11 Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands For Homeowners

Find out what the best vinyl plank flooring brands offer before choosing new flooring for your home.

Looking for a flooring option that can add style and durability to your home? Vinyl plank flooring might be the perfect solution. This synthetic flooring is designed to replicate the look and feel of natural wood, stone, or tile while offering the added benefits of being waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy to install. With a wide range of colors and designs to choose from, vinyl plank flooring has become a popular choice among homeowners.

However, with so many vinyl plank flooring brands available in the market, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision. We’ll explain what vinyl plank flooring is, its advantages and disadvantages, and factors to consider when choosing the best brands based on installation, design, durability, and thickness.

Moreover, we’ll share our top recommendations for the best vinyl plank flooring brands in 2023, including their products, prices, warranties, and reviews. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to select the best vinyl plank flooring brands that suit your needs and preferences.

We’ll also provide you with some practical tips and tricks on how to install and maintain your vinyl plank flooring, so you can enjoy its benefits for years to come.

So let’s get started!

What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is a synthetic flooring option that consists of planks made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other plastic materials. These planks are designed to replicate the appearance and texture of natural wood, stone, or tile through the use of realistic colors, patterns, and textures.

Vinyl plank flooring is also known by several other names, such as luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), or rigid core vinyl (RCV), depending on the type of core layer they have. The core layer is the middle layer of the vinyl plank that provides it with stability and strength.

There are three main types of core layers for vinyl plank flooring:

Wood plastic composite (WPC): This is a mixture of wood fibers and plastic that creates a soft and flexible core layer. WPC vinyl planks are comfortable to walk on and good for sound absorption.
Stone plastic composite (SPC): This is a mixture of limestone and plastic that creates a hard and rigid core layer. SPC vinyl planks are more durable and resistant to dents and scratches than WPC vinyl planks.
Solid polymer core (SPC): This is a type of SPC core layer that has no wood or stone filler. It’s made entirely of plastic which creates a very dense and stable core layer. SPC vinyl planks are the most durable and waterproof among all types of vinyl planks.

The core layer is sandwiched between two other layers: the wear layer and the backing layer.

The wear layer is the top layer of the vinyl plank that protects it from wear and tear. It’s usually made of clear PVC or urethane that has a thickness ranging from 6 mils to 30 mils (a mil is one-thousandth of an inch). The thicker the wear layer, the more durable and scratch-resistant the vinyl plank is.
The backing layer is the bottom layer of the vinyl plank that provides support and stability. It’s usually made of cork, foam, or rubber that adds cushioning and insulation to the vinyl plank.

Some vinyl planks also have an additional layer called the decorative layer or the image layer. This is the layer that contains the printed design that mimics the natural wood, stone, or tile. The quality of this layer depends on the resolution, clarity, and realism of the design.

How Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Work?

Vinyl plank flooring works by using a click-lock or glue-down mechanism to attach the planks together and form a floating floor over a subfloor.

A floating floor is a type of floor that doesn’t need nails or screws to secure it to the subfloor. Instead, it relies on the weight and friction of the planks to keep them in place. This makes vinyl plank flooring easy to install and remove, as well as compatible with various types of subfloors, such as concrete, plywood, or existing flooring.

There are two main ways to install vinyl plank flooring: click-lock or glue-down.

Click-lock vinyl planks have a tongue-and-groove system that allows them to snap together without any adhesive. They are also known as interlocking or floating vinyl planks. Click-lock vinyl planks are easy to install and uninstall, as well as to replace damaged planks. However, they may not be as stable or secure as glue-down vinyl planks, especially in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations.
Glue-down vinyl planks have a flat edge that requires an adhesive to bond them to the subfloor. They are also known as peel-and-stick or self-adhesive vinyl planks. Glue-down vinyl planks are more stable and secure than click-lock vinyl planks, as well as more resistant to moisture and temperature changes. However, they are more difficult to install and uninstall, as well as to replace damaged planks.

The installation method you choose depends on your preference, budget, skill level, and subfloor condition. Generally, click-lock vinyl planks are more suitable for DIYers and renters, while glue-down vinyl planks are more suitable for professionals and homeowners.

