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Today we are going to talk about the best vinyl plank flooring brands and what makes them so great. We also want to discuss some brands that you should avoid like the plague. This guide contains everything you need to know before choosing your floor.
If you're looking for in-depth reviews of top brands, you've come to the right place. We also name the brand's flooring line that is the best. This will help you avoid others and go straight for the best.
We've categorized each candidate into the following categories to make it easier to find exactly what you're looking for:
- better overall
- runner-up
- Better choice
- better durability
- Best for commercial use
- Luxury decking with the best price-performance ratio
- best cheap brand
- best dark brand
- worst quality
- Worst Guarantee
table of Contents
Best Luxury Vinyl Flooring Brands (Updated)
Here are all the winners in each category. Please note that we have increased our top rating to 10 to better reflect the many aspects that go into vinyl plank flooring.
- Best General: Shaw
- Second: COREtec
- Best Pick: Mohawk
- Best Durability: Shaw Floorté Plus 20 Mils and 30 Mils
- Best for Commercial Use: Armstrong Vivero Best
- Luxury vinyl planks with the best value for money: NuCore
- Best Cheap Brand: Home Decorators Collection
- Best Dark Brand: Cali Bamboo
- Worst Quality: Nursery Good
- Worst Warranty: Mohawk Smart Select 6 Mils Flooring
Shaw (better overall)
The first is Shaw. They have become the best in our ranking for a reason. When it comes to vinyl plank flooring, no one comes close when you consider quality and price.
What makes Shaw so great?
Shaw does a lot of things right. In addition to being a leader in the industry, his annual revenue speaks for itself. When he makes billions of dollars every year, he knows he's doing something right.
A big part of that is taking care of your customers by offering them what matters most to them. Let's dig a little deeper to see why Shaw earned our top spot.
craftsmanship
Shaw manufactures two lines of vinyl plank flooring, Floorté LVP and Floorté Plus. The first is part of the Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVP) line. Floorté LVP consists of a core of wood and plastic (WPC). This thick floor is soft and available in 8 or 12 mil wear. Floorté Plus, on the other hand, is available in 12, 20, or 30 thousand.
The core of Floorté Plus is made of plastic and stone (SPC). If you are looking for a strong and durable floor covering, this is the way to go. It is highly resistant to damage and can withstand a lot of traffic, including carts and the like. That's why it's such a popular choice among high-volume businesses.
Thanks to the tongue-and-groove construction of both lines, installation is easy and hassle-free. You can glue or glue the floating subfloor, giving you excellent stability.
Guarantee
While all Shaw lines have warranties, those with thicker mils have longer warranties. They range from 5 years to 20 years for commercial use. That's pretty impressive. It's nice to see a 20-year commercial use warranty. It's just not very common since most brands offer 15 years.
Selection
Shaw's selection of flooring gives you many options to work with. Whether he's looking for traditional, rustic, stone, or tile, they've got you covered.
planet friendly
All Shaw leashes are safe for you and your family. Or if you are thinking of installing it in your company, it is also safe for your customers and employees. This is because your floor is made with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This means that the air in the room is not affected and can be breathed safely.
bottom line
Shaw: 9.75 out of 10
COREtec (runner-up)
While COREtec may not be the most popular brand, it is quickly gaining momentum thanks to quality flooring and excellent craftsmanship. As a branch of US Floors, they offer premium and mid-range flooring.
Why we chose COREtec as runner-up?
If we rank them just behind Shaw, you know they must be pretty good. COREtec offers many comparable features that can compete with the best vendors. Let's take a closer look at why they impressed us so much.
craftsmanship
The brand delivers two standout lines, Plus and Pro. Each line offers beautiful collections to choose from to ensure you have plenty of options to work with. Installation is made easier by the ability to float or glue your tiles and planks.
Further
Each line is made with a high level of pride that shines through in every piece. Take the Plus line, for example. Although it has a wood and plastic core, they made it even stronger by adding limestone to it.
professional
This WPC flooring is fully waterproof making Pro an excellent choice for basements and flood prone areas. By using high quality polymer, you get a floor covering with peace of mind.
