So, you’re searching for vinyl plank flooring, and you want the best of the best. We get it! You want long-lasting flooring that will stand up to everyday abuse that comes with a busy lifestyle, animal scratches, occasional spills, moving furniture, and more.
We can help you find the perfect vinyl planks for you. Whether you’re looking for something with an extended warranty, ultra-realistic wood-looks, or waterproof capabilities, the great news is we have a variety to suit your needs. Ready to explore the most popular vinyl plank flooring of 2021?
How to Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring
Before considering the nitty-gritty details of the options below, you’ll want to consider the most critical vinyl flooring factors.
Vinyl Plank Flooring Considerations
Cost: In general, the more costly the vinyl plank flooring, the better overall quality you will receive. Therefore, it’s important to note that while more expensive options may come with additional benefits, you can still get budget-friendly vinyl plank flooring that transforms your home just as well.Wear layer: Your wear layer is the top layer of protection on the vinyl material that aids against wear and tear. The thicker the wear layer, the better the overall protection.For instance, in low-traffic areas, wear layers of 6 mil to 10 mil do well, and for increased resilience, we recommend 12 mil and above. Commercial settings do require the most attention, and in this case, 20+ mil is an excellent long-term investment. Thickness: You’ll want a thick wear layer and thick vinyl plank combination for the best results. Anywhere around 5mm is a reliable fit that can take on the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Other Things to Look Out For
Installation method: The way you install your vinyl planks can significantly affect your overall satisfaction with them. We have various DIY vinyl plank flooring options to do yourself or more permanent commercial grade-vinyl planks that often require professional help. Warranty: This is the fun part! Many of our vinyl plank flooring comes with extended warranties that can help give that extra reassurance in your decision. You can find anywhere from a 10-year warranty to a lifetime warranty, depending on the manufacturer. Waterproof capabilities: Vinyl planks have come a long way in terms of water resistance. Presently, manufacturers now make vinyl planks that are either highly water-resistant or 100% waterproof that combat stains and prevent moisture from seeping to the subfloor. Application: Commercial or residential? Depending on the foot traffic and lifestyle, you will need to consider one or the other. When in doubt, the thicker the wear layer and plank thickness will ensure a longer lifespan. Related Content > Vinyl Plank Flooring Buying Guide
5 of the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Options
Feeling excited? Let’s move on to five of the best vinyl plank flooring options you’ll find on the market! As each option is top-ranked, we understand it can be challenging to differentiate the benefits, so we broke it down for you. Compare the reviews, key product features, pros and cons, and more.
dura Max Apex 16″ Waterproof Vinyl Planks
Adua Max Apex 16” Waterproof Vinyl Planks offer unique flooring designs. They come in several stylish parquet, tile, and stained-glass options that will elevate your home for that charming farmhouse-style look. If you love cool and warm blues, then you’ll find a great variety with Adura Max Apex.
Not to mention these FloorScore certified planks also include benefits of 100% waterproofing, scratch resistance, and sound absorption. Painted micro-bevel edging gives a finished look to complete your home flooring renovation.
Review
“We love love love this floor! It was easy to install and turned out so nice! You can’t even see the seams!”Kitty from Big Timber, MT
How Do Adura Max Apex 16” Waterproof Vinyl Planks Match Up?
Cost 4/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
This option is on the more expensive side of the spectrum. Since the planks are waterproof, easy to install, and safe for pets, it’s a fantastic investment. These floors also come with a lifetime residential warranty to back up these features.
Durability 4/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
The Adura Max Apex collection features waterproof vinyl plank options that can take on a hefty amount of wear and tear, and with minimal maintenance, look as good as new again. Also, the ScratchResist technology helps to prevent moving furniture and energetic pets from leaving damage behind.
Style 5/5
1 – good to 5 – best
If you love patterned vinyl planks, then Adura Max Apex is for you! Available colors include cool-toned blues and grays, with a couple of options in warmer browns. In addition to their high-quality designs, they will easily become the main focal point in your home or business.