To have a deep understanding of how it cost to install a vinyl floor check our previous article How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring?

What are the Pros and Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring has many advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying it. Here are some of the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring:

Pros

Affordable: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most affordable types of flooring in the market, as it costs between $1 and $10 per square foot, not including installation costs. The installation cost of vinyl plank flooring ranges from $0 to $5 per square foot, depending on the installation method and the complexity of the project.
Durable: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most durable types of flooring in the market, as it can withstand heavy foot traffic, furniture, pets, kids, and water without any problem. It’s also resistant to scratches, dents, stains, and fading.
Stylish: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most stylish types of flooring in the market, as it comes in a variety of colors, styles, textures, and finishes that can match any decor style. You can find vinyl planks that look like various natural materials, such as wood, stone, or tile, as well as different colors, patterns, textures, and finishes.

Easy to install: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the easiest types of flooring to install in your home, as it doesn’t require any special tools or skills. You can install vinyl planks by using a click-lock or glue-down mechanism that allows you to attach them together and form a floating floor over a subfloor.
Comfortable: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most comfortable types of flooring in your home, as it has a soft and flexible core layer that gives it cushioning and comfort. It also has a backing layer that adds sound insulation and thermal insulation to your floor.

Cons

Susceptible to heat: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most susceptible types of flooring to heat damage, as it can warp or buckle when exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight. You should avoid installing vinyl planks in areas that receive a lot of sunlight or heat sources, such as fireplaces or radiators.

Difficult to repair: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most difficult types of flooring to repair when damaged,
as it can’t be sanded or refinished like natural wood or stone. You may need to replace the entire plank or the entire floor if it gets damaged.
Low resale value: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the lowest types of flooring in terms of resale value, as it’s not considered as valuable or desirable as natural wood or stone. You may not get a good return on your investment if you sell your home with vinyl plank flooring.

Potential health risks: Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most potential types of flooring in terms of health risks, as it may contain harmful chemicals or substances that can affect your indoor air quality and emissions. You should look for vinyl planks that have low-VOC certifications from reputable organizations such as FloorScore or GreenGuard Gold that indicate their products meet the standards for indoor air quality and emissions

How to Choose the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands?

When choosing the best vinyl plank flooring brands for your home, you should consider various factors such as installation, design, durability, thickness, price, and warranty. Here are some tips on how to choose the best vinyl plank flooring brands based on these factors:

Installation: You should choose a vinyl plank flooring brand that offers an easy and convenient installation method that suits your preference, budget, skill level, and subfloor condition. You can choose between click-lock or glue-down vinyl planks that have different advantages and disadvantages. Click-lock vinyl planks are easier and faster to install without any adhesive or tools, but they may not be as stable or secure as glue-down vinyl planks. Glue-down vinyl planks are more stable and secure with an adhesive bond, but they may be more difficult and time-consuming to install and remove.
Design: You should choose a vinyl plank flooring brand that offers a wide range of design options that suit your taste and style. You can choose between various colors, styles, textures, and finishes of vinyl planks that mimic the look of natural wood or stone. You should also consider the size and shape of the vinyl planks, as they can affect the appearance and installation of your floor. For example, wider and longer planks can create a more spacious and modern look, while narrower and shorter planks can create a more cozy and traditional look.
Durability: You should choose a vinyl plank flooring brand that offers a high-quality and high-performance product that can withstand wear and tear without any problem. You can look for vinyl planks that have a thick wear layer (at least 12 mils) that protects them from scratches, dents, stains, and water damage. You can also look for vinyl planks that have a rigid core layer (WPC, SPC, or SPC) that gives them stability and strength. Additionally, you can look for vinyl planks that have a high-quality backing layer (cork, foam, or rubber) that adds cushioning and insulation to your floor.

