It’s slightly thicker at 4mm with an 8mil wear layer while the bottom sample is Shaw Matrix at 3.2mm thick with a 6mil wear layer. Brands like COREtec and Karndean often have a backing layer on their premium lines, while others will require you to add your own. If you choose to do the install yourself, you may find that you lose several years of your warranty. Pros & cons, costs, and a buying guide for the top (and most common) brands, including Mohawk, Coretec, Shaw, and more. Lifetime warranty. We went right over the old laminate flooring in the den area with NuCore. The sample on the left is Washed Grey Ash from Karndean’s Korlok collection, and its 6.5mm thick with a 20 mil wear layer. In a commercial setting the warranty will depend on the style and thickness you purchase and install and will range between 10 and 15 years. It’s 8mm thick with a 20mil commercial wear layer while the sample on the left is SmartCore Ultra Blue Ridge Pine. Mowhawk Luxury Vinyl Plank (Lowe’s) Cost: $47 for an 18.22 sq ft carton ($2.58/sq ft) Thickness: … NuCore claims to be able to lay flat and stay solid with up to 6,400 feet of planks without transitions. Pergo is a brand of laminate flooring, and many who have used it claim it is the best. You will also find that  both brands are 100% waterproof across their entire line . This is private labeled and mysteriously there are no product reviews. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Each case of LVP will cover about 18 to 20 square feet and run you a little under $3 per square foot, or $55 to $60 per case. Read on to find out if LifeProof is your next vinyl flooring solution. The price difference is also significant, just like the construction considering COREtec is generally $1.00 to $2.00 more per square foot depending on the collection. However, it is recommended that any flooring have a professional installer. Still pondering but am close to pulling the trigger on Lifeproof. This doesn’t cover gouges and damage caused by misuse (pet claws, dropping things sliding furniture, etc.). We pitted these two brands against one another and NuCore in our LVP shootout, but this time we’re just going to compare COREtec and their sub-brand SmartCore. Limited selection. However, if you want to save a little cash, have a durable plank that handles any area of your home, LifeProof might be your choice in the end. At the time of this NuCore vs. COREtec vs. SmartCore shootout, COREtec has over 200 wood-look vinyl plank options and 60 styles of LVT. The sample on the right is from the COREtec Plus lineup in Blackstone Oak. By comparison, Transcend Café Cascade Travertine from Tarkett is 4mm thick, and Shaw’s Journey tile, which is stacked on top of Tarkett’s tile, is 2mm. If you’re thinking about installing luxury vinyl flooring in your home, be sure to check out our brand reviews! Yes, please! While these planks are also close in size, the difference again lies with the wear layer. However, if you want a deeper clean, feel free to bring out the string or sponge mop at any time. I'm still loving our floor, and would 100% go with vinyl plank again. While that may seem like a good deal if you’re on a tight budget, you need to consider that you won’t get a cushy wear layer on these planks, and the warranties take a hit as well. Although they have respectable wear layers, as the photo shows, it takes both of those products to measure up to the thickness of a SmartCore Pro tile. If you are looking for an affordable, DIY installed plank flooring, LifeProof is worth a decent consideration. Edit: Home Depot now has their own private label knock of product called LifeProof. If you want rugged, durable planks with a lot of styles and colors to choose from, Armstrong is a solid choice. It’s 7.5mm thick with a 12 mil wear layer, and while both are waterproof, there is a significant difference in their construction. They are the clear winner from a style standpoint, as you can find a shade or species to suit your needs. Instead of rubber and PVC composite, the base layer of NuCOre is made from cork. All of these boards range from $1.89 to $2.39 in price, which puts them in the budget-friendly class. The trade off, though, is that the LifeProof floor needs at least a full day to set properly before you can use it. After having our floor for two years now, I thought I'd write an update on my vinyl plank floor review. You will also find that both brands are 100% waterproof across their entire line . Not all cleaners are created equal and some harsher chemicals can eventually remove the protective wear layer. All of the layers that are used to construct NuCore are 100% waterproof, and NuCore say that the top wear layer