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.
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.
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, Shaw Industries owns the COREtec brand. Shaw acquired USFloors (the original creator and patent holder of COREtec) in 2016.
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 mops for COREtec luxury vinyl floors (LVP) are high-quality microfiber spray mops or gentle motorized scrubbers. These options provide the exact amount of moisture control needed to protect your floor's waterproof seams while safely lifting dirt and preventing scratches.
Yes, you can absolutely use Dawn dish soap on Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. Because it is a pH-neutral cleaner, it safely cuts through grease and dirt without damaging the protective wear layer. However, you only need a tiny amount, and you must rinse the floor afterward.
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.
Choosing the best carpet brand depends on your household needs, but the industry leaders consistently excel in specific categories like stain resistance, luxury, and eco-friendliness.
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.
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.
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.
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, Shaw is widely considered a high-quality, reputable brand. As one of the largest flooring manufacturers in North America, they are a trusted industry leader backed by over 50 years of experience.
Neither brand is universally better; the right choice depends on your specific needs. Mohawk is better if you prioritize extreme stain resistance and pet-friendly homes (using their SmartStrand/Triexta fibers). Shaw is better if you want a wider variety of styles and high-end nylon carpets at budget-friendly or mid-tier price points.
The best time to buy carpet is late December to mid-January or late spring to early summer when your demand is lower and retailers reduce prices. Carpet costs increase up to 25% during tax season and late fall when demand is high, so timing your purchase saves you money on materials.
In luxury homes, you will often find plush, high-pile carpets made from premium materials such as wool, silk, or hand-tufted fibers. These types of carpets not only add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a home but also provide comfort and durability that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Most COREtec products include attached cork underlayment as part of the plank construction. This cork layer provides benefits standard LVP doesn't offer: Comfort: Cork adds noticeable cushioning. COREtec floors feel softer and more comfortable underfoot than standard LVP, which can feel hard on your feet and joints.
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.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
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.