The best vinyl plank flooring depends on your needs, but top-rated brands dominating the market for durability and style include COREtec for comfort, Lifeproof for the best overall DIY value, and Shaw Floors for commercial-grade performance.
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).
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.
Luxury vinyl has a core base layer that's made of premium, durable materials. This contributes to a sturdy plank that is close in resemblance to true hardwood. It'll last much longer than standard vinyl and also looks more authentic. Luxury vinyl also tends to be much more expensive.
Both COREtec and Shaw are premier luxury vinyl plank (LVP) brands. COREtec is famous for its thick, comfortable WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) core and cork backing, while Shaw (which actually owns COREtec) offers a massive variety of highly durable, stiffer SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) floors under its Floorté line.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a premium flooring investment due to its patented rigid core construction, attached cork underlayment, and thick scratch-resistant wear layers. It pioneered the LVP category, allowing them to charge a premium for their name recognition and engineering.
COREtec is a premium luxury vinyl plank (LVP) that offers highly realistic wood visuals, thicker composite cores, and extensive warranties. Lifeproof (The Home Depot’s house brand) is a budget-friendly option that relies on flexible vinyl, making it easier to install and more forgiving on uneven subfloors.
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.
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.
The best luxury vinyl plank (LVP) brands are COREtec, Shaw Floors, Mohawk, Flooret, and LifeProof. These manufacturers stand out for their realistic wood textures, durable wear layers (20-mil or higher), rigid cores, and 100% waterproof capabilities.
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.
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.
Shaw Floors offers luxury vinyl planks free from phthalates, meeting strict indoor air quality standards. Another contender, Mannington, uses non-toxic materials and holds both FloorScore and GreenGuard certifications. Changlongflor holds certifications such as FloorScore, GreenTag Level A, IAC Gold, EPD, CE, and more.
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:
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.
Costco's "20 rule" can refer to three different concepts depending on your intent:
Shaw Custom Flooring | Costco.