If you’re looking for durable, stylish flooring that can handle everything life throws at it, Audacity Flooring may have caught your eye. Whether you’re dealing with pets, kids, or just the usual wear and tear of daily life, finding the right flooring is no small decision.
I know, because I’ve been there myself. Let me walk you through my personal journey with Audacity Flooring, the pros and cons, how it compares to other brands, and where you can buy it.
Why I Chose Audacity Flooring?
When I started my home renovation, I had a list of must-haves for my new flooring. It needed to be stylish, durable, and most importantly, waterproof. With two dogs and kids running around, I couldn’t afford to install flooring that wouldn’t hold up to daily life.
After looking at countless options, Audacity Flooring stood out not only because of its water-resistant features but also its stylish design options.
I ended up choosing Audacity Vintage Caramel, and I have to say, from the moment it was installed, I knew I made the right choice. The rich texture, combined with the sleek finish, instantly elevated the look of my home.
But let’s not stop there, because looks aren’t everything.
My Experience With Installation And Initial Impressions
The installation process for my Audacity floors was smooth. I had professionals handle it, but I made sure to watch how things went.
The first thing I noticed was how easy the installers found it to click the planks together, which gave me some peace of mind. They even mentioned that Audacity had a reputation for being user-friendly for those who prefer to DIY.
Once the flooring was in place, I was blown away by how seamless it looked. There was no awkward gapping, and the floor felt solid underfoot. This wasn’t just about appearances either—it passed the “scratch test” with flying colors.
We put it to the test by dragging chairs, moving furniture, and, of course, letting the dogs run around. No visible scratches, which was a huge relief.
- Durability: Is It As Good As Advertised?
In a word: yes. A big reason I chose Audacity was because of its 72-hour water-resistant rating. In a house where spills are inevitable, this was crucial.
And let me tell you, it delivers. From accidental pet spills to my kids knocking over water glasses, it’s handled everything like a champ.
But what about the scratches? If you’ve got pets, you know the struggle. Audacity claims to be scratch-resistant, and after months of heavy foot traffic (both human and canine), I’ve found this to be true. It takes a lot to dent or scratch this flooring, and trust me, we’ve tried.
Pros of Audacity Flooring
- Water Resistance: The 72-hour water-resistance rating is a lifesaver, especially if you have kids or pets.
- Durability: This flooring can handle scratches, dents, and general wear and tear far better than many other brands I’ve tried.
- Easy to Clean: Maintaining the floors is a breeze. I’ll go into more detail about cleaning tips later, but it’s safe to say that Audacity doesn’t require much elbow grease.
- Wide Range of Designs: Whether you prefer a modern or traditional look, Audacity offers a wide variety of colors and textures.
- Comfort Underfoot: Despite being a hard surface, it doesn’t feel overly harsh underfoot. There’s a slight cushion to it, making it more comfortable to walk on compared to other flooring options.
Cons of Audacity Flooring
No product is without its downsides, and Audacity is no exception.
- Cost: It’s not the cheapest option out there. While it offers great value for what you get, the upfront cost might be a little steep compared to other brands.
- Limited Availability: Depending on where you live, it might be tricky to find Audacity at local stores. In some cases, you might have to order it online, which means extra shipping costs.
- Professional Installation Recommended: While Audacity is DIY-friendly, if you’re not comfortable with flooring installation, you might want to pay for professional help. The flooring isn’t difficult to install, but achieving that seamless look does require some skill.
Comparison: Audacity Flooring Vs. Other Brands
Choosing the right flooring often involves comparing different brands, and I did plenty of research before deciding on Audacity. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular options: Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring, COREtec Cairo Oak Flooring, and STAINMASTER Vinyl Plank Flooring.
- Audacity Vs. Cork Backed Vinyl Plank Flooring
Cork-backed vinyl plank flooring is known for its added comfort and noise reduction due to the cork underlayment.
While Audacity also offers comfort underfoot, cork backing has a slight edge when it comes to soundproofing.
If noise reduction is a high priority, cork-backed vinyl might be a better option.
However, Audacity excels in its water resistance, which is rated for 72 hours, offering better protection in kitchens, bathrooms, and areas prone to spills.
