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Hardwood planks have long been a popular flooring choice, offering unrivaled natural warmth. Unfortunately, having fitted them in a farmhouse hallway and lounge in a remodel, I know hardwood floors can also be expensive; difficult to install; and prone to dents, scratches, or water damage.
Alternatively, the best vinyl plank flooring provides a virtually indistinguishable alternative to hardwood that’s low cost and can shrug off wear and tear. Some can even be installed on new concrete floors or over existing wood or tile. After my experience downstairs at the farmhouse, I used vinyl plank in the five bedrooms—saving a lot of money and completing the job more quickly.
Our pick for the best overall vinyl plank flooring is the CoreTec Lanier line from Smartcore. We like its 100 percent waterproof construction; low-gloss embossed finish and beveled edges; and ease of installation over tile, concrete, existing vinyl, or wood.
While there are many similarities among the products available, there are also vital differences to consider. Read on to take a closer look at those features and decide which is the best vinyl plank flooring option for your home or business.
- BEST OVERALL: Smartcore by CoreTec Lanier Vinyl Plank Flooring
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: TrafficMaster Edwards Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Lifeproof Trail Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
↓ Jump to Review - BEST KITCHEN AND BATHROOM: NuCore White Pewter Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR BASEMENTS: Armstrong Flooring American Personality Pro Flooring
↓ Jump to Review - BEST NARROW PLANK: CoreTec Plus 5-Inch Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
↓ Jump to Review - BEST OVERSIZE PLANK: Pergo Extreme Wider Longer Vinyl Plank Flooring
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR DIYERS: TrafficMaster Taupe Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR PETS: Home Decorators Collection Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring
As a DIY enthusiast who has carried out extensive remodels of 3 homes, vinyl planks are one of my favorite flooring systems. I have used them in numerous locations, so I have a good understanding of their structure and limitations. This, combined with the Bob Vila team’s extensive research into vinyl plank flooring brands and their products, resulted in the following selection criteria.
- Composition: The various materials used to make vinyl flooring are clearly an important component. When selecting these top picks, we made sure that each was fully waterproof, not just water-resistant.
- Brand: Nobody wants to replace flooring every few years. All the best vinyl plank picks come from manufacturers with an established reputation for excellent product quality and high durability.
- Value: Most vinyl plank flooring is affordable. We nevertheless took into account a range of prices in order to offer solutions for every budget.
Our Top Picks
We’ve gathered some of the best vinyl plank flooring currently available and organized them by category to make it easier for shoppers to select the option that’s right for their home.
Best Overall
Smartcore by CoreTec Lanier Vinyl Plank Flooring
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 48 inches long by 5 inches wide, 6.5 millimeters thick
- Wear layer thickness: 12 mil
- Underlayment: Acoustic pad
What We Like
- 100 percent waterproof construction and 12-mil wear layer are suitable for residential and light commercial spaces
- Low-gloss embossed texture and beveled edges accurately mimic the appearance of real hardwood
- Easy to lay as floating vinyl plank flooring over concrete, tile, existing vinyl, or wood
What We Don’t Like
- Additional underlayment is recommended to achieve maximum comfort and sound reduction
With so much variety available, choosing a single product as the overall best vinyl plank flooring is a real challenge. Smartcore by CoreTec gets the nod for its combination of practicality, durability, and price. It is good-looking, hard-wearing, and 100 percent waterproof, so it can be used in kitchens and bathrooms as well as living rooms and bedrooms.
The toughness demanded in both residential and light commercial environments is provided by a 12-mil wear layer; a texture layer then provides authentic wood-grain looks. This is on top of a wood plastic composite (WPC) for long-term stability, then an acoustic pad that helps reduce noise.
Smartcore’s waterproof vinyl flooring can be laid over any kind of subfloor without prep, but a cork underlayment is recommended for maximum sound absorption and comfort.
Get the Smartcore vinyl plank flooring at Lowe’s.