Pros
StylishDampens sound ScratchResist technologyFloating floor
Cons
CostSHOP ADURA MAX APEX 16” WATERPROOF VINYL PLANKS
COREtec Plus 5″ Waterproof Vinyl Planks
Rich, warm wood-look floors are possible with COREtec Plus 5” Waterproof Vinyl Planks. This luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is among the most durable options. With a Hydracore, your planks will never expand or contract regardless of the environment’s temperature or moisture on the surface.
Also, COREtec comes loaded with features that can make your life easier! DIY floating installation, VOC-free, sound absorption, and waterproofing are among just some of the reasons we love this COREtec option.
Review
“During our kitchen renovation, we took a wall down between our kitchen and living room and replaced the old laminate and carpeting. Everyone raves about the look of the flooring, and it is also very easy to care for. We plan on replacing the carpeting in our family room with this flooring also.” – Beth from North East, PA
How Do COREtec Plus 5” Waterproof Vinyl Planks Measure Up?
Cost 4/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
COREtec Plus 5” Waterproof Vinyl Planks are on pricer sides, so if your budget allows, this floor is an excellent choice. With beautiful, authentic wood-look floors, you’ll have a longer-lasting option compared to low-cost alternatives.
Durability 4/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
These vinyl planks are known for their ultra-tough design that can take on any area of your home or business. COREtec provides ample support against unpredictable spills and scratches and is pet-friendly.
Style: 3/5
1 – good to 5 – best
There are a wide variety of colors with COREtec. However, the majority of the shades are on the warmer side. If you’re aiming for lighter tones, you may feel limited with this one.
*Tip: If you’re looking for a crisp aesthetic, you can offset your white interior walls with dark wood look floorsThis will elevate your space to feel bigger and modernized.
Pros
11 stunning wood shadesPet-friendlyLifetime warrantyFloorScore certified
Cons
Cost SHOP CORETEC PLUS 5” WATERPROOF VINYL PLANKS
Related Content > Vinyl Flooring FAQ: 20 Things You Need to Know
Mannington Adura Max Waterproof Planks
Quality and durability. The manufacturers of Mannington Adura Max Waterproof Planks pride themselves on their resilient flooring materials so that you and your loved ones can enjoy them for longer.
Mannington Adura Max Waterproof Planks have an extensive selection of natural plank shades. Your guests won’t even be able to tell the difference from natural hardwood. Best of all, you can install Mannington Adura Max Waterproof Planks in any room of your home, thanks to their HydroLoc Waterproof core and the benefits of a fade- and scratch-resistant wear layer.
Review
“I wanted a beautiful floor that was going to be completely family-friendly, and after watching the scratch test video, I was sold on this one. I ordered samples and tried it myself – it’s amazing. The floors have been down for five months now, and it was the best decision.” – Rachel Marie from Boulder, CO
How Do Mannington Adura Max Waterproof Planks Measure Up?
Cost 3/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
Gorgeous wood-look floors can be yours, all without breaking the bank! Mannington Adura Max Waterproof Planks are in the middle of the price spectrum, making them a great addition to your next home renovation project.
Durability 4/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
No need to worry about durability when you have Mannington Adura Max! This resilient flooring is 5mm thick and has a 20 mil wear layer. In addition to the support, you’ll get the needed scratch resistance and durability for both commercial and residential spaces.
Style 5/5
1 – good to 5 – best
The shade range is top tier with Mannington Adura Max. From cool-toned browns, taupes, and grays to deep, classic shades, you can have it all! These planks come in an impressive selection of 15 shades, so we know you’ll find the perfect one to complement the rest of your interior.
