Who Makes The Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring 2024

Who Makes the Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring 2024

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring continues to grow in popularity due to its durability, water resistance, and affordability compared to hardwood. The market offers a wide variety of options, making choosing the right brand a potentially daunting task. This article examines some of the leading manufacturers of LVP flooring in 2024, considering factors such as quality, design options, warranty, and overall value.

Coretec: Known for its innovative core structures, Coretec offers a range of LVP products with varying levels of waterproofness and durability. Their original cork underlayment provides comfort and sound insulation, while newer collections feature enhanced waterproof cores for superior moisture protection. Coretec is often praised for its realistic wood and stone visuals and wide plank options.

Shaw Floors: A prominent name in the flooring industry, Shaw offers an expansive selection of LVP flooring across various price points. Their Floortec line is particularly well-regarded for its waterproof construction and durability, featuring various wear layers to suit different needs. Shaw also emphasizes design, with a wide array of colors, textures, and styles available.

Mohawk: Another major player in the flooring world, Mohawk provides a diverse range of LVP products under different brand names, including RevWood and SolidTech. Known for their robust warranties and scratch-resistant technologies, Mohawk's LVP offerings cater to both residential and commercial applications. They also offer various installation options, including click-lock and glue-down.

Mannington: Mannington emphasizes design and craftsmanship in their LVP collections, focusing on realistic visuals and textured surfaces. Their Adura Max line is a popular choice for its waterproof construction, durability, and wide range of styles. Mannington also offers specialized collections designed for specific applications, such as pet-friendly options with enhanced scratch and stain resistance.

Karndean: Karndean distinguishes itself through its focus on design and innovation. Their LVP products often feature unique embossing and beveling techniques to create highly realistic wood and stone looks. Karndean offers a variety of core structures, including rigid core and loose lay options, catering to different installation needs and subfloor conditions.

Armstrong Flooring: A well-established name in the flooring industry, Armstrong offers a range of LVP products designed for various applications. Their Vivero line features waterproof construction and enhanced durability, while the Pryzm line offers a budget-friendly option with good performance characteristics. Armstrong emphasizes ease of installation with their click-lock systems.

NuCore: Available exclusively at Floor & Decor, NuCore is known for its value-oriented pricing and waterproof construction. Their LVP products feature a pre-attached underlayment for added comfort and sound insulation, and they offer a variety of styles and colors to choose from. NuCore focuses on providing a durable and affordable flooring solution for homeowners.

Cali Bamboo: While primarily known for their bamboo flooring, Cali Bamboo also offers a range of LVP products with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness. Their Fossilized and GeoWood lines feature waterproof construction and durable wear layers, while also incorporating recycled content. Cali Bamboo emphasizes low-VOC emissions and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

Proximity Mills: Proximity Mills focuses on providing high-quality LVP flooring directly to consumers, cutting out the middleman and offering competitive pricing. Their products feature waterproof construction, durable wear layers, and realistic wood visuals. Proximity Mills emphasizes customer service and offers a robust warranty on their LVP flooring.

Selecting the Right LVP: When choosing LVP flooring, several factors should be considered beyond the brand name. The thickness of the wear layer directly impacts durability and scratch resistance. The core structure influences waterproofness, stability, and comfort underfoot. The locking system affects ease of installation, and the overall design should complement the existing décor.

Warranty Considerations: Warranties vary significantly between manufacturers and product lines. It’s crucial to carefully review the warranty terms, paying attention to coverage for wear and tear, staining, fading, and structural defects. Understanding the warranty details can provide valuable peace of mind and protect against potential issues.

Installation Methods: LVP flooring is available in various installation formats, including click-lock, glue-down, and loose lay. Click-lock systems are generally the easiest to install, while glue-down offers greater stability and moisture resistance. Loose lay options are ideal for temporary installations or spaces with challenging subfloors. Choosing the right installation method depends on the specific product and the subfloor conditions.

Maintenance and Care: While LVP is generally low-maintenance, proper care is essential to preserve its appearance and longevity. Regular sweeping or vacuuming helps remove dirt and debris, while damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner is recommended for deeper cleaning. Avoiding abrasive cleaners and sharp objects helps prevent scratches and damage to the surface.