The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Deep Dive into Top Brands and Features

When it comes to selecting the best luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, the stakes are high. Whether you're a homeowner renovating your space or a contractor working on a high-end project, the choice of LVP can make or break the final aesthetic and functionality of your floors. But with so many brands on the market, how do you determine which one truly stands out?

Let’s start at the finish line—the point where countless homeowners, after months of research and indecision, finally land on their top choice. Spoiler alert: It’s a tough call, but Shaw Floors consistently emerges as a crowd favorite. Not only for its innovative designs but also for its commitment to sustainability and unparalleled durability. Shaw’s Floorte Pro Series is particularly revered, offering a perfect balance of aesthetics, performance, and ease of installation. But is Shaw the definitive answer? Well, not entirely.

Just before we delve into why Shaw might—or might not—be your best bet, let's rewind to another strong contender: COREtec. A brand under the same corporate umbrella as Shaw, COREtec has carved out its own niche with a unique offering—waterproof flooring that doesn’t sacrifice style. Their Original Collection is especially popular, known for its rich textures and diverse color palette. But is waterproofing a priority for everyone? Not necessarily. Here’s where the plot thickens.

Step back further, and you’ll find Karndean, a British powerhouse known for its luxury aesthetics. Karndean’s Art Select and Korlok Select lines are often praised for their hyper-realistic wood and stone effects. For those who want their floors to not just look good but to also serve as a conversation piece, Karndean is hard to beat. However, this comes with a higher price tag, and the installation process can be a bit more involved.

But what if we go even further back to the start of your journey? Before you even knew these brands existed, you were probably overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options, right? Brands like Armstrong, Mannington, and Mohawk were likely also on your radar, each offering something slightly different. Armstrong, for instance, is known for its budget-friendly options, making it a go-to for large-scale projects. Mannington, on the other hand, is all about innovation, with its ADURA® Max line featuring one of the thickest wear layers in the industry. Mohawk’s SolidTech Plus series is another noteworthy mention, offering a blend of style and resilience.

But here’s the kicker—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best LVP flooring depends on a myriad of factors: your budget, the room’s purpose, your climate, and even your lifestyle. Are you willing to invest in a brand like Karndean for its aesthetic appeal, or do you prioritize the waterproof features of COREtec? Perhaps Shaw’s balanced approach is what you need, or maybe you’re drawn to Mannington’s technological advancements.

Let’s break it down further.

Aesthetics vs. Durability

When aesthetics is your top priority, Karndean often takes the cake. Their Art Select line, with its hand-crafted finishes, is a designer’s dream. The attention to detail in the grain patterns, the depth of the color—everything is meticulously designed to replicate natural materials. But aesthetics come at a cost. While Karndean floors are stunning, they’re not always the most durable option, especially in high-traffic areas.

On the flip side, if durability is your primary concern, Shaw’s Floorte Pro Series offers some of the toughest LVP options available. With a thicker wear layer and enhanced scratch resistance, these floors are built to withstand the wear and tear of busy households. This makes them an excellent choice for families with pets or children, where spills, scratches, and dents are common.

Waterproofing vs. Cost

Waterproof LVP options like COREtec’s Original Collection are game-changers for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. These planks are not just water-resistant; they’re completely waterproof, which means they won’t swell or warp when exposed to moisture. However, this technology does come with a price. COREtec products are typically on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, which might not be feasible for everyone.

For those on a tighter budget, Armstrong offers reliable LVP at a more affordable price point. While you might not get the same level of waterproofing as with COREtec, Armstrong’s Rigid Core collection still provides decent water resistance, making it a good option for areas that don’t see heavy moisture exposure.

Innovation vs. Tradition

Mannington’s ADURA® Max line is a testament to how far LVP technology has come. With one of the thickest wear layers available, it’s engineered to last. What sets it apart, however, is the attention to innovation. From the way the planks are designed to lock together to the advanced coatings that resist stains and scratches, Mannington is all about pushing the boundaries of what LVP can do.

But if you’re someone who prefers to stick with traditional methods and brands with a long history, Mohawk’s SolidTech Plus is worth considering. This line combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, offering a product that’s both beautiful and durable. It’s a blend of the old and the new, catering to those who appreciate quality and reliability over flashiness.

Installation: DIY vs. Professional

For the DIY enthusiast, Shaw’s Floorte Pro Series is a top pick, thanks to its easy-to-install design. These planks feature a click-and-lock system that makes them straightforward to install without the need for glue or nails. This is a huge advantage for those looking to save on installation costs.

On the other hand, if you’re willing to invest in professional installation, Karndean’s intricate designs and patterns can be a stunning addition to any space. However, due to the complexity of the patterns and the precision required, professional installation is highly recommended to achieve the best results.

Sustainability: A Growing Concern

In today’s world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Shaw has made significant strides in this area, with their products often being FloorScore certified, meaning they meet strict indoor air quality standards. Their commitment to using recycled materials and reducing their carbon footprint is also commendable.

COREtec is another brand that prioritizes sustainability, offering products that are both GreenGuard Gold Certified and CARB 2 compliant. This makes them a great choice for environmentally-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on quality or aesthetics.

The Final Verdict

Choosing the best luxury vinyl plank flooring is a journey, and it’s one that’s deeply personal. Each brand offers something unique, catering to different needs, tastes, and budgets. Whether it’s the luxury and design of Karndean, the innovation of Mannington, the durability of Shaw, or the waterproof technology of COREtec, the right choice ultimately depends on what matters most to you.

But here’s a thought to leave you with: What if you didn’t have to choose just one? Some homeowners opt to mix and match, using different brands in different rooms to take advantage of each one’s strengths. It’s a bold move, but when done right, it can lead to a home that’s not just functional but also uniquely yours.

So, where will your flooring journey take you? The answer lies beneath your feet. Choose wisely.