Best Bang For The Buck
TrafficMaster Edwards Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 36 inches long by 6 inches wide, 4.4 millimeters thick
- Wear layer thickness: 6 mil
- Underlayment: Sound-dampening foam
What We Like
- Very affordable low-maintenance flooring from a well-known and trusted brand
- 100 percent waterproof rigid-core flooring for residential and light commercial use
- Suitable for above-, on-, or below-grade installation (in temperature-controlled environments)
What We Don’t Like
- Vinyl flooring planks with 6-mil wear layer are not recommended for high-traffic areas
TrafficMaster may be a budget vinyl plank option, but it is still a good-quality product. It is exclusive to The Home Depot and is manufactured by Shaw, which makes many premium products on the market.
At 4.4 millimeters, it is thinner than some, but it still offers good scratch and impact resistance. It is fully waterproof and suitable for use anywhere in the home, including basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Sound-absorbing underlayment is preattached, making for easier installation. It is available in seven colors.
While TrafficMaster claims its vinyl plank flooring is intended for residential and light commercial use, a wear layer of 6 mil means it is not intended for high-traffic areas.
Get the TrafficMaster Edwards oak vinyl plank flooring at The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Lifeproof Trail Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 48 inches long by 8.7 inches wide, 7 millimeters thick
- Wear layer thickness: 22 mil
- Underlayment: Preattached cushioned pad
What We Like
- Realistic wood appearance and heavy-duty wear layer for long-lasting luxury
- Antimicrobial protection on top surface and pad inhibit growth of mold and mildew
- Withstands temperatures up to 155 degrees Fahrenheit for safe use in sunrooms
What We Don’t Like
- While waterproof, it should not be cleaned with a steam mop
Lifeproof’s hugely popular luxury vinyl plank flooring answers just about every need while still remaining competitively priced. The 22-mil wear layer means it is as tough as anything available, and it’s rated for both residential and commercial use.
It is easy to look after because it’s scratch-resistant and inhibits mold and mildew thanks to its antimicrobial treatment. Waterproof, it can be swept, vacuumed, or cleaned with a damp mop, but steam mops should not be used.
Lifeproof vinyl hardwood flooring does not absorb moisture, so it stays dimensionally stable. It’s also highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and won’t normally distort in sunrooms. The preattached underlayment reduces noise and improves comfort underfoot. The wide choice of finishes means there’s something for nearly every home style.
Get the Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring at The Home Depot.
Best Kitchen And Bathroom
NuCore White Pewter Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 47.75 inches long by 7 inches wide, 6.5 millimeters thick
- Wear layer thickness: 22 mil
- Underlayment: Natural cork
What We Like
- Stain-resistant antimicrobial coating naturally combats odor-causing mold and mildew
- Heavy-duty wear layer provides superior scratch and dent protection in high-traffic areas
- Made in the U.S. and meets GreenGuard Gold environmental certification
What We Don’t Like
- Although there is a natural cork backing layer, additional underlayment is suggested
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. While this flooring can be used throughout the home, the protective coating makes it particularly good for bathrooms and kitchens.
The wear layer is a substantial 22 mil, making it suitable for both residential and commercial environments. In addition to being waterproof and qualified for installation on, above, and below grade, NuCore vinyl plank flooring is available in eight colors. Added texture offers increased realism.
Despite the product having an attached cork underlayment for extra comfort, the manufacturer recommends an additional underlayment sheet for sound dampening and to improve warmth.
Get the NuCore vinyl plank flooring at Floor & Decor.
Best For Basements
Armstrong Flooring American Personality Pro Flooring
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 48 inches long by 6.5 inches wide, 2 millimeters thick
- Wear layer thickness: Unlisted
- Underlayment: None
What We Like
- Flexible and cuttable; can suit a variety of spaces for ease of installation
- 1 box of the 48-inch-long by 6.5-inch-wide flooring can cover up to 38.88 square feet of space
- Diamond 10 Technology wear layer is resistant to scuffs and abrasions
- Comes in a variety of warm and cool colors and a low-gloss finish
What We Don’t Like
- May require a separate underlayment to provide sound absorption
Basements with concrete subfloors can benefit from this option from Armstrong Flooring. This 2-millimeter thick vinyl plank flooring has a flexible construction and can be cut to accommodate a space. It is 48 inches long by 6.5 inches wide and covers 38.88-square-foot spaces.
