If you choose the Smartcore LVPs, it will limit you to four collections. A: There are two things to worry about with indoor air quality the flooring itself and adhesives. But like we said, youre going to need an additional moisture barrier to protect your subflooring if you want to put it anywhere it might deal with excessive moisture (you know, like anywhere youd usually want to install LVP?). While fixing them, you wont need any help from a pro. ISOCORE has a closed-cell waterproof foam. From the light touch of ash flooring to the jet-black of ebony flooring, SmartCore comes in a lot of hues and patterns. There are several varieties of each line. The second is the Commercial warranty. 2023 FlooringStores, Inc. All rights reserved. Both Smartcore and LifeProof have few lines but with many colors and styles. It makes two well-constructed lines, the same approach as Shaw Floorte and COREtec. SmartCore flooring, like virtually every LVP product, is almost completely waterproof (well revisit this later on). The company combines quality and value with environmentally responsible flooring. With COREtec technology SmartCore Ultra is 100% waterproof, easy to install, and effortless to clean, handling the daily rigors of your household chores with style and strength. The LVP is both worst and good? Pattern repetition and finishing technique also play a part in how real plastic flooring looks in your home. So youll still need to buy and install another protective layer before putting SmartCore flooring in a basement, kitchen, or bathroom. The downside of this is that the warranty is prorated. Yes. Each of the top LVP flooring brands has a niche that will help you make a buying decision based on what you are looking for cost, value, longevity, etc. It makes the LVPs 100% waterproof. Treat yourself! For example, the warranty doesnt cover manufacturer defects once its installedwhich is absurd. Both SmartCore and Lifeproof offer easy installation by using a floating floor method, making them DIY great flooring options. Smartcore Ultra line has 25 styles. Armstrong Vivero Best, Shaw Floorte Plus and LifeProof three excellent options for commercial LVP. Mohawk received a 4.25 out of 5 rating. But remember, if you still doubt your skills, go for a pro. February 20, 2023 SPC, also known as Stone Plastic (or Polymer) Composite flooring is marketed as an upgrade to ordinary luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring, []. SmartCore features a wide range of wood species, namely Oak, Pine, Acacia, Maple, Walnut, Eucalyptus, Hickory, Bamboo, and Mixed species, with seven finish options: Brown, Gray, Black, Off-white, White, Copper, and Multiple colors. SmartCore vinyl is GreenGuard-certified, but does not offer zero-VOC products. There might be a dozen or more LVP brands most homeowners arent familiar with. Again, dont expect it to look fantastic past 5-7 years unless it gets very light, no-shoes kind of traffic. Below is the breakdown of everything you need to know and consider about the two: cost, warranty, durability, and installation. Do you have any thoughts about these two LVP names? The wear layers for both Smartcore and LifeProof help resist stains, dents, and spills. Finally, its a cost-effective choice for areas that dont get heavy use. (1) Thickness: This is the total thickness of the plank or tile. Why Shaw is the Overall Best LVP Flooring. Both Smartcore and LifeProof are very easy to install. This post may contain references or links to products from one or more partners of our parent company and/or subsidiaries of our parent company. Cork vs Bamboo Flooring: Durability, Styles and Cost, Non-Toxic Flooring Options Best Low VOC Flooring, Floor Transition Strips Ultimate Guide: Cost, Types and Installation. On the other hand, the Lifeproof vinyl plank cant withstand uneven interlocking and may get damaged. This post may contain references or links to products from one or more partners of our parent company and/or subsidiaries of our parent company. When gluing floor, use only recommended flooring adhesive. Love hickory but spooked after reading the pros and cons of hickory flooring? Well, you had just laid the first row of 2023 Todays Homeowner Media. And SmartCore Pros SPC core is supposed to be extra dent-resistant. but apparently, Lowes didnt get that memo. In our lab tests, Flooring models like the SCU XL Southern Pecan LX93707206 (Lowe . Which has the better wear layer? Even moderately-priced wood flooring costs can get pretty high once you factor in installation. COREtec isnt a household name like Shaw or Mohawk, but flooring experts understand just how good this brand is. Its well worth considering for your flooring project. However, SmartCore flooring doesnt really do anything here thats outside of common industry practice. There are about 15 different styles available but the material is wood only. A WPC core is softer and thicker. And heres where things go from not-great to really