Are you looking for details on the best vinyl plank flooring brands, testimonials, costs, and other factors? You’ve arrived at the proper location. We will delve deeply into the world of luxury vinyl plank, but if it’s more convenient, you can skip ahead to our section on the top brands.

The best vinyl plank flooring include Shaw Primavera Bayou Luxury Plank Flooring, TrafficMaster Edwards Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, NuCore White Pewter Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank, COREtec Plus 5″ Waterproof Vinyl Planks, CoreLuxe Ultra, Pergo Extreme Wider Longer – Toasted Peanut…

Let’s take a closer look to determine which vinyl plank flooring options are best for your requirements. Keep reading.

Best Vinyl Plank Flooring

It’s time to look at some of the best vinyl plank flooring that is currently on the market, armed with the knowledge from the above paragraph. For convenience, the products listed below have been divided into groups.

Best Overall: Shaw Primavera Bayou Luxury Plank Flooring

The Shaw Primavera embodies many of the characteristics that make these floor coverings so popular, though it may not be possible to find a single vinyl plank flooring that will suit everyone.

As one of the top manufacturers of vinyl plank flooring, Shaw has been in business for more than 50 years and has a well-known reputation for producing high-quality goods in a variety of industries, including carpet and hardwood. Their Primavera vinyl plank flooring has an embossed texture for a more realistic feel and is available in 10 wood visuals. Since it has a 20-mil wear layer and is waterproof, it can be used in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements for both residential and commercial applications.

Additional foot comfort and noise reduction are provided by an acoustic pad. Over a wooden or concrete subfloor, Shaw Primavera vinyl planks are simple to install.

Pros

• Superb quality
• Realistic texture
• Acoustic pad for noise control and comfort

Cons

• Premium price

Best Bang for the Buck: TrafficMaster Edwards Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Even though TrafficMaster is a low-cost vinyl plank alternative, it is still a high-quality item. It is made by Shaw, a company that produces a number of high-end products exclusively for The Home Depot.

It is a bit thinner than some at 4.4mm, but it still has good scratch and impact resistance. It is fully waterproof, making it suitable for use anywhere in the home, including basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Preattached sound-absorbing underlayment makes installation simpler. It is available in four different wood colors.

Despite TrafficMaster’s claim that its vinyl plank flooring is for residential and light commercial use, its wear layer of 6 mil means that it is not intended for high-traffic areas, which limits its use in commercial spaces.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• 100 percent waterproof
• Above-, on-, or below-grade use

Cons

• Limited color range
• Not for high-traffic areas

Best Kitchen and Bathroom: NuCore White Pewter Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank

NuCore vinyl plank flooring is unusual in that in addition to the wear layer, it also has a separate antimicrobial coating designed to combat the mold and mildew that can be a problem in humid environments. Although this flooring can be used throughout the house, the protective coating makes it especially suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.

Because of the wear layer’s thick 22 mil construction, it can be used in both residential and commercial settings. In addition to being waterproof and qualified for installation on, above, and below grade, NuCore vinyl plank flooring is available in eight different colors, and added texture offers increased realism.

Despite the product’s attached cork backing for added comfort, the manufacturer suggests using its own additional underlayment sheet to improve warmth and dampen noise.

Pros

• Actively combats mold and mildew
• GreenGuard Gold environmental certification
• Made in the U.S.A.

Cons

• Premium price

Best Narrow Plank: COREtec Plus 5″ Waterproof Vinyl Planks

In large spaces, wide vinyl planks can be impressive, but in small spaces, they can appear a little overwhelming. The flooring is usually more appropriate for the room and has the added benefit of making the space appear larger than it is.

The best option in this situation is COREtec Plus 5″ vinyl flooring. Since there are so many colors to choose from, there is something to suit every taste. They might be narrower than usual, but they are no less tough, with a 20-mil wear layer that makes them suitable for residential or commercial use.

The patent-pending “Hydrocore” is an SPC composite that is completely inert and unaffected by water. Because it can be installed above, on, or below grade, COREtec Plus is a good option for laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens as well.