What makes this flooring truly remarkable is the diverse low-gloss color options, including antique beige, oak, silver surf, and golden hour. The durable Diamond 10 Technology wear layer on these floors is resilient to scuffs and scratches in high-traffic areas. However, this option does not provide a lot of sound absorption and does not have an adhesive pad, so it may need additional underlayment.
Get the Armstrong Flooring vinyl plank flooring at Armstrong Flooring.
Best Narrow Plank
CoreTec Plus 5-Inch Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 48 inches long by 5 inches wide, 8 millimeters thick
- Wear layer thickness: 20 mil
- Underlayment: Synthetic cork
What We Like
- Extremely durable and scratch-resistant construction for use in residential or commercial locations
- Hydracore composite is inert, so it won’t swell or distort in damp or wet conditions
- Made without hazardous chemicals from recycled wood, bamboo dust, limestone, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
What We Don’t Like
- The complex construction results in a higher-than-average price tag
Wide flooring vinyl planks can be impressive in open areas, but in small rooms, they can look a little overwhelming. Narrower flooring usually suits the space better and has the advantage of making the room appear bigger than it is.
CoreTec Plus 5-inch vinyl planks are ideal in this instance. The wide range of a dozen colors means there’s something for all tastes. The planks might be narrower than many others, but they are no less tough with a 20-mil wear layer that makes them suitable for residential or commercial use.
The patent-pending “Hydracore” is a stone plastic composite (SPC) that is totally inert and provides excellent water resistance. This means COREtec Plus is also a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, and it can be installed above, on, or below grade.
Get the CoreTec vinyl plank flooring at Flooring Inc.
Best Oversize Plank
Pergo Extreme Wider Longer Vinyl Plank Flooring
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 72 inches long by 10 inches wide, 6 millimeters thick
- Wear layer thickness: 20 mil
- Underlayment: High-density cushioned pad
What We Like
- Excellent quality at a competitive price from one of the leading vinyl plank flooring brands
- Aluminum-oxide coating creates an extremely durable wear layer
- Highly realistic RealPlank textured appearance on top of stable SPC core
What We Don’t Like
- Boards of this size can be visually overwhelming in smaller rooms
Pergo has been making quality flooring since the 1970s. Their Extreme range of vinyl plank flooring is notable for the use of an aluminum-oxide coating rather than the more common polyurethane. It offers increased protection against scuffs and scratches, making Pergo Extreme among the toughest vinyl plank flooring options available. It is also fully waterproof.
Although super tough and ideal for high-traffic areas, Pergo Extreme vinyl plank flooring remains affordable. There are 10 colors to choose from, and each is textured for a more realistic wood effect. An attached cushioned pad deadens sound.
The oversize boards make a dramatic impression in large rooms, and the ease of installation means substantial areas can be covered quickly. However, the size can be inconvenient in smaller rooms. A selection of smaller planks is also available.
Get the Pergo vinyl plank flooring at Pergo Flooring.
Best For Diyers
TrafficMaster Taupe Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 36 inches long by 6 inches wide, 0.08 inches thick
- Wear layer thickness: 4 millimeters
- Underlayment: None
What We Like
- Comes with a peel-and-stick design that can be installed quickly and easily
- Made with a 4-millimeter wear layer and a PU coating to repel scrapes and scuffs
- 1 box of 36-inch-long by 6-inch-wide flooring can cover up to 36 square feet
- Comes in 3 color options, each providing a realistic-looking wooden floor
What We Don’t Like
- Does not come with an underlayment; may not provide a lot of noise reduction
- Very thin compared to other flooring options available
Those who prefer to avoid the expense of vinyl plank flooring installers will love this easy-to-install option from TrafficMaster. The peel-and-stick vinyl plank flooring features a 0.08-inch thickness, a 4-mil clear wear layer, and a PU coating that can handle high-traffic areas and repel scuffs. The phthalate-free material is also safe for use in any residential area, and a box of the 36-inch-long by 6-inch-wide flooring can cover 36 square feet.
