If you’re searching for a luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floor that blends style, comfort, and durability, COREtec is one of the best luxury vinyl flooring brands in the market. From busy homes with kids and pets to moisture-prone basements and stylish kitchens, COREtec floors offer solutions that fit both residential and commercial needs.
Here’s the genuine COREtec flooring review to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next project.
100% Waterproof Construction
This is COREtec’s flagship promise: 100% waterproof planks. Unlike standard laminate flooring products, which swell with water, COREtec’s rigid core and layered design make it resistant to swelling, warping, and peeling. That makes it safe for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms where traditional hardwood would fail. Many of my clients have tested it in basements and kitchens, where there is a constant chance of leaks and spills. Water stays on the plank, but it doesn’t soak in.
Comfort with Cork Underlayment
Every plank has an attached cork underlayment. This does two big things:
- Provides cushioning underfoot (laminate feels hard, COREtec feels softer).
- Reduces sound, a real win for upstairs bedrooms or apartments.
In homes with pets, I’ve noticed this cork layer actually makes a difference in sound reduction. Dogs running across COREtec floors don’t produce the hollow clacking you get with most of the laminate.
Scratch & Dent Resistance
COREtec’s durable wear layers come in 12 mil, 20 mil, and higher options, depending on the collection. While no vinyl floor is truly scratch-proof, COREtec performs well against pets, furniture drag, and high heels. The AC durability ratings often place it above average compared to budget brands like LifeProof. Still, it’s not indestructible.
Wide Range of Styles
From rustic oak to modern gray tones, COREtec has one of the broadest style catalogs I’ve seen. Textures are embossed in register, meaning the grain pattern lines up with the visual design, so it feels more like wood than a flat printed surface.
COREtec Flooring Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 100% waterproof construction – safe for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements | Higher price point compared to budget vinyl options |
| Attached cork underlayment adds comfort and sound reduction | Repairs can be tricky due to the click-lock system |
| Wide range of styles and finishes, with realistic wood and stone looks | Limited availability of some collections in local stores |
| Multiple wear layer options (12–20 mil+) for better scratch & dent resistance | |
| Easy floating click-lock installation, DIY-friendly | |
| Backed by Shaw Industries with solid warranties | |
| Long-term durability and performance in high-traffic homes |
Easy Installation & Maintenance
COREtec has a floating click-lock system, making it suitable for those who want DIY flooring options. But tricky cuts around door frames or uneven subfloors are best handled by pros.
Maintenance is easy and simple as you just need to sweep regularly, mop with a vinyl-approved cleaner, and avoid harsh chemicals. Protect furniture legs, use mats at entries, and you’ll extend the lifespan of this flooring easily. For a long-term plan, COREtec flooring is a good choice as it looks nearly new for 15–20 years.
As an experienced flooring retailer, I recommend choosing the right wear layer, core type, registering your warranty, and ensuring proper installation support to get the best value from your COREtec purchase.
COREtec Collections Compared
| Collection | Best Use | Features |
| COREtec Originals | Residential homes | Classic WPC, waterproof, cork backing |
| COREtec Plus | Families & pet owners | Premium visuals, softer feel |
| COREtec Pro Plus | Commercial / rentals | SPC core, denser, highly durable |
| COREtec Stone & Tile | Kitchens & bathrooms | Stone visuals, textured finishes |
COREtec Flooring Cost & Value
On average, COREtec flooring costs between $5.50 $8.50 per sq. ft., depending on the collection and style. Installation adds $2–$4 per sq. ft., so the total installed cost is roughly $8 to $12 per sq. ft.
Compared to LifeProof (cheaper at $3–$5) or Mohawk/Southwind mid-range, COREtec lands in the premium bracket. But what you’re paying for is comfort, waterproofing, and style variety.
I will recommend that if you plan to stay in your home long-term, the extra upfront investment pays back in comfort and fewer flooring replacements.
Is COREtec Flooring Right for You?
My overall recommendation is "YES", but you need to watch out for the spaces you are getting it for.
COREtec is a premium LVP with solid engineering and real comfort benefits. The waterproofing is amazing. I’ve seen it tested in real-world messy situations, and it passes. Yes, it’s more expensive, and yes, repairs can be tricky, but when it comes to long-term value, style, and livability, it’s hard to beat.
So, the COREtec flooring is:
- Best For: Families with kids, pet owners, homeowners who want stylish, waterproof flooring without the cold hardness of tile.
- Not Ideal For: Budget-conscious buyers, rental properties where cost is more important than comfort.
If you want flooring that truly looks like wood, feels warmer than tile, and holds up against spills and is pet-friendly, COREtec is the best option. Royal Floors Online offers the best deals on COREtec floors with more styles and better deals.
Ready to explore COREtec flooring for your home? Call us at (833) 378-4559 or request your free estimate today.
