Welcome. Looking to buy Vinyl Plank flooring but can’t decide which brand is best for you? If that’s right, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we compared and ranked the best Vinyl Plank flooring brand in the industry on Durability, Pricing, and Value.
We ranked the brands according to Best Overall, Best Value, Most Durable, Cheapest, and Worst. Our Rankings will give you a good idea of which brands suit you the most, whether you’re looking for decent, affordable options or higher-priced durable options.
To make your experience easier, we have ranked the specific lines of each brand, not the brands as a whole. This should help you find the best specific lvp line for you depending on Durability and Price. So without further ado, let’s dive into the best vinyl plank options of 2023.
Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click at no extra cost to you. All recommendations and opinions remain our own.
- Best Vinyl Plank Flooring in 2023
- Most Durable – Coretec Grande
- Best Overall – Proximity Mills SPC
- Runner-Up – Cali Vinyl Legends
- Third Place – Flooret Signature
- Best Value – TritonCore Vinyl Plank
- Best For Kitchens – Shaw Floorte
- Best for Bathrooms – Coretec Plus Tile
- Most Stylish – Pergo Extreme
- Best Cheap Vinyl Plank – Home Decorators Collection
- Worst Quality – ProCore
- Best Glue-Down Vinyl Plank – Vivero Best
- Best Commercial Vinyl Plank – Shaw Floorte Plus
- Worth a Mention – Mannington Adura Max
- Compare Our Picks
- What To Consider When Choosing Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring
- What Is The Thickest Vinyl Plank Flooring?
- What Is The Cheapest Vinyl Plank Flooring?
- Final Thoughts
- Looking for a Professional Flooring Installer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Vinyl Plank Flooring in 2023
- Most Durable – Coretec Grande
- Best Overall – Proximity Mills SPC
- Runner-Up – Cali Vinyl Legends
- Third Place – Flooret Modin Signature
- Best Value – TritonCore Vinyl Plank
- Best For Kitchens – Shaw Floorte
- Best For Bathrooms – Coretec Plus Tile
- Most Stylish – Pergo Extreme
- Best Cheap Vinyl Plank – Home Decorators Collection
- Worst Quality – ProCore Floors
- Best Glue-Down Plank – Armstrong Vivero Best
- Best Commercial Vinyl Plank – Shaw Floorte
- Worth a Mention – Mannington Adura Max
Keep reading below for a comprehensive description of each of our picks and why we chose them as one of the best vinyl plank flooring options on the market.
Most Durable – Coretec Grande
COREtec is and always has been one of the leading vinyl plank brands. You see, in 2013, Coretec was the first brand to introduce 100% waterproof floating rigid core vinyl plank flooring. This completely changed the game, and soon other brands followed with their own Rigid Core flooring. The durable construction of their planks and the wide range of styles to choose from really make them stand out as a brand.
Coretec boasts a large selection of Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring. COREtec offers five different product collections, each one of which serves its own purpose. However, the line we chose for the Most Durable Vinyl Plank is Coretec Grande.
Why Coretec Grande?
The Coretec Grande line was released in 2020 and completely blew away the whole Vinyl Plank flooring sector. Before this line was released, Shaw Floorte Plus was the thickest vinyl plank standing at 12mm thick whilst having a 30 mil wear layer. As of its release, Coretec Grande is the new thickest Vinyl Plank line of all, so you can expect excellent durability.
It is very thick, 15 millimeters to be precise. The Grande line is 3mm thicker than Shaw Floorte Plus and Cali Bamboo Legends but also matches Shaw’s 30mil wear layer. This makes it the top-performing vinyl plank on the overall thickness and wear layer thickness, the two most important aspects of Durability.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Coretec Grande
- Price Per Square Foot: $10.99
- Overall Thickness: 15 mm
- Wear Layer: 30 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 9” x 28”, 9” x 55” and 9” x 82”
Best Overall – Proximity Mills SPC
Proximity Mills is one of the fastest-growing flooring brands in the US. Although the brand has only been around for a few years, they’re already one of the most popular flooring options in 2022, and that’s for a good reason. At first, Proximills only offered Vinyl Plank flooring, but over the years, they also added Hardwood, Carpet, and Laminate to their catalog.
The brand’s main aim is sustainability, performance, and an easy buying process from local suppliers. Their vinyl planks have an entirely-waterproof SPC (stone-plastic composite) core. Vinyl planks with this type of core are known for their durability and high moisture resistance. Currently, the brand offers a wide range oftrendy vinyl lines, including hardwood and tile-look planks, with 11 highly-durable SPC collections.
Why Proximity Mills SPC?
We chose Proximity Mills SPC as our Best Overall vinyl plank because it’s an all-around performer that ticks all the boxes. Their planks are affordable, durable, and eco-friendly.