Choose from gray ash, gray distressed wood, and taupe oak color options. It can be installed on concrete, plywood, and other existing subfloor types. The TrafficMaster flooring also looks incredibly realistic and offers all the benefits of vinyl. The only downside to this flooring is that it has no built-in underlayment and won’t provide much sound absorption.
Get the TrafficMaster taupe oak vinyl plank flooring at The Home Depot.
Best For Pets
Home Decorators Collection Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Product Specs
- Plank dimensions: 48.03 inches long by 7.13 inches wide, 5 millimeters thick
- Wear layer thickness: 12 mil
- Underlayment: Preattached cushioned pad
What We Like
- Tough enough for above, on, or below-grade installation while remaining very affordable
- Waterproof, scratch- and dent-resistant with stable stone-based core
- Can be installed over most pre-existing subfloors without needing extra underlayment
What We Don’t Like
- Not recommended for conservatories or other areas subject to temperature extremes
One of the key features pet owners look for when choosing vinyl planks is scratch resistance. Cats can retract their claws, but the family pooch can’t, and the paths they habitually use when crossing rooms can soon look dull and worn. The Home Decorators luxury vinyl plank flooring has this important feature, combined with dent and stain resistance plus a 12-mil wear layer that ensures it can also shrug off pretty much whatever a family throws at it. It’s also easy to clean which makes it the perfect flooring for dogs.
The Home Decorators luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in a wide range of colors and is rated for both residential and light commercial installations (though not in areas that are regularly subjected to moisture). A preattached pad provides sound suppression and comfort. Plus, it can be installed over almost any subfloor without needing additional underlayment.
Get the Home Decorators Collection vinyl plank flooring at The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Vinyl Plank Flooring
Visual appeal is often a key issue when selecting vinyl plank flooring, and it can be a very personal decision. However, beneath that attractive surface there are a variety of features that require careful consideration. The following section provides a detailed explanation of the important technical differences that can impact a vinyl flooring choice.
Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring
At its most basic, vinyl plank flooring is a photographic reproduction of wood grain (or other visual) printed onto a PVC sheet. There are a number of other layers in addition to that PVC sheet, and these can greatly affect performance and comfort. There are a few formats of vinyl plank flooring, and each can be installed in different ways.
Many of these products are made abroad, so thickness is usually described in millimeters, with 25.4 millimeters equaling 1 inch. They vary from 4 millimeters for low-cost vinyl plank flooring up to 8 millimeters for a higher-quality, more durable product. Thicker vinyl planks usually absorb more sound and feel more pleasant underfoot, though they do tend to cost more.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is a much used and occasionally misleading description. The majority of vinyl plank flooring can be called “luxury” regardless of quality, so it’s important to note that there’s no one best luxury vinyl plank brand and to check the specifications carefully. The term “EVP” (engineered vinyl plank) may also be used.
LVP generally consists of three layers: a backing or base made with vinyl and fillers, a printed pattern layer (where the natural wood look comes in), and a clear-finish layer that offers protection from scratches, scuffs, and staining. Installation options will vary from product to product, but in general, LVP can be installed by gluing planks directory to the subfloor, using a click-lock system to keep the flooring in place (sometimes called a floating floor) or in a loose-lay format, which allows for laying the planks flat.
WPC Vinyl Plank Flooring
After LVP started gaining popularity, there were still many customers who preferred the feeling of a rigid plank in their hand—something that felt closer to a true hardwood plank. Enter wood plastic composite (WPC) flooring. A waterproof vinyl plank option featuring a rigid core made of wood pulp and extruded foam, WPC flooring is light and sound absorbent, and it feels warm underfoot. It is generally installed with a click-locking system, eliminating the need for an adhesive.