Thickness: The thickness of vinyl plank flooring is measured in millimeters (mm) and ranges from 2 mm to 8 mm. The thickness of vinyl plank flooring affects its comfort, durability, and installation. Generally, thicker vinyl planks are more comfortable to walk on, more durable to withstand foot traffic and furniture, and easier to install over uneven subfloors. However, thicker vinyl planks are also more expensive and heavier than thinner vinyl planks. You should choose a vinyl plank flooring brand that offers a thickness that matches your needs and preferences.
Price: The price of vinyl plank flooring varies depending on the quality, design, size, and installation method of the vinyl planks. The average cost of vinyl plank flooring ranges from $1 to $10 per square foot, not including installation costs. The installation cost of vinyl plank flooring ranges from $0 to $5 per square foot, depending on the installation method (click-lock or glue-down) and the complexity of the project. You should choose a vinyl plank flooring brand that offers a good value for your money, without compromising on quality or performance.
Warranty: The warranty of vinyl plank flooring is a guarantee from the manufacturer that covers any defects or damages that may occur during a certain period of time after purchase. The warranty of vinyl plank flooring varies depending on the brand, product, and installation method. The average warranty of vinyl plank flooring ranges from 10 to 30 years for residential use and from 5 to 15 years for commercial use. You should choose a vinyl plank flooring brand that offers a long and comprehensive warranty that covers both material and labor costs.

What are the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands in 2023?

When it comes to vinyl plank flooring, there are several top brands that stand out from the rest. Based on our research and comparison of different factors, we have selected the following seven brands as the best vinyl plank flooring brands in 2023:

Shaw Flooring
SMARTCORE (Lowe’s)

COREtec
Mowhawk Luxury Vinyl Plank
STAINMASTER (Lowe’s)

NuCore Flooring
LifeProof (Home Depot)
Cali Bamboo

Karndean
Armstrong

1. Shaw Flooring

Shaw is one of the market leaders in vinyl plank flooring and one of the oldest and largest flooring manufacturers in the world. Shaw offers various types of vinyl plank flooring under its own name and other sub-brands, such as Floorté, Floorté Pro, Pantheon HD Plus, Premio Plus, Classico Plus, Aviator Plus, Navigator Plus, and Urbanality Plus.

Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring features high-quality materials, realistic designs, easy locking systems, and long warranties. Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring also has a patented technology called Fold-N-Tap that allows you to install the planks without any adhesive or tools. Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring is suitable for any room in your home, as it’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and fade-resistant.

One of Shaw’s vinyl plank flooring products that we recommend is the Floorté Pro Endura Plus 0736V LVP Flooring. This product has a rigid core layer made of SPC that gives it exceptional durability and stability. It also has a 20 mil wear layer that protects it from wear and tear. It comes in 22 different colors and styles that mimic the look of natural wood, such as oak, maple, pine, hickory, walnut, and cherry. It has a size of 7″ x 48″ x 5.5 mm and a price of $3.49 per square foot.

Shaw is one of the best vinyl plank flooring brands because it offers high-quality products at reasonable prices, along with excellent customer service and support. Shaw has been in business since 1946 and has a reputation for innovation and sustainability in the flooring industry. Shaw also has a low-VOC certification from FloorScore that indicates its products meet the standards for indoor air quality and emissions.

Shop for more Shaw Flooring vinyl plank flooring at:

Floor Mania

2. SMARTCORE (Lowe’s)

SMARTCORE is an in-house brand of Lowe’s that offers a range of vinyl plank flooring options. It is considered one of the top vinyl plank flooring brands due to its proven durability, waterproof properties, and budget-friendly pricing. SMARTCORE flooring is designed for real-life use and is suitable for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms.

According to a worker at the store, It’s 100% waterproof, and the website says it will never swell when exposed to water like laminate can even when its core layer is made of MDF.

This vinyl plank is available in both traditional and modern styles, including interlocking luxury vinyl plank flooring.

SMARTCORE flooring is also graded “better” than its peers, making it a popular choice among homeowners looking for a reliable and affordable vinyl plank flooring option.

Nonetheless, one disadvantage of this brand is that; its backing did not appear as solid as some others. The store employee also informed me that I’d require an extra underlayment, which is not much but adds to the cost estimate.

I recommend the Cottage Oak and Huntington Oak, but Cottage Oak won out for me since it had a touch grayer in it.