For example, Proximity Mills Vinyl Plank can be bought for as low as $3.50 per square foot, which is an excellent bang for your buck if you consider its stone-composite core’s durability and water resistance. In addition, almost all of the Proximity Vinyl Plank collections have a 22 mil wear layer thicker than most vinyl plank brands, only losing out to brands like Coretec and Shaw, which are much more expensive.
Apart from being affordable and durable, Proximity LVP is also highly eco-friendly. Their planks are FloorScore certified with zero-VOC levels, something we rarely see with vinyl plank flooring. VOCs stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, basically harmful substances which are released at room temperature in gas form.
Furthermore, the brand has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. After conducting in-depth research, we found that most reviewers are happy with their experience with the brand.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Proximity Mills SPC
- Price Per Square Foot: $3.49 – $6.99
- Overall Thickness: 6.5 mm
- Wear Layer: 22 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 9” x 48” and 8” x 48”
Runner-Up – Cali Vinyl Legends
Cali Bamboo was the first flooring brand to introduce bamboo flooring in the US, based in San Diego, California. The company was founded in 2004 by two college friends. First, it offered bamboo fencing, and after that, it added bamboo flooring. Cali Bamboo steadily expanded into the large brand it is now and offers a wide variety of flooring, decking, fencing, and other products, including Vinyl Plank flooring.
Cali Bamboo Vinyl is the brand’s vinyl plank flooring range. These Vinyl Planks have a strong structure combined with realistic rustic wood looks. The planks feature a mixed Bamboo and Vinyl Composite Core; Bamboo is well-known for being a very strong material, stronger than wood in some instances.
The brand’s toughest and most durable range is Cali Bamboo Legends which we chose for the second-best Vinyl Plank line.
Why Cali Vinyl Legends?
The main reason we chose this line as our second best is the overall structure and style. First of all, Cali Vinyl Legends is 12mm thick, which is the second-best thickness we have analyzed, equal to Shaw Floorte Plus. Their other lines, such as their Cali Vinyl Longboards, are also relatively thick, measuring 8mm overall. This, accompanied by the Bamboo-Vinyl WPC Composite Core, makes these vinyl planks very strong and long-lasting.
Another key reason is the overall style. Unlike some other vinyl plank brands, Cali Bamboo Vinyl looks very similar to real hardwood. The line comes in extra-long sizes to mimic the look of long hardwood planks even more. We do recommend Cali Bamboo Legends if you are looking for Durability and Style, no matter what the price is. Definitely a great choice for new Vinyl Plank Flooring.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Cali Vinyl Legends
- Price Per Square Foot: $6.49
- Overall Thickness: 12 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 9” x 60”
Third Place – Flooret Signature
Flooret is a US-based flooring brand specializing in vinyl plank and engineered hardwood. The company was founded back in 2015, and it’s fair to say that seven years later, it’s one of the most popular brands amongst US homeowners. Flooret claims its products have superior construction, a contemporary design, and are sustainably sourced. Their first claim is definitely correct, looking at the specs of their vinyl flooring.
The brand has two major lines of luxury vinyl plank; Modin Base and Modin Signature. Base is definitely the more affordable of the two, while Signature is a perfect choice if you’re looking for something highly durable.
What makes Flooret Signature vinyl so impressive is its unbeatable 40 mil wear layer. Even Coretec Grande (30mil) can’t beat that! The wear layer is a clear layer on the top of vinyl planks that protects the design layer from scuffs and scratches. In summary, Flooret Signature has the thickest wear layer of all the vinyl plank products we’ve reviewed, which speaks volumes regarding its durability. Plus, the planks have an SPC (stone-polymer-composite) core which is another bonus.
Style is another area where Flooret Signature shines. A quick scroll through their website will uncover incredibly trendy styles in XXL plank sizes with enhanced wood grain and knot visuals, with 14 options to choose from in total. Their main theme is light hardwood shades perfectly matching popular Scandinavian and farmhouse home decor concepts.
Why Flooret Signature?
Flooret Signature performs incredibly well on four key factors; durability, online reviews, style, and affordability. Yes, affordability too. Signature vinyl plank flooring can be bought for as little as $4.50 per square, which is amazing value for money if you consider the thick wear layer, decent overall thickness, pre-attached underlayment, and the SPC core. All things considered, we would highly recommend Flooret Signature if you want something durable that won’t hurt your wallet too much.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Flooret Modin Signature
- Price Per Square Foot: $4.50
- Overall Thickness: 7 mm
- Wear Layer: 40 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 9” x 72”
Best Value – TritonCore Vinyl Plank
Our best-value vinyl plank floor of the year is TritonCore. This product is sold exclusively at the FlooringInc store, and it’s their bestselling LVP line. As you can see in our comparison tables above, TritonCore is one of the cheapest yet the thickest vinyl plank products on the market, making it excellent value for money.