Plus-HD
This is one of the COREtec collections. If you're in the market for luxury vinyl flooring, Plus HD will blow you away with its beauty and durability. It is quite expensive compared to the previous two lines. But the quality is worth every penny.
As
If you want to save a buck or two, check out the COREtec One. This 12 million line comes with respectable warranties. They give you 5 years for commercial use. But for residential buildings, you get 25 years of coverage.
It is important to note that this is the only collection that does not come with its own upholstery. So while you may save a bit on flooring, consider including additional padding in the total cost.
COREtec-Galaxie
This is their cheapest vinyl core. Galaxy is another 12-millimeter line with even longer warranties. They offer 7 years for commercial and 30 years for residential.
Guarantee
With the exception of the One or Galaxy, the Plus and Pro lines come with lifetime warranties for home use. Commercial warranties vary a bit, but are 10 or 15 years.
first quilting
They typically use either 1.5 or 3 millimeter padding, depending on the line. The good thing is that they use cork. This makes the floor pleasant to walk on and reduces squeaks and other noise.
Selection
They offer an incredible number of floor coverings to choose from. We're talking about 200 unique colors and styles at your disposal. If you want natural wood or stone tiles, you've also come to the right place.
Pallets in many lengths and widths are also available. Whatever your plans, there's a good chance they have what you're looking for.
bottom line
COREtec: 9,50 de 10
mohicano (Better choice)
Mohawk is the king of the hills when it comes to flooring options. With an overwhelming selection, Mohawk easily secures itself as the top brand with the best selection.
Why does Mohawk have the best selection?
Simply put, because they have over 200 styles ranging from wood to stone. If you're looking to add some character to your home or business, look no further than the Mohawk.
Not only that, Mohawk is better than anyone when it comes to floating or sticky floors. Add in commendable prizes and expert craftsmanship, and you have a winner from start to finish.
Floating
UniClic is Mohawk's line of floating floors. This ingenious locking system makes installation a breeze, both literally and figuratively. No glue is required, so you can simply snap each piece together for a quick and effortless installation.
There are a total of six lines to choose from, ranging in wear from 6 to 20 mils. And with prices starting at $1.70 per square foot, you don't have to pay a fortune for a beautiful and unique floor.
to take
With prices starting at less than a dollar per square foot, Mohawk is an affordable option for adhered flooring. And with 21 custom collections to wear, you'll have plenty to work with. If you're looking for a specific color, chances are one of the Mohawk lines has it.
Guarantee
This ultimately depends on what you choose. But UniClic floating floors offer warranties ranging from 15 years to lifetime residential use. Commercial guarantees reach up to 10 years.
If you choose bonded flooring, Mohawk offers 15 or 25 years of residential protection.
bottom line
Mohican: 9.25 out of 10
Shaw Floorté Plus (20 and 30 mil) Better durability
While you'll certainly pay a bit more for Shaw Floorté Plus, it's hands down the best flooring when it comes to durability. The wear layers of this line of floors are quite thick, with options of 12, 20, or 30 mils.
This provides the floor covering with optimal protection against scratches or dents, giving you a floor covering that should last for many years. Shaw wears polyurethane clothing, which is made of ceramic and gives him protection like no other.
If you are looking for a durable floor covering, this is the line for you. And as the only brand here that offers $30,000 clothing, you know you're getting something special.
Why is Shaw Floorte Plus the most durable?
Offering some of the best protection technologies and outstanding warranties, Shaw Floorté Plus takes the lead with ease. You have the peace of mind that your floor is protected by both the guarantee and the craftsmanship.
Guarantee
Speaking of which, Shaw Floorté Plus delivers the products with warranties to be proud of. Its 20 million lines come with a lifetime home use guarantee. And for commercial use, you can expect a 10-year warranty.
For even more protection, seriously consider Shaw's Floorté Plus Titanic HD. This line shows the most wear at 30 mils. And with that, you get a lifetime home warranty. For commercial use, the warranty is 20 years.
