I absolutely LOVE Alterna, and I really think it looks best WITH grout. When Alterna is installed with grout, it's hard to tell that it's not a ceramic or porcelain tile, except for the fact that it's warmer, softer, and quieter! However, when Alterna is installed without grout, I personally feel it looks too much like a "regular vinyl floor". I would definitely recommend installing with grout.

The grout will be easy to maintain if you make sure you seal it afterwards and use a neutral ph cleaner to maintain it. www.ZilliantInnovations.com

Actually, the grout used with Armstrong's Alterna is an acrylic grout that does not require sealing. It actually should NOT be sealed. It is guaranteed to not crack or stain. As for cleaning, Armstrong makes a product called "Once 'N Done" that you just spray on and mop off. Easy peasy!

Although, they state that it is stain resistant and will not crack this is often, in my professional experience, not the case. ALL grout stains and discolors unless its epoxy and even that is questionable at times. Epoxy blended grout still stains. We see this in residential and commercial properties. Here is just one link to a person that has used this grout and the grout is clearly not stained resistant. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/cleaning-plus-mold-mildew-stain-removal/540516-deeply-stained-acrylic-sanded-grout-how-clean.html