LANCASTER, PA.—Armstrong has added four exotic looks to its popular Grand Illusions collection. Marked by its piano finish, the new visuals are walnut, tigerwood, afzelia and cherry.

“Grand Illusions is the most compelling and realistic looking laminate on the market,” said Milton Goodwin, vice president of laminate and ceramic products. “No other laminate compares in terms of clarity and realism to actual wood without any of the potential drawbacks of the natural material.” In addition to the four new exotics, Grand Illusions offers the looks of Brazilian jatoba, cabrueva, cherry bronze and Melbourne acacia.

Goodwin said Grand Illusions’ dramatic looks come from a combination of features, including a patent-pending, premium exotic finish that offers incredible realism; 5-inch-wide planks that show only one “board” visual, creating a more realistic overall appearance when installed; and a “kissed edge bevel” that is half the size of a standard bevel and helps to accentuate each strip.

An anti-bacterial surface provides resistance to mold, bacteria and fungus. Also differentiating Grand Illusions from other laminate floors is how each product is constructed. Each plank is a full 12mm thick for greater sound reduction, which, Goodwin notes, provides improved “in-room sound,” meaning it actually sounds more like a genuine 3/4-inch solid hardwood floor. Its durable surface is nine times more resistant to dents, dings and scratches than traditional hardwood, making it perfect for families with kids and pets.

Armstrong’s Hydra-Core Plus high-performance core with color-coordinated edges looks like solid wood but offers enhanced moisture protection all around. Plus, unlike natural wood, it does not require any acclimation.

Armstrong has incorporated a number of exclusives into the line such as MasterWorks Technology, which creates realistic, clear and vibrant floor designs, and VisionGuard, a durable surface finish that is also easy to clean and protects the floor from stains, fading or wear. Installation is simple and quick. Finally, Grand Illusions offers Lock&Fold Technology for a two-step installation “making it the easiest and fastest laminate to install,” Goodwin said.