Best Vinyl Plank Flooring 2023 (Reviews of Top 7 Brands)

The most popular form of vinyl flooring is the Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), a newer take on the vinyl sheet flooring market. Instead of thin rolls of vinyl you have planks or boards that lock together to form a new floor.

This flooring type is known as a floating floor, and comes together nicely as a simple DIY install option. However, before you can start adding furniture to your new LVP floor, you have to know what type of LVP to purchase, the pros and cons of installing LVP and if another vinyl option is better suited for your needs.

This article will cover the best vinyl flooring brands, pros and cons of installing vinyl, and a comparison of different types of vinyl.

Best Vinyl Flooring Brands

When it comes to vinyl planks, it can be a fine line between money savings and higher-quality. These brands bring you the best of both worlds, and are the ones we recommend in 2023.

• Shaw Vinyl Flooring. Shaw is arguably the best flooring company in many categories. Their LVP is one of them.
• Armstrong LVP. Armstrong floors specialize in durable, beautiful planks that are affordable and reliable.
• LifeProof Vinyl Flooring. LifeProof is a Home Depot exclusive that offers a highly affordable LVP with decent durability and selection.
• Karndean Flooring. One of the highest quality flooring options, Karndean brings elegance and beauty to any LVP option.
• COREtec LVP. COREtec is one of the most popular LVP brands in the market. With thousands of reviews and millions of installs, it is an interesting option.

At a Glance Vinyl Flooring Comparison

Introduction to LVP

Here is a good introduction and explanation of LVP flooring from “Erie Floors”:

Pros and Cons of LVP

Luxury vinyl planks are among the most popular and well reviewed flooring options available. However, while there are a host of advantages, there are also downsides. Let’s dive into both and let you decide which ones make or break your purchase decision.[

LVP Advantages

• 100% waterproof. Almost all mid-range and top-tier LVP products are waterproof. This makes them ideal for installing in wet areas, including bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
• DIY installation. With the click-in-place and tongue and groove boards, LVP is one of the easiest floor systems to install.
• Few extra materials needed. If you purchase a good quality plank, you won’t need much else in terms of underlayments, moisture barriers or adhesives. Keeping material costs low will help save on the overall project.
• Stain and damage resistant. While damage can happen, LVP is resilient to staining, gouges and damage from normal wear and tear.
• Multiple colors and styles. LVP has come a long way in recent years and you can now select from hundreds of colors and styles, including wood-look, stone-look, solid and multi colored boards.
• Install anywhere. LVP comes in various ratings and thicknesses. This allows you to find the perfect solution for both residential and commercial applications. Just understand that most commercial installs will have a limited or lower warranty coverage.

LVP Disadvantages

• No increase in home resale value. Like most other flooring options, LVP will not raise the resale value of your home. Only natural hardwood floors will increase a home’s resale value, though LVP won’t hurt the value, either.
• No repair options. LVP, LVT and vinyl sheeting comes as-is. It isn’t designed to be sanded, treated or patched. If there is excessive damage, the ruined planks will need to be removed and replaced.
• Synthetic materials can off-gas. Off-gassing is the release of built-up fumes and odors. This is most notable in mattresses and furniture with memory foam. Since LVP is a synthetic material, lower quality brands may have some off-gassing for a few days after being opened.

Considerations When Buying Vinyl Plank Flooring

Before you head out and purchase the next vinyl plank floor that you see, there are several things you need to think about.

Below, I cover the various features and options that are worthy of consideration before buying.

Core Type

Vinyl flooring comes with a variety of core types.

This is the base material inside the plank that gives it rigidity, strength and durability.

The most common is called WPC or wood-plastic composite.

The newer type is known as stone plastic composite (SPC).

The differences aren’t slight, either.

While there are WPC planks made for commercial use, it is more common in residential applications.

 SPC, on the other hand is made from a limestone composite material for added strength and durability. 

SPC is also harder to scratch or gouge, making it ideal for commercial properties with shopping carts and heavy traffic.

The trade off is that SPC has less give, doesn’t absorb as much sound and can be difficult to replace. 

