The best Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) brands on the market include COREtec, Shaw Floors, Mohawk, Karndean, and Lifeproof. These industry leaders stand out for their advanced core technologies, exceptional scratch and waterproof ratings, and highly realistic wood and stone visuals.
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.
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.
To tell if Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is good quality, prioritize the wear layer thickness (aim for ≥20is greater than or equal to 20≥20 mils) and the core type (look for rigid SPC or WPC). Quality planks also feature thick overall profiles (≥5is greater than or equal to 5≥5 mm) and realistic embossing for an authentic look.
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.
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.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a popular, waterproof flooring choice, but it has significant downsides. Its major drawbacks include vulnerability to heavy furniture dents, fading from direct sunlight, and total inability to be refinished. Furthermore, poor-quality options often suffer from brittle locking systems and emit VOCs.
Yes. Both dry and wet Swiffer mops are safe to use on vinyl plank, as long as you're using cleaning pads that don't leave behind residue. Just avoid soaking the floor.
What are the most popular vinyl plank flooring colors in 2026? Light oak, greige, and soft brown tones continue to be favorites. These colors feel fresh and versatile, working well with neutral palettes, natural light, and the relaxed, airy look many homeowners are going for right now.
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.
Yes, mold can absolutely grow under vinyl plank flooring. Because vinyl is waterproof and non-porous, it does not allow air to pass through. If moisture gets trapped underneath, the flooring acts like a plastic lid, trapping water and creating an ideal, dark breeding ground for mold.
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.
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, 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.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for vinyl floors, but only if heavily diluted. It is excellent for cutting grease and grime, particularly in kitchens. However, using too much can leave a cloudy, dull, or sticky film behind.
The best mop for vinyl plank flooring is a microfiber flat mop (or a gentle spray mop). It cleans without scratching the wear layer and allows you to control moisture, preventing standing water from seeping into the joints and causing planks to swell or warp.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, excessive water, or abrasive tools on vinyl plank flooring, as these can strip the protective wear layer, dull the shine, or cause planks to warp.
While Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is incredibly popular for being affordable, water-resistant, and DIY-friendly, it faces significant backlash, particularly from flooring contractors and interior purists. Common complaints include:
The healthiest flooring options for your home are those that are low-emitting, hypoallergenic, and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic adhesives. The absolute best choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivity are solid hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, and natural linoleum.
Yes, you can place a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring. Because the floor is highly durable and waterproof, it easily handles the weight and potential spills of a fridge. However, as with any heavy object on a floating floor, taking a few precautions prevents damaging the planks.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
Both retailers offer similar selections, but your choice depends on specific product lines, professional discounts, and installation services.
- Budget LVP: $1.50 - $2.25/sq ft (4-8 mil wear layer) (A 12mil or 20 mil from us!) Bottom Line: For a 1,000 sq ft project, budget $3,500-$5,500 for a quality mid-grade professional installation, or $1,500-$3,000 for a DIY project with good materials. Add 10% extra to your oder for waste and future repairs.