Floorté Plus Titanic HD has a 30 mil wear layer and is backed by a 20-year commercial warranty in addition to a lifetime residential warranty.
bottom line
Shaw Floorte Plus: 9 of 10
Armstrong Nursery (best for commercial use)
When looking for solid flooring for your business, you only want the best. This ensures that it can withstand heavy foot traffic and give you years of good service. For that you need Armstrong's Best Nursery.
What makes Vivero Best great?
It all comes down to the end. Armstrong uses some of the finest materials to provide hard-wearing, long-lasting flooring. We talked about how Shaw uses ceramics in his wear layer. Armstrong goes a step further by infusing cultured diamonds into his.
This handcrafted synthetic material is as strong as real diamonds, giving your floors stability and strength not found in other flooring lines. With Diamond 10 technology, your business will have a unique floor covering that is less likely to scratch, dent, wear or stain.
Wert
Some tests have shown that cultured diamonds are actually harder than real diamonds. That's pretty impressive. The fact that their floors are as or more resistant than diamonds adds value like no other.
You're paying over $3.65 per square foot, but think about the money you'll save in the long run. Floors this strong mean you probably won't need to replace them for the rest of your life. You pay more up front, but the investment will be worth it.
Guarantee
With Vivero Best you get a solid 15-year warranty for commercial use. When you consider that your floors are as hard as diamonds, it's a respectable combination that will serve you and your business well.
life test
Armstrong also offers LifeProof, a Home Depot exclusive. It is a bit more expensive compared to Vivero Best. But it features a 22-mil wear layer and is backed by a 15-year commercial warranty.
bottom line
Armstrong Nursery Best: 8.75 out of 10
NuCore (luxury vinyl planks with the best value for money)
If you want your home to have the best vinyl flooring, check out NuCore. This premium line is quite affordable compared to the competition. Availability is somewhat limited, but this helps keep costs as low as possible.
Why is NuCore the best value vinyl plank flooring?
By partnering with Floor & Décor and selling their line exclusively through them, NuCore is able to offer this premium vinyl flooring at an unbeatable price. For just $2.60 per square foot, you can have a premium flooring that is absolutely stunning in both appearance and value.
Selection
While nowhere near the number of Mohawk or COREtec, NuCore still has a commendable assortment of around 100 styles and colors to choose from. You can pick up this floor directly at Floor & Décor physical stores or order it online on their website.
Prices are as low as $4 per square foot, so considering the quality of this flooring, you really are getting a great bargain. There are a total of 5 collections to choose from with planks and tiles to choose from.
One big plus is that each floor comes with a 22 mil wear resistance. When you factor in cork backing, low VOCs, and a water-resistant core, it's clear that NuCore offers a worthy contender.
Guarantee
The looks and craftsmanship are great and all, but a solid warranty ties it all together. The warranty provided is decent, but it is prorated. That means NuCore pays less the longer you have the floor.
You get a lifetime home use warranty, while the commercial warranty is 15 years. Sounds great on paper, but remember that each year NuCore will pay less for repairs.
bottom line
NuCore: 8.50 out of 10
Home decoration Kollektion (best cheap brand)
The Home Decorators Collection is the perfect combination of quality and value. If you need to replace a floor covering on the cheap, this is the brand to choose. This is the type of flooring you want if you are a homeowner in need of a quick remodel.
If you're turning an attic into a guest bedroom or furnishing the guest bathroom, choose the Home Decorators Collection. You'll save a lot of money in the long run, and the flooring is more than acceptable.
This is also the perfect option for pinball players who need to sell quickly. You will not incur significant expenses and your buyers will be satisfied with the quality. It is a victory for all.
What sets the Home Decorators Collection apart?
When you consider that you'll spend $2 to $2.39 per square foot on solid vinyl flooring, there's no question why the Home Decorators Collection is a winner. Oh, and you also get a lifetime home use guarantee.
It is important to note that this floor is not intended for commercial use. It is only suitable for light traffic. Anything heavier and puts the floor at risk of damage. It goes without saying, but you won't find a commercial guarantee on this flooring.