FlooringInc offers two TritonCore collections, regular TritonCore and TritonCore Pro; both are fully waterproof and have a scratch-resistant 22-mil wear layer, but they vary in overall thickness. The regular TritonCore version is 8mm thick, while the Pro line is 3mm thinner; they both have an ultra-strong bamboo and plastic composite core.
These two collections combined give homeowners an option of 14 unique styles. The brand offers lvp mimicking different shades of hardwood, including light, dark, and gray shades. Furthermore, TritonCore comes with pre-attached underlayment and is FloorScore certified for low VOC emissions.
Why TritonCore?
So why did we choose TritonCore as the best value? Well, the answer is simple. TritonCore is one of the thickest vinyl planks on the market, yet it’s one of the cheapest, with a price tag of $2.79 per square foot. In addition, you save money on underlayment as these floors come with it pre-attached to each plank. Furthermore, the lifetime residential and 15-year commercial warranty is outstanding compared to other similarly-priced brands. All things considered, if you’re after a high-quality, waterproof, but pocket-friendly vinyl plank floor, TritonCore is the ideal choice.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: TritonCore
- Price Per Square Foot: $2.79 – $2.87
- Overall Thickness: 8 mm
- Wear Layer: 22 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 7” x 48”
Best For Kitchens – Shaw Floorte
Shaw Industries is one of the largest flooring companies in the US; the brand has been producing flooring for over 40 years. Shaw started in 1946 as the Star Dye Company that produced rugs; in 1967, Shaw started selling carpets. Nowadays, Shaw offers a variety of flooring types, including Carpet, Hardwood, Vinyl, Tile & Stone, Laminate, and Commercial flooring.
Shaw offers many rigid core vinyl plank ranges, offering high quality and affordable options, so there is something for everyone’s budget needs. Now, if you’re looking for a product suitable for kitchens, you’ll want one that can deal with high residential traffic and frequent spillages. The specific Shaw line that stood out for us is Shaw Floorte Plus.
Why Shaw Floorte?
Shaw Floorte Classic is impressively thick, measuring 12mm in overall thickness. Not only that, this line has a 30mil wear layer, perfect for protecting against scuffs and scratches often caused by high residential traffic. Additionally, Floorte Plus has a strong, 100% waterproof mineral core. All this makes Floorte Plus very durable and long-lasting.
The Floorte Plus series is highly resistant to scratches making it suitable for pets and high-traffic areas. This is backed by an excellent 20-year Commercial Warranty. Shaw is one of three brands that offer vinyl planks measuring 12+ mm thick in the industry.
Overall, if you are looking for a vinyl plank floor that will stand the passing of time in your kitchen, choosing Shaw Floorte is a great option. However, it does have its premium price tag, but you get what you pay for.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Shaw Floorte Plus
- Price Per Square Foot: $6.99
- Overall Thickness: 12 mm
- Wear Layer: 30 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 7” x 48”
Best for Bathrooms – Coretec Plus Tile
Next up is a vinyl plank option ideal for bathrooms, Coretec Plus Tile. Yes, it’s another Coretec product. The pioneer vinyl flooring brand offers a diverse range of collections, and this one is probably the best fit if you’re searching for a tile-look design.
Coretec Plus tiles are made to resemble traditional tile floors, ranging from marble to limestone. Basically speaking, Coretec Plus vinyl tiles provide the look and durability of tile floors while also being much easier to install using the floating method. With around eight tile styles to choose from, you will have no problem finding something you like.
When it comes to durability, Coretec Plus Tiles will not disappoint. These tiles feature Coretec’s “Hydracore” core which is made from limestone, recycled wood, bamboo dust, and PVC, all combined together. Even after submersion in water, these tiles will remain intact without any expansion or contraction, which is often the case with vinyl flooring.
Furthermore, Coretec Plus tiles are highly-resistant to mold and mildew and have a pre-attached cord underlayment for optimal insulation and acoustics. Even better, these vinyl tiles are GreenGuard Gold certified, meaning they release very low amounts of VOC’s ensuring clean air in your home.
Why Coretec Plus Tile?
When searching for a vinyl plank product for your bathroom, you’ll want something that has a tile appearance. Coretec Plus tiles mimic traditional stone very well, so they are perfect for the purpose. Besides that, Coretec is perhaps the best lvp brand out there when it comes to durability. You can expect this floor to last a while. The 20 mil wear layer really helps to protect against scratches and scuffs. All in all, definitely one worth considering if you can afford it.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Coretec Plus Tile
- Price Per Square Foot: $6.49 – $10.49
- Overall Thickness: 8 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 12” x 24”
Most Stylish – Pergo Extreme
Our most stylish pick goes to Pergo Extreme. Pergo is a large US-based brand mainly known for inventing laminate flooring back in the seventies. However, now the brand also offers hardwood and vinyl plank flooring known for being high-quality and long-lasting.
