The best SPC vinyl plank flooring

The Best SPC Vinyl Plank Flooring

Outstanding SPC Vinyl Flooring by Harper Floors

SPC vinyl flooring has revolutionized the flooring industry and has become the most preferred type of vinyl flooring for a reason. SPC stands for Stone Polymer Composite and blends PVC with stone-like durability.

To discover more, visit our EIR spc flooring manufacturer.

Diving Deeper into SPC Vinyl Flooring

Traditional vinyl tile had its shortcomings, being thin and easily affected by dirty subfloors, not to mention its comfort was lacking. The innovation with SPC was to enhance vinyl tile features - making it waterproof, easy to install, authentically wood-like, low-maintenance, and scratch-resistant all while improving upon them.

We thickened the material, introduced a stable rigid SPC core, and integrated a cushioned underlayment to enhance comfort and reduce noise. Our SPC vinyl collections offer plank thicknesses ranging from 6-8mm, complete with pre-attached sound-rated underlayment and Unilin's click-lock technology. The designs are inspired by classic hardwoods and are so realistic that they are often mistaken for actual wood.

This durable, waterproof flooring is ideal for households with pets and children, or high-traffic areas. Its robustness ensures you have beautiful floors that stand the test of time.

Top Luxury Vinyl Plank Brands

What Makes the Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Engineered vinyl plank flooring, also known as EVP or rigid core flooring, reigns supreme in the luxury vinyl category. Prices can range from as low as $1.60 to $9.60 per sq/ft, so choosing the right brand is essential.

In recent years, luxury vinyl flooring has evolved significantly, with more manufacturers producing high-quality rigid core vinyl planks and tiles that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also extremely durable.

This review focuses on the best LVP and LVT brands. Learn how to identify the highest quality vinyl and stay updated on the latest trends in vinyl plank and tile flooring.

Top Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands

Nucore Flooring

NuCore is a unique rigid core flooring brand exclusive to Floor & Decor. With its 100% waterproof features, it is suitable for any room. NuCore offers good value with wood-look planks that are embossed for a more tactile experience, some with pre-attached cork underlayment for quieter floors. Prices are favorable, generally under $4 per sq/ft.

Coretec

US Floors, under Shaw Industries, launched COREtec in 2012, pioneering rigid core 100% waterproof luxury vinyl products. Multiple collections offer over 230 wood-look planks and over 50 stone-look tiles, available in various sizes and finishes. While premium in price ($3.89 to $8 per sq.ft.), COREtec is known for its quality and comprehensive lifetime warranty.

For more on spc flooring quality decor, contact us for a consultation.

Smartecore Flooring

If COREtec's price point is too high, consider SmartCore, Lowe's own brand made with COREtec technology by US Floors. The range is smaller but offers collections starting from $2 to $3.80 per sq.ft.

Lifeproof Vinyl

Home Depot’s Lifeproof luxury vinyl is another solid option, priced between $1 and $4 per sq.ft. The collection includes various thicknesses and both wood-look and stone-look styles, known for an easy installation system.

Pergo Extreme

Pergo extends its reputation into rigid core luxury vinyl with Pergo Extreme, offering comprehensive collections. Known for durability, it boasts 100% waterproof, kid and pet proof, and dent-resistant features, with prices from $3.99 to $5.99 per sq.ft.

Mohawk

Known as the "world’s largest flooring company," Mohawk offers 52 different high-quality LVT products. They recommend floating installations and provide specialized cleaning products, with prices between $3 and $4 per sq.ft.

Trafficmaster Allure

For budget-conscious buyers, TrafficMaster Allure from Home Depot offers affordably priced luxury vinyl options ($1 to $3 per sq.ft.), suitable for various applications such as rentals or secondary spaces.

Karndean Flooring

A leader in LVT, Karndean offers an extensive range, including unique designs, decorative strips, and outstanding warranties. Prices range from $4 to $8 per sq.ft.

Mannington Adura

Adura by Mannington features an impressive 116 flooring options, including stone, wood, and graphic designs. Their rectangular stone-look tiles and Distinctive Plank collection offer authentic looks, priced between $3.50 and $5.50 per sq.ft.

Forbo Flooring Systems

Renowned for commercial flooring, Forbo's residential LVT products uphold their high standards, pricing between $5 and $8 per sq.ft. The Allura range features edgy designs for those looking for something unique.

Identifying the Best Quality Vinyl Plank

The price variation from $1 to $8 per sq.ft. in vinyl planks reflects differences in quality. Look for these features for the best value:

• Durable wear layer - brands offering lifetime warranties are reliable.
• Embossed in Register (EIR) - adds realistic texture to vinyl planks.
• Rigid core - SPC or WPC cores ensure stability and durability.
• Waterproof - essential for versatile installation areas.
• Attached underlayment - enhances comfort and noise reduction, with cork underlayment being the best.
• Design choices - higher-priced options often offer unique styles.

Protective Top Layer

Top layers protect against scratches and stains. A thicker urethane or polyurethane top helps preserve luxury vinyl, with 20 mil or higher being ideal.

Thickness Gauge

Consider the overall thickness, especially when vinyl meets another flooring type, as standard vinyl sheet differs from LVF in thickness.

Edging and Finishing

Look for manufacturers that offer complementing moldings and edgings for a polished finish.

Acclimatization

Allow vinyl flooring to acclimatize for 48 hours before installation, similar to hardwoods.

Expansion Gap

An expansion gap might be necessary for floating interlocking installations due to vinyl's expansion properties.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Luxury vinyl’s maintenance is easy: sweep or vacuum regularly and damp mop with a neutral cleaner. Use a hard-floor friendly vacuum, avoid abrasives, and install doormats at entries for additional protection. UV cured polyurethane coatings offer increased longevity.

VOC Emissions / Environmental Issues

While luxury vinyl tile has environmental concerns, reputable manufacturers are addressing these with low-VOC products. Further research into non-luxury vinyl alternatives is recommended for environmentally conscious buyers.

Luxury Vinyl Plank & Tile Trends

Luxury vinyl mimics authentic materials, allowing for varied design trends from rustic to minimalist. Wood planks can be laid in parquet patterns, stone tiles in checkerboard sequences, and some manufacturers offer decorative borders and medallions.

Innovative designs include geometric and graphic patterns, making luxury vinyl a versatile and durable alternative to traditional flooring materials.

For more information, visit spc stone core flooring.