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Vinyl planks are very popular because they mimic real wood floors, but they are not as expensive. And it is do-it-yourself, so you can save even more money and install it yourself.
“Vinyl planks are a great choice for busy areas, especially if you have kids or pets running around,” says Steve Britchford, senior partner at Polycote. “It looks just like wood, but is cheaper and very easy to clean.”
This flooring is waterproof, pet safe and durable, making it a great choice for new homes or refinishing old floors.
We researched the best vinyl plank flooring, taking into account types, plank thickness, and wear layer thickness, as well as different colors and finishes. We also consulted industry experts Berta Sanchez, interior designer and owner of Floor Coverings International in southwest Denver, Colorado, and Steve Britchford for helpful tips.
If you’re concerned about moisture, consider vinyl planks that are completely waterproof. We like Lifeproof from Home Depot because it’s waterproof and mold-resistant, making it ideal for areas with high humidity and temperature fluctuations, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Lifeproof also offers a wide range of colors, sizes, and plank widths, making its flooring very versatile. For example, Vesinet Oak luxury vinyl planks come in five sizes and two wear layers (22 mil and 30 mil). Note that thicker wear layers cost more.
This brand of flooring comes with a pre-installed underlay that acts as a shock absorber, reducing noise levels and also provides a little cushioning for your feet. It is also scratch-resistant and can last for years without needing to be replaced.
One of the benefits is that you can easily install Lifeproof flooring yourself; it has a click-touch design with tongue and grooves that help the planks snap into place without the use of glue or nails.
Product Details: Plank Width: 28″ x 5″ | Number of Colors/Wood Types: 10 | Samples Available: Yes ($3)
According to Britchford, Armstrong is aimed at consumers looking for a high-end option. “A lot of their designs are so similar to wood and stone that it’s easy to be fooled,” he said. The floors are sustainably produced and contain low VOCs, which minimizes the amount of toxins in your home.
Armstrong floors are designed to withstand heavy traffic and are suitable for homes with children or pets. Pro Mark Barnwood Blend planks feature a 6 mil wear layer and patented Diamond 10 technology made with real diamonds to resist scuffs and scratches.
It can be cleaned in the same way as a regular wood floor, including damp mopping, without damaging it. While the 6 mil wear layer is sufficient for everyday use, other thicknesses are available depending on the style you choose.
Armstrong also offers a DIY-friendly option with a self-adhesive backing that can be quickly attached to the floor without much prep work.
Product Details: Plank Width: 6″ x 36″ | Number of Colors/Wood Species: Various | Samples Available: Yes ($9)
Shaw’s glossy, grainy finish closely resembles real hardwood, which is a plus for buyers looking for affordable flooring that looks and feels great. An added bonus is that it’s waterproof and dent-resistant, so it can support the weight of heavy furniture without damage.
The floors are covered with polyurethane using nanotechnology for increased stain resistance and easy cleaning. This type of flooring is suitable for installation in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, living rooms, hallways and bathrooms.
It features a locking system for easy DIY installation, and you don’t need to use glue or nails to secure it in place. The 20 mil wear layer provides extra protection for a home office, gym, or any space where heavy furniture needs to be moved. The padding underneath reduces noise and increases comfort.
Many of the brand’s products come in narrow planks measuring 5 to 7 inches wide, which look elegant but take longer to install. But there are also wider options, such as the Malibu Wide Plank French Oak Astoria, which is 9 inches wide.
Wider planks are best for larger spaces like open dining rooms or family rooms, as they make the room feel balanced and less cluttered.
Product Details: Plank Width: 5″ x 48″ | Number of Colors/Wood Types: 11 | Samples Available: Yes ($3)
With a durable core that resists scratches, dents, and moisture, Cali flooring is popular with homeowners for its durability and low maintenance. It can be used in high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Cali is popular for its wide range of brown and gray wood and stone finishes. It also has a built-in underlay for added walking comfort and a 20-22 mil wear layer, so it is durable and a great choice for those with children or pets. Cali flooring is waterproof and can be used in basements and bathrooms.
Since the flooring is lightweight and has interlocking pieces that do not require gluing, you can install it yourself if you wish. Always make sure the floor is clean and dry before laying to prevent the planks from shifting.