First of all, let’s talk about Pergo Extreme’s style before we move on to its durability factors. These high-quality vinyl planks are one of the most beautiful on the market featuring enhanced wood looks. This includes embossed wood knots and graining, something rare with vinyl plank floors.
Homeowners can choose from 50 unique styles, which are mostly hardwood-look in dark, gray, and light shades. In addition, Pergo offers extra-wide planks as well as ceramic tile-look vinyl, a perfect option for bathrooms.
As mentioned before, Pergo Extreme is highly-durable. These planks are 100% waterproof, pet-proof, stainproof, and kid-proof. This is thanks to their composite core and a thick 20-mil wear layer. Furthermore, the Extreme line comes with a lifetime residential, 10-year commercial warranty and a pre-attached underlayment pad to each plank.
Why Pergo Extreme?
Enhanced wood grain and knot embossing of this level of detail are hard to come by when searching for vinyl plank flooring. Pergo is one of the only brands that mimic traditional hardwood looks so well. In addition, the Extreme line is incredibly durable and long-lasting, thanks to its scratch and water resistance. Pergo Extreme is ideal if you want something stylish and highly durable made in the US. The only downside is the above-average price tag, with options starting at around $4.19 per square foot.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Pergo Extreme
- Price Per Square Foot: $4.19 – $4.79
- Overall Thickness: 6 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 9” x 60”
Best Cheap Vinyl Plank – Home Decorators Collection
If you have been to the Home Depot, you may have seen some Home Decorators Collection products, it is Home Depot’s own brand. The Home Decorators Collection has a vinyl plank flooring range consisting of over 70 unique flooring products.
The selection consists of mainly grey, brown, wood-look, and white vinyl plank floors with varying plank sizes and wear layers (from 6 to 20 Mil). The vast majority of the products are listed as scratch, stain, and skid resistant; additionally, some non-slip floor options are also available.
The Home Decorators Collection vinyl planks come with a Lifetime Residential Warranty and a 5-year Commercial Warranty which is pretty good compared to its rival flooring brands.
Overall, Home Decorators Collection Vinyl Planks have fair durability. However, we can only say that about the 20MIL wear layer options offered by the brand. The flooring options with a wear layer of less than 20MIL may not be as durable.
Why Home Decorators Collection?
The major benefit of the Home Decorators Luxury Vinyl Plank is its cost. Prices of some lines are as low as 1.79$ per square foot. We chose this brand as the ‘Best out of the Cheapest’ Vinyl Plank option. This is simply because, for us, it’s the best option from the super-low budget spectrum.
However, we think it is probably wiser to invest a dollar more per square foot and go for something like NuCore, which is still affordable but much more durable.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Home Decorators Collection LVP
- Price Per Square Foot: $1.79 – $1.99
- Overall Thickness: 4.2 mm
- Wear Layer: 12 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 7” x 48”
Worst Quality – ProCore
ProCore Floors is a flooring brand that is available at most local Lowe’s stores; they mainly offer affordable waterproof Vinyl Plank flooring.
Out of all the Vinyl Plank brands we have reviewed here at HomeFloorExpert, ProCore scored the lowest on durability. This is mainly because of the poor overall thickness and wear layer thickness specification. Their thinnest line ProCore Heirloom is only 3.2mm thick and has a super-thin 6mil wear layer. It also happens to be the cheapest of all rigid vinyl plank options on the market, so basically, you get what you pay for.
The ProCore Plus line, which is supposed to be better, isn’t something we would rely on either. It is 5mm and has a 12mil wear layer. We consider a 20mil wear layer to be a minimum standard for good vinyl plank flooring, and ProCore simply doesn’t meet this standard.
Overall we recommend that you avoid this brand when looking for LVP flooring. Yes, it is the cheapest, but it is also one of the worst on quality. If you want a durable vinyl plank floor, consider options that are at least 8mm in overall thickness.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: ProCore Vinyl Plank
- Price Per Square Foot: $1.49
- Overall Thickness: 3.2 mm
- Wear Layer: 6 mil
- Attached Underlayment: No
- Plank Size: 5.75” x 35”
Best Glue-Down Vinyl Plank – Vivero Best
Vivero Best is a glue-down vinyl plank line made by Armstrong, a very well-known flooring brand. The flooring is made in the USA. We chose Vivero Best as the Best Glue-Down Vinyl Plank for this year mainly because of good thickness specifications, unique looks, and the use of diamond 10 technology. It really seems like the best option for glue-down LVP.