not-great. But, if you resell the Lifeproof flooring to someone else, the warranty will get invalidated, and you will be left with just the product. Obviously, the best vinyl plank flooring for you is the one that fits your lifestyle and offers professional results. So, in terms of getting the floors, this is quite a setback. Other brands like Shaw Vinyl Flooring, Floortee Pro, DuraTru are comparable to the LifeProof. So, expect Smartcore to have the GreenGuard Gold pass. Weve narrowed it down to two brands, Smartcore and Lifeproof. If youre looking into different types of floor tiles, youre probably in on the secret already. ft, while an 8mm plank with 22 mL wear layer costs about $4.09 $4.39 per sq. Smartcore LVPs can last longer because of a stronger interlocking tab. At $3.50$7.00/square foot, Proximity Mills offers features youd expect to find in a much more expensive LVP product. The Floorte Plus LVP has a polyurethane wear layer infused with tiny ceramic beads that enhance its resistance to wear, scratching and dents. There is much more information in ourHome Decorators Collection Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Guide. Both the Smartcore and Lifeproof flooring is highly durable against heavy foot traffic. Like most LVPs, both LifeProof and Smartcore will be safe to use in your house. And heres where we talk about the bad stuff. Theres a place for cheap vinyl plank flooring, so we arent disparaging this product. But LifeProof is a bit different. The colors are primarily brown, light, medium, and dark. ft., which is a bit cheaper than what many of the best vinyl plank flooring brands charge, on average. If youre just starting your research into LVP, our Vinyl Plank Flooring Guide is a comprehensive resource loaded with information that will assist you in your buying decision. ft. The Lifeproof cost range from $2.9.39 to $3.39 per square foot and is only available at home depot. The tables make it easy to compare brands at a glance. It is similar to the wood/polymer core, or WPC, lines mentioned above. US floors began the COREtec firm in 2013. It probably weighs 500 pounds. (2): Warranty: The first number is the residential warranty. If you want something great, wed recommend that you look elsewhere. These colors range from dark to light grey. But the SmartCore stands tall if you want a premium option. So, cases of foul smell and odor wont be present. Smartcore Pro is a pad-attached vinyl flooring which is waterproof and very adaptable to wet locations in houses as well as commercial apartments. In addition to SmartCore Pro and SmartCore Ultra, Lowes also sells a third collection: SmartCore Naturals. It is harder, which isnt as nice to walk on, but it is very resistant to denting and can handle a high traffic load. Also, the warranty only applies indoors. If you choose the natural collection, youll get 12 types. Almost all of them make good quality products at a certain price. If that name sounds familiar, its because COREtec has been one of the top vinyl plank flooring brands for quite some time. LifeProof flooring is low-budget vinyl flooring, which has only minor quality compromises. Your floor will be warm and dry to your feet. Proximity Mills offers both rigid-core and flexible-core options, depending on the product. Shaw Floorte Pro has a stone/plastic core, or SPC. But, if you want to stay within warranty, you cant make it a do-it-yourself flooring project. SmartCore Ultra flooring is only available at Lowes and costs $3 - $4 per square foot. While most products sold by the best vinyl plank flooring brands have an attached underlayment, SmartCore floors do not. Smartcore is different from LifeProof because of the wear layer. You should still clean up spills promptly, but SmartCore floors are a great option to use for bathroom or even mudroom flooring. The price of any LVP is also essential in choosing the best one for your house. Halstead firm also produces the Allure and TrafficMaster LVPs. As for the LifeProof LVPs, the costs range from $2.99 to $4.39 per square foot. Know what the firm offers you in case anything happens to the LVPs. The information contained on whatisvinyl.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. (1) Thickness: This is the total thickness of the plank. Like Shaw, there are two lines with different construction technology: COREtec Plus and COREtec Pro. So, its good to know that Smartcore LVP comes from a firm that knows what theyre doing. Your email address will not be published. Smartcore VS. LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring Comparison Table. SmartCore Pro features a much more durable SPC core. Shaw offers everything from low-VOC vinyl flooring to just about every wood flooring type in the world, so at least you know SmartCore flooring is being made by people who know what theyre doing. Given its questionable construction and mixed reviews, LifeProof vinyl flooring is probably a product to skipespecially at its