Product Details: Plank Width: 7″ x 48″ | Number of Colors/Wood Types: 12 | Samples Available: None
Lifeproof is an affordable, durable, moisture-resistant material that comes in a variety of colors and sizes, making it a top choice. If you’re looking for a more stylish, high-quality, and durable vinyl plank floor, we recommend brands like Armstrong and Cali Flooring.
Vinyl flooring is a cheaper alternative to more expensive materials, and depending on the brand you choose, it can look and feel almost like the real thing. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) resembles hardwood flooring, while luxury vinyl tile mimics tile types like ceramic, porcelain, or stone.
Additionally, vinyl flooring is available in flexible vinyl or rigid core options. Luxury resilient vinyl is soft and flexible. Examples include self-adhesive panels, click panels, and loose-laid vinyl, which is held in place by the weight of the plank.
Flexible vinyl is great for uneven floors and typically costs less than luxury vinyl planks with a rigid core, Sanchez says. However, it is not as durable as rigid vinyl and does not perform as well in high-traffic areas.
Rigid cores are generally moisture resistant, making them the best vinyl flooring for bathrooms, basements, and high traffic areas. This is because it contains a hard and durable core with a stone-plastic composite core or a wood-plastic core layer.
Sanchez explains that this core material helps the boards maintain their shape by preventing them from expanding or contracting due to temperature fluctuations. Most rigid core types have a click-lock design that snaps into place without the use of glue or nails.
Plank thickness and wear layer thickness are two separate factors that determine the comfort and durability of your vinyl flooring. Plank thickness is measured in millimeters (mm) and wear layer thickness is measured in mils.
Thicker boards tend to provide better cushioning, durability, and insulation, so they’re more comfortable on your feet. The wear layer is a clear layer over the vinyl that protects against wear and tear. “This is important because it protects against the scratches and damage that often occur with everyday use,” Britschfor said.
“For residential applications, choose a wear layer that is at least 12 mils thick, and for high-traffic areas, choose a wear layer that is 20 mils thick or thicker,” says Sanchez.
Another factor to consider is the size of the board itself. “Wider boards create a seamless, open look, reducing the number of visible seams, while longer boards provide continuity and elegance, making the space appear larger,” says Sanchez.
“These styles are popular in open-concept homes and spaces with a modern or minimalist design,” she says. Long, wide vinyl planks have a modern, luxurious look with the look of real hardwood.
Whether you prefer a modern or rustic style, there are many flooring textures and finishes to suit your personal taste. Textured flooring is usually more expensive because it closely resembles hardwood, marble, or natural stone. It also has an embossed pattern on it, making it more authentic and believable.
Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of colors and both matte and glossy finishes. Sanchez says most people prefer matte or textured finishes because they look natural. “These types of finishes also help hide scratches and scuffs, making them ideal for active families,” she says.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but luxury vinyl plank (LVP) specifically refers to high-quality vinyl flooring that accurately simulates hardwood flooring, Sanchez says. They also have better moisture resistance than standard vinyl flooring.
“While standard vinyl flooring is more affordable, it often lacks the design depth and rigid core of luxury flooring,” she says.
Plank flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the wear layer thickness, maintenance, installation quality and daily traffic. “In most cases, the useful life is closer to 10 years,” Brichford said.
To extend the life of your floors, he recommends cleaning them regularly and using rugs under furniture to prevent dents and scratches.
While it’s okay to place heavy furniture or appliances on vinyl flooring, Sanchez says it’s best to use furniture pads or some kind of protective barrier to avoid damage. Avoid dragging items across the floor to maintain its appearance.
For buyers looking for maximum durability, she recommends rigid-core vinyl planks, which tend to support more weight than other types of flooring.
Nor’Adila Hepburn is a home and lifestyle writer at Better Homes & Gardens. For the article, she researched popular vinyl flooring options and consulted industry experts Berta Sanchez, an interior designer and owner of Floor Coverings International in southwest Denver, Colorado, and Steve Britchford, a senior partner at Polycote, for tips on choosing the best vinyl flooring brands and other helpful shopping advice.