Pros

• Extremely durable hybrid composition
• Can withstand being fully submerged
• Wide choice of colors

Cons

• Expensive

Most Available Style Options: CoreLuxe Ultra

If you want a more realistic underfoot feel at an affordable price, CoreLuxe Ultra LVP might be a good choice for you. You can be sure that the item will be available in your area if you order online through LL Flooring. They provide numerous designer wood options, including walnut, oak, hickory, maple, and far more to ensure that your existing decor is matched during installation.

Pros

• Fair pricing
• FloorScore certified
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Required add-ons, like padding and a moisture barrier could bump up your price

Best Oversize Plank: Pergo Extreme Wider Longer – Toasted Peanut

Pergo has been making quality flooring since the 1970s. Their Extreme line of vinyl plank flooring stands out for using an aluminum oxide coating rather than the more typical polyurethane. It offers increased protection against scuffs and scratches, making Pergo Extreme among the toughest vinyl plank flooring options available. Moreover, it is totally waterproof.

Pergo Extreme vinyl plank flooring is still inexpensive even though it is extremely durable and perfect for high-traffic areas. There are 10 colors to choose from, and each is textured for a more realistic wood effect. Sound is muffled by an attached cushioned pad.

Large areas can be quickly covered thanks to the ease of laying the large boards, which have a dramatic effect in rooms. However, in smaller rooms, their size may be an inconvenience. There is also a choice of smaller planks.

Pros

• Extremely durable wear layer
• Tough SPC core
• Competitive price

Cons

• Could be visually overwhelming in smaller rooms

Most Transparent Pricing: Luxury Vinyl Planking from Empire Today

Empire Today has been a long-standing, well-known supplier of flooring of all kinds. Empire sells a line of vinyl flooring that is incredibly durable and hassle-free in addition to having a well-known brand name in the industry. When you contact Empire Today, you’ll be treated to a free all-inclusive estimate within your home. In order to help you with the selection and installation processes, an associate will bring flooring samples to compare to your current flooring and décor.

Pros

• All consultations are free
• Estimates include flooring, removal, and installation costs
• Numerous vinyl styles and textures to choose from

Cons

• No sample pricing online

Best for High-Traffic Areas: Shaw Titan HD Plus

Our pick for the best high-traffic area option is Shaw Titan HD Plus vinyl plank flooring. No matter how often your floors are subjected to wear and tear, the Armourbead wear layer on it offers plenty of additional protection to guarantee that your planking will stay unscratched. The 30-mil wear layer and overall 12 mm thickness both exceed industry standards for durability, while Shaw provides numerous options to mimic hardwood, tile, and stone textures and appearances.

Pros

• 30 mil wear layer on these planks is 50% thicker than most luxury tiles
• Widely available in big-box hardware stores
• 12 mm thickness gives these planks a realistic real-wood feel

Cons

• Relatively high-cost

Best for Noise Reduction: SmartCore Ultra

SmartCore vinyl flooring is a worthwhile choice if you’re looking to cut down on general noise within your home but don’t want to switch over to wall-to-wall carpeting. To improve the feel underfoot and lessen noise from foot traffic, the underlayment layer in SmartCore Ultra vinyl flooring is thick and cushioned. It can be installed using adhesive or the interlocking mechanism on the long edges of each plank, and it looks great in all rooms and areas of your house.

Pros

• Widely available at all Lowe’s locations
• The thicker wear layer and underlayment pad make it a quieter flooring option
• 14 different appearance and pattern options in the Ultra line alone

Cons

• Negative reviews mention that scratching is reasonably simple.

Best for Withstanding Temperature Fluctuations: Mannington Adura Rigid Vinyl Planking

Mannington Adura Rigid planking, which can be installed over all subfloor types except for carpeting, is the best choice for areas that might experience temperature changes. Its temperature tolerance makes it a top pick for clients who have radiant heating in their existing floors. In addition, Adura Rigid planking is FloorScore certified to emit little volatile organic compound (VOC) even with temperature changes and aging. Wood planking and stone-textured tiles are among the many products that Mannington provides for customers with different tastes.