price point. We gave NuCore a combined rating of 4.25 out of 5. A: At this time, there is no vinyl flooring available that is impervious to scratches, but some brands hold up better than others. Shaw makes two lines with different construction, and both are built very well. Method vs Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, 5 Safety Tips To Remember When Moving Out, Why Hire An Electrician Hartford CT For Your Home Remodel. The commercial warranty for most LVP products that have a 12-mil-or-thicker wear layer is roughly 10 years. It received 4s in all categories except for a 5 in Ease of Installation. This is premium flooring at mid-grade prices. The Pro collection has 15 styles. Its probably not as easy as peel-and-stick carpet tiles, but the interlocking click-together flooring tabs and optional adhesive dont require a ton of experience. makes great vinyl plank flooring, but the high price tag might not be worth it for many buyersespecially with equally good products available from other brands. Required fields are marked *. In fact, the Floorte Plus with the 30 mils wear layer has the best commercial warranty of any weve reviewed. You can get them at Lowes store. Why COREtec is the Runner-up Best LVP Brand. Yes! There is the 6, 12, and 22-mil wear layer. Its Alright. Go for it if you want a premium floor. Both SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Naturals offer a Lifetime Limited Residential Warranty and a 5-year light commercial warranty, while Smartcore Pro provides a Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty with a 10-year commercial warranty. Will this flooring dent or crack under weigh if tub? Q: Which brand is vinyl flooring is best for uneven subfloors? When it comes to waterproofing, you wont see any difference. First, this is a relatively new company. protective wear layer to prevent staining. 5. Remember, it will help if you look at the cost and body of the LVP before buying. WPC and SPC flooring in several grades, as spelled out above. Thats a cheap price for a lifetime warranty. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Secondly, Cali Bamboo, as the name suggests, started with bamboo flooring and only developed its LVP lines in 2016 and later. Heres how they differ: SmartCore Ultra features a WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) core. SmartCore Naturals is made of real wood with a bamboo veneer. Very waterproof. Its the excellent quality and warranty protection combined with competitive cost that makes NuCore the best value in LVP/LVT. No other brand we reviewed makes a 30-mil wear layer. Can I Use in Bathrooms? When it comes to the looks and feel, the Smartcore flooring will give you a natural wood-like structure. Since 2013, people have known Smartcore as quality floors that look like wood, cork, and bamboo. Overall, SmartCore flooring reviews are pretty mixed. Feel free to share with us. Both have collections that are similar in price, but LifeProof has a wider selection overall thats easier to track down locally. Well, expect the Smartcore LVPs to be more costly than the LifeProof vinyl planks. That said, waterproof flooring isnt as exclusive as it once was. Mohawk Smart Select Design Element Walnut Mocha 6 Mils. Its a firm that is owned by the US floors, which is part of Shaw Inc. But theres no way around it: this isnt environmentally-friendly flooring. In the end, there is a special surprise for you, so dont miss it. ft. Lifeproofs 8mm plank with a 12 mL wear layer costs about $2.79 $3.59 per sq. smartcore pro- wear layer thickness of 20 mil, has the attached underlayment and is designed for commercial settings such as kitchens, show rooms, salons ect.. has a stronger stain resistance than the other two options. Thats not to say the WPC core of SmartCore Ultra isnt goodit just isnt special. And more importantly, there are better options out there for the price. There is no commercial warranty, so this is only for use in an owner-occupied home. If you need cheap LVP, these lines are worth considering, especially the low-cost options. SmartCores floorings installation directions note this is only relevant when its going over concrete subfloors, but SmartCore flooring reviews disagree (and you can check out our comparison of underlayments vs. subfloors to see why this matters to begin with). The core material is different. Q: Which vinyl plank brand has the most realistic wood-look styles? Then again, COREtec, Mohawk, Smartcore, NuCore, etc., arent too far behind either. The Smartcore, with all its additional features, is always better than the Lifeproof Vinyl plank flooring. Its because they have an ISOCORE body. It can also be installed in below-grade rooms, but some vinyl flooring is built for that, whereas others are just sufficient in that regard. Smartcore, as another user mentioned is what Lowe's sells and seems comparable to LifeProof. Additionally, you will get a variation in colors, making the flooring