Vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice for thousands of Americans, serving as a durable, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing option. It comes in all sorts of patterns and textures, each mimicking higher-quality materials like stone and natural hardwood, but at an unbeatable cost.
This guide takes a deep dive into the best vinyl plank flooring options available today to help you decide which option is best for your home, so if you’re on the hunt for new vinyl plank flooring, you’ve come to the right place.
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4.7
Complimentary post-installation follow-ups
Provides convenient in-home consultations
Hundreds of flooring showrooms nationwide
4.8
Offers next-day installations on certain flooring options
Multiple financing options
Mobile showroom option for convenient at-home shopping
3.8
Natural and engineered hardwood options
Offers augmented reality visualizer tool
Provides free samples online and in-store
- Vinyl plank flooring is an affordable, attractive option for homeowners nationwide.
- Coretec Advanced Plus and Shaw Titan HD Plus are great options for busy homes with pets and heavy foot traffic.
- Professional installation is usually the better option for vinyl plank flooring.
What Are the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Options?
The best vinyl plank flooring options set themselves apart from the rest in a few key metrics. As we searched for the best options, we conducted extensive research, leaving no stone unturned. We examined all aspects of each option, carefully narrowing our list to hone in on the best options available today.
We’ll cover our findings, from cost and where to buy to pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview of our top picks and why they earned a place on this list:
| Product | For Installation | Superlative | Cost per Square Foot | Product Warranty |
| CoreLuxe Ultra from LL Flooring | Contact LL Flooring Today | Most Style Options Available | $3.50 – $4.00 | Lifetime |
| Luxury Vinyl Planking from Empire Today | Contact your Nearest Empire Today Branch | Most Transparent Pricing | Contact Empire for a Free Consultation | Lifetime limited warranty |
| Coretec from Floor Coverings International | Contact Floor Coverings International Today | Best for Homes with Pets | $4.00 – $6.25 | Lifetime limited warranty |
| Shaw Titan HD Plus | View Shaw’s Products Online | Best for High-Traffic Areas | $7.00 – $7.50 | Contact Shaw |
| Mannington Adura Rigid Vinyl Planking | View Mannington’s Store Locator to Learn More | Best for Withstanding Temperature Fluctuations | $4.00 – $5.00 | Lifetime limited warranty |
| Armstrong Vivero Planks | Contact your Local Home Depot Today | Best for DIY Installation | $2.00 – $6.00 | 15-year, 30-year, or lifetime warranty |
| LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Planking | Contact your Local Home Depot Today | Best for High-Moisture Areas | $3.00 – $4.00 | Lifetime non-transferable warranty |
| SmartCore Pro | Contact your Local Lowe’s Today | Best for Noise Reduction | $3.50 – $4.50 | Lifetime limited warranty |
CoreLuxe Ultra
If you’re unsure precisely what you’re looking for, CoreLuxe Ultra is an excellent option. This option comes in an extensive range, from beautiful designer wood dupes to stunning mirrored stone prints. The abundance of options can be a great resource to help you determine what type of flooring will best match your home, so if you’re at a standstill, unsure which style to pick, look at the CoreLuxe Ultra options.
CoreLuxe Ultra LVP is surprisingly affordable at around $3 to $4 per sq. ft. Compared to similar options on the market, this price is reasonable, and considering the flooring comes with a lifetime warranty, it’s well worth the cost.
CoreLuxe Ultra LVP flooring is exclusively available through LL Flooring, a well-known provider with impressive coverage. This provider offers dozens of flooring options to accommodate varying needs and has been in the industry for many years. The company has a strong reputation in the industry, although reviews differ drastically based on location.
Empire Luxury Vinyl Planking
Empire Today is a recognizable name in the flooring industry, known for its long-standing services. It provides a solid lineup, including its luxury vinyl plank flooring, which is priced competitively. The transparency in pricing is a bonus, ensuring you’ll never be in the dark about what to expect cost-wise.
Empire Today understands the drastic variations from one flooring installation to the next. So, to ensure you get an estimate that correctly reflects your needs, the company requires customers to contact them for a personalized consultation and estimate.
You can buy luxury vinyl flooring directly through Empire Today. The company has locations scattered throughout the country. To determine if there’s an Empire Today location near you, check online using the company’s sitemap.
COREtec Vinyl Flooring
Pets can wreak havoc on flooring, leaving scratches, scuffs, and moisture damage. If you have pets, choosing flooring that can match the business pets bring is essential. Coretec rises to this challenge, providing excellent scratch-resistant flooring options that withstand heavy foot traffic, pet activity, frequent moisture exposure, and larger gatherings.