SPC Vinyl Plank Flooring
Stone plastic composite, the successor to WPC flooring, features a rigid core that uses limestone (calcium carbonate). While not as soft or quiet underfoot as WPC vinyl plank or luxury vinyl plank flooring, these floors are very tough and less prone to indentation from heavy objects, such as furniture, than WPC.
Like WPC, SPC vinyl planks are also installed with a click-lock system using preformed grooves rather than needing to be glued down.
Waterproof Vinyl Plank Flooring
Another area that can be confusing is whether vinyl plank flooring is waterproof or not. One of the main components, PVC, is 100 percent waterproof. Both WPC and SPC planks also contain plasticizers to allow some flex without splitting, and this also helps shed water.
However, while a good deal of vinyl plank flooring is waterproof, some is only classified as water-resistant and should not be used in areas of potential high humidity or frequent spills, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Even fully waterproof vinyl plank flooring will distort if submerged for long, and it may not survive flooding.
Layer Composition
Vinyl plank flooring’s composition varies a bit from product to product. No matter the format, all vinyl plank flooring will feature a clear-wear layer and pattern layer. Rigid-core vinyl plank flooring, like WPC and SPC, will feature a rigid core made of either wood or stone composite, which gives the plank its rigid feel and heft in hand. Flexible LVP will not feature a core layer but instead a backing made with vinyl and fillers. Some of the best vinyl plank flooring has an additional cork or foam acoustic layer already attached to the bottom.
While lower-cost vinyl plank flooring is usually composed of these three layers, it can be a little noisy when laid on a concrete subfloor. A thin foam or felt underlayment layer is usually recommended to both absorb the sound and add “give,” which improves the comfort underfoot.
Durability in High-Traffic Areas
Choosing the best vinyl plank flooring for a particular area of a home or office will depend to some extent on the amount of traffic. While each format offers good durability, all surfaces wear eventually.
High-traffic areas like kitchens, dining rooms, entryways, and lobbies don’t necessarily need thicker vinyl planks. While increased thickness often means greater comfort, it is the actual wear layer that is key. Interestingly, wear-layer thickness is measured in mils, and while that sounds like it would be related to millimeters, a mil is actually one thousandth of an inch (.001 inch).
Minimum wear-layer thickness is usually 2 mil, though good-quality vinyl plank flooring will generally be 6 mil and upward.
Protective Coating
Vinyl plank flooring comes with wear layers and/or protective coatings to prevent scuffs and scrapes in high-traffic areas. A wear layer is almost always provided by a vinyl plank flooring manufacturer, but a protective layer is an additional feature that some brands include for certain concerns (like waterproofing and antimicrobial resistance). Even if a brand doesn’t provide a coating, there are liquid coating options that can be applied to vinyl plank flooring for those who need added protection.
Residential vs. Commercial
Wear layer is often used as the distinguishing feature between vinyl plank flooring for residential or commercial applications. A 12-mil wear layer is frequently seen as the boundary between domestic and light commercial, whereas 20 mil and upward is considered commercial, used for high-traffic offices or retail areas, for example.
However, the terms “residential” and “commercial” are somewhat arbitrary. A commercial-grade wear layer is usually advised for business premises, but vinyl plank flooring designated as commercial is often also designed to be used in a residential environment. In households with boisterous kids or pets, it could well be the optimal choice.
Length, Width, and Color
Picking a grain pattern and color are personal choices, but the variety of vinyl plank flooring options is so vast that whatever the home’s decor, there’s almost certainly something that will fit. Planks are generally 36 inches or 48 inches long. They are easy to trim to length where necessary. A utility knife or hand saw can be used, but a miter saw is the quickest and easiest way to trim a vinyl plank.