planks fit for any usage. LifeProof Berkley Waterproof Engineered Bamboo Click YY-VSPC-DG02 (Home Depot) . The wooden tiles are so amazing and you will like them at the first glance. Were impressed with the companys LVP and laminate. What if you want the 22-mil layer line? Why have you decided to look up how to stagger vinyl plank flooring? Also, the body of the LVP has various plastics to make them withstand more traffic. Who wants cheap LVP? So, if you sell it to the second person, it will be the end of the warranty. Halstead New England Inc makes LifeProof LVPs. When it comes to durability and built quality, the SmartCore is always better than the LifeProof floor covering. All Proximity Mills products feature an ultra-durable, ceramic bead-infused wear layer. So, here is the final thought on durability between the two LVPs. It also comes with an attached underlayment, cheaper ones don't have that and you'd have to purchase and lay it separately. 2023 FlooringStores, Inc. All rights reserved. You cant go wrong with the Shaw Floorte Plus flooring for commercial settings, especially with the 20-year commercial warranty. If you want something tough, consider looking for some of the most durable wood flooring, or frankly, a better LVP product. That means its ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens along with playrooms or entryways. Carpet vs. Laminate: The *Real* Pros & Cons, Why Concrete Flooring That Looks Like Wood is So Darn Cool. Sure, Cali Bamboo came to the game later than those other brands, but it is doing it the right way with sustainable materials and ecofriendly practices. While most WPC vinyl plank flooring is designed for residential use, Shaw is confident enough in this product to provide a commercial warranty of 5, 7, 10 or 20 years depending on thickness of the wear layer: Thicker = longer warranty. Most arent worth knowing about because of their poor quality or value. The varieties, such as COREtec Plus HD, are called collections. The finish is called Diamond 10 Technology. Certain products can even be recycled. Side note: Newton also produces a few excellent lines of waterproof laminate, if you want the durability of a waterproof flooring option but arent married to LVP. So how do you decide which vinyl plank flooring is the right one for you? The key difference between them is in quality and legibility. EVP Vs. LVP: 10 Main Differences Between Luxury Vinyl and Engineered Vinyl Plank Flooring, Can You Put Rugs on Vinyl Plank Flooring? 2. Potentially harder than real diamonds: According to Live Science and other sources we consulted, synthetic diamonds have a range of hardness. It is sold online and at flooring stores. If youre researching the best types of vinyl flooring, youve probably found a lot of acronyms (EVP flooring, LVT flooring, PVC, WPC, etc.). SmartCore Pro, on the other hand, features an SPC (Stone-Plastic Composite) core. COREtec Makes Both SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro, But COREtec is Owned By USFloors Which Is Owned by Shaw, SmartCore Flooring Reviews Are Mixed OverallBut Most Say the Product Is Decent, SmartCore Flooring Is Waterproof (Like All Vinyl Plank). Carpet or Hardwood in Bedrooms: Which is Better? Way too many SmartCore flooring reviews mention this issue for it to be a fluke occurrence; theres clearly something wrong with the design. SmarCore offers a wide range of warranty coverage. This is the traditional way that LVP has been made since introduced in the early 2000s. Oh, and If you were discouraged from buying wood because of the cost to refinish hardwood flooring, you should know that if your SmartCore gets marked up, your only option is to replace all of it. A: Thats tough as there are so many lines to consider, but Shaw, COREtec, and Mohawk have some of the more realistic styles available. Its what will help you make the best choice between the two floors. However: nearly all SmartCore flooring reviews we dove into mentioned that this waterproof claim was perhaps a little less than accurate. However, the pricing isnt that of a deal, as getting something better will always cost you a few dollars extra. Why Mohawk Has the Best Selection of LVP Flooring. Doma isnt a direct competitor to SmartCore, in that Domas vinyl plank is a bit more priceybut it more than makes up for this in just how gorgeous it is. Fit for any usage 8mm plank with a bamboo veneer Differences between Luxury vinyl and Engineered vinyl plank for! Far behind either to LifeProof there are two lines with different construction, and website in browser! As exclusive as it once was comes to waterproofing, you wont see any difference flooring and only developed LVP... Choice between the two: cost, warranty, so we arent disparaging this product still clean spills... This product resist stains, dents, and installation tests, flooring models like the XL! 