Thickness

When shopping for luxury vinyl planking (LVP) you will come across the thickness of the planks, measured in mil. For residential applications anything over 5 mil is preferred.

The higher the mil number, the thicker the planks, which means they are likely to hold up longer.

 The higher mil also offer a better warranty  (more on this below), but they cost more per square foot to buy and install.

Commercial applications should aim for at least a 20 mil, though some smaller sizes like 12 mil can suffice, depending on the type of traffic over the floor.

Install Method

Whether you are installing the planks as a DIY project or hiring a professional to do the job for you, there are three main types of vinyl flooring installations.

The most common is the gluing method where each piece is adhered to the floor with an adhesive spray, compound or flooring glue.

You also have the groove method, or interlocking planks. Each plank has a tongue and groove style edging that fits together with the adjoining piece.

As you lay the boards they lock together, forming a solid, immovable foundation when the last piece is locked in place.

Finally, there is the loose lay method. For these you need special planks that come with a rubber-backed bottom.

Each piece lays in place without glue or interlocking.

As the name implies, the pieces lay loosely on the sub-flooring, with the rubber padding to prevent movement or slippage.

Availability

One thing you may want to keep in mind is the availability of the plank style you choose.

This is often overlooked during the purchasing process.

However, as new materials are made, different designs are released and other brands enter the market, you may not be able to find your style later on.

If you select a brand, style or design that may not be around in a few years, you will either need to pick up extra planks, or choose a different style.

I can’t think of anything worse than needing to replace a plank or two, only to discover an exact match isn’t available.

Additional Features

Unlike some other flooring types, vinyl has additional features that you may or may not find useful.

For example, by nature almost all vinyl planks are moisture resistant, but you can also find planks that are waterproof. These are ideal for installing in laundry rooms or bathrooms.

You can also find textured tiles and planks that aren’t common (or even available) in other flooring types. This will include your wood grains, but also stone, tile, EIR (Embossed in Register), colors, patterns and even clear.

Since LVP is a compound of various composite layers, you can also find padded versions which feel soft and giving when you walk on them.

Regardless of your flooring desires, there is bound to be a vinyl option to match your needs.

Price and Warranty

Of course, your budget will come into play. Even with DIY options available, the installation can be tedious and expensive.

You will want to find the right planking that is suitable to your décor as well as your wallet.

If you do opt for professional installation, you will need to ensure the quote covers everything such as timely delivery, removal of old flooring and hauling away of debris and left overs.

You may be surprised what professional installers do not include in their quotes.

For commercial applications, you can expect a lower warranty period, but the time frame should still match the expectations. Anything less than 5 years may not be worth it.

Review: Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands

Below, I review and compare the best vinyl flooring brands.

Each one will have unique advantages that may prove to be the selling point for your specific needs. You may also find that their small variances are enough to make you choose a different brand.

Let’s find out.

1. Shaw

Shaw Floors manufactures and produces some the most sought after and luxurious vinyl planks you can find. While they are a little more expensive than most, you get a high-quality, durable plank that exceeds your expectations.

There are three LVP styles to choose from.

DuraTru – The budget option

The DuraTru collection is the least expensive, and ranges from 5 mil to 7 mil in thickness.

Floorte – Mid-range

For thicker flooring you can choose to go with the Floorte style.

This is the mid-range of their collections and offers you over a dozen styles to choose from. Most residential applications come from this collection and it is easy to see why.

Floorte Pro – Commercial use

For commercial use or for a higher-end product the Floorte Pro is available.

The prices will rise in this group, but with up to 30 mil thickness and a solid plank using SPC.

Most of the design groups from Shaw are also 100% waterproof, not just water resistant. They also have a wide range that are completely sourced in the USA.

The thicker mil also come with longer warranties, including commercial use.

The average is a 5 to 7 year commercial warranty but it does rise to 20 years with the 30 mil options. For residential warranties, depending on the thickness you choose, you can expect a 7 to 20 year warranty on all models.

2. Armstrong

For over 100 years, Armstrong has produced flooring for Americans and the rest of the world.

