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.
The best grade of LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring for overall durability and performance is commercial-grade LVP, which features a 20-mil (or thicker) wear layer and a rigid core (SPC or WPC).
Choosing between COREtec and LifeProof depends on your budget and how you plan to use the space. Generally, COREtec is considered a higher-end, premium flooring option, while LifeProof (a private-label brand from The Home Depot) is prized for being a more affordable, DIY-friendly choice.
The best flooring for asthma sufferers is smooth, hard-surface material that doesn't trap dust, mold, or pet dander. Top choices include solid hardwood, tile, cork, and low-VOC luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Always prioritize low-VOC materials and glues to prevent volatile organic compounds from triggering asthma symptoms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anti-dust mite laundry detergents and additives are specially formulated to neutralize allergens and wash away waste matter in any water temperature, making them highly effective for allergy relief without damaging delicate fabrics.
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.
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.
Pergo and COREtec represent two entirely different flooring categories: Pergo is primarily laminate (wood-based), while COREtec is Luxury Vinyl Plank/Tile (LVP/LVT) (limestone and PVC-based). Pergo is stiffer, offers a cooler feel, and is budget-friendly, whereas COREtec is 100% waterproof, softer underfoot, and premium-priced.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, dust mites thrive in pillows. Pillows provide the perfect environment for them, offering warmth, moisture from sweat, and a constant food supply of dead skin cells.
With the AllerTech laundry detergent, dust mites are killed at any temperature and other allergens are removed. The AllerTech laundry detergent is just as effective as traditional laundry detergents at cleaning clothes and getting stains out with the added benefit of removing allergens from your clothes.
Dust mites are at their absolute worst during late summer and winter. Because they feed on dead skin and thrive in humidity, their population and allergen levels peak at different times of the year:
Choosing non-toxic vinyl flooring can make a significant difference in creating a safer and healthier home. Brands like Shaw Floors, COREtec, and Changlongflor offer low-VOC vinyl options, helping to minimize indoor air pollutants and limit exposure to harmful substances.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
The best flooring for arthritis minimizes joint impact, cushions footfalls, and provides a slip-free, easy-to-navigate surface. Top choices include cushioned luxury vinyl plank (LVP), cork, and carpet. Avoid hard, unforgiving surfaces like ceramic tile or unyielding hardwood, as they aggravate joint pain.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
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.
Nationwide house prices are expected to rise, but at a much slower, more moderate rate of roughly 1% to 3%. Rather than a housing crash or explosive growth, experts project a stabilizing market where price increases generally align with overall inflation.