Cost: $51.61 for a 20.01 sq ft carton ($2.58/sq ft)

Thickness: 5.5 mm thickness with a 12 mil acrylic wear layer
Health Factors: GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low emissions
Made in: Unsure, mixed reports of USA and China

3. COREtec

COREtec is a premium vinyl plank brand that offers a range of high-quality flooring options. The brand is known for its innovative waterproof technology and durable construction. COREtec’s vinyl planks are available in various thicknesses, including 5mm, 7mm, and 8mm, and range in price from $3 to $7 per square foot.

Some of COREtec’s top products include the COREtec Plus XL Enhanced Collection, the COREtec Pro Plus Collection, and the COREtec Stone Collection. These collections offer a wide range of styles and colors to choose from, including wood-look and stone-look options.

COREtec flooring can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as online retailers like Wayfair and Build Direct. The brand’s official website also offers a store locator tool to help customers find a local retailer. Overall, COREtec is a top choice for homeowners looking for high-quality vinyl plank flooring that is both durable and stylish.

4. Mohawk Luxury Vinyl Plank

Mohawk Luxury Vinyl Plank is one of the best vinyl plank brands on the market, known for its high-quality and stylish flooring options.

In my opinion, it is one of the most affordable options available to DIYers looking to update their homes without emptying their wallets.

The brand offers a wide range of products, including luxury vinyl plank flooring in various thicknesses, ranging from 2mm to 6mm. Mohawk’s vinyl plank flooring is priced competitively, ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot.

Mohawk’s top products include the SolidTech Collection, which features waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring that is perfect for high-traffic areas, and the Variations Collection, which offers a variety of wood-look and stone-look options. Mohawk’s vinyl plank flooring is also available in a variety of colors and textures, making it easy to find the perfect flooring to match any home decor.

Mohawk Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as online retailers like Wayfair and Build Direct. The brand’s official website also offers a store locator tool to help customers find a local retailer.

Overall, Mohawk Luxury Vinyl Plank is a top choice for homeowners looking for durable, stylish, and affordable vinyl plank flooring.

5. STAINMASTER (Lowe’s)

STAINMASTER is a leading brand in the vinyl plank flooring industry, renowned for its premium quality and long-lasting options. The brand’s vinyl plank flooring boasts a flexible-core construction that ensures both comfort and durability.

The thickness of STAINMASTER’s vinyl plank flooring varies from 4mm to 7mm, and the price range is between $2 to $5 per square foot, making it a cost-effective option.

STAINMASTER’s top products include the PetProtect Collection, which is waterproof and perfect for pet owners, and the Locking Luxury Vinyl Plank Collection which offers a wide range of wood and stone-look options. The brand’s vinyl plank flooring is available in various colors and textures, making it easy to match any home decor.

STAINMASTER vinyl plank flooring is exclusively available at Lowe’s home improvement stores and on Lowe’s website. Lowe’s offers an extensive range of STAINMASTER vinyl plank flooring options, making it easy for customers to find the perfect flooring for their homes.

In conclusion, STAINMASTER is a top choice for homeowners seeking high-quality, durable, and affordable vinyl plank flooring.

6. NuCore

NuCore is one of the exclusive brands of Floor & Decor, one of the largest specialty retailers of hard surface flooring in the US. NuCore offers various types of vinyl plank flooring under its own name and other sub-brands, such as NuCore Performance, NuCore Textured Vinyl Plank, NuCore Hand Scraped Vinyl Plank, and NuCore EIR Vinyl Plank.

NuCore’s vinyl plank flooring features a 100% waterproof construction that makes it suitable for any room in your home, even bathrooms and basements. It also has a scratch-resistant surface that can handle pets and kids without any problem. It comes in various colors, styles, textures, and finishes that can match any decor style.

One of NuCore’s vinyl plank flooring products that we recommend is the NuCore Performance Dolce Oak Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank – Cork Back. This product has a rigid core layer made of SPC that gives it enhanced durability and stability.