The wear layer is responsible for protecting the floor from scuffs and scratches; the wear layer should be at least 20 mil or more if you want a durable, long-lasting floor.
Vivero Best has a respectable 20 Mil wear layer and an overall thickness of 2.55mm. This is one of the thickest glue-down plank lines available on the market.
The line is available in 19 options; these are mainly hardwood-look and stone-look Luxury Vinyl Tiles. Many of the designs are unique, some displaying rustic style features. The plank size of VIvero Best is 6 inches wide by 48 inches long.
Diamond 10 technology was introduced to the flooring market by Armstrong and is the only brand that uses it. The brand states that this technology uses cultured diamonds and improves the hardness and durability of vinyl planks. These diamonds are used to harden the brand’s planks providing the ultimate scratch and stain resistance.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Armstrong Vivero Best
- Price Per Square Foot: $3.89 – $4.49
- Overall Thickness: 2.55 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil
- Attached Underlayment: No
- Plank Size: 6” x 48”
Best Commercial Vinyl Plank – Shaw Floorte Plus
Shaw’s Floorte Plus is a vinyl plank line specifically made for Commercial situations. It offers a supreme thickness of 12mm and a 30mil wear layer which is the best we have seen for Vinyl Planks. Additionally, Floorte Plus has a strong mineral core. All this makes Floorte Plus very durable and long-lasting.
Of course, there are two other brands that have similar thickness specifications, such as Coretec or Cali Bamboo. However, Shaw beats both of these brands on warranty, offering an industry-leading 20-year Commercial Warranty. This is why we chose this line as the Best Commercial Vinyl Plank.
Worth a Mention – Mannington Adura Max
Last but not least on our list of the best LVPs is Mannington Adura Max. Mannington Mills is one of the moguls of the US flooring industry. The brand was founded in 1915 and has been family-owned for five generations. They offer a comprehensive collection of solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, and vinyl plank flooring. Mannington floors are widely-known for their style, durability, and sustainability.
Adura Max is Manningtons premium vinyl plank line, available in over 20 unique hardwood-look styles. Mannington Adura Max planks are 8mm thick and have a ScratchResistant 20mil wear layer, a must for a high-quality vinyl plank. The brand states that this line is easy to clean and maintain, as well as being suitable for pets and high-traffic households.
Furthermore, the Adura Max line is fully waterproof, FloorScore-certified for low VOC emissions, and has an attached underlayment pad. Mannington also offers a generous lifetime residential and 10-year light commercial warranty. The only downside of Adura Max is the price tag which is around $6.39 per square foot.
All things considered, if you want a vinyl plank floor that’s scratch-resistant, waterproof, stylish, and can be installed in all areas of the house, Adura Max is definitely worth considering. In addition, there are hundreds of positive Mannington reviews made by previous customers, so they are a brand you can trust.
Key Specifications:
- Brand/Product: Mannington Adura Max
- Price Per Square Foot: $5.49 – $5.99
- Overall Thickness: 8 mm
- Wear Layer: 20 mil
- Attached Underlayment: Yes
- Plank Size: 6” x 48” and 7” x 48”
Compare Our Picks
| Flooring Name | Overall Thickness | Wear Layer | Price Per Square Foot |
| Coretec Grande | 15 mm | 30 mil | $10.99 |
| Proximity Mills SPC | 6.5 mm | 22 mil | $3.49 – $6.99 |
| Cali Vinyl Legends | 12 mm | 20 mil | $6.49 |
| Flooret Signature | 7 mm | 40 mil | $4.49 |
| TritonCore by FlooringInc | 8 mm | 22 mil | $2.79 – $2.89 |
| Shaw Floorte Plus | 12 mm | 30 mil | $6.99 |
| Coretec Plus Tile | 8 mm | 20 mil | $6.49 – $10.49 |
| Pergo Extreme | 6 mm | 20 mil | $4.19 – $4.79 |
| Home Decorators Collection | 4.2 mm | 12 mil | $1.79 – $1.99 |
| ProCore (Worst) | 3.2 mm | 6 mil | $1.49 |
| Armstrong Vivero Best | 2.55 mm | 20 mil | $3.89 – $4.49 |
| Mannington Adura Max | 8 mm | 20 mil | $5.49 – $5.99 |
What To Consider When Choosing Vinyl Plank Flooring
When choosing a vinyl plank product for your home, there are numerous key factors you should consider in order to pick the right one.
Wear Layer
The wear layer is perhaps the most important aspect of vinyl plank durability. It is the layer on the top of vinyl planks responsible for protecting the design layer from scuffs and scratches. We found that the wear layer must be at least 20 mils thick for a vinyl plank floor to have decent durability. That’s if you live in a moderate-traffic household. Of course, the thicker the wear layer, the better.