Plank width is usually 6 to 8 inches. This is an important consideration in terms of appearance and one that some people struggle to visualize. If there aren’t planks of the appropriate width for reference nearby, it may be worth cutting a couple of mock-up planks.
Vinyl floor planks are usually sold by the square foot. It is important not to underestimate requirements. The entire order should carry the same batch number, or there is a risk of minor color differences.
Tips for Installing Vinyl Plank Flooring
While some vinyl plank flooring has a peel-and-stick backing and others need to be glued down, by far the most popular installation option is as a floating floor. When properly installed, the combined weight of the planks and the confines of the room prevent any floor movement. Each manufacturer should provide specific instructions on how to install its product, but the following gives good general guidance.
- Although rigid-core vinyl plank flooring is relatively forgiving and can hide minor imperfections in the subfloor, those imperfections can become more obvious with flexible, glue-down LVP. In any case, it’s a good idea to make the subfloor as smooth and level as possible at the outset. Sweep or vacuum the floor before starting to clean up any dirt or grit.
- For comfort while working, it is well worth investing in some good knee pads.
- Decide which direction the vinyl planks should go; usually this is along the length of the room rather than the width. The click-lock edges are on the right, so work needs to start from the left.
- Remove baseboards if present. If an underlayment is being used, lay a strip across the entire length of the room. It doesn’t need to be glued; it will be held in place by the vinyl planks. Don’t add further strips until it is nearly covered with planks. When trying to do it all at once, it just gets in the way.
- Take a few boards from a pack and practice interlocking them in the middle of the room with plenty of space around them to understand how they work before starting to lay for real.
- It’s normal to lay in a “brickwork” pattern, so every other row needs to start with a half board. Cut as required. Retain the other half, which can often be used to finish on the right-hand wall. The “tongue” of the plank should be laid against the wall so the grooves that interlock are facing the unfinished area. Work is carried out moving backwards across the room
- When the far wall is reached, it may be necessary to reduce the width of the flooring planks. Don’t try to make them a tight fit against the wall; leave a small gap to allow for the floor settling. Actual gap size should be recommended by the manufacturer.
FAQs
The above information provides important insight into how to choose the best vinyl plank flooring for a number of different locations. Our top picks provide real-world examples. If you still have questions about how to choose the right vinyl plank flooring, read on.
It depends on which is most suitable for the installation. With WPC flooring, a thinner plank may be perfectly acceptable in areas of low traffic, whereas a thicker flexible luxury vinyl plank flooring is probably desirable in lounge or other high-traffic areas. However, SPC can be very tough, despite being comparatively thin. It’s important to consider what happens at the transition between rooms. Choosing a vinyl plank that is too thick can lead to problems with leveling at the doorway.
Vinyl plank flooring is best described as scratch-resistant rather than scratchproof, though it does depend on the quality of the product chosen. Some can be very tough indeed, and many are more resistant to damage than expensive hardwood flooring. Scratching isn’t a common problem, but it can happen. When moving furniture or appliances, it’s a good idea to lift rather than drag them, for example.
Absolutely. One of the major advantages of vinyl plank flooring is its ease of installation. Few tools are required and, with a little care, even those with only modest DIY skills can achieve a professional finish.
It depends on the type, so it’s important to check the specifications carefully. Some options are described as water-resistant, which is fine in areas where occasional spills are soon cleaned up. For areas that are regularly exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, look for 100 percent waterproof vinyl plank flooring.
This will depend on the product you’ve chosen. Typically, vinyl plank flooring is installed by gluing the planks to the subfloor or by using a locking system, which allows the planks to “float” above the subfloor. Some manufacturers also offer loose-lay options.
While others may suggest using a steam mop on a low setting for cleaning vinyl plank floors—particularly some SPC products—it is not recommended. In fact, some manufacturer warranties specifically say you should not steam mop your vinyl plank flooring.
Steam can eventually penetrate between the planks and get beneath the surface, possibly weakening the glue and causing swelling or warping. Generally, use a vacuum or a flat mop that is moist, rather than soaked with water, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