It also has a cork backing layer that adds comfort and sound reduction to your floor. It comes in a light brown color with a wire-brushed texture and a matte finish that creates a natural and cozy look. It has a size of 6.5″ x 48″ x 6.5 mm and a price of $3.49 per square foot.

NuCore is one of the best vinyl plank flooring brands because it offers high-performance products at affordable prices, along with a lifetime residential warranty and a 15-year commercial warranty.

NuCore was launched in 2015 and has been one of the fastest-growing brands in the vinyl flooring industry. NuCore also has a low-VOC certification from FloorScore that indicates its products meet the standards for indoor air quality and emissions.

7. Proximity Mills

Proximity Mills is one of the direct-to-store distributors of vinyl plank flooring that offers high-end products at low-end prices. Proximity Mills works with the same manufacturers that produce vinyl plank flooring for some of the top brands in the market, but it skips the middlemen and sells its products directly to flooring stores. This way, it can offer premium quality products at wholesale prices.

Proximity Mills offers various types of vinyl plank flooring under its own name and other sub-brands, such as Proximity Plus, Proximity HD Plus, Proximity Stone, Proximity Wood, and Proximity One.

Proximity Mills’ vinyl plank flooring features a rigid core layer made of SPC that gives it superior durability and stability. It also has a thick wear layer (up to 30 mils) that protects it from scratches, dents, stains, and water damage. It comes in various colors, styles, textures, and finishes that mimic the look of natural wood or stone.

One of Proximity Mills’ vinyl plank flooring products that we recommend is the Proximity HD Plus 9″ Rigid Core Vinyl Planks. This product has a rigid core layer made of SPC that gives it exceptional durability and stability. It also has a 30 mil wear layer that protects it from wear and tear. It comes in 10 different colors and styles that have realistic embossed-in-register textures and enhanced painted bevels. It has a size of 9″ x 60″ x 8 mm and a price of $3.99 per square foot.

Proximity Mills is one of the best vinyl plank flooring brands because it offers high-end products at low-end prices, along with a lifetime residential warranty and a 10-year commercial warranty. Proximity Mills was founded in 2018 and has been a disruptor in the vinyl flooring industry. Proximity Mills also has a low-VOC certification from FloorScore that indicates its products meet the standards for indoor air quality and emissions.

8. LifeProof

LifeProof is one of the exclusive brands of Home Depot, one of the largest home improvement retailers in the US. LifeProof offers various types of vinyl plank flooring under its own name and other sub-brands, such as LifeProof Sterling Oak, LifeProof Essential Oak, LifeProof Seasoned Wood, LifeProof Shadow Hickory, and LifeProof Heirloom Pine.

LifeProof’s vinyl plank flooring features a 100% waterproof construction that makes it suitable for any room in your home, even bathrooms and basements. It also has a scratch-resistant surface that can handle pets and kids without any problem. It comes in various colors, styles, textures, and finishes that can match any decor style.

One of LifeProof’s vinyl plank flooring products that we recommend is the LifeProof Sterling Oak 8.7 in. W x 47.6 in. L Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. This product has a rigid core layer made of SPC that gives it enhanced durability and stability. It also has a 6 mil wear layer that protects it from scratches, dents, stains, and water damage. It comes in a light gray color with a wood grain texture and a low-gloss finish that creates a contemporary and elegant look. It has a size of 8.7″ x 47.6″ x 6 mm and a price of $2.99 per square foot.

LifeProof is one of the best vinyl plank flooring brands because it offers high-performance products at reasonable prices, along with a lifetime residential warranty and a 10-year commercial warranty. LifeProof was launched in 2017 and has been one of the fastest-growing brands in the vinyl flooring industry. LifeProof also has a low-VOC certification from FloorScore that indicates its products meet the standards for indoor air quality and emissions.

9. Armstrong

Armstrong is one of the oldest and largest flooring manufacturers in the world, with over 150 years of history and experience.

Armstrong offers various types of vinyl plank flooring under its own name and other sub-brands, such as Armstrong Luxe Plank with Rigid Core, Armstrong Luxe Plank with FasTak Install, Armstrong Vivero Best with Diamond 10 Technology, Armstrong Vivero Better with Diamond 10 Technology, and Armstrong Vivero Good.