is not only s… As a mom of four, a waterproof floor in the kitchen is very important to me. If you are seeking a natural look both stone vinyl flooring and wood vinyl flooring are ideal solutions. I like the appearance of the coretec options but they are more expensive than the box store options. This means that regular mopping isn’t an issue. LifeProof planks are constructed from three layers. LifeProof is durable and rugged, though, and will withstand most of what any high-traffic flooring has to deal with, including children and pets. The bottom, or base layer is a padded underlayment made mostly of rubber and PVC foam composite. When it comes to LVP, the choice is more difficult. Of course, we pulled up the carpet in the living room and dining room before installing it there and put it on top of the subfloor. The standout feature with Armstrong is that  they don’t use ceramic beads in their wear layer for added durability . However, the construction does not include formaldehyde or phthalates which is found in some other brands. A: Yes. Luxury vinyl flooring is one of the most popular styles available to homeowners today. Vinyl plank flooring is a modern miracle that gives homeowners the luxurious look and longevity of hardwood floors without the warping, water damage, staining or scratching. These products install over almost all existing floors, making them flexible and affordable flooring choices. The biggest difference here is the  set time and cost . quite a few standout features that make it a top choice, manufactured by Halstead New England Industries exclusively for Home Depot, planks are made from all new vinyl and none of it is from recycled pieces, Care and Maintenance of LifeProof LVP Flooring, installed in a residential home, LifeProof comes with a lifetime warranty, Comparing LifeProof Flooring to other Top Brands, they don’t use ceramic beads in their wear layer for added durability, both brands are 100% waterproof across their entire line, offers a durability found in higher-end LVP brands, NuCore Vinyl Plank Flooring Review: All You Need to Know, Best Pergo Flooring: Reviews and Round Up, SmartCore Flooring Reviews: Beauty Flooring on a Budget, COREtec Flooring Review (Installation, Maintenance & Cost), Best Vinyl Plank Flooring (Reviews of Top 7 Brands), Best Laminate Flooring (Top 7 Brands + Comparisons). The Smartcore Pro is 20mil and UV protected. That means there’s not as much of a selection of vinyl that resembles travertine or marble, and the difference in thickness isn’t nearly as great. Check out the best flooring from CR's tests. With no acclimation time needed, it comes ready to install, right out of the box, and can be installed over most existing floors. While it may not be as durable in certain situations as planks that cost twice as much, it isn’t a cheap flooring that needs constant care or replacement. Your email address will not be published. Instead of Home Depot, though, NuCore is sold exclusively through Floor & Decor. Where LifeProof stands out is that it is 100 percent waterproof, which means it is a better option for wet rooms than NuCore. Below I compare the LVP to a few of the highest selling, best reviewed brands to find out. Is LifeProof worth the cost? The three layer construction with PVC composite core means a lower cost with a top-tier durability. LifeProof Floors Vs. NuCore. This creates a wear layer that is virtually indestructible and will provide a firm foundation and comfortable flooring for years to come. However, this can be a bad thing, especially if you need to buy a new box to make a few replacements. The Good. Have you heard about Pergo flooring? When  installed in a residential home, LifeProof comes with a lifetime warranty . On the right is a rigid core plank in Woodacres Oak, which is 7mm thick with a 5mil wear layer. If you aren’t close to a Home Depot, you are severely limited in what you can order. ft. / case) It’s time to make a change; start by adding It’s time to make a change; start by adding 100% waterproof LifeProof Rigid Core luxury vinyl flooring to your home. Sterling Oak 8.7 in. Because most flooring will end up with some degree of moisture exposure, whether through the air or the occasional spill, it’s critical that your flooring has a … NuCore waterproof flooring combines the appearance of hardwood with a simple, streamlined installation process. LifeProof Rigid Core vs. Karndean . In the photo below, the top sample carries the TrafficMaster Allure branding and is 3.8mm thick with a 4mil wear layer. LifeProof Product Specs. Over 20 color and style options to choose from. Even though luxury vinyl is extremely popular, wood-look products outnumber their stone