Read our full review on COREtec for more detailed information
Coretec’s flooring is priced competitively, yet it remains slightly pricier than other options. On average, it costs between $4 and $6.25 per square foot, depending on your chosen option. This price includes a solid 15-year scratch warranty, making it excellent for households with pets.
You can find Coretec’s vinyl flooring through Floor Coverings International, another well-known provider in the flooring industry. The flooring is available through other providers, but Floor Coverings International offers a wide array of this brand’s vinyl flooring.
Shaw Titan HD Plus
In kitchens, dining areas, living rooms, and other spaces that experience heavy foot traffic, the flooring often takes a beating, wearing out faster than flooring in other locations. Choosing a thicker, more durable flooring option is essential for these areas. At 12mm thick overall, Shaw Titan HD plus flooring exceeds these expectations, supplying impressive durability in high-traffic areas.
At around $7 to $7.50 per square foot, Shaw Titan HD Plus flooring is pricier than other options on this list. However, this price is fairly reasonable when considering flooring that can withstand constant foot traffic. This price includes warranty coverage, although the length of the warranty hinges on the type of flooring you choose.
Shaw Titan HD Plus flooring is widely available in stores and online. Availability varies based on the provider, so if you want the best options, check the Shaw Floors website.
Mannington Adura Rigid Vinyl Planking
If you live in an area with common temperature fluctuations, you’ll need a floor to keep up. This is where Mannington Adura Rigid Vinyl Plank flooring comes in. It’s built to last, weathering temperature changes without a hitch. It can be installed over nearly any subfloor material except carpet and is available in various stone and wood patterns and textures. Its features make it particularly popular among homeowners with radiant heating in their floors.
Mannington Adura rigid vinyl planking is available at around $4 and $5 per square foot. Compared to other options, this flooring offers excellent durability for the price.
Mannington’s Adura vinyl flooring is available throughout the nation at various retailers. You can find retailers near you using the company’s store locator.
Armstrong Vivero Planks
Some vinyl planks are tricky to install, requiring the skilled hands of a trained flooring installer. However, professional installation can quickly become expensive, so many homeowners search for a different option. The Armstrong Vivero planks are an excellent choice for homeowners who go this route. They’re easy to install, making them a great DIY pick for homeowners who don’t possess the expertise of a flooring installer.
Armstrong’s Vivero flooring lineup starts at just $2 per square foot, a surprisingly affordable price point. Higher grades in the Vivero lineup climb toward $6 per square foot, making them a less affordable option but still more manageable than some options. The prices include a warranty that ranges from 15 years to a lifetime.
Armstrong’s flooring is widely available, and you can find its Vivero lineup at many Home Depot locations. Availability may vary based on the location, so you may also want to check online.
LifeProof Luxury Vinyl Planking
LifeProof luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring matches its name, offering excellent moisture and wear tolerances for many years. It’s surprisingly durable, making it suitable for utility closets, laundry rooms, and other spaces prone to moisture and heavy item storage.
This flooring is one of Home Depot’s exclusive brands and is marketed as a DIY flooring solution, so you’ll be on your own for installation.
Despite the presence of “luxury” in its name, Lifeproof luxury vinyl flooring is surprisingly affordable. On average, it costs between $3 and $4 per square foot, so it’s an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget. This cost includes limited lifetime warranty coverage for residential installations.
You can buy Lifeproof vinyl flooring online and in stores at Home Depot, as it’s one of the company’s exclusive brands. Availability may vary based on location.
SmartCore Pro
Hard flooring materials can be noisy, but wall-to-wall carpets aren’t a logical solution for many folks. Enter SmartCore Ultra vinyl flooring. It does a great job of minimizing general noise within your home while preserving the look of varying flooring materials. You can install it with an adhesive system or use the interlocking mechanism along the long edges of each plank.
SmartCore LVP is affordable, starting at about $3.50 and climbing up to around $4.50. Pricing varies based on your chosen option and includes a limited lifetime warranty for residential customers.
SmartCore is a Lowe’s brand, so it’s exclusively available through Lowe’s. You can find options in-store and online, although in-store options may be limited at select locations.
How Much Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost?
The cost of vinyl plank flooring varies drastically based on the type of flooring you choose and the provider that supplies it. Some options are pricier, climbing to around $7.50 per square foot, whereas others are cheaper, starting at about $2 per square foot.
The table below outlines the average costs for each provider on our list to help you decide which is best suited to your home.