Overall Thickness
A thick vinyl plank always helps with stability and comfort. We always recommend going for vinyl planks that are at least 5 mm thick overall. Any less than that, you’re looking at low-quality products unless it’s glue-down vinyl. In most cases, the thicker the vinyl plank, the more durable your floors gonna be. That’s for most cases, not all. Anyway, try to choose something with decent thickness rather than a thinner, cheaper alternative with a short lifespan.
Style
Vinyl plank designs have gotten better over the years as technology advances. Do you remember the time when lvp first came out? The styles were ok at best. You could easily tell the difference between vinyl and hardwood. Nowadays, vinyl plank floors come with detailed visual layers that mimic enhanced wood features with great success. However, not all vinyl plank brands have come that far. Some still sell cheap vinyl floors with designs that repeat on every other plank. It’s best that you choose the most modern vinyl plank products that keep up with recent flooring trends.
Underlayment
Choosing a vinyl plank product that comes with pre-attached underlayment always helps. Firstly, you will save a lot of money as you don’t have to buy the underlayment separately. Secondly, it helps a lot with installation as you can install your new vinyl plank floor straight over an existing floor, such as tile or hardwood.
Online Reviews
When shopping for anything online, whether it’s computer equipment or vinyl plank flooring, you should deeply research the product’s online reviews. We always recommend only going for vinyl plank products with a large database of reviews and a positive online score. It’s also a great idea to read the negative reviews and check youtube for any hands-on reviews by fellow homeowners.
Plank Size
The size of the vinyl planks is an aspect that many buyers tend to overlook. Recent trends have shown that XXL sizes are the go-to in 2023. We’re talking about those 9″ by 72″ planks that can make a room look larger than it is and add a more luxurious feel. Coretec Grande planks are a perfect example. However, if you prefer the look of traditional hardwood, perhaps you should stick to smaller 7″ by 48″ vinyl planks. The choice is yours.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Pros:
- Water-Resistant – Vinyl planks are suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms and are more water-resistant than laminate.
- Hardwood Style Looks – Some Vinyl Plank products are simply stunning and look very similar to hardwood flooring.
- Long-Lasting – Vinyl Plank flooring generally lasts 5-20 years; however, the most durable vinyl plank floors can last up to 30 years if maintained correctly.
- Semi-Affordable – Although it is not as affordable as Laminate, it is still much cheaper than traditional solid hardwood flooring.
- Easy to Install – Most vinyl plank ranges can be installed using an easy locking mechanism, just like laminate flooring. Many buyers choose to install the floor themselves to save costs.
- Comes with Underlayment – Some Vinyl Plank lines come with pre-attached underlayment and can be installed straight over most subfloors.
Cons:
- Can Lower Indoor Air Quality – It is widely known that vinyl plank flooring can release harmful volatile organic compounds known as VOC’s which lowers air quality and can cause respiratory problems.
- No Impact on House Value – Unlike Hardwood flooring, which increases house value, vinyl plank flooring does not have an impact on the house value it’s installed in.
- Shorter lifespan than Hardwood – Some types of durable hardwood flooring can last from 50-200 years because it can be refinished many times. LVP can last up to 30 years maximum and cannot be refinished.
- Not Eco-Friendly – The manufacturing process of Vinyl Plank flooring releases large amounts of harmful gasses into the earth’s atmosphere.
What Is The Thickest Vinyl Plank Flooring?
For this Ranking, we selected only the thickest lines from each brand. These lines are the top 10 most durable vinyl plank options available on the market right now.
As you can clearly see in our ranking table below, Coretec Grande (15 mm thick) is outshining the competition in terms of overall thickness. This line was released to the public in 2020, and Coretec Grande has been the thickest of all vinyl plank flooring products since then.
Shaw Floorte Classic, Cali Vinyl Legends, and Coretec Plus Premium follow close behind, while TritonCore seems like the Best Value.
| Brand / Line | Overall Thickness | Wear Layer | Warranty Residential / Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coretec Grande | 15 mm | 30 mil | lifetime / 10 year |
| Shaw Floorte Classic | 12 mm | 30 mil | lifetime / 20 year |
| Coretec Plus Premium | 12 mm | 20 mil | lifetime / 10 year |
| Cali Vinyl Legends | 12 mm | 20 mil | 50 year / 15 year |
| TritonCore by FlooringInc | 8 mm | 22 mil | lifetime / 15 year |
| NuCore Rigid Core 8mm | 8 mm | 22 mil | lifetime / 15 year |
| Cali Vinyl Longboards | 8 mm | 20 mil | 50 year / 15 year |
| Mannington Adura Max | 8 mm | 20 mil | lifetime / 10 year |
What Is The Cheapest Vinyl Plank Flooring?