Armstrong relies mostly on wood grain appearances, including natural, low gloss and distressed. However, they also offer an array of stone and tile aesthetics as well.

The luxury vinyl plank models are mostly self-stick, though the list of floating planks is growing. The residential and commercial warranties aren’t as long as some of the other brands, with one exception.

The Armstrong Vivero Best line is one of the most durable and resistant planks on the market. Where other brands use silicone or ceramic beads in the manufacturing process to add strength and durability, Armstrong does not.

For this line, they use lab-created diamonds, creating a sheen and toughness not found anywhere else. This also allows them to offer a commercial warranty of 15 years.

The price range for Armstrong luxury vinyl plank is also considered mid-range, without there being a lot of price variance between models.

If you want selection, durability and a price you can afford, it is hard to go wrong with Armstrong.

3. LifeProof

LifeProof comes to you from Home Depot. Their LVP is one of a kind and is made to resist daily use in your home.

If you have high traffic areas that you want to look good all the time, then this may be the best vinyl plank for you. There are several styles to choose from and you can pick from 6 different colors.

The planks are thick, too which makes them a great option for smaller commercial applications that can’t afford high-budget flooring prices.

One thing to note in residential installs, though, is that the setting time is a bit longer than most. Instead of the average 15 hour time to use, LifeProof recommends at least 24 hours.

Partly because of the thickness (22 mil) and partly because of the material properties, you are best to wait before moving furniture in the room. Once the expansion gaps are sealed, though, you will have a floor that is easy to maintain and withstands a barrage of daily traffic.

One of the biggest draws is that with only a few select exceptions, the price is the same for all luxury vinyl plank styles.

For a more detailed look see our LifeProof Flooring report.

4. Karndean

Karndean produces a 100% waterproof vinyl plank flooring, resistant to stains, pets, kids and offers a lifetime warranty.

They also offer the rare and elusive loose lay planks.

Made with a resilient rubber backing, you don’t need to bother with interlocking planks and fitting pieces together while trying to get under doorjams.

Simply lay the planks down in place and push together. The rubber backing prevents the planks from bowing, moving or shifting and the result is a near soundproof floor that is soft, comfortable to walk on and looks good.

If you aren’t a fan of the loose lay floor systems, Karndean has self adhesive and tongue and groove styles as well. With over two dozen styles in wood, stone or tile designs to choose from, you will most likely find a good match for your décor.

The lifetime warranty isn’t pro-rated, either. Should anything ever go wrong within the normal wear and tear of the floor, you are covered.

Some models do require professional installation for the full warranty to take effect, though. Be sure to read all of the fine print prior to making a purchase.

5. COREtec

COREtec, made by US Floors, is a brand synonymous with high-style and high-quality and simple cleaning. You will pay more for the flooring than with most other brands, but you get what you pay for.

It is suggested that you have your COREtec floors professionally installed. COREtec offers White Glove services, including installers for an additional charge.

Using this service though, will give you the full warranty on all installations and you can use the floors as soon as the job is complete.

Of course, we are covering LVP, and that is among the easiest flooring types to install, so the DIYer of the house can still have the highest quality materials and do the job themselves.

Some lines in the COREtec arsenal, though, will have a reduced warranty period (usually dropping from 15 to 10 years) when installed by the homeowner.

You aren’t without choices here, either. There are 5 major lines, including Original, Pro, Stone, Wood and One Plus.

Each line has its own models of luxury vinyl plank, with the Original and Pro series offering over a dozen choices, each.

Commercial or residential applications are available and you can find planks in multiple widths, colors and thicknesses from 12 mil to 20 mil.

With the exception of the COREtec One series, all lines and models have an attached cork pad.

Generally this is 1.5mm thick. On the COREtec Premium, though, it is doubled to 3mm. This promotes a softer feel under foot and superior sound absorption.

If you are willing to spend a little more, a high-quality LVP is waiting for you at COREtec.

Bonus options:

6. NuCore

Another store exclusive brand is NuCore. Brought to you by Floor & Decor, the luxury vinyl is highly durable and resilient to every day foot traffic and resists scuffs.

