What Is the Best Brand of LVP Flooring?: An Expert Designer's Guide to Choosing the Best LVP Flooring for Your Home

LVP flooring (Luxury Vinyl Plank) has exploded in popularity for American homes, thanks to its winning combo of affordability, durability, and the look of real wood or stone. But when clients ask me, “What’s the best brand of LVP flooring?” I know the answer isn’t as simple as one name. There are a handful of standout brands, each with their own strengths, and the right choice really depends on your project, lifestyle, and personal priorities.

Plan Before Modeling

Before even considering the top LVP brands, I always urge clients to assess their space, usage, and budget. For example, families with dogs or active kids will want ultra-scratch-resistant planks. If you’re working on a basement or bathroom, waterproofing is crucial. The Free Floor Plan Creator can help you map out your layout, measure square footage, and estimate material needs so you buy just the right amount—and don’t waste time or money.

Level of Detail & Time: What Sets Premium LVP Apart?

The best LVP brands stand out through features like high-definition printing, realistic textures, thicker wear layers, and reliable warranties. According to Statista’s 2025 flooring report, homeowners are increasingly prioritizing durability and water resistance, with over 60% of remodelers citing these factors as most important when choosing LVP flooring (Statista, 2025).

From my experience, top-tier LVP brands are more expensive up front, but often save you major headaches and costs down the line — fewer issues with subfloor compatibility, lifting, or warping. As someone who’s installed LVP in everything from rental apartments to luxury kitchens, I can tell you: that little extra peace of mind (and foot comfort) is worth the splurge.

AI-Assisted Modeling: Visualize Before You Buy

With tools like 3D floor planners and AI-driven design platforms, you can preview different flooring patterns and colors right inside your home. For example, try out various LVP options in your kitchen virtually before pulling the trigger. If you’re short on time, this table breaks it down:

BrandWaterproof?Wear LayerBest For Shaw FloorteYes20 mil+Luxury budgets, high traffic COREtec PlusYes20 mil+Whole house, basements Lifeproof (Home Depot)Yes6–22 milDIY, quick installs Mohawk SolidTechYes12 mil+Kitchens, living rooms KarndeanYes20–30 milDesign flexibility NuCoreYes22 milBudget-friendly upgrades Case Studies & Real Examples

Last year, I worked with a busy family in Dallas who opted for COREtec Plus throughout their open-plan first floor. It held up beautifully against their two Labradors’ claws and sandy feet, plus it was noticeably quieter underfoot than some budget brands we sampled. In another recent renovation, a client chose Lifeproof for a basement in Seattle — largely for its waterproof core and easy click-lock installation, which made DIY feasible and cost-effective.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

A critical mistake I’ve seen: skipping subfloor prep or choosing budget planks with thin wear layers. This nearly always leads to seams gapping or surface scratches that can’t be buffed out. To avoid these issues, always follow installation guides carefully and select reputable brands with at least a 12–20 mil wear layer for high-traffic spaces. If you’ve made a mistake, you may be able to use a 3D Floor Planner to redesign or reposition problematic planks before making costly fixes.

Tips 1:

Don’t forget to leverage a home design platform if you’re worried about how different LVP samples will look with your walls or cabinets. AI-powered visualization tools make the decision process less intimidating and can help you confidently match aesthetic with performance.

FAQ

1. What features should I look for in LVP flooring brands?
2. Prioritize a thick wear layer (at least 12–20 mil for high traffic), waterproof construction, realistic textures, and a robust manufacturer warranty.
3. Is Lifeproof LVP actually good quality?
4. Lifeproof (Home Depot’s exclusive brand) gets strong marks for affordability and reliable waterproofing, making it a solid pick for DIYers and rental updates. For ultra-high-end look and long-term durability, brands like Shaw or COREtec often outperform.
5. Can I install LVP over old flooring?
6. Usually yes, provided the subfloor is clean, level, and dry. Some thinner LVP planks may show defects or seams if the old floor isn’t even—always follow manufacturer recommendations. For more guidance, a room planning tool can help visualize the installation process.
7. Do all LVP floors have the same waterproofing?
8. No, while most premium brands are 100% waterproof, budget versions may only be water-resistant—check specs carefully if installing in a bath, mudroom, or basement.
9. Is LVP better than laminate or hardwood for kitchens?
10. It’s certainly easier to maintain and more forgiving of spills than hardwood. LVP won’t warp with water like laminate can, either. I recommend LVP for most busy family kitchens for these reasons.
11. How long does LVP flooring last?
12. High-quality LVP from leading brands can last 10–20 years (or more), especially with proper care. Lower-end planks may show wear much sooner.
13. Does brand really make a difference, or is all LVP the same?
14. Brand absolutely impacts quality. Top brands like Shaw and COREtec use better wear layers, locking systems, and realistic designs that set them apart from generic options.
15. Should I choose click-lock or glue-down LVP?
16. Click-lock is typically easier for DIY installs and future repairs, though glue-down can offer better stability in commercial or high-moisture spaces.
17. Is thicker LVP always better?
18. Generally yes, but pay attention to the wear layer over overall thickness—a thick plank with a thin wear layer won’t resist scratches well.
19. Can AI help with flooring selection?
20. Definitely. AI-powered design tools can recommend products, anticipate compatibility issues, and show you how different floors will look in real time.
21. How does LVP installation compare to traditional wood flooring?
22. LVP installs are much faster and typically a DIY-friendly project, saving you time and labor costs. Wood requires acclimation, careful nailing, and more expertise.