Cost of Installation
The cost to install your vinyl plank flooring depends on factors specific to your scenario, including installation difficulty and labor costs. On average, having a professional install vinyl plank flooring in your home costs between $2 and $9 per square foot. The chart below offers a quick overview of these costs for different home sizes.
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Starting Cost |
| 750 | $1,500 |
| 1,000 | $2,000 |
| 1,500 | $3,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000 |
| 2,500 | $5,000 |
What Are Different Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring falls into three primary categories: luxury, rigid core, and basic. Each option has its merits and its place, so while one option might be the perfect option for your home, a different one might best suit your neighbor’s home. Here’s a quick overview of each type.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is considerably thicker than standard vinyl tiles. It features multiple layers that create a six to eight-millimeter-thick final product, including:
- A urethane layer or similar coating
- A 20-mil wear layer
- A printed film layer (this is what you see on the tile, such as wood or stone)
- A base vinyl or composite layer
- An underlayment or backing
An example of a brand that manufactures LVP is Trafficmaster, which produces Allure Ultra and Allure Isocore vinyl flooring. LVP flooring is ideal for its durability but is substantially pricier than other options. Because of this, it’s usually not great for homeowners on a budget. Just be sure to use the best luxury movers to not scratch up the floors.
Rigid Core Vinyl Plank Flooring
The second type of vinyl plank flooring is rigid core, which is further divided into two categories: wood plastic composite (WPC) and stone plastic composite (SPC). Both types feature a hardened core with wood or stone and a synthetic composite.
Given the hardened core, these flooring options are substantially less flexible than basic vinyl tiles. These floors can qualify as luxury vinyl flooring, but not always vice versa. It features a click-lock mechanism that makes it relatively easy to install and DIY-friendly.
However, given its rigidity, precise cuts and measurements are necessary to ensure it fits seamlessly in a space. On top of that, it can be pricey.
Basic Vinyl Plank Flooring
The standard vinyl plank flooring option is the most affordable. These products are generally water-resistant or waterproof and made of entirely synthetic materials that prevent water from seeping into areas it shouldn’t.
It’s thinner than other flooring types at around 2 to 4 millimeters thick and features an adhesive backing. Since it’s thin, it’s best suited to low-traffic areas, such as hallways or guest bedrooms.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Before you commit to one flooring brand over another, it’s important to evaluate your expectations for flooring. You’ll need to consider aspects specific to your situation to ensure you select the best fit for your home. While browsing actual flooring samples can be helpful, there are a few things you should keep in mind as you shop for vinyl plank flooring.
Thickness
Pay attention to the thickness of the flooring. If you’re installing it in a high-traffic area, like a living room or kitchen, you’ll want to choose a thicker flooring option. Thicker floors with solid wear layers hold up better under heavy foot traffic, making them a must-have in busy spaces.
Generally, flooring options with a thicker construction are considered luxury, so keep an eye out for these features. It’s best to choose thicker options, like 5 to 8-millimeter-thick planks for high-traffic areas, over the 2 to 4-millimeter options.
Wear Layer
The wear layer is another essential consideration. Thinner wear layers will wear out faster, so choosing an option with a thick, durable, well-made wear layer is best. This is especially crucial if you have a busy household with multiple pets, as a sturdy wear layer will ensure your floors look great for years to come.
In frequently used areas, a 20-millimeter wear layer is the lowest you should go to ensure your floors don’t wear out too quickly.
Texture
Consider the texture of the flooring you’re thinking of purchasing. More textured flooring options are often harder to clean and can harbor dust, debris, and other grime, making them a not-so-nice pick for homes with children or pets.
However, the texture often creates a more realistic look, so this can be somewhat of a trade-off if you’re dying to have realistic floors but have a busy, pet-filled home.
Color
The color of your floors can make or break your home’s aesthetics. While this isn’t a significant consideration for every homeowner, it’s something to consider. Select an option that matches your home’s needs. Darker colors can hide grime better, whereas lighter hues can make them stick out like a sore thumb.
Consider your home’s wall color, existing decor, and theme to select a color that blends beautifully with your home’s design.
Installation Method
Installing flooring can be tricky, so this is another vital consideration. While some flooring providers supply installation services, others require the customer to figure that out for themselves. So, if you’re unfamiliar with installing flooring, or want to do something slightly more technical like staggering vinyl plank flooring, we recommend selecting a flooring option with an optional installation add-on.
Of course, you can always DIY the project if you’re familiar with flooring installations. Flooring with click-and-lock mechanisms is relatively easy to install and, therefore, DIY-friendly. However, we recommend obtaining professional assistance if you’re unfamiliar with these projects.