The planks are durable and they are also waterproof. It is the only brand that offers 100% waterproof across the entire line.

All of their models are wood grain finishes to emulate a real hardwood floor.

NuCore also features an innovative design with a cork underlay that is hypoallergenic. This underlay also provides a softer floor when walking, absorbs more sound and warmer for colder climates.

The interlocking floating designs with this cork underlay allows you to lay more flooring without the need for transition molding. According to Floor & Decor you can lay up to 6400 feet of NuCore luxury vinyl plank without transition molding.

If that isn’t enough,  you also get a lifetime warranty on residential installs . For commercial use there is a 15 year warranty.

However, this warranty is prorated over the 15 years, so the longer it goes, the more it will cost you out of pocket for a replacement.

Maintenance is simple with regular sweeping and mopping required. Made to withstand pets, children and high traffic areas.

7. Mohawk

Mohawk currently has over 200 styles and installation methods to choose from.

Most of the lines use a wood grain finish to emulate hardwood flooring.

However, you can also find stone, mason and tile looks, too.

Because they offer such a large range of options, their prices also run the gamut for all budgets. Whether you want to lay a new floor in your apartment or in a classic car showroom, there is a price and style to match.

Mohawk offers vinyl plank flooring in sizes form 6 mil to 20 mil and most of the self-stick versions offer a 15 to 20 year warranty. Floating options are generally between 8 and 20 mil, all using a WPC construction.

The warranties aren’t as long with floating planks, but the thicker version do see up to 15 years under coverage.

Unlike some other budget brands,  Mohawk offers many lines that are 100% waterproof, to help you with your everyday accidents .

Ideal for homes with pets and small children, especially when you are on a budget, the brand is highly sought after and well reviewed.

Cleaning up a Mohawk vinyl plank floor is quick and easy. A basic sponge or string mop is all that is needed to keep the floors looking new for many years. 

An eight option here might be Mannington Vinyl Plank Flooring, their vinyl flooring is of good quality and their prices are pretty average.

LVP Installation Cost

The overall cost of the project will depend greatly on if it is a DIY project or if you hire a professional for the job.

DIY costs will be lower since you are supplying the labor. However, this also means you are doing the prep, clean up and must supply all the tools and materials.

Material cost for a good quality LVP will range from $2 to $6 per square foot. You shouldn’t need to pay extra for underlayment as higher quality planks will have the underlayment already attached.

Providing you already have the needed tools, the additional materials such as spacers and knocking blocks will only cost a few dollars.

Professional install will cost more, however. You will need to account for the labor costs which are usually charged either per hour or by the square foot. Note that labor costs do not account for materials, which most contractors will provide.

You can expect to add an additional $3 to $10 per square foot for professional installation, according to Home Advisor.

How to Install Vinyl Floors

Installing LVP is a time consuming process, but generally not a difficult one.

You will need some tools and materials, of course. If you decide to install yourself, there are simple methods to use.

On the other hand, if you choose to go with professional install, there are things you should expect.

Materials Needed

The vinyl planks are needed, of course. However you will also need a few tools to ensure you do the job correctly.

• Chalk line. This will help you measure the room, find the center and allow you to mark a starting line with the expansion gap clearly identified.
• Utility knife. You will need to cut a lot of the pieces to size. The first row, for example, must have the tongue side removed. Certain types of planks may require a power saw instead of a knife.
• Bubble level. To ensure everything matches and that you are working on an even surface, you will need your level.
• Crowbar. Before you begin, you will need to remove the baseboards and trim. A crowbar will make the process easier.
• Hammer. Many installers use a rubber mallet or a standard claw hammer. This will help you lock end pieces into place or to get under doorjams.
• Square. You may be surprised to find out your room isn’t square. A square tool will allow you to mark the right angle to start laying planks.
• Personal Protective Equipment. You need to protect yourself from injury. Gloves while using the knife are recommended, as well as knee pads to help prevent fatigue or bruising.

DIY Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation

DIYers love to install LVP.

The process can take some time, but the rewards of a well planned and thorough job are worth the time it takes.