counterparts 4 to 1. You will get a guaranteed finished product and not have to worry about cleaning up or damage. The NuCore planks are a bit softer to walk on, and some report an almost giving, or “squishy” feeling that is welcomed to bare or socked feet. Free of formaldehyde, phthalate and is antimicrobial which prevents mold and mildew growth, 100% waterproof. LifeProof luxury vinyl plank flooring comes in three thicknesses, each with several style options: 6.5mm: 8 styles, each in a variety of colors. This multilayered approach adds thickness to any product that falls into the luxury vinyl plank class, but tiles are made in a similar fashion as well. It is constructed in several layers (a bit like laminate flooring) with a resistant wear layer on top, followed by a decorative design layer (a wood or stone image), then a vinyl layer adhered to a waterproof rigid core made of plastic composite, and finally a cork backing that serves as underlayment. LifeProof has  quite a few standout features that make it a top choice  for many flooring DIYers and professionals, alike. Oct 4, 2017 - We installed NuCore Waterproof Flooring one year ago. That being said, you would want to make sure the tile was level and in good condition. Water-Resistant Flooring. These may not be deal breakers for you, in which case this is a good way to save a few bucks, but in most cases we would steer you towards a … COREtec averages a 15-year warranty. Still, it is better to be cautious than to replace. The top layer (known as the wear layer) also consists of ceramic beads to prolong the wear of the planks. This flooring option is one of the premium laminate flooring choices. Exclusive retailer. Lifeproof’s LVP only has a quarter of the wear layer found on Karndean’s plank but is around $3.20 per square foot compared to around $5.00 per square foot for the Korlok Select. It has great looks, a comfortable texture and is low in maintenance with an excellent warranty. In the middle, is a slice of vinyl plank flooring from the Home Decorators Collection in Noble Oak. You will always have a lifetime warranty (residential) with LifeProof. While the planks are considered mid-range, the truth is that they have a lot of high-end attributes and features at a low-end price. Vinyl Plank Flooring: Shop by Appearance at Best Laminate Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of finishes. Depending on your preferences this can be a win for either brand. Formaldehyde in floors has gotten a lot of press this year, but another flooring concern--phthalates, which makes plastics more pliant--has raised eyebrows because of … Finding an exact match, though, may be more difficult. The DIYer can install LVP with relative ease, though, and saves hundreds doing the install themselves. Not only will you have a beautiful floor, but it will also withstand spills or leaks and maintains a lifetime warranty in the process. Exclusive to Floor & Decor, NuCore® is 100% waterproof flooring. While there isn’t a way to repair the plank, you can replace them. With no acclimation time need, it comes ready to install, right out of the box, and can be installed over most existing floors. These and many other questions about the LVP brand are found right here in this review. 55 votes, 73 comments. LifeProof flooring is an exclusive brand by the Home Depot. Lifeproof vs Nucore Vinyl flooring review for durability. Before we take a look at wear layers or the overall thickness of a plank or tile, it’s important to understand what luxury vinyl is and how it’s made. I dislike the look of laminate and I'm afraid of staining/spilling on hardwood - plus I've heard hardwood … If you want options, Armstrong is your choice. You won’t need to buy underlayment for either product, and both are waterproof with a lifetime residential warranty. If you have other concerns or questions, please use the comment section below. Keep reading to find out what I like and don't like about it, and how it's held up over these past couple of years. Most flooring in this class is click-lock as well, regardless of the design aside from a handful of traditional luxury vinyl tiles that require adhesive. LVP is relatively simple to install, if you have any DIY experience at all. The middle layer is called ISOCORE, and instead of the common wood composite or stone composite found in most LVP brands, this is made primarily from PVC. Long set time. Not many brands can offer that. Caring for your new LifeProof floor is relatively simple to maintain. Thanks to the “drop and lock” install method, removing a plank is made easier. You should note that this is a thinner and flimsier product (it’s only 5.5 mm vs Coretec Plus is 8 mm).