COREtec flooring, while popular for being waterproof and durable, has several disadvantages, including susceptibility to surface scratches from pets or furniture, potential for dents from heavy objects, and a higher price point compared to other luxury vinyl products. It cannot be refinished, requires perfectly level subfloors to avoid clicking sounds, and may suffer from pattern repeats or fading in direct sunlight.
Yes, COREtec floors are generally worth the money if you want a premium, highly durable Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). While they carry a premium price tag (averaging $8 to $12 per square foot installed) compared to budget brands, they offer significant advantages in comfort, waterproofing, and long-term resale value.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
COREtec is widely regarded as the highest-rated and most popular luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring brand in 2026, known for its 100% waterproof, durable, and stable construction featuring a signature cork underlayment. Other top-rated, high-performance brands include Shaw Floors (Floorté series), Mohawk SolidTech Plus, and Karndean Designflooring.
Comparing COREtec and Mohawk depends on your specific flooring type, as COREtec is best known for luxury vinyl plank (LVP), while Mohawk is famous for its waterproof "hybrid laminate," RevWood. COREtec excels in premium comfort and 100% moisture-proof builds, whereas Mohawk offers higher dent resistance and more budget-friendly pricing.
Is vinegar safe for Coretec? Yes, diluted white vinegar works as a gentle cleaner—just don't flood the floors. Are Swiffer wet pads OK for Coretec? Most are fine for luxury vinyl, but avoid overly wet pads.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
To get the most realistic LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring, you need to look for Embossed in Register (EIR) technology. This means the physical texture of the wood grain perfectly aligns with the printed photographic layer underneath, so you can feel the knots and grooves you are looking at.
CORETEC is a premium luxury vinyl brand created by US Floors, which was acquired by Shaw Industries in 2016. While they share the same parent company, COREtec is known for softer, quieter, and thicker WPC (wood plastic composite) flooring with an attached cork underlayment. Shaw’s namesake LVP (such as Floorté) generally relies on denser, firmer SPC (stone plastic composite) at a lower price point.
The best months to buy flooring are late December through February and mid-May to early June. During winter, flooring stores clear out old inventory with deep discounts—often 15–30% off.
Joanna Gaines is known for her signature "modern farmhouse" aesthetic, relying on light wide-plank wood, vintage checkerboard tile, patterned cement, and earthy volcanic ash. She frequently uses durable, high-quality flooring materials that blend old-world character with family-friendly functionality.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
6–12 mil wear layers are best for light residential use, guest rooms and low-traffic areas. 12–20 mil is ideal for busy homes with kids and pets, your everyday family use. 20+ mil is where you enter light commercial territory, rental properties, small shops, and offices.
Yes, Costco sells COREtec flooring through its custom flooring program in partnership with Shaw Floors. Members can purchase various styles of COREtec luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and tile.
LVP floors feature a tough, durable wear layer that helps resist scratches from pet claws, toys, and furniture. Dog nails and rowdy toddlers dragging chairs can wreak havoc on weaker floors, but luxury vinyl flooring is engineered to prevent scratches in everyday traffic.
COREtec flooring, while popular for being waterproof and durable, has several disadvantages, including susceptibility to surface scratches from pets or furniture, potential for dents from heavy objects, and a higher price point compared to other luxury vinyl products. It cannot be refinished, requires perfectly level subfloors to avoid clicking sounds, and may suffer from pattern repeats or fading in direct sunlight.
Yes, Lowe's sells COREtec flooring, but it is primarily branded and sold exclusively as SMARTCORE by COREtec Floors. This is a, waterproof, and DIY-friendly luxury vinyl flooring designed specifically for Lowe's featuring COREtec technology.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
COREtec offers thicker wear layers (12-30 mil) and superior scratch resistance compared to LifeProof's 12-20 mil wear layer options. COREtec costs $3.50-$6.00 per square foot with wider retail distribution, while LifeProof is budget-friendly at $2.00-$3.50, exclusively at Home Depot.
The most popular vinyl plank flooring colors are warm neutrals, blonde oaks, and greiges (gray-beige). While cool grays previously dominated, design trends have shifted toward natural, inviting earth tones that brighten spaces and offer high versatility for both modern and rustic decor.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
The 2026 wood color trends center on rich, natural warmth and deliberate contrast. As stark, ashy, and gray tones fade out, design focuses on honey-colored oak, espresso, and deep walnut to create layered, highly textured spaces rather than perfectly matched finishes.