Armstrong’s vinyl plank flooring features a rigid core layer made of SPC that gives it superior durability and stability. It also has a Diamond 10 Technology coating that protects it from scratches, dents, stains, and water damage. It comes in various colors, styles, textures, and finishes that mimic the look of natural wood or stone.

One of Armstrong’s vinyl plank flooring products that we recommend is the Armstrong Luxe Plank with Rigid Core Primitive Forest Falcon LVP Flooring. This product has a rigid core layer made of SPC that gives it exceptional durability and stability. It also has a Diamond 10 Technology coating that protects it from wear and tear. It comes in a dark brown color with a hand-scraped texture and a low-gloss finish that creates a rustic and cozy look. It has a size of 7″ x 48″ x 6 mm and a price of $4.49 per square foot.

Armstrong is one of the best vinyl plank flooring brands because it offers high-quality products at competitive prices, along with a lifetime residential warranty and a 10-year commercial warranty. Armstrong was founded in 1860 and has been a leader in the flooring industry for generations. Armstrong also has a low-VOC certification from FloorScore that indicates its products meet the standards for indoor air quality and emissions.

10. Karndean

Karndean is a top UK brand for vinyl plank flooring. They offer different types under their name and sub-brands like Karndean Korlok Select, Karndean Korlok Reserve, Karndean Van Gogh, Karndean Art Select, Karndean Da Vinci, and Karndean Opus.

Their vinyl planks are durable and stable because of the rigid SPC core layer and K-Guard+ surface protection. They come in different styles and finishes that look like natural wood or stone.

The Karndean Van Gogh Country Oak VGW81T LVP Flooring is a recommended product with a warm brown color and wood grain texture. Karndean offers high-quality products at reasonable prices with lifetime residential and 15-year commercial warranties. They also have a low-VOC certification for indoor air quality.

How do I choose the best color and style of vinyl plank flooring for my room?

Vinyl plank flooring comes in various colors and styles that can match any decor style. You can choose the best color and style of vinyl plank flooring for your room based on factors such as:

The size and shape of your room: You should choose a color and style of vinyl plank flooring that complements the size and shape of your room. For example, lighter colors can make a small room look bigger and brighter, while darker colors can make a large room look cozier and warmer. Similarly, wider and longer planks can create a more spacious and modern look, while narrower and shorter planks can create a more cozy and traditional look.

The lighting and mood of your room: You should choose a color and style of vinyl plank flooring that enhances the lighting and mood of your room. For example, warm colors can create a more inviting and cheerful atmosphere, while cool colors can create a more relaxing and calm atmosphere. Similarly, glossy finishes can reflect more light and create a more elegant and sophisticated look, while matte finishes can absorb more light and create a more natural and rustic look.
The furniture and accessories of your room: You should choose a color and style of vinyl plank flooring that coordinates with the furniture and accessories of your room. For example, you can choose a contrasting color to create a more dramatic and eye-catching effect, or a matching color to create a more harmonious and balanced effect. Similarly, you can choose a similar style to create a more consistent and uniform look, or a different style to create a more eclectic and diverse look.

How do I compare the quality and performance of different vinyl plank flooring brands?

You can compare the quality and performance of different vinyl plank flooring brands by looking at factors such as:

The wear layer thickness: The wear layer is the top layer of the vinyl plank that protects it from wear and tear. It’s usually measured in mils (one-thousandth of an inch) and ranges from 6 mils to 30 mils. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable and scratch-resistant the vinyl plank is.
The core layer type: The core layer is the middle layer of the vinyl plank that gives it stability and strength. It’s usually made of WPC, SPC, or SPC, depending on the type of vinyl plank. The type of core layer affects the rigidity, comfort, and sound absorption of the vinyl plank.
The backing layer type: The backing layer is the bottom layer of the vinyl plank that provides support and stability. It’s usually made of cork, foam, or rubber, depending on the type of vinyl plank. The type of backing layer affects the cushioning, insulation, and mold resistance of the vinyl plank.

