plus, multiple shapes and sizes provide wide-ranging options for both floors and walls.
Alterna is made with a durable composite material consisting primarily of crushed limestone. Manufactured in the U.S.,
Alterna is designed and printed in Pennsylvania; the stone is quarried and assembled in Illinois and features more than
90% domestic content.
Sizes include 12” x 12” and 16”×16” tiles, 12”×24”, 8”×16“and 8”×8” selections. Any of the tiles can stand on its own or
be combined to create unique patterns for a more customized look. Builders and remodelers can install square tiles in a
diamond pattern or use rectangular tiles in a herringbone design. Sizes and shapes can be mixed to create windmills and
borders. The tiles can be laid out in different patterns – including a basket weave and a three-way opus – to offer
homebuyers and remodel customers an upscale-looking custom installation.
From natural, warm browns to cool, trendy gray tones, Alterna has a look to fit the décor of any household. The tiles are
available in both solid colors or with more intense color variation and graining. Each design comes with up to 32 unique
tiles which allows for minimal repetition and a breadth of tile looks from slate to terracotta.
Product Manager Yon Hinkle explains that Alterna is viewed as an alternative to ceramic and stone. “We call it premium
engineered stone, a category unto itself,” he says. “The raw beauty of natural stone flooring presents a look that never
goes out of style. Alterna captures the textures and vibrant color depths found in authentic stone flooring and with
grout it is almost indistinguishable from the real thing.”
While aesthetics are often top-of-mind, the benefits to Alterna don’t stop at the look alone. The durable engineered
stone is warmer and more comfortable underfoot than traditional tile, resists stain and soil, is easy to clean, and doesn’t
crack as traditional tile can. It also is less slippery than traditional smooth ceramic tile. Alterna flooring resists the effects
of temperature and moisture changes, so customers can get the stunning look of tile in kitchens, baths, basements and
laundry rooms. Unlike ceramic tile, Alterna can be installed over minor subfloor irregularities without the risk of
cracking. And, it installs in about half the time of ceramic tile.
From Floor to Wall
The nature-inspired beauty of Alterna isn’t limited to floors. With or without grout, Alterna can create decorative
backsplashes, accent walls or other focal points.
“Alterna’s ability to mimic high-end ceramic and stone at a fraction of the cost and weight are terrific advantages that
have made Alterna a great option for use on walls outside of those in showers or around fireplaces,” says Hinkle.
Alterna is FloorScore™ certified for low VOC emissions and compliant with California Section 01350 for low VOC
emissions, recognized as the strictest in the country. Available in 12 colors to match any desired look, Alterna’s grout
and adhesive also are low VOC products which can further contribute to healthier indoor air quality.
Durable engineered stone construction makes Alterna ™ tough enough to stand up to a lifetime of activity in a home.
Kids, pets, heavy traffic – Alterna handles it all. And it’s backed by a Lifetime Residential and 5-year Light Commercial
warranty from Armstrong.
To learn about Armstrong flooring products for the home, visit Armstrong Floor Products at the International Builders
Show, February 4-6, Las Vegas, NV, Booth #C6937. For general information, visit Armstrong.com.
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LINK TO HI-RES IMAGE: Alterna Engineered Stone
Armstrong Alterna™- Athenian Travertine - Honey Onyx:
http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Armstrong/RSD4340_3?hei=3000&fmt=tif&printRes=300
About Armstrong World Industries
Armstrong World Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors and ceilings. Based in Lancaster, Pa., Armstrong operates 35 plants in eight countries and has
approximately 8,700 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.armstrong.com.
NEWS CONTACT: Michele Zelman, mjzelman@armstrong.com or mjzelman@cherryleaf.net