Wear is available in 8 or 12 mil. With moderate to heavy use, you can expect a 5-10 year life from Home Decorators Collection vinyl flooring.
bottom line
Home Decorators Collection: 8.25 out of 10
Cali-Bamboo (Best Dark Mark)
Many people may not be familiar with Cali Bamboo, but that doesn't mean it's not worth your time. In fact, they offer solid flooring at a pretty decent price. And while Cali Bamboo has been in business for over 15 years, they only recently started making LVP flooring.
what makes it so good
Cali Bamboo offers some really attractive flooring options at an affordable price. For just 95₵ per square foot, you're getting high-quality vinyl backed by a respectable warranty. In addition, your floor is environmentally friendly and safe for your home.
They offer two lines of floors, which use sustainable materials in their manufacture. The first, Cali Vinyl Plus, consists of a Bamboo Polymer Core (BPC). It works much like vinyl flooring with a wood polymer core.
The big advantage here, however, is that PCB floors are more sustainable than wood. If you want to go green, Cali Bamboo is for you.
If you want something more permanent, check out Cali Vinyl Pro. This line features a stone and polymer core that gives you increased resistance to scratches and dents. The surface will not be as smooth as your BPC line. But for many, the durability trade-off is worth it.
Guarantee
Cali Bamboo offers solid guarantees on both lines. You get 50 years of coverage for private use. And if you're using your floor in a commercial setting, it comes with a 15-year guarantee.
first quilting
Another big plus we like to see is the padding. Cali Bamboo equips all its floors with cork padding. This helps to reduce noise in the floor covering after installation. You are less likely to hear squeaks, creaks, or groans.
You'll also find a 20 mil wear layer on all lines. This will ensure that your floor lasts longer while resisting scratches and scuffs.
bottom line
Cali Bamboo: 8 out of 10
Worst
Now that we've seen the best, it's time to look at the brands you want to avoid. You'll be better prepared when you go shopping if you know what to look for.
Related: vinyl decking vs. porcelain stoneware: the ultimate comparison
good nursery (worse quality)
Armstrong's Vivero Good line is one of the worst flooring they make. To be clear, there are many worse brands on the market. But for a blockbuster like Armstrong, we hope they see better.
Nursery Good really feels the heat in heavy traffic. This cheap LVP just can't hold up to normal, daily wear and tear like it should. If a large family were to install this, they would probably be sorely disappointed in the result.
Why is it so bad?
From a fine layer of wear to a sorry warranty, Vivero Good is anything but. At only 6 mils thick, this floor tends to wear out quickly. Might be fine in a rarely used guest bathroom, but for regular use? Forget it.
Then there is the guarantee. For private use it looks like a measly 15 years. Since it is not designed for commercial use, you will not find any commercial guarantee. If you take into account the thin layer of wear, this is not what you want to see.
In the correct configuration this could be a decent fit. Prices are pretty low, starting at $1.49 per square foot, so it's not all bad.
bottom line
Nursery Good: 3.75 out of 10
Mohawk Smart Select 6 Mil Flooring (worst warranty)
Mohawk is one of our favorite brands. They have a lot of solid lines that rate very well. But their Smart Select line just doesn't cut the proverbial mustard when it comes to warranties. Of their three Smart Select lines, all come with a dismal 15-year home use warranty with no commercial coverage.
Why is it so bad?
Not only is the warranty disappointing, but so are many of the Smart Select features. Its wear, for example, is only 6 mils. Similar to Vivero Good, this one is too thin to expect longevity.
In addition, its floating and glued lines have very thin planks. These range from 2 millimeters up to 4.4 millimeters. There's a good chance you'll hear a screeching noise from this. Also, it does not give you much confidence that the planks will withstand a large load.
We will say that the price is okay, although not justified by the low quality. You can get many for less than a dollar per square foot. But when it comes to vinyl flooring, you often get what you pay for. But when you see some boards costing as much as $2.70, it's clear you're paying too much.
bottom line
Mohawk Smart Select: 3,50 de 10
That concludes it for today. We hope you found a lot of useful information in our guide. Our goal is to help you buy only the best flooring for your home or office. Knowing which brands have the best rating can save you a lot of time researching all the different types of flooring.
And it's always good to know which brands to avoid, since you're less likely to burn yourself on a subpar product. Remember to check warranties carefully so you know exactly what you are buying and what is covered.