The Design quality: The design quality is the quality of the decorative layer or the image layer that contains the printed design that mimics the natural wood, stone, or tile. The design quality depends on the resolution, clarity, and realism of the design.
The warranty terms: The warranty terms are the terms and conditions that cover any defects or damages that may occur during a certain period of time after purchase. The warranty terms depend on the brand, product, and installation method of the vinyl plank. The longer and more comprehensive the warranty terms, the more reliable and trustworthy the vinyl plank brand is.

Conclusion

Vinyl plank flooring is a great option for homeowners who want a durable, affordable, and stylish flooring option for their homes. Vinyl plank flooring can mimic the look and feel of natural wood, stone, or tile, as well as offer various benefits such as waterproof performance, scratch resistance, easy installation, and comfort.

However, not all vinyl plank flooring brands are created equal. You need to consider various factors such as installation, design, durability, thickness, price, and warranty when choosing the best vinyl plank flooring brands for your home.

Based on our research and comparison of different factors, we have selected the following seven brands as the best vinyl plank flooring brands in 2023:

Shaw
COREtec
NuCore

Proximity Mills
LifeProof
Armstrong

Karndean

These brands offer high-quality products at reasonable prices, along with excellent customer service and support. They also have low-VOC certifications that indicate their products meet the standards for indoor air quality and emissions.

We hope this article has helped you learn more about vinyl plank flooring and how to choose the best vinyl plank flooring brands for your home. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about vinyl plank flooring and the best vinyl plank flooring brands:

How do I clean and maintain my vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and mopping. You can use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner with a hard floor attachment to remove dust and dirt from your floor. You can also use a damp mop or a microfiber cloth with warm water or a mild cleaner to wipe your floor. Avoid using abrasive or harsh cleaners that may damage your floor.

How do I install my vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring can be installed by using a click-lock or glue-down mechanism to attach the planks together and form a floating floor over a subfloor.

The installation method you choose depends on your preference, budget, skill level, and subfloor condition.

If you choose click-lock vinyl planks, you can install them by snapping them together without any adhesive or tools.

You just need to measure your room, cut your planks to fit your space, lay them over your subfloor, and lock them together by aligning the tongue-and-groove edges.

You should leave some gaps around the perimeter of your room to allow for the expansion and contraction of your floor.

If you choose glue-down vinyl planks, you can install them by applying an adhesive to your subfloor and sticking your planks to it.

You need to measure your room, cut your planks to fit your space, spread the adhesive over your subfloor, and press your planks firmly into it. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type and amount of adhesive to use.

How do I remove or replace my vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring can be removed or replaced by using a pry bar or a utility knife to lift or cut the planks from the subfloor. The removal or replacement method you use depends on the installation method of your vinyl plank flooring.

If you have click-lock vinyl planks, you can remove or replace them by prying them apart from each other with a pry bar. You should start from the edge of your room and work your way inward. You can reuse or recycle your vinyl planks if they are in good condition.

If you have glue-down vinyl planks, you can remove or replace them by cutting them into smaller pieces with a utility knife and prying them off the subfloor with a pry bar.

You should be careful not to damage your subfloor or injure yourself with the sharp edges of the vinyl planks. You may need to use a scraper or a solvent to remove any adhesive residue from your subfloor. You should dispose of your vinyl planks properly according to local regulations.

What are some interesting facts about vinyl plank flooring?

Here are some interesting facts about vinyl plank flooring that you may not know:
1. Vinyl plank flooring was invented in 1933 by a Philadelphia-based company called Congoleum-Nairn.
2. Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most recycled types of flooring in the world, as it can be melted down and reused to make new products.
3. Vinyl plank flooring can help reduce your energy bills, as it has a low thermal conductivity that keeps your floor warm in winter and cool in summer.
4. Vinyl plank flooring can improve your indoor air quality, as it has antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
5. Vinyl plank flooring can enhance your mood and well-being, as it comes in various colors and styles that can stimulate your senses and emotions

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about vinyl plank flooring and the best vinyl plank flooring brands. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for your time and attention. Have a great day!