The overall durability of Audacity also outperforms many cork-backed options, particularly in households with pets and kids where scratches are a concern.
In terms of installation, cork-backed vinyl planks can be slightly trickier due to their extra layer, whereas Audacity’s simple click-and-lock system is more user-friendly for DIY projects. If water resistance and durability are more important than soundproofing, Audacity might be the better choice.
- Audacity Vs. COREtec Cairo Oak Flooring
COREtec Cairo Oak Flooring is a top competitor, especially when it comes to style and durability.
Both COREtec and Audacity offer a wide range of design options with realistic wood-like finishes.
However, when it comes to water resistance, Audacity edges ahead with its 72-hour water protection.
COREtec also offers water-resistant options, but its standing water protection isn’t as long-lasting.
COREtec flooring has an integrated cork underlay, which provides better insulation and a slightly more cushioned feel underfoot compared to Audacity. If comfort is a major factor for you, COREtec might win in that department.
However, Audacity’s superior scratch resistance and impact durability make it a strong choice if you need flooring that can handle heavy traffic, pets, or active kids. Price-wise, COREtec can sometimes come at a higher cost, making Audacity a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing durability.
- Audacity Vs. STAINMASTER Vinyl Plank Flooring
STAINMASTER is a well-known brand, particularly in the vinyl plank flooring space.
Like Audacity, it offers excellent scratch and stain resistance, making it a popular choice for homes with pets or children.
However, STAINMASTER doesn’t quite match Audacity’s water-resistant capabilities.
While it can handle everyday spills, it lacks the 72-hour standing water protection that makes Audacity stand out.
In terms of style, both brands offer a wide variety of finishes and textures, but Audacity’s more realistic wood grain patterns tend to be a bit more convincing, particularly when viewed up close.
STAINMASTER may have a slight advantage in terms of affordability, as it tends to be priced lower than Audacity, but if you’re looking for flooring that offers long-term durability, especially in high-moisture areas, Audacity is worth the extra investment.
Maintenance Tips For Audacity Flooring
Once you’ve installed your beautiful new Audacity floors, you’ll want to make sure they stay looking pristine. Thankfully, maintaining these floors is easier than I expected.
- Regular Cleaning: The best way to keep your floors in top shape is to clean them regularly. I use a microfiber mop with a light mist of water or a laminate-safe cleaner.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to cleaners designed for laminate or vinyl flooring. Harsh chemicals can wear down the protective layer and make your floors more vulnerable to damage.
- Prevent Scratches: While Audacity is scratch-resistant, placing furniture pads under heavy pieces will prevent any potential dents or marks over time.
- Mop Spills Quickly: Even though the flooring is water-resistant, it’s still a good idea to clean up spills as soon as they happen. This will ensure your floors stay in great condition for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Audacity flooring is manufactured by a company known for producing high-quality, water-resistant laminate and vinyl flooring. The specific manufacturer may vary based on the region, but Audacity has built a strong reputation globally for its durable and stylish options.
In most cases, yes, Audacity flooring does benefit from underlay. It helps improve sound insulation, adds a layer of comfort, and can also enhance the moisture resistance of the floor. However, some Audacity flooring products come with built-in underlayment, so be sure to check the specific product details.
When it comes to value for money, Audacity is a strong contender. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, its combination of durability, water resistance, and stylish design makes it an excellent long-term investment. Compared to cheaper alternatives, Audacity will likely last longer and save you money on repairs or replacements.
Cleaning Audacity laminate flooring is simple. Use a damp microfiber mop and laminate-safe cleaner. Avoid soaking the floor, as excessive water can damage laminate over time, even with water-resistant products like Audacity. Regular sweeping or vacuuming will help keep dirt and debris from scratching the surface.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Audacity Flooring?
After living with Audacity Flooring for months, I can confidently say that it was the right choice for my home. Its combination of water resistance, scratch durability, and sleek design has transformed the look and feel of my space.
If you have pets, kids, or just a busy household, Audacity can definitely stand up to the challenge.
While it might be on the pricier side, the long-term durability more than justifies the cost. If you’re in the market for new flooring, you can find Audacity at CFM Contract Flooring or other specialized flooring retailers.
Check your local stores first to get a feel for it, or order online if you already know it’s the one for you.