As time goes on, resilient flooring manufacturers are taking advantage of advances in technology to offer products that feature visuals and textures closer and closer to the appearance of their natural counterparts. Resilient flooring can come close to mimicking the look of a range of flooring types -- whether that surface be stone, ceramic or wood.

On the other end of the spectrum, resilient products are opening up to an expanded range of bright, designer colors for contemporary markets that are suitable for installations in both residential and commercial environments. Manufacturers' are also increasing the versatility of their aluminum oxide finishes to make them last longer and offer even more stain resistance. Some manufacturers are even bringing brand-name recognition into this aspect of their resilient product -- Congoleum's Xclusive resilient features Scotchgard brand protection, for example.

For the busy fall selling season, many companies are introducing new offerings or otherwise expanding their existing lines. What follows is a sampling of innovative new resilient products now available.

Roppe brings 'Highlights' to its rubber floor products

Roppe recently introduced its bright, new Highlights color collection for its rubber products. Highlights consists of 16 sharp colors for Roppe rubber tile, treads and Pinnacle Rubber Base. Highlights selections can be used harmoniously to add striking color to any space, Roppe says.

Amtico debuts Alder Plywood

Amtico International has launched Alder Plywood, a resilient flooring product that offers the look of plywood in two standard sizes -- 12-by-12- and 18-by-18-inch tiles.

Alder Plywood is water-resistant, hygienic, hardwearing, lightweight, and easy to maintain, according to Amtico. The product is designed for use in modern interiors.

Tarkett Residential expands its resilient patterns, colors

Tarkett Residential has debuted 22 new patterns and colors throughout all price points in its Good, Better and Best Living resilient product lines.

Continued consumer interest in floors with natural looks has inspired the introduction of the Grand Square pattern to Tarkett's Infinity collection. The 12-inch stone paver tile features fine texturing and thin grout lines in six new colorways to represent authentic natural tones, according to Tarkett.

Flexco manufactures a range of rubber and vinyl flooring

Flexco offers rubber and vinyl flooring products designed to aid in the elimination of mold and mildew. Flexco's Rubber Flooring products feature a natural microbial barrier, with a raised-textured pattern to allow dirt and liquids to drain off.

Flexco's vinyl products utilize a microbial barrier originating from an additive that is designed to provide resistance to bacteria and fungi. The company's vinyl also boasts long-lasting color and durable construction, Flexco says.

Armstrong adds patterns to Starstep/Traditions lines

Armstrong has added four new patterns to its Starstep/Traditions collections of resilient flooring. Comprising two wood looks and two pavers, these additions round out Armstrong's offerings. Starstep is a resilient sheet collection with a felt-back structure. Traditions features Armstrong's Interflex structure, designed to bridge sub-floor irregularities.

Tarkett Commercial offers Acczent Finishes sheet flooring

Tarkett Commercial introduced a new line of sheet flooring designed to provide a low-maintenance surface suitable for heavy traffic commercial settings. Offered in three striking visuals and 29 colorations, Acczent Finishes is ideal for a number of interior motifs.

Acczent Finishes boasts a 28-mil wearlayer and features a reinforced polyurethane construction. The new line is offered in Glass, Wood and Steel designs, with Acczent Glass available with both frosted and stained visuals.

Metroflor unveils its Solidity Hand-scraped Plank resilient

Metroflor recently released Solidity Hand-scraped Plank, a resilient plank with a 1/6-inch-thick aluminum oxide finish. Solidity Hand-scraped Plank is available in eight colors in two patterns. As the name implies, the product's finish features a hand-scraped texture.

Johnsonite offers multiple options in Roundel system

Johnsonite's Roundel Rubber Flooring System consists of more than 50 solid colors and six unique surface textures. The product's natural slip-resistance, thermal and acoustic qualities, and low life-cycle cost make it a sound choice for flooring, according to Johnsonite. Matching tiles, stair treads, stringers, and risers are available in a variety of solid colors and speckled patterns.

EarthWerks releases its latest Montana Plank resilient floor

EarthWerks has debuted its new Montana Plank resilient floor, which is designed to offer the luxurious look and feel of natural hardwoods, coupled with the advantages of a heavy-duty wearlayer. The plank is ribbed embossed to capture the look of the grain, and is designed for both residential and commercial use, EarthWerks says.

Montana Plank is available in eight designer colors.

Armstrong Commercial intros Living Colors linoleum

Armstrong Floor Products has released its new Living Colors of Linoleum Collection, a focused North American portfolio that adds 55 new colors in six distinctive styles to provide a comprehensive, color-integrated spectrum. The collection coordinates within the line, across Armstrong product categories and with other commercial interior finishes, Armstrong says.

Armstrong's flagship Marmotte line anchors the collection, and is supplemented by five other offerings.

Forbo launches residential Marmoleum ad campaign

Forbo Flooring has launched a new residential ad campaign for its Marmoleum flooring line. With the tagline "Stimulate Your Senses," the campaign consists of three ads that tell three stories -- Naturally, Colorfully and Creatively.

Marmoleum is a jute-backed flooring product made from all-natural materials including linseed oil, rosins and wood flour. The line features more than 100 colors, for a plethora of design options.

Domco's Elite resilient has stone, ceramic, wood looks

Domco's has launched Elite, a sheet resilient flooring line with six classic designs and extra-thick construction. By design, the six patterns and 24 colorations evoke a range of surfaces, including ceramic tile, modular tile, stone, and antiqued wood plank. Colors range from subtle neutrals, grays and greens to warm terracotta, coppery tones and rich darks.

As the flagship of Domco's high-end "blue" category, Elite features Tritonite Plus, a new finish formulation.

Congoleum's Xclusive floors offer Scotchgard protection

Congoleum's Xclusive resilient flooring features the company's patented nylon and aluminum oxide-reinforced wearlayer, coupled with Scotchgard-brand protection, for resistance against stains. At 108-mils, Xclusive's overall construction is the thickest in the industry, according to Congoleum.

Xclusive is available in eight designs in 32 popular colorations.