If you are looking for really cheap vinyl plank options, then the table below should help you find what you’re after. These lines are the Top 5 cheapest options we could find after comparing over 20 different flooring brands.
TritonCore and the home decorator’s collection (home depot) are definitely the more durable of the cheapest. We actually don’t recommend any of these lines as we think the longevity of a floor is more important than the price.
| Brand, Line | Price per Square Foot | Overall Thickness | Wear Layer Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procore Heirloom | $1.49 per sq. ft | 3.2 mm | 6 mil |
| Home Decorators Collection | $1.79 per sq. ft | 4 – 4.2 mm | 8 -12 mil |
| Mohawk Solidtech Essentials | $2.05 – $2.70 per sq. ft | 4.5 mm | 12 mil |
| NuCore 5mm | $2.49 per sq. ft | 5 mm | 22 mil |
| Procore Plus | $2.49 – $2.59 per sq. ft | 5 mm | 12 mil |
What Is The Cheapest Glue-Down Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Glue-Down vinyl planks are much cheaper than rigid vinyl planks. They are much thinner and greatly rely on the subfloor, just like vinyl sheet flooring.
Glue-Down planks are also something of which we are not a fan. Although they have hardwood designs, you can clearly see that the floor is not really hardwood. This gives the floor a ‘fake’ look. Some rigid vinyl planks, on the other hand, look very similar to actual hardwood planks.
Here are the cheapest glue-down vinyl plank options we could find on the flooring market as of 2021/22. We don’t recommend these lines apart from Vivero. Vivero Best is probably the best choice for glue-down planks if you want decent durability and performance.
| Brand or Line | Price per Square Foot | Wear Layer Thickness | Overall Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProCore Pro 2mm | $1.19 per sq. ft | 8 mil | 2 mm |
| Armstrong American Personality 12 | $1.39 per sq. ft | 12 mil | 2 mm |
| Armstrong Vivero Good | $1.59- $1.79 per sq. ft | 6 mil | 2 mm |
| Mohawk Ultimate Flex | $1.79 per sq. ft | 10 mil | 2 mm |
| Shaw Matrix Advanced Flex | $1.99 per sq. ft | 6 mil | 3.2 mm |
| ProCore Pro 2.5mm | $1.99 per sq. ft | 20 mil | 2.5 mm |
| Armstrong Vivero Best | $3.89 – $4.49 per sq. ft | 20 mil | 2.55 mm |
Final Thoughts
When looking for Vinyl Plank flooring, you choose the right brand. The last thing you want is a bad vinyl floor that shows scratches and peeling only after a couple of years. We hope that this article, our picks, and our rankings helped readers find the right Vinyl Plank brands for them.
If you are seeking more information on a specific brand that we included, click on the links we provided or go to our Flooring Reviewssection to find it there.
Feel free to express your own opinion about which vinyl plank brand you think is best or any experiences you had with any of these brands in our comment section at the bottom of the page.
Looking for a Professional Flooring Installer?
Lots of our readers often complain that they can’t find flooring installers in their area. We recommend you try our free estimation tool to get at least three free quotes from qualified & approved installers in your area within 24 hours.
The tool is powered by Networx who have been helping people find qualified flooring installers for over 20 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vinyl plank thickness matter?
Vinyl Plank flooring thickness is key to the floor’s longevity. We found that the thickest Vinyl Planks come with the best warranties for the buyer. Therefore the thicker the plank, the longer the warranty. As a result, you do have to pay more for the thickest options.
Another key aspect is the wear layer thickness which is responsible for hiding scratches. Vinyl Plank types with the thickest wear layers tend to last the longest.
Are vinyl planks fully waterproof?
Generally speaking, most vinyl planks are waterproof, but to an extent. For example, Vinyl Plank floors are good for Bathroom scenarios; however, you shouldn’t install them under showerheads where there is constant contact with water.
In areas like Kitchens and Bathrooms, Vinyl Planks will do a good job as long as you deal with spillages immediately. On the other hand, Vinyl Planks are not suitable for outdoor use; they will warp, shrink and buckle. If you are looking for a floor in a wet room, directly underneath showerheads, or outdoors, then tile floors are a much better option.
In Summary, Vinyl Planks are not 100% waterproof. They are instead water-resistant to an extent. Of course, this all depends on which brand you choose, as some are more water-resistant than others.
Do vinyl planks need underlayment?
Some high-quality Vinyl Planks do not require underlayment as they come with pre-attached underlayment. They can be installed straight over wood, concrete, tiles, etc., as long as the sub-floor is in good condition. However, some vinyl planks do not come with pre-attached underlayment and do require it to be laid on the subfloor prior to installation.