4.7
Complimentary post-installation follow-ups
Provides convenient in-home consultations
Hundreds of flooring showrooms nationwide
4.8
Offers next-day installations on certain flooring options
Multiple financing options
Mobile showroom option for convenient at-home shopping
3.8
Natural and engineered hardwood options
Offers augmented reality visualizer tool
Provides free samples online and in-store
DIY vs. Professional Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation
Installing flooring is tedious and often requires careful measurements, precise cuts, and extensive experience. Any minor mishaps can lead to costly mistakes, such as improper cuts rendering a plank useless or poor installation causing flooring issues.
Given the complexities surrounding flooring installations, it’s usually best to leave this job to the professionals. This way, you can rest assured knowing the flooring was installed correctly.
Can Vinyl Plank Flooring Increase My Home Value?
Vinyl plank flooring can increase your home’s value, but it depends on factors specific to your home. For example, if your home’s flooring is ragged, scuffed, and falling apart, nearly any new flooring material will increase your home’s value, including high-quality vinyl plank flooring.
However, hardwood floors are the best choice if you want the best return on your investment. Wood flooring is costly, so if you’re on a budget, vinyl plank flooring can be an excellent substitute. It’s important to remember that installing vinyl plank flooring may not always raise your home’s value, especially if the current flooring is in great shape.
So, Is Vinyl Plank Flooring The Right Choice For You?
Vinyl plank flooring can be an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a beautiful, affordable upgrade. This flooring product can mimic pricier materials, like real wood or stone, to transform your home and escort it into the modern era. On top of that, these flooring materials usually come at an excellent price.
After extensive testing and careful consideration, the best vinyl plank flooring for your home will hinge on your situation. If you have pets, the Coretec Advanced Plus flooring is an excellent choice. If you have radiant heated floors or live in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations, Mannington Adura Rigid Vinyl Planking might be a perfect option.
It all comes down to your situation, so use factors specific to your home to select the best option!
FAQs About Vinyl Flooring
How do I clean and maintain my vinyl plank flooring?
Cleaning and maintaining vinyl plank flooring is simple. Sweep and mop it consistently to keep it clean, wiping up any spills immediately after they happen. Use a damp mop, not a wet mop, to avoid leaving water on the floors.
What is the difference between SPC and EVP flooring?
The difference between SPC and EVP flooring is the core layer. While EVP flooring features a rigid core, SPC features a PVC core layer.
Is vinyl plank better than laminate flooring?
Vinyl plank far exceeds laminate’s performance in various categories, particularly premium vinyl options. It offers better quality, value, durability, and moisture resistance, making it a superior choice for many homeowners.
How long does vinyl plank flooring last?
The general life expectancy of vinyl plank flooring is between 10 and 20 years. The exact lifespan of your vinyl plank floors will hinge on the quality of the material, usage, and maintenance. Under heavy foot traffic, it may only last for a short time. Conversely, it might last even longer than expected under light traffic and excellent maintenance.
Methodology: How We Rank Vinyl Floor Brands
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. We want you to have all the information you need to choose the vinyl floor that best meets the needs of your home. That said, our ratings are based on publicly available information, customer reviews, and real quotes.
Vinyl floor brands can earn a maximum of 100 points across five categories that are converted to a five-star scale. To get the following scale we researched dozens of vinyl floor brands and companies:
- Installation (40 points): Finding the right floor is important, but installation may be even more important. We look to see if a vinyl flooring brand is DIY friendly so those who want to install their floor themselves can save money, but we also check to see if professional installation is available to ensure the floor is installed correctly. We also check to see if the brand offers vinyl planks with cushioning and look for three different installation methods: glue down, float and click, and peel and stick.
- Price per square foot (20 points): Vinyl flooring can cost anywhere from $0.99 to more than $10 per square foot, so we rank each brand based on the most basic option. Brands that have affordable flooring options that are less than $2 per square foot perform the best in this category.
- Vinyl floor look (10 points): Every home has a different color scheme, so it’s important to have plenty of vinyl floor options to choose from. We look to see if a brand offers both wood-look and stone-look vinyl flooring. If a brand offers both, it gets full points in this category.
- Certifications (10 points): Sustainability is an important consideration when choosing products for your home, and vinyl flooring that doesn't affect indoor air quality is certainly desirable. Brands that are FloorScore, Greenguard Gold, and Cradle to Cradle certified perform best in this category.
- Warranty (20 points): A good warranty provides the piece of mind knowing that if your vinyl floor is damaged, you can get it replaced without having to pay for materials. Most vinyl flooring providers have a limited lifetime warranty, and those brands do the best in this category.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.
