When you're knee-deep in a home renovation, the sheer volume of product names starts to feel like a fever dream. You’re looking for a floor that doesn't scream "plastic" but won't warp the second a sippy cup hits the deck. Lately, if you’ve been browsing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile (LVT), three names probably keep surfacing: Rushmore, Plymouth, and Dartmouth.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a maze. Some people think these are different brands. Others think they’re specific colors within a single line. The reality? They are high-performance visuals often found in the luxury vinyl space, specifically within collections like those from Mannington or regional specialists like Shoreline and Axiscor. They’ve become the "triple threat" for homeowners who want that rugged, East Coast-meets-Mountain-West aesthetic without the maintenance of real stone or reclaimed timber.
What’s the Deal with Rushmore?
If you're hunting for a floor that looks like it was pulled straight from a South Dakota quarry, Rushmore is usually the one. Most notably seen in the Mannington Adura Flex line, this isn't a wood look. It’s a bold, slate-look tile.
We’re talking about an 18” x 18” format that tries to mimic real shaling and sediment. You know that flaky, layered look real slate has? That’s what they’re going for here. It’s got a medium color variation, which basically means you won’t get a flat, boring gray across the whole room. One tile might be a deep charcoal while the next has hints of lighter "Keystone" or "Black Hill" tones.
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From a technical side—because you actually have to live on the stuff—it’s usually a 2.5mm thick glue-down product with a 20 mil wear layer. That 20 mil number is the gold standard for residential durability. It means your dog’s nails or a dragged kitchen chair aren't going to turn your floor into a scratched mess in six months.
Why People Pick It:
- The Look: It’s "rugged" but polished.
- The Feel: Often features "True Detail Styling," so when you walk barefoot, it doesn't feel like a smooth sheet of linoleum.
- The Waterproof Factor: Unlike real slate, which can be porous and tricky to seal, this stuff is 100% waterproof. You can basically hose it down (though maybe don’t actually do that indoors).
Moving East: The Plymouth and Dartmouth Connection
While Rushmore leans into the "stone and mountain" vibe, Plymouth and Dartmouth usually represent the wood-look side of the equation. These names are frequently tied to brands like Shoreline Luxury Vinyl or specific regional collections that favor that "New England Heritage" palette.
Plymouth tends to be a classic. Think 7-inch wide planks. It’s the "Goldilocks" of flooring widths—not too skinny (which looks dated) and not too wide (which can feel overly farmhouse). Usually, you’ll find Plymouth in a 4.3mm thickness with an attached pad. That pad is a lifesaver. It saves you from buying separate underlayment and makes the floor feel way less "clicky" when you walk on it.
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Then there’s Dartmouth. Dartmouth is often the darker, more sophisticated cousin. While Plymouth might lean toward a weathered, sandy oak, Dartmouth usually brings in those richer, chocolatey tones or cooler, stoney grays. It’s the kind of floor you put in a home office or a master suite where you want a bit more "weight" to the room’s design.
The Technical Specs That Actually Matter
I get it. Looking at "wear layers" and "mils" is about as exciting as watching paint dry. But if you’re choosing between these three, these specs are why one costs $2.50 a square foot and the other costs $5.00.
- Wear Layer: Most of the Plymouth/Dartmouth styles use a 12 mil layer. This is great for a normal house. If you have three Huskies and a toddler, you might want to look at the Rushmore (Adura Flex) versions that jump up to 20 mil.
- Installation Type: * Glue Down: This is often how you'll find the Rushmore slate tiles. It’s more permanent and doesn't need transition strips between rooms.
- Floating (Click): This is the standard for Plymouth and Dartmouth planks. It’s a DIY dream because the pieces just lock together like Lego.
- Temperature Limits: A lot of these vinyl floors have a "melt" or "warp" point. For instance, Shoreline’s Plymouth specifically warns not to let the floor surface exceed 140°F. So, maybe don't put it in a sunroom with floor-to-ceiling glass in the middle of a Texas summer without some decent blinds.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often walk into a flooring store and ask for "Rushmore" thinking it’s a brand. It’s not. It’s a design. You might find a "Rushmore" in a Mannington tile and a "Rushmore" in an Axiscor plank. They are completely different products.
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Always check the back of the sample.
You’ve got to make sure the construction matches your subfloor. If your subfloor is slightly uneven, a thin glue-down Rushmore tile is going to show every single bump and dip (it’s called "telegraphing"). In that case, you’d be much better off with a thicker, rigid core Dartmouth plank that can bridge those small imperfections.
Actionable Steps for Your Renovation
Don't just buy based on the name. It sounds cool to say you have "Dartmouth Oak" in your living room, but the specs have to work.
- Order three samples of each. Seriously. Lighting in a showroom is a lie. See how the Rushmore slate looks at 4:00 PM when the sun is hitting it. It might look way more orange or blue than you expected.
- Check the "Pad Attached" status. If you're looking at Plymouth or Dartmouth, make sure the underlayment is already on the plank. It saves you about $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot in extra material costs.
- Measure your "Run." If you're doing a huge open-concept space, check the manufacturer's guide on how long a "run" can be before you need a transition strip. Some of these click-lock floors can only go 30 or 40 feet before they need a break to allow for expansion.
- Verify the Wear Layer. If you’re putting this in a high-traffic entryway, aim for 20 mil. If it’s just a guest bedroom that sees a visitor once a month, 12 mil (common in the Plymouth styles) is perfectly fine.
Start by grabbing a sample of the Mannington Adura Flex Rushmore if you want stone, or the Shoreline Plymouth if you want a reliable, easy-to-install wood plank. Compare the "hand-feel" of the texture—because you're the one who has to walk on it every morning.