Unfortunately, the Traffic Master Allure Ultra flooring I described in this post came in a little more over budget than we were willing to stretch so we decided to keep looking at options.  Good thing we did because we soon learned that Traffic Master isn’t the only company with a product toting these features.  Apparently Shaw Flooring has a ‘luxury vinyl plank’ that is essentially the same product with the same installation and guarantees, but at a price that comes in right AT our budgeted allowance!

And even better is that the flooring vendor our builder likes to go through carries the product in-stock.  Granted he will have to place an order to provide enough material for our whole house, but he said that wouldn’t be a problem with enough advance notice and since we’re still at the framing stage I think we’ve got a little leeway still.

We chose the Northampton Cascade Acadia which has a variety of tones that will play well off our darker cabinets and leather furniture.  It’s a little different than the Allure Ultra we picked out, both in color and texture, but I like that it looks more like real wood than the Allure does and less texture means less hiding places for dirt and dust which trigger my allergies.

Of course I had to prove to myself that I wouldn’t change my mind later, so we brought home a few sample planks (thanks to the very nice salesman at the flooring store!) and I laid them on the floor in our living room next to the rug and couch.  I also placed the Allure flooring next to it for comparison.  A week later, I’m sure I like the Shaw flooring better and I haven’t seen a single sign of the dogs constant scampering across it!  Although the pieces have migrated across the floor a few times thanks to furry fliers heading for the door when you say we’re going on a walk or for a ride! LOL

Here’s a closer shot to give a better feel of how it will look installed.  The light glare makes it look a little darker than it is in person.  The previous picture does a better job of showing the real colors, but I still think it will look great with the rest of our decor.  Don’t ya love when you find something you like better than the original item you found that was over budget?  I sure do! 🙂