Pros
Wide shade selection Multi-benefits Noise-reducingDIY installation
Cons
Cost SHOP MANNINGTON ADURA MAX WATERPROOF PLANKS
COREtec Pro Plus 7″ Rigid Core Vinyl Planks
Looking for something low profile yet stunning? COREtec Pro Plus 7” Rigid Core Vinyl Planks draw just the right amount of attention in your rooms to create a perfectly balanced style. You can choose from a wide selection of subdued grays and browns to more striking, rich shades.
These vinyl planks feature the same benefits of the standard Plus collection, but a much more discrete look, 5mm thickness, and 100% waterproof rigid core construction. COREtec Pro Plus 7” Rigid Core Vinyl Planks are approved for high-traffic areas in commercial and residential spaces, so you won’t need to worry about everyday wear and tear.
Review
“We turned our basement into a family room. We were worried about potential flooding and our uneven concrete, but this company’s experts assured me rigid core was perfect for this. The floor looks amazing, and it seems really durable so far!” – Buffalo, NY
How Do COREtec Pro Plus 7” Rigid Core Vinyl Planks Measure Up?
Cost 3/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
If there’s room in your budget, COREtec Pro Plus 7” Rigid Core Vinyl Planks provide an undeniable amount of benefits and value to your home. Investing in reliable flooring that will last for years to come will relieve you of future maintenance costs and damage repairs.
Durability 4/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
You can use these planks in various high-traffic environments, such as office buildings, bathrooms, mudrooms, kitchens, and basements! They’re the perfect choice for those looking for long-lasting, scratch-resistant flooring. Above all, moisture is a non-issue for the COREtec Pro collection, as the plank construction is 100% waterproof throughout.
Style 5/5
1 – good to 5 – best
COREtec Pro does a fantastic job at providing plank options to meet everyone’s tastes. Choose from a wide variety of taupe, gray, and warm-toned brown options that can add an extra elevation to your home.
Pros
Attractive shades100% waterproof constructionInstall anywhere you likeGreenGuard certified
Cons
Thinner planks SHOP CORETEC PRO PLUS 7” RIGID CORE VINYL PLANKS
Related Content > 10 Vinyl Plank Flooring Pros and Cons
TritonCORE Pro 7″ Rigid Core Vinyl Planks
You can’t go wrong with TritonCORE Pro 7” Rigid Core Planks! They come in several stunning authentic wood-look colors that will add warmth and character to any level of your home.
Have young kids and pets? These vinyl planks are a game-changer for their scratch and stain resistance. Also, they’re 100% waterproof, and best of all, backed by a limited lifetime residential warranty.
Review
“We recently purchased a new house. The floors look INCREDIBLE! We get so many compliments from visitors on our new floors, and everyone asks where we got them. It made our home look like a completely different house. You will not be disappointed!” – Cory C from Arizona
How Do TritonCORE Pro 7” Rigid Core Vinyl Planks Measure up?
Cost 2/5
1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
TritonCORE Pro is at the lower end of the price spectrum. You’ll have ultra-durable and authentic-looking floors for either commercial or residential use at an affordable price. Backed by a limited-lifetime residential warranty, these planks truly stand up to their lifespan claims and make a great value.
Durability 3/5
1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
With a wear layer of 20 mil and a thickness of 5mm, you’re guaranteed a long-lasting vinyl plank floor. TritonCORE Pro works for residential and commercial use. Therefore, can truly place it anywhere you want beautiful wood-look floors.
Style 4/5
1 – good to 5 – best
Yes, to style! Whether you’re looking for cool-toned or warm and rustic planks, TritonCORE Pro offers both. The selection of 10 colors makes it easy to match your aesthetic for a polished look.
Pros
100% waterproof Scratch-resistantVariety of plank shadesFloorScore certified
Cons
5mm thickness – not as thick as other planks SHOP TRITONCORE PRO 7” RIGID CORE VINYL PLANKS
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed exploring the best vinyl plank flooring options of 2021! Remember, it’s essential to keep a well-rounded perspective on your favorites and keep features like price, durability, and warranty at the top of your priority list. Let the shopping begin!