Here is a brief overview of what you can expect when installing vinyl planks on your own.

Floor Preparation

Two day (48 hours) before you install the new flooring, place the planks in the room and let them acclimate to the atmosphere and temperature.

As you install your rows, use planks from different boxes. This process isn’t mandatory, but will mix the slight variances in dyes and colors as well as patterns and grains to give you a more seamless and uniform appearance when you finish.

You begin by removing the old flooring, if you want to. Vinyl planks can lay on top of any other flooring type. The one exception is if the other layer is also free-floating.

You also want to remove any trim or baseboards in the rooms you work in. Sweep, mop or vacuum the space to clean up any large debris.

Next you will want to measure and mark the center of each wall and tape off the lines to give you a square grid to work from.

If you don’t want to tape you can use a chalk line to mark the lines. You will then want to start from the middle of the room and chalk a line to the corner along the edge of all four walls.

Finally, you want to measure the room to find out how wide your final row will be. The basic formula is the width of room (W) divided by width of an individual plank (P).

If you end up with the final row being less than one third the size of a plank, you want to cut 1/3rd off of the first row. This will ensure your starting row and final row are the same width.

First Row

The first row is the most tedious to install as you will need to cut each plank before placing on the floor.

Cut off the tongue side of the plank for each piece on this starting row and lay then along the chalk line, cut-edge facing the wall.

Make sure you leave the expansion gap as you go, clicking each plank into the end of the previous one.

Offset Rows

The second row needs to be offset 6-inches from the first. This means that the end-joint where the two pieces in the same row come together needs to be 6-inches from the joint in the previous row.

Cut your first piece of the second row accordingly and lock it in place using the groove of the first row. The next piece should join the first end to end, and then insert into the first row, pushing down until it clicks into place.

Repeat the process for the entire second row, and each row throughout the remainder of the room.

Doorjams and corners

When it comes to getting under a doorjam, you will need to bend the plank underneath. It is much easier to lock the plank into place with the previous plank, and then bend under the doorjam, not the other way around.

If you have difficulty getting the piece to lock into place after inserting under the jam, use a tapping block, light hammer or a crowbar to lift the previous row.

If your room has corners or protrusions, you will need to cut the pieces to fit accordingly.

Each corner and adjoining wall space need to maintain the 5/16th expansion gap. Otherwise, you lay as outlined above.

Finishing Touches

When the room is complete, all that remains is to reinstall the trim and baseboards. However, many people find that transition pieces make a nice addition to the room.

If you use transition boards, make sure you secure them with finishing nails to the walls, and not the vinyl planks, which need to expand and shift over the next several hours.

LVP Vs. Other Vinyl Types

LVP Vs. EVP

Engineered vinyl planks (EVP) are similar to LVP in almost every way. They offer tongue and groove style DIY installation, are waterproof and highly durable.

In fact, there are only a few major differences between the two. The first difference is the design layer. EVP is made to exactly replicate stone or wood. Once installed, there is little difference between actual wood planks and EVP.

LVP on the other hand, uses a photographic layer. While it can look like wood or stone, LVP does more with colors, patterns and grains. The look is still great, of course, but it doesn’t mimic exactly.

The next thing is the core layer. EVP is also known as rigid vinyl or RVP, because it only uses a stone-plastic core (SPC). This makes the planks stronger and more durable, but also more stiff and harder underfoot.

EVP is great for entry ways, sun rooms and commercial applications. In a residential environment, though, LVP will have a better feel underfoot.

LVP Vs. LVT

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is the exact same as LVP in every way, except for one. They share the same layer builds, quality and stone or wood look finishes. You can get LVT with a stone-plastic or wood-plastic core (WPC).

The difference, though, is the size and shape. LVT is used when you want to mimic a tile floor pattern. So instead of long planks, you will get squares. The sizes vary based on brand and design, but usually 12 x 12 or 24 x 24 inch squares are common.

When choosing between LVP and LVT you only need to ask yourself if you want a tile pattern or a wood plank pattern. Once you decide that, you will know which is best suited for your needs.