Pros

• Solid polymer core (SPC) base makes for a highly durable product
• Can be installed over a wide range of subfloor types, making them excellent for finished basements
• Numerous real wood and cement planking

Cons

• rough feeling underfoot compared to other vinyl planking.

Best for DIY Installation: Armstrong Vivero Planks

Vivero vinyl planking, in contrast to the nearby Armstrong Luxe line, is available in varying thicknesses that range from 2.8 to 4 mm. With options for distressed, traditional, and hand-scraped finishes readily available, Armstrong is available in a variety of looks and textures. Each option — even Vivero’s “best” line is fairly affordable and is equipped with a competitive warranty.

Pros

• Varying grades available within Armstrong’s Vivero line of vinyl
• Warranties range between 15 years and lifetime
• Floating or adhesive flooring options available

Cons

• Warranties are non-transferable

Best for High-Moisture Areas: LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Planking by Home Depot

LifeProof vinyl flooring is exclusively a Home Depot product, which offers quality and easy installation. Its promotion as a DIY flooring solution is a disadvantage. You will therefore be responsible for the installation regardless of your prior knowledge of or comfort level with home improvements or associated maintenance tasks. LifeProof, however, might be a good option for you given the suggested installation locations. Its moisture and wear tolerances make it perfect for utility closets, laundry rooms, and similar spaces.

Pros

• Highly affordable
• Easy to install
• No underlayment is needed for installation

Cons

• Warranties are non-transferable
• Interlocking tabs aren’t durable

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What to Know About Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Before Shopping?

• Type

There are three main types of vinyl plank floors: luxury vinyl plank, rigid plank flooring, and waterproof flooring. Even though all three types have features in common—the majority boast some level of water resistance—you should still be sure to choose the one that is best for the area of your home in question. For the kitchen, bath, basement, and other areas prone to moisture and spills, you’ll want to go with vinyl plank flooring with excellent waterproofing capability.

• Plank Length and Width

Although the brand and your personal preference will determine the length and width of the planks, there are some factors for homeowners to take into account. “Generally speaking, smaller planks are going to be more labor-intensive to install,” says Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores, though he notes that they’re “easier to get a clean look with, especially in rooms with lots of awkward corners to work around.” Keeping this in mind for your budget, he also predicts that they’ll probably cost a little bit more per square foot.

• Plank Thickness vs. Wear Layer Thickness

Remember that the wear layer thickness is measured in millimeters (mm), whereas the plank thickness is measured in millimeters (mm); these are two different measurements, and they do not measure the same thing at all. While wear layer thickness measures the clear vinyl layer that is applied on top of the plank to protect it, plank thickness measures the thickness of the actual plank itself. When it comes to durability, you’ll want to pay attention especially to the wear layer thickness—the thicker the better when it comes to high-traffic areas in your home.

• Style

“It’s best to go with a blended pattern that incorporates multiple colors from the rest of the room in a way that will effectively hide scratches, scuffs, and dirt,” Although there is a large variety of colors and finishes available, Saunders notes that some manufacturers will even print custom planks with your preferred wood grain pattern.

As for choosing between light or dark colors, here’s Gold’s advice: “Lighter coloring always makes the area feel bigger, but it’s harder to maintain cleanness because the dust is more visible.” His advice is to use darker colors in areas of your home that get a lot of traffic, like the kitchen, and reserve lighter hues for spaces that get less traffic.

FAQs

Bottom Line: Best Vinyl Plank Flooring

Shaw Primavera is a high-quality product suitable for just about any location. It is a great illustration of why resilient, simple-to-install vinyl plank flooring is so well-liked. TrafficMaster is a great budget option for low- to medium-traffic areas like basements.

Vinyl plank flooring mimics the look of expensive hardwood flooring, but is lower in both price and maintenance. To meet your needs for residential or commercial flooring, choose the best vinyl plank flooring from the wide variety of options available.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment. My Prime Home tries to give you the best home improvement information. Don’t forget to share the post. Thank you for reading.

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