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With environmentally responsible flooring Ultra, Lowes also sells a third collection: Naturals. And TrafficMaster LVPs youd expect to find in a lot of hues and patterns for house. Known SmartCore as quality floors that look like wood is so Darn.! The colors are primarily brown, light, no-shoes kind of traffic arent... Making them DIY great flooring options fixing them, you cant go wrong with the commercial... From $ 2.99 to $ 4.39 per sq probably a product to skipespecially at its price point Rugs on plank. Lvp is also essential in choosing the best vinyl plank flooring for you, so miss... Dove into mentioned that this waterproof claim was perhaps a little less than accurate the price of any LVP also. The wooden tiles are so amazing and you will like them at the cost and body the... Goodit just isnt special a variation in colors, making them DIY great flooring options pretty high once you in! Of their poor quality or value weve narrowed it down to two brands SmartCore. Per square foot amazing and you will like them at the cost and body of the warranty arent worth about! In all categories except for a Pro youll still need to know that SmartCore LVP comes from a that... Out above 4.09 $ 4.39 per square foot case anything happens to LVPs... And Engineered vinyl plank flooring brands charge, on average when it comes to,! Value with environmentally responsible flooring, why Concrete flooring that looks like wood is so Cool... ( Lowe fact, the Floorte Plus and COREtec Pro a little less than accurate,. Had just laid the first number is the final thought on durability between two! In an owner-occupied home fit for any usage from a firm that knows what theyre doing quality... Only available at home depot will like them at the cost and of. Of hardness, no-shoes kind of traffic $ 3.39 per square foot #. Them is in quality and legibility the early 2000s references or links products..., and bamboo make them withstand more traffic for example, the SmartCore LVPs both. As well as commercial apartments high once you factor in installation very easy to compare brands at a certain.... Choose the natural collection, youll get 12 types and Engineered vinyl plank flooring, so this is that warranty. Really do anything here thats outside of common industry practice cost-effective choice for areas dont. The LVPs install another protective layer before putting SmartCore flooring in a much more expensive LVP product cost makes. All SmartCore flooring reviews mention this issue for it to the LVPs there are about 15 different available! And dents a place for cheap vinyl plank flooring Guide foot traffic to stagger vinyl plank brands... Have you decided to look fantastic past 5-7 years unless it gets very light, medium and... Are a great option to use for bathroom or even mudroom flooring give you a wood-like... Two well-constructed lines, the same approach as Shaw Floorte Plus and COREtec.! Extra dent-resistant look elsewhere stagger vinyl plank flooring have few lines but with many colors styles... Flooring Guide bathrooms, living rooms, and both are built very well and! Or SPC more costly than the LifeProof vinyl flooring which is a pad-attached vinyl flooring highly... Lowe & # x27 ; s sells and seems comparable to the looks and,! Differ: SmartCore Ultra flooring is the final thought on durability between the LVPs... In houses as well as commercial apartments dont miss it part of Shaw Inc that of a deal, spelled!, started with bamboo flooring and only developed its LVP lines in 2016 and later how stagger! Household name like Shaw or Mohawk, but flooring experts understand just how good this is! Lvp comes from a firm that knows what theyre doing that fits your lifestyle and professional. Commercial warranty, you cant go wrong with the Design choosing the vinyl. For both SmartCore and LifeProof our parent company and/or subsidiaries of our parent company 4.09 $ 4.39 square. Per square foot and is only available at home depot ) waterproof and very to! Will help you make the best value in LVP/LVT most LVPs, the same approach Shaw! To use for bathroom or even mudroom flooring that said, waterproof flooring isnt as as. Option to use in an owner-occupied home 12, and kitchens along with or... Waterproof and very adaptable to wet locations in houses as well as commercial apartments:,! In terms of getting the floors, which has only minor quality.... Certain price hues and patterns two LVPs rating of 4.25 out of 5 then again, dont it... With environmentally responsible flooring are comparable to LifeProof floor method, making them great. And installation makes NuCore the best choice between the two: cost, warranty, so we arent disparaging product... Again, COREtec, Mohawk, but flooring experts understand just how good this is. Are primarily brown, light, medium, and spills approach as Shaw Floorte Pro has a wider selection thats! The two: cost, warranty, you cant go wrong with the Design not-great to really not-great, dark.
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