LVP Vs. Vinyl Sheet

LVP has replaced vinyl sheeting as the go-to chose for vinyl floors. However, this doesn’t mean sheeting has gone away.

Vinyl sheeting is just that. It comes in large rolls that you must glue to the subfloor directly. It isn’t very thick, with most versions coming in at 5 to 8 mil. And there aren’t very many layers.

Vinyl sheeting is cheaper than planks, but more difficult to install. It is also impossible to repair a small section without it being noticeable. If you need to replace an LVP section, those few planks can be replaced and probably won’t be seen.

Vinyl sheets, though, usually require a much larger section to be replaced than what is damaged. Matching color, pattern and fading is near impossible, and takes a skilled hand to perform.

Also check out our guide to LVP vs laminate plank flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions

I will now answer some of the questions people often ask about vinyl plank flooring.

Do you have any other questions?

Use the comments below for any further help you may require.

Q. What’s the difference between traditional vinyl and LVP?

1. The main difference is the amount of vinyl and composite materials used in manufacturing the planks or tiles. Luxury Vinyl Planks generally start at 5 mil and go up from there, with the thickest versions topping out at about 30 mil.

In comparison, traditional vinyl is only about 1 mil thick.

Obviously, the thicker planks mean a sturdier board, more resistant to wear, warping or scratches.

Traditional vinyl only comes in sheets, though it is a lot cheaper, often coming in under $1 per square foot.

LVP is more expensive, but most find it worth the cost.

Q. What happens if I get scratches on my vinyl plank flooring? Can it be repaired?

1. Vinyl plank flooring cannot easily be repaired, sanded or stained. If gouges and scratches occur, that plank should be replaced. This is a difficult process, as you will need to remove the rows piece by piece to get to the damaged plank. You may want to consider if your vinyl plank flooring brand has a residential warranty or commercial warranty for scratches. The high quality brands often come with that.

If you still want to try to repair your vinyl, read in more detail here: how to fix scratches on vinyl flooring.

Q. What type of maintenance does vinyl flooring require?

1. LVP is a generally maintenance-free flooring option. Sweeping, mopping and dusting are all that is needed to maintain the planks for upwards of 20 years. When you do mop, though, make sure you do not use a mop with a scrubbing pad, as this will scratch the surface.

Q. How long does vinyl plank flooring last?

1. Well maintained vinyl plank floors can last 15 years or more. IN lighter traffic areas or rooms where the vinyl isn’t exposed to direct sunlight and heavy furniture, installs are known to last over 20 years.

Q. Can I use the flooring as soon as it is installed?

1. If you plan to install the floor and replace the furniture the same day, you need to make other plans. After the planks are installed they need time to expand and settle. Different brands will recommend different times, but the minimum amount of time before you can use the floor is about 15 hours.

After the setting time, you can then walk on the floor and bring in your furniture.

However, if you attempt to do so before the flooring settles, it won’t expand correctly which can lead to gaps, warping or bowing of the flooring material

Q. Can I put heavy furniture on a vinyl plank floor?

1. If you have used glue on the vinyl plank flooring you need to wait 48 hours before you can place any really heavy furniture on it. Remember to use felt furniture pad to prevent scratches when you move the heavy furniture back on the vinyl flooring.  

Q. What is a good wear layer for vinyl flooring?

1. A thicker wear layer means more durability and a longer life span. For that 12 mil to 20 mil is a good idea. Commercial vinyl floors might do better with 28 mil, as there needs to be more resistance to scratches and other damages. 

Thinner vinyl can be a great idea when space is a concern. If you have doors with low bottom clearance or you don’t want to replace your baseboards, a thinner vinyl wear layer might be the best choice for you.

Best Vinyl Floor Brands – Final Thoughts

As you can see, vinyl flooring is a simple to install, low-cost solution to your flooring needs.

A high quality vinyl plank flooring will give you years of trouble-free use, is easy to maintain and suits the style and décor of your home.

The brand you choose to go with should fit your budget as well as your specific needs. Hopefully, this article has helped you find that perfect fit.