It is very important to check the underlayment specifications when looking at buying vinyl planks as the lack of underlayment has an impact on the overall cost of installation.
Are vinyl planks easy to install?
Vinyl Plank Flooring is one of the easiest flooring types to install, and many people do it themselves to save money on installation. Most vinyl planks can be installed using a locking mechanism, and just like laminate do not need to be glued down or nailed. The planks can be cut to size easily using electrical tools such as a jigsaw or table saw.
However, there is another type of vinyl plank, which is thinner and more flexible than rigid vinyl planks. Most people simply call them Glue-Down vinyl planks. These vinyl planks do need to be glued down, as the name suggests. This installation method is harder to install than the locking method, especially for a beginner.
Do vinyl planks need to acclimate?
Most Luxury Vinyl Plank products do need an acclimation period of at least 48 hours prior to installation. Acclimation is the process of letting the vinyl planks get used to the new environment and moisture conditions. You can simply put the boxes of flooring in your house two days prior to installation; this ensures that the planks don’t expand and dent after installation, which can cause major problems.
However, there are some brands that state that their products do not require acclimation; therefore, it’s very important to check the acclimation details with each specific brand.
Does vinyl plank flooring release chemicals?
Because of the materials used in the manufacturing process of vinyl planks, they will emit some levels of VOCs into the environment. VOCs are Volatile organic compounds; these are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. These chemicals can be harmful to the air quality of your home and may even cause respiratory problems for people over time. Most of the VOCs are usually released from vinyl planks shortly after installation, but this isn’t always the case.
When searching for vinyl plank flooring, you can find Low VOC options. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any vinyl plank products that don’t release these chemicals.
Is Vinyl Plank flooring environmentally friendly?
In our opinion, Vinyl Plank flooring definitely isn’t environmentally friendly. At the end of the day, it is made using plastic. Any plastic is not good for the planet. The manufacturing process of vinyl plank flooring releases large amounts of harmful gasses into the atmosphere. Additionally, Vinyl Plank releases toxic VOCs over time and can be harmful to the air quality of your home; it may even cause respiratory problems for people over time.
Some sources do disagree with us, stating that vinyl plank flooring is recyclable, and we do partially agree with them; Vinyl Planks can be recycled, but that doesn’t stop harmful gasses from being released during their production. Therefore we can’t say that Vinyl products are good for the planet.
With the current pollution crisis, we may see the downfall of plastic products or the emergence of biodegradable plastic products in the coming years.
What is the thickest Vinyl Plank flooring?
The thickest vinyl plank flooring on the market is Coretec Grande. It is 15mm thick overall and has a 30mil wear layer. On thickness, Coretec Grande beats all of its market competitors, including Shaw Floorte Plus (12mm) and Cali Bamboo Legends (12mm).
It’s really impressive to see how many different price ranges vinyl plank floors have. Picking out a very high-quality brand among these could be a great way to have a meaningful renovation project while still staying within our budget. I’ll definitely work with a flooring expert so I can find out which of these kinds of luxury options fit our budget.
With the vinyl floor releasing VOC toxins, can the floor be sealed somehow? Like coat of poly over it or something like that?
If you’re worried about VOC release consider Proximity Vinyl Planks. Some of their ranges are rated zero-VOC.
As for VOCs is it helpful to shop for flooring that is Floorscore certified or GreenGuard Gold?
Yes, they help. FloorScore and GreenGuard are the two most recognized indoor air quality certifications in the US. We wouldn’t recommend a flooring product without those.
Any idea where to buy Coretec Grande?
There are many online stores that sell and deliver Coretec Grande to your home. Search for Coretec Grande in Google Shopping.
We just installed Proximity Mills Suwannee River in our new build and absolutely love the floors! No VOC, beautiful looks and feels great under our feet.
Thanks for sharing your experience with Proximity Mills.
We had the Proximity Mills Yukon River in Firewood installed a bit over a year ago. I couldn’t be happier with our choice. No mars, scratches, or other defects. It really does look just like the day it was installed.
We are building a home and are planning to use hydronic radiant floor heating. What do you recommend for a LVP option to provide good heat transfer to the room, while maintaining the other great attribute of LVP.
In terms of underfloor heating, ceramic or stone tiles are best as they retain the most heat. Vinyl floors can be used, but the heating temperature cannot exceed 27 Celsius, and they don’t keep the heat for long. Tile is the best option. Polished Concrete works well too.
I wish to install LVT in my living room, kitchen and bathroom. Thiis is a condo in coastal Rhode Island and the heat will be turned off in the winter. What recommended LVT do you suggest?
Coretec Pro Plus, Flooret Modin, Mannington Adura Max, Cali Vinyl Longboards. All solid products we recommend.